Hybrid Function Control via Battery Temperature Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicles face challenges in achieving good overall energy consumption while maintaining long battery life, as existing systems often limit hybrid functions at high temperatures, restricting energy throughput and affecting battery longevity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a control unit to switch off or limit hybrid functions based on battery temperature and temperature gradient, allowing for gradual reduction of hybrid function availability to prevent excessive heat buildup, with optional cooling and heating strategies to optimize battery performance across different temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If hybrid functions are restricted at high battery temperatures to prevent overheating, then battery temperature is controlled, but energy consumption increases and battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the hybrid function availability dynamic rather than static. The control unit continuously monitors battery temperature and adjusts the availability of hybrid functions in real-time based on current temperature conditions. This allows the system to maintain hybrid functions when temperatures are acceptable while restricting them only when necessary, optimizing both temperature control and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of hybrid function availability based on battery temperature. By using temperature-dependent parameter changes, the system transitions hybrid functions between available and restricted states according to measured temperature values, achieving adaptive control that balances thermal management with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If hybrid functions are restricted at high battery temperatures, then battery temperature is controlled, but battery service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidbattery service life
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts hybrid function availability based on real-time battery temperature monitoring. This dynamic approach prevents unnecessary restrictions that would reduce battery service life, while still providing protection when temperatures exceed safe thresholds. The control unit makes adaptive decisions that optimize both temperature control and battery longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring battery temperature and using this information to adjust hybrid function availability. The control unit receives temperature feedback and modifies system operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both temperature management and battery service life through adaptive response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Temperature

If hybrid functions are completely switched off above critical temperature, then battery is protected from overheating, but vehicle functionality is severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidvehicle functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the temperature management approach by dividing hybrid function restrictions into different levels or stages. Rather than a single critical threshold that completely switches off all functions, the system can implement graduated restrictions based on temperature ranges, maintaining essential functions while limiting non-critical ones, thus preserving vehicle adaptability while protecting the battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selectively restricting specific hybrid functions rather than uniformly switching off all functions. Different functions can be restricted based on their criticality and thermal impact, allowing the system to maintain essential vehicle operations while limiting only those functions that contribute most to heating, thereby preserving overall vehicle functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2507103B1Method and device for controlling hybrid functions in a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2507103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2507103B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and device for controlling hybrid functions in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one control device, wherein hybrid functions of a motor vehicle are controlled by means of the control device, and wherein the control device (11) switches off at least one hybrid function above a predetermined battery temperature (TB).