Hybrid Engine Pulse Start via Free Transmission Inertia
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, the time taken for the internal combustion engine to reach operational speed and the energy required for starting are excessive, leading to delayed power transmission and high electric energy consumption, particularly when transitioning from electric to hybrid driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a hybrid drive apparatus that involves opening both clutches to shut down the internal combustion engine, using the electric component transmission for vehicle propulsion or recuperation, and then closing the clutch of the free component transmission to start the engine using pulse energy from its inertia and rotational energy, allowing for rapid engine startup and reduced electric energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional crank starting or pinion starter is used to start the internal combustion engine, then the engine can be started from rotational speed 0, but the starting process takes too long and consumes excessive electric energy
Solution Approach 1:
The free component transmission is pre-accelerated to a high rotational speed (e.g., 3000-8000 rpm) before the starting event occurs. This preliminary acceleration stores kinetic energy in the rotating masses of the free component transmission, which is then released to rapidly spin up the internal combustion engine crankshaft, eliminating the need for slow traditional starting methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic engagement and disengagement of the free component transmission clutch to deliver pulsed starting energy to the engine. The clutch is engaged briefly to transfer the pre-stored rotational energy from the free component transmission to the engine, then disengaged, creating a controlled pulse that rapidly accelerates the engine without continuous energy drain
2Productivity
If the internal combustion engine is started using traditional methods, then the engine can reach connector rotational speed, but the power transmission is delayed and driver requests cannot be implemented sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The free component transmission is continuously maintained at a high rotational speed during electric driving phases, preparing the starting mechanism in advance. When the driver requests engine start, the pre-accelerated free component transmission can immediately transfer energy to the engine, achieving rapid power transmission without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The free component transmission acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the electric machine and the internal combustion engine. It absorbs energy during electric operation and releases it during engine starting, mediating the energy transfer to achieve rapid engine startup and power transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If a double clutch transmission with electric machine connection is used, then hybrid driving is enabled, but rapid starting of the internal combustion engine becomes problematic when exiting from phases with switched-off engine
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into two independent component transmissions: one connected to the electric machine and one free from it. This segmentation allows the free component transmission to be dedicated solely to engine starting functions, while the electric component handles electric driving, enabling both to operate optimally without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The free component transmission serves multiple functions: it acts as a starting motor during engine startup, provides a secondary driving path during electric operation, and can be pre-accelerated to store energy for rapid engine restart. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between system versatility and startup speed
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 significantly shortens the time to power transmission, meets driver requests more quickly, reduces electric energy consumption, and enhances driving comfort by eliminating the need for traditional starting systems like crank or pinion starting.
Implementation Method 1
pulse energy from an inertia of the clutch which is assigned to the free component transmission and/or a rotation in the component transmission being provided for starting of the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid drive device has an internal combustion engine, a clutch transmission which has at least one free partial transmission and a partial transmission connected to an electric machine with in each case a clutch, and at least one electric machine. In order to start the internal combustion engine, pulse energy is provided from an inertia of the clutch associated with the free partial transmission and/or a rotation in the free partial transmission.