Hybrid Vehicle Engine-Driven Supplemental Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The charging rate of hybrid-electric vehicle traction batteries is limited by the power supplied from external charge stations, which is often insufficient for quick charging, especially when using standard AC outlets, and is further constrained by the capacity of onboard chargers.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the vehicle operates the engine to generate a supplemental current when in fast charge mode, combining it with grid power to increase the battery charge rate, allowing for faster charging by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle is charged using only external charge station power, then the charging system is simple, but the charging rate is limited and insufficient for quick charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two charging sources: external charge station power and engine-driven generator power. The controller integrates both power sources to charge the traction battery simultaneously, merging grid electricity with mechanically generated electricity to achieve faster charging rates while managing system complexity through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine serves multiple functions: it can propel the vehicle, generate electricity for the traction battery during charging, and provide auxiliary power. This multi-functionality allows the engine to contribute to charging operations without requiring a dedicated charging-only mode, enhancing versatility while managing system complexity.
2Speed
If the engine operates at higher power to generate more supplemental current, then the charging speed increases, but the fuel consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engine operates at partial power levels during charging rather than full throttle. The controller modulates engine output to provide just enough supplemental current to achieve the desired charging rate, avoiding excessive fuel consumption while still significantly accelerating charging compared to grid-only charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts engine operating parameters (RPM, load, fuel injection) to optimize the balance between charging speed and fuel consumption. By changing these parameters in real-time based on battery state of charge and charging requirements, the system achieves efficient charging without excessive energy loss.
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 enhances the charging speed of hybrid-electric vehicle batteries, potentially charging them 15 times faster than with standard AC outlets, enabling quicker utilization of electric energy for propulsion or emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
operate the engine to drive a generator to generate a supplemental current
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an engine, a traction battery, a generator coupled to the engine and battery, and a controller. The controller may be configured to, in response to a current flowing from a battery charge station to the battery being less than a maximum charge current, a selection of a fast charge mode, and a temperature of the engine being less than a predetermined temperature, operate the engine to generate a supplemental current to charge the battery.