Hybrid Vehicle Energy Store Charge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, the limited capacity of the energy store often results in regenerative braking energy being lost as heat due to the store being fully charged, reducing energy efficiency, especially when driving downhill after being charged to its upper limit.
Innovation Solution
A method to control the state of charge of the energy store by determining an expected energy requirement profile based on the vehicle's route, adjusting the state of charge to absorb regenerative braking energy while ensuring sufficient energy is available during high-demand phases, using existing navigation and vehicle systems without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy store is charged to its upper limit to ensure sufficient energy availability, then the energy availability for high-demand phases is improved, but the regenerative braking energy cannot be absorbed and is lost as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The control device determines an expected energy requirement profile for an upcoming route section and adjusts the state of charge of the energy store in advance. By predicting future energy needs, the system prepares the energy store to have sufficient capacity to absorb regenerative braking energy that will be generated later, while ensuring enough energy remains for high-demand phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging switch-on and switch-off limits are not fixed values but are dynamically adjusted based on the expected energy requirement profile. The control device continuously adapts these limits according to predicted route characteristics, vehicle load, and driving conditions, allowing flexible optimization of energy storage throughout the journey.
2Quantity of substance
If the energy store capacity is increased to absorb more regenerative braking energy, then the regenerative energy absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the physical capacity of the energy store, the system changes the operational parameters - specifically the charging switch-on and switch-off limits. By adjusting these control parameters based on expected energy requirements, the system effectively optimizes the usable capacity of the existing energy store without any hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a potential mechanical solution (increasing energy store capacity) with a control-based solution. The control device uses information processing and decision algorithms to optimize energy management, substituting physical expansion with intelligent control of the existing system.
3Loss of energy
If the charging switch-on limit is raised to absorb more regenerative braking energy, then the regenerative energy absorption is improved, but the energy available for high-demand phases may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the actual state of charge and compares it with the expected energy requirement profile. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts the charging switch-on and switch-off limits to ensure that regenerative braking energy is absorbed when capacity is available, while maintaining sufficient energy reserves for upcoming high-demand phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of expected energy requirements for upcoming route sections and pre-adjusts charging parameters accordingly. This advance planning allows the system to raise the charging switch-on limit before reaching regenerative braking opportunities, while ensuring the adjustment doesn't compromise future energy availability.
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 optimizes the state of charge to absorb regenerative braking energy during almost every braking process, ensuring sufficient energy is available during high-demand phases, thereby increasing the hybrid vehicle's energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
part of the kinetic energy of the hybrid vehicle can be converted into a type of energy (e.g. electrical energy) by means of a brake generator
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling the state of charge of an energy storage device of a hybrid vehicle with a regenerative brake comprises the following steps: determining a position (405) and a direction of travel (406) of the hybrid vehicle, determining a probable travel distance (501) of the hybrid vehicle taking into account the position (405) and the direction of travel (406), creating an energy demand profile (820) associated with the travel distance (501), determining a target state of charge using the energy demand profile (820) and controlling the state of charge according to the target state of charge.