Hybrid Drive Engine Control for Noise and Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid vehicle systems face issues with noise mismatch during driving situations and inefficient energy management, leading to uncomfortable noise levels and potential power limitations, as the internal combustion engine operates at constant efficiency points regardless of speed and driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method to control the internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle by adjusting its power output based on real-time driving speed and power requirements, using sensors to determine actual power needs and adjusting engine speed and torque to match the driving situation, ensuring efficient operation and noise synchronization with driving conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the internal combustion engine is operated at constant efficiency points regardless of speed, then energy efficiency is improved, but noise mismatch with driving situation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidnoise mismatch
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static constant operating points to dynamic speed-dependent operating points. The control system continuously adjusts the internal combustion engine's operating point based on real-time driving speed feedback, allowing the engine to adapt its speed and torque output to match current driving conditions while maintaining efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by making the system responsive to changing conditions rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters (speed and torque) of the internal combustion engine based on driving speed. By establishing a correspondence between driving speed ranges and specific operating points, the system dynamically adjusts engine parameters to achieve both efficiency and noise appropriateness. Different speed ranges map to different optimal operating points, allowing the engine to operate efficiently across varying conditions while producing appropriate noise levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the internal combustion engine operates at high speed for maximum efficiency, then energy generation is improved, but comfort during stationary or low-speed driving deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generationVSAvoiddriver comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by establishing a speed-dependent mapping between driving conditions and engine operating points. At low or zero driving speeds, the system selects operating points with lower engine speeds that generate appropriate noise levels for comfort, while still providing necessary charging power. At higher driving speeds, the system transitions to higher efficiency operating points. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy generation and driver comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If static operating points are assigned to the range extender, then control simplicity is improved, but power adequacy in high-demand situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidpower adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing static operating point assignment with dynamic speed-dependent operating point selection. The control system uses driving speed as a feedback parameter to continuously determine the appropriate operating point, enabling the range extender to adapt its power output to match actual power demands. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple control logic while significantly improving power adequacy across varying driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach ensures the internal combustion engine operates in harmony with driving conditions, providing efficient power output and reduced noise, while maintaining battery charge and avoiding power limitations, thus enhancing both driving experience and energy management.

Implementation Method 1

a generator (G) driven by the internal combustion engine (VM) for generating electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2631101B1Hybrid drive
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO KG
  • EP2631101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2631101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2631101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hybrid drive and a method for controlling a hybrid drive for a motor vehicle are described, wherein the hybrid drive comprises an internal combustion engine (VM), a generator (G) driven by the internal combustion engine (VM) for generating electrical energy, an electrical energy storage device (B), and an electric drive (A) operated by the electrical energy storage device (B), together with a control unit (ST) operatively connected to the components, by means of which the internal combustion engine (VM) can be controlled to charge the energy storage device (B) depending on the driving speed.According to the invention, the control unit (ST) contains a model-based power requirement depending on the vehicle's speed and is designed to determine the actual power requirement required in the current driving situation and to calculate the difference between the model-based and the actual power requirement, whereupon the internal combustion engine (VM) is controlled according to the resulting power difference.