Hybrid Vehicle Fuel Vapor Filter Flushing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in flushing activated carbon filters due to limited internal combustion engine running times, leading to increased fuel consumption and emissions, as the pressure gradient required for effective flushing is not consistently met at high load points.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating hybrid vehicles that detects suitable operating points for filter flushing based on propulsion requirements and battery charge state, allowing for efficient filter flushing without altering the internal combustion engine's operating point, and adjusts load distribution between the engine and electric motor to optimize flushing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the internal combustion engine is operated at high load points during hybrid vehicle operation, then the power output is sufficient for vehicle propulsion, but the pressure gradient between surroundings and intake manifold is too small to effectively flush the activated carbon container
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine operating point based on real-time detection of propulsion requirements and battery charge state. The control method enables the engine to operate at low load points during favorable conditions (sufficient battery charge, low propulsion demand) to create adequate pressure gradient for filter flushing, while automatically transitioning to high load points when propulsion power is required. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining power output and achieving effective filter flushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine, specifically the load point, based on detected conditions. By detecting the propulsion requirement and battery charge state, the system selects appropriate engine operating points - using low load points when flushing is needed and high load points when power is needed. This parameter adjustment enables the engine to provide sufficient pressure gradient for flushing without compromising vehicle propulsion capability.
2Productivity
If additional running times of the internal combustion engine are used to achieve necessary flushing rates, then the filter flushing efficiency is improved, but the fuel consumption and emissions of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs filter flushing during favorable operating conditions that occur naturally during normal hybrid vehicle operation, such as when the battery charge state is high and propulsion demand is low. By detecting these favorable conditions in advance and utilizing them for flushing, the system avoids the need for additional dedicated flushing running times. This preliminary utilization of favorable conditions resolves the contradiction by achieving effective flushing without additional fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid vehicle's normal operation creates opportunities for filter flushing through its dual-power architecture. When the electric motor provides sufficient propulsion power, the internal combustion engine can operate at low load points or idle, naturally creating the pressure gradient needed for flushing. The system detects these self-generated favorable conditions and utilizes them for filter maintenance, making the flushing process a byproduct of normal operation rather than an additional energy-consuming task.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine running time is limited in hybrid vehicles, then the fuel consumption is reduced, but the filter flushing becomes insufficient due to inadequate pressure gradient and running time
Solution Approach 1:
The control method continuously detects the propulsion requirement and battery charge state to determine the current operating point of the internal combustion engine. Based on this feedback information, the system intelligently decides when to activate filter flushing - specifically when the engine is operating at favorable low load points with sufficient battery charge available. This feedback-based control ensures that filter flushing is performed adequately during limited engine running times while maintaining overall fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the filter flushing strategy to the actual operating conditions of the hybrid vehicle. Rather than using fixed flushing schedules, the method detects favorable operating points in real-time and activates flushing only when conditions are appropriate (sufficient battery charge, low propulsion demand). This dynamic approach ensures adequate filter flushing is achieved within the limited engine running times characteristic of hybrid vehicles, while preserving fuel consumption benefits.
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
This approach reduces additional engine running times, prevents fuel vapor escape, and maintains system efficiency by scheduling filter flushing during favorable operating conditions, thereby minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a filter, for example an activated carbon filter in an activated carbon container (14), for absorbing fuel vapors from a fuel tank (13)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a hybrid vehicle which comprises at least one internal combustion engine with a fuel tank and a filter, and an additional motor for driving the vehicle. The filter is designed to receive fuel vapors from the fuel tank in a filtering mode and to discharge the fuel vapors to the internal combustion engine in a flushing mode. In the method, a current operating point of the internal combustion engine is detected and the flushing mode of the filter is activated according to the current operating point and an operating time of the vehicle.