Hybrid Powertrain Engine Compression Ratio Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Series hybrid powertrains face inefficiencies due to the heat engine operating at a single operating point, leading to insufficient or excessive energy supply to the electrical energy storage element, which affects vehicle range and engine wear.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls the heat engine's compression ratio based on the charge level and consumption of the electrical energy storage element, allowing the heat engine to operate at two compression ratios to adapt energy supply to the electric motor's needs, thereby prolonging vehicle range without excessive engine wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the internal combustion engine operates at a single operating point to simplify the powertrain control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy supply becomes insufficient or excessive leading to reduced vehicle range or increased engine wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the internal combustion engine to dynamically switch between at least two different operating points. The control system adjusts the engine's operational parameters in real-time based on the charge level of the electrical energy storage unit and the electric motor's consumption needs, allowing the engine to adapt its energy supply rather than operating at a fixed single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the engine's operating parameters (such as speed, load, or injection timing) to achieve at least two distinct operating points. This allows the engine to vary its energy output to match the electrical consumption requirements, preventing both energy deficiency that would reduce range and excessive energy production that would increase wear.
2Ease of operation
If the internal combustion engine operates at a single operating point, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy supply consistency deteriorates leading to charge level instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the charge level of the electrical energy storage unit and the electric motor's consumption rate. Based on this feedback information, the control system adjusts the internal combustion engine's operating point to maintain charge level stability, ensuring energy supply matches demand without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine operates continuously to maintain charge level, then the energy supply is sufficient, but the engine wear increases in the medium or long term
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating the internal combustion engine only when necessary to maintain the charge level within acceptable boundaries. Rather than continuous operation, the engine activates selectively based on charge level thresholds and consumption patterns, providing sufficient energy supply while minimizing unnecessary runtime that would accelerate wear.
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 method ensures an optimal energy supply to the electrical energy storage element, prolonging vehicle range while minimizing heat engine overactivity and reducing wear, by dynamically adjusting the compression ratio based on charge levels and consumption patterns.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical energy storage element storing the electrical energy produced by the generator
Implementation Method 2
a thermal engine capable of operating at at least two compression ratios
Implementation Method 3
the internal combustion engine's primary function is to recharge an electrical energy storage unit
Implementation Method 4
an electric generator, the thermal engine being capable of operating at at least two compression ratios, the electrical energy storage element storing the electrical energy produced by the generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for managing the charge level of an electrical energy storage element (3) of a powertrain (1) for a hybrid vehicle, said powertrain (1) comprising an electric motor (2) driving the vehicle, a generator set (4) comprising an internal combustion engine (5) driving an electric generator (6), the internal combustion engine (5) being capable of operating at at least two compression ratios, the electrical energy storage element (3) storing the electrical energy produced by the generator (6), characterized in that the method controls the internal combustion engine (5) between a first compression ratio and a second compression ratio as a function of the charge level (12) of the electrical energy storage element (3) and/or the electrical consumption (11) of the electric motor (2). The present invention also relates to a corresponding powertrain (1).