Hybrid EV Controller for Electric-Only Mode Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of parallel hybrid electric vehicles lack control over engine operation and battery state of charge, particularly during electric-only mode, and are unaware of when the engine will engage or the available battery range for engine-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that allows users to select modes such as silent and silent preparation, which charge the battery to a higher state of charge, and operates the vehicle in electric-only mode with limitations like speed limiting and regenerative braking, while notifying the user of the battery range and state of charge, and automatically switching to hybrid mode when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery state of charge is maintained within a prescribed range (40%-80%), then the vehicle can operate extended periods in electric only mode, but the operator cannot know the available range for engine-free operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the operator through the display interface, showing the current battery state of charge and calculating the available electric-only range based on the maintained charge level. This feedback mechanism resolves the information loss by continuously communicating battery status and estimated range to the user, allowing them to make informed driving decisions while the system maintains optimal charge levels for extended electric operation
2Reliability
If the controller automatically initiates battery charging when state of charge falls below 50%, then the battery is recharged, but the operator cannot control when the engine starts
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between automatic charge management (where the controller initiates charging below 50% SOC) and manual control mode (where the operator can trigger engine start via the user interface). This resolves the contradiction by making the control authority variable - the system can operate reliably in automatic mode when convenience is prioritized, and transfer control to the operator when engine timing needs to be user-determined
3Productivity
If speed limiting and regenerative braking are used in silent mode, then the vehicle can operate in electric only mode with limitations, but the operator must be notified of battery range and state of charge
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the display interface to notify the operator of battery state of charge and calculated electric-only range while operating in silent mode with speed limiting and regenerative braking. This feedback mechanism compensates for the operational limitations by providing the user with information about available energy and range, allowing informed decision-making while maintaining the productivity benefits of electric-only operation with regenerative energy recovery
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
Enhances user control over engine operation and battery charging, extends the vehicle's range in electric-only mode by maintaining a higher battery state of charge and providing notifications for optimal energy use, ensuring the battery remains within safe discharge levels.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle wheels may be rotated using only the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The regenerative brake may use the motor as a generator to convert kinetic energy to electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a parallel hybrid electric drive train may include manually selecting a first mode by a user. The first mode include an electric mode that provides for propelling a vehicle using only an electric motor. The method may also include propelling the vehicle in the electric mode, limiting an allowed vehicle acceleration below a predetermined acceleration value, detecting a battery state of charge, and preventing an engine start during operation in the electric mode.