Hybrid Powertrain Engine Temperature Control via Dynamic Loss Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain control systems for hybrid vehicles are inefficient in managing engine power losses and emissions due to reliance on pre-calibrated tables that do not account for variations in operating conditions such as engine warm-up and overtemperature, leading to increased memory usage and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a combination of sensors and algorithms to estimate engine power loss and manage temperature, optimizing engine operation by calculating instantaneous power loss and future energy loss through equations that account for engine operating conditions, emissions, and temperature, allowing for real-time adjustments to minimize total energy loss and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-calibrated tables are used to determine engine power losses, then memory space is consumed, but the system cannot accommodate variations in operating conditions such as engine warm-up and overtemperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of how power loss data is stored and processed. Instead of using static pre-calibrated tables with fixed operating conditions, the system uses dynamic equations with variables that can adapt to different operating conditions including warm-up and overtemperature scenarios. This allows the system to calculate power losses in real-time based on actual operating parameters rather than relying on stored lookup tables.
2Device complexity
If pre-calibrated tables are used to determine engine power losses, then the system is simpler to implement, but it consumes substantial amounts of computer memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/storage-based approach (pre-calibrated tables stored in memory) with a computational/mathematical approach (equations with variables). Instead of storing large amounts of data in computer memory, the system uses mathematical models that calculate power losses in real-time based on operating conditions, thereby reducing memory requirements while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If pre-calibrated tables are used, then the system requires less computational processing, but it cannot provide real-time adjustments for varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the power loss calculation system by using equations with variables that change based on real-time operating conditions. Instead of static table lookups, the system dynamically calculates power losses using current operating parameters such as temperature, load, and speed, enabling real-time optimization while adapting to varying conditions through continuous computation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An internal combustion engine (14) is connected to a transmission (10) to transmit tractive power to a driveline. Engine coolant temperature is determined, and power output of the engine (14) is adjusted based upon the coolant temperature and preferred coolant temperature range. The transmission (10) is controlled to transmit tractive power to the driveline to meet an operator torque request based upon the adjusted power output of the engine (14).