Hybrid Idling Torque Control Without Engine Torque Reserve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing idling control systems for motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing torque control during idling, particularly with gasoline engines, where maintaining a small distance from the upper torque limit to reduce fuel consumption can limit rapid torque interventions, and diesel engines, where torque reserve is necessary for stable combustion but increases energy expenditure when using electric motors.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating an idling control device that coordinates the use of internal combustion engines and electric motors by selecting the best operating mode based on the situation, utilizing control paths for both engines to set total setpoint torque, with one mode relying solely on the internal combustion engine and another mode using both engines with fast and slow control interventions, allowing for energy-efficient operation without a torque reserve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine operates with a small torque reserve to reduce fuel consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the capability for rapid torque interventions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the internal combustion engine and electric motor into a hybrid powertrain system where both power sources work together. The electric motor is integrated with the internal combustion engine through a coupling mechanism, allowing them to share the load and complement each other's strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the torque distribution between the internal combustion engine and electric motor based on real-time operating conditions. When rapid torque intervention is needed, the electric motor provides immediate assistance while the internal combustion engine maintains its fuel-efficient operating point with minimal or no torque reserve.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine operates without a torque reserve to minimize energy expenditure, then energy efficiency is improved, but stable combustion cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor acts as an intermediary that compensates for the internal combustion engine's unstable combustion when operating without torque reserve. The electric motor provides smoothing torque to counteract combustion fluctuations, ensuring overall power delivery stability while allowing the internal combustion engine to operate at its most fuel-efficient point.
3Ease of operation
If the electric motor provides frequent positive torque interventions to control idling, then idling control capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies electric motor torque interventions selectively and partially rather than continuously. The control system monitors engine operating conditions and only activates electric motor assistance when specifically needed for idling control or rapid torque intervention, allowing the internal combustion engine to maintain natural idling operation otherwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors engine speed, torque requirements, and operating conditions to determine when electric motor intervention is necessary. This feedback-based control ensures electric motor assistance is provided only when needed for maintaining stable idling or enabling rapid torque responses, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
4Speed
If the internal combustion engine maintains a torque reserve for rapid torque interventions, then response capability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque provision function is segmented between two power sources: the internal combustion engine provides base torque with minimal reserve for fuel efficiency, while the electric motor provides additional torque specifically for rapid interventions. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its operation for its intended function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an idling control device for a motor vehicle. The idling control device specifies a total setpoint torque including a setpoint torque of an electric motor and a setpoint torque of an internal combustion engine which interacts with the electric motor, and sets the setpoint torques by respective control paths. In a first operating mode the idling control device sets a requested total setpoint torque only via the control path of the internal combustion engine by at least one control intervention, and in a second operating mode the idling control device sets the requested total setpoint torque by at least one control intervention via the control path of the internal combustion engine and by at least one control intervention via the control path of the electric motor. The control interventions via the control path of the internal combustion engine consist of at least one predetermined slow control intervention, and the control interventions in the control path of the electric motor consist of at least one predetermined fast control intervention, which intervenes with a higher rate of change over time than the at least one predetermined slow control intervention.