Hybrid Engine Torque Control for Vacuum Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles often operate at maximum torque capacity, limiting the availability of vacuum differentials needed by auxiliary systems, leading to inefficient use of engine power and potential damage from unmet vacuum requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to selectively control the torque capacity of the internal combustion engine by calculating and managing the pressure differential between the air intake and manifold, allowing the engine to operate at either actual or desired torque capacity to meet vacuum demands, thereby optimizing powertrain operation and ensuring adequate vacuum for auxiliary systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine operates at maximum torque capacity, then power output is maximized, but vacuum differential availability for auxiliary systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The engine control module dynamically adjusts torque capacity based on real-time vacuum requirements from auxiliary systems. The system transitions between fixed torque modes by calculating desired torque capacity that creates pressure differentials when vacuum is needed, versus actual maximum torque capacity when vacuum is not required, enabling adaptive operation that resolves the contradiction between power output and vacuum availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter of torque capacity from a fixed maximum value to a variable value based on vacuum需求的. By calculating and implementing desired torque capacity that creates pressure differentials across the throttle, the system modifies the pressure parameter to generate vacuum while maintaining acceptable power output, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter optimization
2Reliability
If the engine torque capacity is reduced to create vacuum differential, then vacuum availability for auxiliary systems is improved, but power output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by reducing torque capacity only to the extent necessary to create the required vacuum differential, rather than maintaining maximum torque continuously. The engine control module calculates the minimum torque reduction needed to achieve desired pressure differentials, applying just enough torque limitation to satisfy auxiliary vacuum needs while preserving maximum possible power output, thus resolving the contradiction through optimized partial torque reduction
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine operates at actual torque capacity, then power efficiency is maximized, but auxiliary systems may suffer damage from insufficient vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring vacuum requirements from auxiliary systems and adjusting engine torque capacity accordingly. The engine control module receives vacuum demand signals, calculates the appropriate torque capacity to create necessary pressure differentials, and adjusts engine operation in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures auxiliary systems receive adequate vacuum while maintaining optimal engine efficiency, resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and vacuum sufficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selectively creating vacuum in a hybrid powertrain controlled by a hybrid control processor and having an engine controlled by an engine control module includes requesting a pressure differential between a first intake point and a second intake point, wherein the first intake point and the second intake point are separated by a throttle. An actual torque capacity is calculated for the engine, wherein the actual torque capacity occurs when pressure is substantially equal at the first intake point and at the second intake point. A desired torque capacity is also calculated for the engine, wherein the desired torque capacity reduces the pressure at the second intake point relative to the pressure at the first intake point, such that the requested pressure differential is created. The engine is then operated at one of the desired torque capacity and the actual torque capacity.