Hybrid Vehicle Energy Control Marginal Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing energy in hybrid vehicles are imprecise and inefficient, particularly in calculating fuel consumption and preserving the life of electrical energy storage means, as they rely on average engine efficiency which varies significantly with speed and torque.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates fuel consumption using a 'marginal' consumption coefficient and considers the state of charge of electrical energy storage means to determine the necessary power for the heat engine, optimizing fuel efficiency and extending battery life by strategically switching the heat engine on or off based on real-time energy gain calculations and battery state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If average engine efficiency is used to calculate fuel consumption, then the calculation method is simple, but the precision of consumption calculation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for consumption calculation from average engine efficiency to marginal consumption coefficient. This coefficient represents the additional fuel consumption caused by a unit increase in engine power output, providing a more precise measure that accounts for varying operating conditions without requiring complex real-time efficiency measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the consumption calculation into two parts: base consumption (when engine is off) and marginal consumption (when engine is on). This segmentation allows for simpler calculation while maintaining precision by only considering the incremental fuel consumption directly attributable to engine operation.
2Reliability
If the heat engine is kept on to ensure power availability, then power supply reliability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based control system that continuously monitors the state of charge of the electrical energy storage means and compares it with threshold values. Based on this feedback, the system makes real-time decisions about engine operation, ensuring power reliability when needed while minimizing fuel consumption by keeping the engine off when sufficient electrical energy is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic decision-making for engine operation based on real-time energy state assessment. Instead of a fixed on/off schedule, the engine operation status dynamically adjusts according to the calculated energy gain and battery state of charge, optimizing the trade-off between power reliability and fuel consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electrical energy storage means is frequently charged and discharged to optimize fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the lifetime of the storage means deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by not always charging the battery when the engine is running. Instead, charging decisions are made partially based on whether the battery state of charge is below the lower threshold. This reduces unnecessary charge-discharge cycles that would degrade battery life while still achieving fuel efficiency goals when beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent cushions against battery degradation by establishing operating thresholds that prevent excessive charging/discharging cycles. The lower threshold (SOCmin) and upper threshold (SOCmax) create a buffer zone that protects the battery from stress while allowing sufficient energy management flexibility.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the heat engine is switched off to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the response time for power delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for potential power demands by maintaining the battery state of charge above a lower threshold. This preliminary energy储备 ensures that when the engine is switched off for fuel efficiency, the vehicle can still meet power demands using electrical energy, avoiding the need for frequent engine startups and their associated time losses.
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 provides a simpler, more precise strategy for minimizing fuel consumption and prolonging battery life by accurately determining when to engage or disengage the heat engine, leveraging energy recovery to reduce battery stress and optimize energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
One of the possible energy recovery means also called 'natural' is, for example, the use of the electric machine as a current generator at the time of deceleration. The electrical machine then operating as a generator transforms the mechanical/kinetic energy received from the wheels into electrical energy.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5b
Figure 6~7b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method comprising : during a first step (8) determining in real time the fuel consumption gain of the thermal engine by defining the difference between the consumption of the thermal engine in operation and the consumption of the thermal engine when stopped independently from other energy sources outside the thermal engine, the equivalent consumption being calculated from a predetermined coefficient corresponding to the ratio between a consumption difference and an engine power difference for a given engine speed; during a second step (9), deciding to switch on or switch off the thermal engine according to a criterion and to the consumption gain, the criterion depending on the recovery level of the electric energy recovering means and being determined in order to increase the use of the electric energy storage means and to switch off the thermal engine as often as possible.