Hybrid Vehicle Engine Torque and Speed Control for Transient Fuel Economy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face reduced fuel economy during transient conditions due to inefficient engine speed and torque control, especially during frequent acceleration and deceleration events, which existing methodologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle that determines engine torque and speed commands based on vehicle acceleration or deceleration requests, target power levels of secondary power sources, and current engine power, adjusting torque commands to ensure power is within operational limits, and synchronizing engine operation with battery power usage to optimize fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing engine control methodologies are used during transient conditions, then engine response is maintained, but fuel economy deteriorates due to inefficient engine speed and torque control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts engine speed and torque commands in real-time during transient conditions based on actual engine operation and battery power availability, rather than using fixed control strategies. This allows the engine to operate more efficiently while maintaining necessary response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The methodology uses feedback from actual engine speed and torque measurements to continuously refine control commands. The system monitors engine operation during transient conditions and adjusts control strategies based on actual performance, improving fuel economy while maintaining engine response.
2Speed
If engine power is increased to meet acceleration demands, then vehicle acceleration performance is improved, but fuel consumption increases during transient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies partial engine power combined with battery power to meet acceleration demands, rather than relying solely on full engine power. This partial action approach allows the engine to operate at more efficient load points while the battery supplements power during transient acceleration events.
Solution Approach 2:
The methodology changes engine operating parameters (speed and torque) dynamically during transient conditions to optimize the balance between acceleration performance and fuel consumption. The system adjusts these parameters based on battery power availability and actual engine response.
3Use of energy by moving object
If battery power is utilized during transient conditions, then fuel economy is improved, but engine control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified control architecture that simultaneously manages engine power, battery power, and their coordination during transient conditions. This multi-functional approach handles power management, engine control, and transient response optimization within a single system framework.
4Loss of energy
If engine speed and torque commands are adjusted dynamically, then fuel efficiency is improved during transient conditions, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses measurements from actual engine operation to automatically adjust speed and torque commands without requiring complex external control algorithms. The system serves itself by using its own operational data to refine control strategies, reducing the need for additional complex control hardware or software.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle and method of control. The method includes determining an engine torque command based on a request for vehicle acceleration or deceleration, a target power level of the secondary power source, and a current engine power command, determining an engine speed command based on the target power level of the secondary power source, a total engine power command, and vehicle speed, and operating the engine based on the engine torque and engine speed commands.