Hybrid Vehicle Heating Source Selection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicles face challenges in efficiently selecting the most appropriate heat source for passenger compartment heating due to the intermittent operation of internal combustion engines, necessitating the use of multiple heating sources and requiring a method to optimize energy usage based on various parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for automatically selecting the most efficient heating source among electric, fuel, and waste heat options based on user, environmental, and vehicle parameters, including outside temperature, energy storage levels, and user preferences, to meet heating demands while optimizing energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple heating sources are provided in hybrid vehicles, then heating availability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating availabilityVSAvoidheating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically selects and activates appropriate heating sources based on real-time vehicle operating conditions without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The system monitors parameters such as engine status, battery charge level, and heating demand to autonomously determine the optimal heating source configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system dynamically adapts its configuration by switching between different heating sources (engine waste heat, electric heater, auxiliary heater) based on changing vehicle conditions. The control device continuously evaluates available options and adjusts the active heating sources to match current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If automatic selection of heating sources is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors vehicle operating parameters (engine temperature, battery state of charge, heating demand) and uses this information to automatically adjust heating source selection. The system evaluates the current state and selects the most energy-efficient heating source based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between multiple heating sources and the heating demand, intelligently mediating the selection and activation of appropriate sources. It translates complex vehicle state information into simple activation commands for the selected heating source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If heating sources are activated based on multiple parameters, then heating precision is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating control precisionVSAvoidparameter monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it monitors various vehicle parameters, evaluates heating demand, selects appropriate heating sources, and activates them. The same control unit that manages other vehicle functions is utilized to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining precise heating control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient selection of heating sources, reducing energy wastage and improving comfort by activating the most suitable heat source according to current conditions, ensuring optimal energy use and user-defined preferences.

Implementation Method 1

an electric heater that generates heat energy by direct conversion of electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

use waste heat from the internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2951038B1Method and device for selecting one or more heat sources of an interior heating system of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2951038B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2951038B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2951038B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for selecting one or more heat sources (3, 6, 8) from a number of heat sources (3, 6, 8) for heating the air in a passenger compartment (4) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the following steps are performed in a heating system state: automatically selecting one or more heat sources (3, 6, 8) to be activated if it is determined that there is a need for heating; and activating the one or more selected heat sources (3, 6, 8).