Hybrid Drive Unit Route-Based Switchover Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid vehicle systems do not effectively minimize overall operating costs and CO2 emissions, as they often rely on inefficient fuel consumption and energy management strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method for a plug-in hybrid drive unit that determines an operating strategy based on route data, optimizing the switchover between electric motor and internal combustion engine drive, ensuring the energy store is fully utilized and the internal combustion engine operates at high efficiency, with adaptive control to adjust energy usage according to actual driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the energy store is charged via external power source to enable electric motor as primary drive, then fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operating strategies that adapt the hybrid drive unit's operation based on real-time conditions. The control system continuously adjusts the division of labor between electric motor and combustion engine according to driving cycles, energy store charge level, and route characteristics, enabling optimal energy efficiency without fixed operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by determining specific switchover limits for power division between drive sources. The control system modifies the proportion of electrical and fuel-based energy based on expected total drive power requirements, energy store capacity, and driving conditions, thereby optimizing fuel consumption and emissions
2Loss of energy
If the switchover limit between electric motor and combustion engine is optimized based on expected total drive power, then operating costs and emissions are minimized, but the measurement precision and prediction accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the expected total drive power requirement before actual operation begins. The control system uses route data, energy store state, and vehicle characteristics to pre-calculate optimal switchover limits and operating strategies, allowing the hybrid drive unit to operate efficiently from the start of each driving cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors actual drive power requirements, energy store charge levels, and operating conditions. This feedback is used to adjust and refine the determination of switchover limits and operating strategies, improving prediction accuracy over time through adaptive learning
3Loss of energy
If the internal combustion engine is used only when necessary to support electric motor, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the reliability and availability of drive power may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic control to adjust the operational role of the combustion engine based on real-time energy store charge levels and drive power requirements. When the energy store charge falls below predetermined thresholds or when high power demand exceeds electric motor capacity, the combustion engine automatically activates to ensure sufficient drive power availability while minimizing fuel consumption
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 minimizes fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by maximizing the use of electric motor power and optimizing internal combustion engine operation, ensuring the energy store is largely depleted at the end of the route, thereby reducing the need for internal combustion engine use.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (12) as the first drive source... the electric motor being supplied with electrical energy by an energy store (26)
Implementation Method 2
an internal combustion engine (14) as the second drive source... which generates kinetic energy through the combustion of petrol or diesel fuel
Implementation Method 3
the electric motor being operated as a generator, with the electric power generated by the electric motor being used to charge the energy store
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
The method involves receiving route data of a planned route to be covered. An expected total power required for the planned route is determined. An operational strategy for the planned route is determined depending on the expected total power required. The operational strategy has an operational pint dependent switching limit between an electric motor-driven drive and an internal combustion engine driven-drive. The hybrid drive unit is controlled corresponding to the determined operational strategy for covering the path. An independent claim is included for a hybrid drive unit with an electric motor.