Hybrid Engine Power Limitation via Thermal Load Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face overheating issues due to high power demand and inefficient cooling strategies, leading to potential component damage and reduced efficiency, as existing methods either consume additional energy or unnecessarily limit engine power based on inadequate temperature sensing.
Innovation Solution
A method that senses the current power level, velocity, ambient temperature, and air pressure to determine a thermal load indicator, which is used to dynamically limit the maximum power supplied by the internal combustion engine, taking into account the vehicle's design and operating conditions to prevent overheating while maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If additional cooling is carried out by means of fans, then overheating of components is avoided, but additional energy consumption is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual temperature of the exhaust train and compares it with a reference temperature profile. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of cooling fans or the power level of the internal combustion engine, ensuring cooling is applied only when and where needed, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while preventing overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling strategy transitions from static (fixed fan operation) to dynamic (adaptive fan control based on real-time temperature measurements). The system adjusts cooling intensity continuously according to actual thermal conditions, optimizing the balance between temperature control and energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power level for comfort functions is reduced, then energy consumption is lowered, but overheating of vehicle components is more likely at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time temperature feedback from the exhaust train to dynamically adjust the power allocation for comfort functions. When temperatures are within acceptable ranges, more power can be allocated to comfort functions. When temperatures approach critical levels, power is selectively reduced from non-critical comfort functions while maintaining essential vehicle operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters (power levels) of comfort functions based on thermal conditions. Instead of a fixed power reduction strategy, the system adaptively adjusts power distribution to comfort systems according to the actual thermal state of the vehicle, optimizing both energy efficiency and thermal management
3Temperature
If the charging of the battery is limited, then thermal load is reduced, but the available power level is not used to an optimum degree
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charging strategy transitions from static limitation to dynamic adjustment. The control unit continuously adapts the charging rate based on real-time temperature measurements of the exhaust train and overall thermal state, allowing maximum power utilization when thermal conditions permit and applying limitations only when necessary to prevent overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter (power transfer rate) dynamically based on thermal feedback. Instead of a fixed charging limitation, the control unit adjusts the charging power level according to the actual thermal load and temperature conditions, optimizing both thermal management and power utilization efficiency
4Device complexity
If engine power is limited solely on the basis of temperature profile at the exhaust train, then control is simplified, but inadequate sensing leads to either overheating problems or unnecessary power limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements comprehensive feedback from multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations in the exhaust train and vehicle. This multi-point temperature monitoring provides a more accurate and reliable picture of the actual thermal state, enabling more reliable power limitation decisions while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic sensor integration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and method for controlling a vehicle having a traction battery and an internal combustion engine include adapting a power limitation of the internal combustion engine by sensing a currently supplied power level of the internal combustion engine and a current velocity of the vehicle, sensing an ambient temperature of the vehicle and determining an associated ambient-temperature-related weighting factor, sensing an ambient air pressure and determining an associated air-pressure-related weighting factor, determining a thermal load indicator as a function of a ratio of the sensed currently supplied power and the sensed current velocity as well as of the ambient-temperature-related weighting factor, the air-pressure-related weighting factor, and a vehicle-bodywork-related weighting factor, and limiting a maximum supplied power level of the internal combustion engine as a function of the determined thermal load indicator.