Hybrid Vehicle Engine Control for Cabin Comfort Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid electric vehicles, existing systems struggle to balance occupant comfort and fuel economy in air conditioning systems, as they either compromise comfort by keeping the engine off when interior conditions exceed thresholds or reduce fuel efficiency by starting the engine to maintain comfort.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow occupants to selectively control the engine based on desired temperature and comfort level, determining a threshold condition using various sensors and inputs to decide when to start the engine and drive the compressor, optimizing both comfort and fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is kept off when interior condition exceeds threshold, then fuel economy is improved, but occupant comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine start decision based on real-time monitoring of interior conditions, ambient conditions, and occupant comfort level selections. The threshold for engine activation is not fixed but adapts to current vehicle operating conditions, allowing optimization between fuel economy and comfort on a moment-by-moment basis
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the air conditioning system by adjusting compressor operation modes and engine activation thresholds based on detected interior and ambient conditions. This allows the system to operate efficiently while maintaining acceptable comfort levels across varying environmental conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is started to maintain interior condition, then occupant comfort is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors interior temperature, humidity, and other comfort-related parameters, comparing them against dynamically determined thresholds. This feedback loop enables the system to make informed decisions about engine activation only when necessary to maintain comfort, avoiding unnecessary engine starts that would consume fuel
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system serves itself by using the engine only when the interior conditions require intervention. The system autonomously determines when engine activation is necessary based on comfort thresholds, eliminating the need for continuous engine operation and thereby conserving fuel
3Device complexity
If fixed threshold is used for engine activation, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic threshold determination that adapts to ambient temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions. Rather than using a single fixed threshold, the system calculates appropriate thresholds based on current conditions, enabling versatile adaptation across different climates and operating scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions by simultaneously monitoring interior conditions, ambient conditions, occupant preferences, and engine status. This multi-functional approach allows a single adaptive thresholding mechanism to handle diverse operating conditions and comfort requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An engine configured to drive a compressor of a vehicle air conditioning system is controlled based on a threshold condition. In at least one embodiment, a comfort-level selection is received, a threshold condition is determined based on the comfort-level, and a vehicle interior condition is detected. The engine is requested to run if the interior condition exceeds the threshold condition.