Hybrid Vehicle Mode Switching Control for Smooth Power Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles experience sudden changes in engine operation points during mode switches, causing discomfort for drivers and occupants due to abrupt changes in charging/discharging electric power and engine torque, especially when switching between electric-powered and hybrid travel modes.
Innovation Solution
A control method that gradually changes the charging/discharging required power when switching between travel modes, using a charge ratio calculation to set engine output power based on travel power and battery charging/discharging needs, ensuring a smooth transition by maintaining consistent travel power and adjusting engine operation within predetermined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the execution travel mode is switched between electric-powered and hybrid travel modes, then the vehicle can adapt to different driving conditions and optimize energy usage, but sudden changes in charging/discharging electric power and engine torque occur causing driver and occupant discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control method dynamically adjusts the charging/discharging required power during mode transitions based on current operating conditions. The control portion calculates appropriate power adjustment levels and implements gradual changes rather than abrupt switches, allowing the system to adapt smoothly between electric-powered and hybrid travel modes while maintaining driver comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of charging/discharging required power gradually during mode transitions. By adjusting this parameter in a controlled manner rather than instantaneously, the system resolves the contradiction between mode adaptability and comfort, as the gradual parameter change prevents sudden torque variations that cause discomfort.
2Speed
If the charging/discharging required power is changed abruptly during mode switching, then the vehicle can quickly respond to mode changes, but sudden changes in engine operation points occur causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements dynamic adjustment of charging/discharging required power during mode transitions. Rather than abrupt changes, the control portion calculates appropriate power levels and adjusts them dynamically over time, allowing quick yet smooth mode switching that maintains engine operation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion acts as an intermediary between mode switching commands and actual power delivery changes. It mediates the transition by calculating intermediate power levels and adjusting the charging/discharging required power gradually, preventing sudden engine operation point changes while still achieving timely mode transitions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle prioritizes electric-powered travel mode to decrease charge amount, then energy efficiency is improved, but insufficient driving power is available when large acceleration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between electric-powered priority mode and hybrid travel mode based on real-time driving conditions. When large acceleration is detected, the control portion determines that hybrid mode is more appropriate and adjusts the charging/discharging required power accordingly, ensuring sufficient driving power is available while maintaining energy efficiency during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (22), a motor (MG2), and a secondary battery (50), and travels in an electric-powered travel mode and in a hybrid travel mode. In the hybrid vehicle, an execution travel mode is set to one of two travel modes including an electric-powered travel priority mode where the hybrid vehicle travels with priority being given to the electric-powered travel mode over the hybrid travel mode, and a hybrid travel priority mode where the hybrid vehicle travels with priority being given to the hybrid travel mode over the electric-powered travel mode. When the execution travel mode is switched while the internal combustion engine (22) is being operated, the internal combustion engine (22) and the motor (MG2) are controlled so that charging/discharging electric power for charging or discharging the secondary battery (50) is gradually changed and the hybrid vehicle travels in the switched execution travel mode (S750 to S800).