Hybrid EV Towing Mode Control Using SOC Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles experience a significant reduction in towing capacity and drivability during towing mode due to the state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device decreasing, which limits motor output.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the hybrid electric vehicle permits the towing mode when the SOC is above a threshold value and prohibits it when the SOC is below or equal to the threshold value, ensuring adequate power storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the towing mode is permitted during travel, then the towing capacity is improved, but the state of charge of the power storage device decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The controller checks the state of charge before permitting towing mode activation. By performing this preliminary check, the system prevents towing mode from starting when the power storage device has insufficient charge, thereby avoiding the problem of significant SOC decrease during towing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the state of charge of the power storage device and uses this feedback information to control whether towing mode is permitted. When SOC drops to or below the threshold value, the controller prohibits towing mode, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains SOC within acceptable ranges.
2Quantity of substance
If the motor output is limited to protect the power storage device, then the state of charge is maintained, but the towing capacity is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs a preliminary check of the state of charge before allowing towing mode to activate. By ensuring sufficient charge is available before towing begins, the system can maintain full motor output throughout the towing operation without needing to limit power, thus avoiding reduction in towing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses real-time feedback on state of charge to dynamically control towing mode permission. When SOC is above the threshold, full motor output is permitted maintaining towing capacity. When SOC drops to or below the threshold, towing mode is prohibited, preventing the need for power limitation.
3Force
If the engine operates continuously during towing mode, then sufficient driving force is assured, but the power demand increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The controller checks the state of charge before permitting towing mode. By ensuring sufficient charge is available beforehand, the system can sustain the continuous engine operation required for towing mode without risking excessive power consumption that would deplete the power storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses state of charge feedback to control towing mode permission. When SOC is sufficient (above threshold), the system permits continuous engine operation to maintain driving force. When SOC drops to or below the threshold, towing mode is prohibited, preventing excessive power demand that would further deplete charge.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine for driving, a motor for driving, a power storage device that is configured to exchange power with the motor, and a controller that is programmed to control the engine and motor to travel with the engine running in towing mode. The controller is programmed to permit the towing mode when the towing mode is indicated and a state of charge of the power storage device is higher than a threshold value, and the controller is programmed to prohibit the towing mode when the towing mode is indicated and the state of charge is lower than or equal to the threshold value.