Hybrid Vehicle Engine Start Control for Emission Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles in polluted areas face challenges in reducing emissions from gasoline engines, as existing systems do not effectively prevent engine startup in high pollution conditions, leading to increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the engine startup threshold based on air pollution levels, allowing the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode longer and preventing engine startup until the battery state of charge is lower and torque demand higher, while increasing torque thresholds in polluted conditions to maintain electric-only operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine startup threshold is set to a fixed base value, then the vehicle can reliably start the engine when battery charge is insufficient, but the engine may start unnecessarily in polluted areas increasing emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The engine startup threshold is changed from a fixed base value to a dynamic value that adjusts based on real-time air quality conditions. The controller continuously monitors pollution levels and modifies the startup threshold accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and prevent unnecessary engine operation in polluted areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The startup threshold parameter is modified based on air quality measurements. When pollution levels exceed predetermined thresholds, the controller adjusts the startup threshold parameter to prevent engine operation. This parameter change allows the system to respond to environmental conditions while maintaining reliable operation when needed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine startup is prevented in polluted areas, then emissions are reduced, but the vehicle may lack sufficient power when torque demand is high
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies different startup threshold values for different operating conditions. In polluted areas with low torque demand, the threshold is set to prevent startup. However, when torque demand exceeds certain levels, the system allows engine startup despite pollution conditions, ensuring sufficient power is available when needed while minimizing unnecessary emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The startup threshold dynamically responds to both air quality and torque demand conditions. The controller evaluates real-time power requirements alongside pollution levels, allowing the threshold to adjust based on the vehicle's instantaneous power needs. This ensures the engine can start when power is critically needed while preventing startup during low-demand periods in polluted areas.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the vehicle operates in electric-only mode for extended periods, then emissions are minimized, but the battery state of charge decreases below safe levels
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors battery state of charge and uses this feedback to adjust the engine startup threshold. When the battery charge level approaches predetermined safety thresholds, the system modifies the startup parameters to ensure the engine will start if needed, preventing the battery from being depleted to unsafe levels while still prioritizing electric operation when conditions allow.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a high voltage traction battery, and a controller. The engine and the motor are each configured to propel the vehicle. The battery is configured to power the motor. The controller is programmed to selectively start the engine based on a state of charge of the battery and air pollution content such that as the air pollution content increases a state of charge engine startup threshold decreases.