Hybrid Vehicle Drive Train Efficiency Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid vehicle control systems have a rigid switchover point based solely on torque, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption due to inefficient operation of the combustion engine and electric motor.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the operating mode of a hybrid vehicle based on setpoint torque and operating state, optimizing the efficiency of the drive train by automatically coupling the combustion engine and electric motor, using characteristic data fields and torque limit values to select the most efficient mode, which includes using the electric motor alone, both engines, or solely the combustion engine, depending on the state of charge, temperature, and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid switchover point based solely on torque is used to determine operating mode, then the control system is simple and easy to operate, but fuel consumption is not optimized and drive train efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, torque-based switchover point into a dynamic operating mode selection system that continuously adapts to changing vehicle conditions. The control system now evaluates multiple parameters including torque request, vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, and battery state of charge to dynamically determine the optimal operating mode (electric motor only, combustion engine only, or hybrid mode), thereby optimizing fuel consumption while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters used for operating mode determination from solely torque-based to a multi-parameter evaluation system. By incorporating vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, and battery state of charge alongside torque request, the system achieves more precise and efficient operating mode selection, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and fuel optimization.
2Ease of operation
If the combustion engine is always operated above a fixed switchover point to charge the battery, then the battery charging is simplified, but the combustion engine operates inefficiently and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed switchover point with a dynamic operating mode selection that adapts to real-time vehicle conditions. The combustion engine is now operated in hybrid mode only when it provides efficient operation, while battery charging is achieved through regenerative braking and optimized engine operation zones, eliminating the need for continuous operation above an arbitrary torque threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameters from a single torque-based threshold to a multi-dimensional evaluation including vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, and battery state of charge. This allows the combustion engine to operate efficiently across different operating conditions while still achieving effective battery charging, resolving the contradiction between simplified charging control and engine efficiency.
3Productivity
If the operating mode is determined solely by torque request, then the control calculation is simple and fast, but the total efficiency of the drive train is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic operating mode selection system that evaluates multiple parameters (torque request, vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, battery state of charge) to determine the optimal operating mode. This dynamic approach optimizes drive train efficiency by selecting the most efficient power source or combination based on current conditions, while maintaining fast control response through pre-defined mode categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention expands the parameter set for operating mode determination from solely torque request to include vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, and battery state of charge. This multi-parameter evaluation enables comprehensive drive train efficiency optimization while maintaining computational efficiency through structured decision logic and pre-defined operating modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle includes a combustion engine, an electric motor, and a drive train that is optionally connectible to the electric motor or the combustion engine. An operating mode of the hybrid vehicle is determined automatically as a function of a setpoint torque and an operating state of the hybrid vehicle, the operating mode specifying whether the combustion engine, the electric motor, or the combustion engine and the electric motor is/are used as the drive mechanism of the hybrid vehicle. The operating mode is determined at least such that an efficiency of the drive train including the drive mechanism selected in accordance with the determined operating mode is at a maximum. Depending on the determined operating mode, the combustion engine and/or the electric motor is/are coupled automatically to the drive train for operating the hybrid vehicle.