Hybrid Drive Torque Control Using Second Electric Machine

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicle drives face challenges in transient operation due to delayed response of internal combustion engines, particularly in turbocharged gasoline engines, where the dynamic setting of air mass flow and torque is limited, leading to inefficiencies and increased fuel consumption and emissions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a second electric machine that generates drive torque independently and is activated with a time delay to support the first electric machine and internal combustion engine, allowing for cumulative torque and efficient all-wheel drive dynamics, with control devices calculating target torques based on operating states and sensor parameters to optimize efficiency and prevent overloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the internal combustion engine is used to generate torque, then the vehicle propulsion is achieved, but the response time is delayed due to turbo lag and limited air path dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidtransient response time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electric machine as an intermediary component between the driver's torque demand and the internal combustion engine. The electric machine responds instantaneously to transient torque demands, bridging the response gap caused by the slow air path dynamics of the internal combustion engine, while the engine handles steady-state propulsion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric machine is activated in advance during transient operation to provide immediate torque support before the internal combustion engine can respond. This preliminary action compensates for the delayed engine response, ensuring smooth and rapid torque delivery during acceleration or load changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the electric machine is activated to compensate for transient operation, then the response dynamics are improved, but the system reaches its torque limits and cannot provide further compensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque delivery capabilityVSAvoidtorque compensation range
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the torque capabilities of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine into a unified hybrid drive system. By merging their torque outputs, the system achieves a cumulative torque that exceeds what either component could deliver alone, enabling the vehicle to meet high transient torque demands that would overwhelm the electric machine by itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If the internal combustion engine operates in transient mode to meet torque specifications, then the torque demand is satisfied, but fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions increase due to reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electric machine provides partial torque during transient operation, covering only the portion of torque demand that requires rapid response. The internal combustion engine handles the remaining torque at its optimal operating point, avoiding excessive fuel consumption and emissions that would result from operating the engine in inefficient transient modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If a single electric machine is used to support the internal combustion engine, then transient operation is compensated, but the drive train dynamics are limited by the system capacity of that single machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransient operation supportVSAvoidelectric machine capacity requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electric machine function into two independent units: a first electric machine coupled with the internal combustion engine for primary transient support, and a second electric machine providing additional independent torque contribution. This segmentation allows each machine to operate within its optimal capacity range while collectively providing enhanced transient response and drive train dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enhances the dynamics and efficiency of the hybrid drive during transient operation, maintaining drive train dynamics beyond the system limits of individual electric machines, reducing energy consumption, and optimizing energy recovery and distribution for improved propulsion and reduced risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

an electric machine supports the combustion engine in achieving a torque specification of the hybrid drive more quickly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one second electric machine is provided, which generates a drive torque that is summed up in transient operation together with the drive torques of the internal combustion engine and the first electric machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the drive train of the motor vehicle usually has an internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP2528793B1Method for operating a hybrid drive of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 AUDI AG
  • EP2528793B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2528793B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2528793B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a hybrid drive (1) of a motor vehicle, which comprises an internal combustion engine (3) and a first electric motor (5), said hybrid drive (1) at a default setpoint torque (MSoll, F) generating a sum torque (MGes, Ist) driving the motor vehicle, wherein in a non-steady operating mode occurring during a change in the default setpoint torque (MSoll, F) by a value (?MSoll), the sum torque (MGes, Ist) is generated by adding a drive torque (M1, Ist) generated by the internal combustion engine (3) and a drive torque (M2, Ist) generated by the first electric motor (5). According to the invention at least one second electric motor (7) is provided, which is switched on during the non-steady operating mode for generating the sum torque (MGes, Ist) of the internal combustion engine (3) and the first electric motor (5).