Hybrid Vehicle Generator Charging Control Based on Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
In series hybrid vehicles, the frequent charging of batteries due to increased vehicle weight leads to inefficient fuel consumption and energy loss, as existing control systems do not adapt charging strategies based on changing vehicle weights.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a weight estimator to dynamically adjust the charging stop state of charge (SOC) of the battery based on the estimated vehicle weight, optimizing charging frequency and duration to reduce energy loss and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the charging control is uniform regardless of vehicle weight, then the charging control is simple, but the charging frequency increases when vehicle weight increases leading to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control system dynamically adjusts the charging stop SOC threshold based on real-time vehicle weight estimates. When vehicle weight increases, the system raises the charging stop SOC threshold, allowing the battery to charge to a higher level before stopping, thereby reducing charging frequency and associated energy losses from repeated engine starts and generator operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging control parameter (charging stop SOC threshold) according to vehicle weight conditions. By estimating vehicle weight and adjusting the charging stop SOC accordingly, the system optimizes charging behavior to match actual energy consumption requirements, preventing excessive charging frequency while maintaining simple control architecture.
2Loss of energy
If the charging stop SOC is increased to reduce charging frequency, then energy loss is reduced, but the battery may not be charged sufficiently when vehicle weight is small
Solution Approach 1:
The charging stop SOC threshold is dynamically adjusted based on estimated vehicle weight. When vehicle weight is small, the threshold is set lower to ensure sufficient battery charge, while when vehicle weight is large, the threshold is raised to reduce charging frequency. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures both energy efficiency and reliable battery charge sufficiency under varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging control system adapts its behavior dynamically by continuously monitoring vehicle weight and adjusting the charging stop SOC threshold in real-time. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the charging strategy is always optimized for current vehicle conditions, preventing both excessive charging frequency and insufficient battery charge.
3Reliability
If the engine is started frequently to charge the battery, then the battery SOC is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By adjusting the charging stop SOC threshold based on vehicle weight, the system reduces the number of times the engine needs to be started for charging purposes. When vehicle weight is large, the higher threshold allows the battery to retain charge longer, reducing engine start frequency and associated fuel consumption while maintaining adequate battery SOC.
4Productivity
If the charging stop SOC is set high, then charging frequency is reduced, but the battery may remain undercharged when vehicle weight is small
Solution Approach 1:
The charging stop SOC threshold is dynamically changed according to vehicle weight conditions. For light vehicle loads, a lower threshold ensures the battery is charged sufficiently, while for heavy loads, a higher threshold improves charging efficiency by reducing charging frequency. This adaptive approach optimizes both charging efficiency and battery charge reliability.
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 system reduces the frequency of battery charging and associated energy losses by increasing the charging stop SOC as vehicle weight increases, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and maintaining battery health.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (32) that generates electric power by using motive power outputted from the internal combustion engine (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle provided with a generator generating electric power by using motive power outputted from an internal combustion engine includes an electric power storage device, an electric motor driving a vehicle, a controller executing charging control of the electric power storage device, and a weight estimator estimating a vehicle weight while the vehicle is moving. While the vehicle is driven by the electric motor, the controller starts operation of the internal combustion engine to start charging the electric power storage device when a SOC of the electric power storage device is reduced to a charging start SOC or less, and to stop the operation of the internal combustion engine to stop charging the electric power when the SOC of the electric power storage device is at or greater than a charging stop SOC. The charging stop SOC is set based on the vehicle weight estimated by the weight estimator.