Hybrid Vehicle Drivability Control for Heating Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hybrid motor vehicles, the intermittent operation of the heat engine disrupts the heating system, leading to reduced comfort and increased fuel consumption due to temperature fluctuations, which existing control systems fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A control system that measures driving conditions, battery charge levels, and heating system operation to optimize traction mode by adjusting the activation signals for the internal combustion engine and electric motor, incorporating sensors and calculation means with comparators and correctors to manage battery charge and heating water temperature, ensuring efficient energy use and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the heat engine operates intermittently to recharge the battery, then the battery charge level is improved, but the heating system temperature stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charge levelVSAvoidheating water temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the heating water temperature and uses this feedback to adjust the heat engine operation. When temperature drops below a threshold, the system activates the heat engine to restore heating, creating a closed-loop control that balances battery charging needs with heating stability requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the heat engine operating mode based on real-time conditions. It can operate in different modes (continuous operation, intermittent operation, or shutdown) depending on the heating water temperature, battery charge level, and driving conditions, optimizing the balance between battery recharging and heating maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the heat engine runs continuously to maintain heating, then the heating system efficiency is improved, but the fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating system efficiencyVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the heat engine operates periodically based on heating water temperature thresholds. The system allows the temperature to drop to a lower threshold before activating the heat engine, creating a periodic operation pattern that reduces overall runtime and fuel consumption while maintaining acceptable heating performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the activation thresholds and operating modes of the heat engine based on battery charge level, driving conditions, and heating requirements. This allows optimization of the balance between heating efficiency and fuel consumption under different operating scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the electric motor operates as a generator during deceleration, then the battery charge level is improved, but the heating system operation is disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charge levelVSAvoidheating water temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates the electric motor's generator operation with the heating system requirements. It monitors both battery charge needs and heating water temperature, and only allows generator operation when heating temperature is sufficient, preventing harmful interference between regenerative braking and heating maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enhances heating system efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and improves driver comfort by optimizing traction mode based on real-time data from driving conditions, battery charge, and heating system operation.

Implementation Method 1

a heating system with an air heater transferring the heat given off by the heat engine to a volume of heating water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the electric motor operates in engine braking, that is to say like a generator so as to recharge the battery of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3137323B1System for controlling the drivability mode of a hybrid motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 RENAULT SA
  • EP3137323B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3137323B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system (1) for controlling the drivability mode of a hybrid motor vehicle (2) equipped with a heat engine (6) and an electric motor (4), comprises: first measurement means (8) of the vehicle's driving conditions, second measurement means (9) of the level of battery charge (3) of the vehicle, first control means (12) of the heat engine (6), second control means (13) of the electrical motor (4), and calculation means (11), able to send a first activation signal (ACT1) from the heat engine (6) and a second activation signal (ACT2) from the electric motor (4), as a function of the driving conditions and the charge level (MES2). The system further comprises third measurement means (10) for measuring at least one characteristic relating to the operation of the vehicle heating system (7). The first activation signal (ACT1) and the second activation signal (ACT2) are compiled from the characteristic relating to the operation of the heating system.