Plug-In Hybrid Drive With Split Speed Ranges and Battery Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-powered internal combustion engines are inefficient and polluting in urban traffic, while efficient at higher speeds, necessitating a hybrid electric drive system that efficiently operates with an electric motor in urban conditions and an IC engine at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in hybrid electric drive system with an electric motor and IC engine, utilizing a two-speed automatic transmission, regenerative braking, and a belt clutch transmission to optimize efficiency and reduce weight and cost, with the IC engine warming up the battery and providing heat for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high-powered internal combustion engine is used to drive the vehicle at all speeds, then the vehicle can achieve high speed performance, but the engine becomes inefficient and highly polluting in urban traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent power sources: an electric motor for low-speed urban operation and an internal combustion engine for high-speed operation. This segmentation allows each power source to operate in its optimal efficiency range, with the electric motor handling stop-and-go traffic and the IC engine handling highway driving, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed capability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between electric motor propulsion and IC engine propulsion based on operating conditions. The controller monitors vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and battery state to determine the optimal power source, enabling the vehicle to adapt its powertrain configuration in real-time to maintain high efficiency across varying speed ranges.
2Ease of operation
If a torque converter is included in the transmission system to enable smooth power delivery, then the vehicle achieves better acceleration characteristics, but the overall system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque converter is extracted/removed from the transmission system. Instead of using a traditional automatic transmission with a torque converter, the patent employs a manual or automated manual transmission that directly couples the IC engine to the drivetrain. This elimination reduces transmission system weight and complexity while the electric motor provides the necessary torque multiplication for acceleration during low-speed operation.
3Temperature
If the IC engine is used to warm up the battery and provide heat for efficient operation, then the battery reaches optimal temperature faster, but the engine must operate before the vehicle is ready to travel
Solution Approach 1:
The IC engine performs preliminary warming-up of the battery and powertrain components before the vehicle is ready for travel. This preliminary action ensures that the battery reaches optimal operating temperature and the transmission fluid is properly circulated, preparing the electric drive system for efficient operation from the moment the vehicle begins moving.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC engine serves multiple functions: it acts as a power source for high-speed driving, a charging device for the battery, and a heating device for warming up the battery and powertrain components. This multi-functionality allows the single engine to address multiple system requirements, reducing the need for separate heating equipment and optimizing overall system efficiency.
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 achieves efficient vehicle operation in urban traffic and higher speeds, reducing weight and cost by eliminating the torque converter and utilizing exhaust heat for battery temperature maintenance, enabling seamless transitions between electric and IC engine power.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the heated exhaust from the internal combustion (IC) engine to provide instant heat for maintaining or achieving a sufficient battery temperature
Implementation Method 2
drive a vehicle very efficiently, at low speeds in heavy stop and go traffic using an electric motor
Implementation Method 3
drive the vehicle with an IC engine at higher speeds
Implementation Method 4
provide full regenerative braking at all speeds up to the maximum speed of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in hybrid electric drive system is disclosed which is designed to optimize vehicle efficiency by integrating an electric drive with an internal combustion (IC) engine. The electric drive system propels the vehicle from a standstill to a predetermined midrange speed, such as 50 mph, utilizing a battery bank and a multi-speed transmission. Beyond this speed, the IC engine engages through a separate transmission to power the vehicle at higher speeds. The system enables full regenerative braking at all speeds and eliminates the need for a hydraulic torque converter, enhancing overall drivability. An electronic controller manages both drive systems, allowing seamless transitions and optional battery charging via the IC engine when needed. Additionally, the system can use waste heat from the IC engine's exhaust to maintain optimal battery temperature, ensuring reliable electric operation in cold conditions. This hybrid configuration enhances vehicle performance by efficiently managing power sources for different driving conditions.