Hybrid Powertrain Engine State Selection via Cost Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engineers face challenges in effectively controlling powertrain systems with electro-mechanical transmissions to optimize engine operation states for meeting operator torque requests while minimizing costs and adhering to constraints such as driveability, fuel economy, and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that determine the preferred engine state based on cost analysis for fueled-engine and engine fuel-cutoff operations, using a distributed control module architecture to manage torque transmission and clutch actuation in a hybrid powertrain system, ensuring efficient operation across various engine states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If engine fuel-cutoff operation is selected to reduce operational costs, then fuel economy improves, but torque delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electric machines as intermediary devices that compensate for the torque delivery capability loss when engine fuel-cutoff operation is selected. The electric machines can generate or absorb torque to maintain the required torque delivery to the transmission, allowing the engine to operate in fuel-efficient cutoff mode without sacrificing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes operating parameters by selecting between fueled-engine operation and engine fuel-cutoff operation based on cost analysis. This parameter change allows the system to optimize fuel economy by operating in fuel-cutoff mode when appropriate, while the electric machines adjust their torque contribution to maintain overall torque delivery requirements.
2Force
If fueled-engine operation is selected to maintain torque delivery capability, then torque availability improves, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine operating state between fueled-engine operation and engine fuel-cutoff operation based on real-time cost analysis. This dynamic switching allows the system to maintain torque availability when needed while minimizing fuel consumption during appropriate conditions, with electric machines providing supplementary torque control.
3Loss of energy
If cost analysis is performed for multiple engine states to optimize operation, then fuel economy improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback by continuously analyzing costs associated with different engine states (fueled-engine operation and engine fuel-cutoff operation) and adjusting the engine state selection based on this analysis. The system monitors torque requests, determines costs for each state, and selects the optimal state, creating a closed-loop control that improves fuel economy through informed decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method and article of manufacture for operating an internal combustion engine adapted to transmit torque to a hybrid transmission. The method comprises determining an engine input torque transmittable to the hybrid transmission for a plurality of engine states, the engine states comprising a fueled-engine operation and an engine fuel-cutoff operation. Costs are determined costs for operating the engine and hybrid transmission in the engine states to substantially meet an operator torque request. The engine state is controlled to one of the fueled-engine operation and the engine fuel-cutoff operation based upon the costs.