Hybrid Drive Coordination Unit for Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with hybrid drives face challenges in minimizing pollutant emissions, particularly nitrogen emissions, during rapid switching between internal combustion engine and electric motor operation, which leads to increased combustion dynamics and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A coordination unit is introduced to manage emission-related functions, determining the optimal exhaust gas recirculation rate based on the contribution of both the internal combustion engine and the second drive unit to vehicle torque, allowing for coordinated control of engine and motor operations to minimize emissions across all hybrid drive states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the internal combustion engine is switched on very quickly after or during an electric motor operating phase for torque delivery, then the response time and torque delivery are improved, but the combustion dynamics increase leading to higher pollutant emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device determines an optimized switch-on time for the internal combustion engine in advance, before the actual switching event occurs. This preliminary determination allows the engine to be activated at the optimal moment that balances rapid response with controlled combustion dynamics, thereby reducing pollutant emissions while maintaining quick torque delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts the switch-on time of the internal combustion engine based on current operating conditions, including the state of the electric motor and immediate torque requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to optimize the transition between drive units in real-time, preventing excessive combustion dynamics while ensuring rapid response when needed
2Loss of energy
If the internal combustion engine is switched off after or during an electric motor operating phase, then energy efficiency is improved by reducing fuel consumption, but combustion dynamics increase during subsequent reactivation leading to higher emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device determines an optimized reactivation time for the internal combustion engine in advance, before the actual switching event. This preliminary determination ensures that when the engine is restarted after electric motor operation, it does so at a moment that minimizes combustion dynamics and nitrogen emissions, while still meeting torque requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors operating conditions and uses this feedback to determine the optimal reactivation time for the internal combustion engine. By considering the current state of the hybrid drive system and immediate operational needs, the control device can schedule engine reactivation to minimize emissions while maintaining energy efficiency
3Device complexity
If separate control units are used for the internal combustion engine and electric motor, then system simplicity and ease of control are maintained, but coordinated emission control during hybrid operation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination function that merges the control of the internal combustion engine and electric motor into a unified emission control strategy. This coordination determines the optimized switch-on and reactivation times by considering both drive units and emission requirements together, achieving effective emission control during hybrid operation while maintaining the physical separation of control units
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination device performs multiple functions: it manages the switching between drive units, optimizes torque distribution, and controls emissions by determining switch-on and reactivation times. This multi-functional approach allows a single coordination mechanism to address both control simplicity and emission reduction requirements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a vehicle with a hybrid drive, said drive having an internal combustion engine (1), which is designed as a first drive unit, and a second drive unit (12), the internal combustion engine (1) and the second drive unit (12) contributing individually or in tandem to driving the vehicle. In a method for controlling a vehicle with a hybrid drive, according to which the toxic emissions are kept to the minimum level possible, at least one control function is carried out by a coordination unit (18) for the internal combustion engine (1), said unit determining the time at which the internal combustion engine (1) or the drive unit (12) contribute individually or contribute in tandem to driving the vehicle.