Hybrid Vehicle Generator Control by Minimum Electric-Only Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicles face challenges in reducing emissions, particularly when the generator unit is predominantly used, leading to increased CO2 emissions and failure to meet emission limits, despite the added weight of batteries and motors.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle with a control unit that manages the generator unit based on distance traveled, ensuring it is only activated after a minimum electric-only distance, preventing short trips and excessive use, thereby optimizing electric-only operation and minimizing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the generator unit is predominantly used to charge the battery, then the range of the hybrid vehicle is extended, but the emissions increase and emission limits cannot be complied with
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic assessment of generator unit usage by evaluating whether a minimum electric-only distance has been traveled before allowing generator activation. This periodic control mechanism ensures that the generator unit operates only in appropriate conditions, preventing excessive use while maintaining range extension capability when truly needed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the battery and electric motor are added to reduce emissions, then the environmental performance is improved, but the weight of the hybrid vehicle increases which negatively affects emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions and accumulated distance traveled. The control unit continuously monitors whether the minimum electric-only distance criterion is met before permitting generator unit activation, creating a dynamic balance between the additional weight penalty and the operational need for range extension.
3Ease of operation
If the generator unit is activated for short distance journeys, then the vehicle can operate without external charging, but the emissions increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit requires that a minimum electric-only distance be traveled before the generator unit can be activated. This preliminary action ensures that the vehicle operates in low-emission mode for sufficient distances, preventing unnecessary generator activation on short journeys while still allowing generator use when the vehicle has accumulated sufficient electric-only operation.
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
The solution effectively reduces emissions by maximizing electric-only operation, adhering to emission limits, and balancing generator use across periods, ensuring the hybrid vehicle operates efficiently as an electric vehicle while maintaining range extension.
Implementation Method 1
The generator converts the kinetic energy of the internal combustion engine into power
Implementation Method 2
a battery, wherein the battery is connected to the electric motor and supplies the electric motor with power
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle and a method, in particular for the transportation of general cargo or shipments, including an electric motor for moving the hybrid vehicle, a battery, wherein the battery is connected to the electric motor and supplies the electric motor with power. Furthermore, the hybrid vehicle includes a generator unit, wherein the generator unit includes an internal combustion engine and a generator connected to the internal combustion engine, wherein the generator converts the kinetic energy of the internal combustion engine into power to operate the electric motor or for storage in the battery. A control unit is connected to the generator unit and is also configured to determine the distance traveled by the hybrid vehicle. The control unit is also configured to control the generator unit dependent on the distance traveled by the hybrid vehicle.