Hybrid Vehicle Motor Generator Control for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid vehicle systems experience energy inefficiencies due to repeated driving and stopping of motor generators and internal combustion engines, leading to power losses during state transitions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control device that varies driving power by switching between two states in a vehicle, utilizing both motor generators and internal combustion engines to maintain vehicle speed within acceptable ranges, primarily relying on inertial force during low output states and increasing power when necessary, to optimize energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the motor generator is driven at high output continuously to meet power demand, then the vehicle can maintain required speed, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to operation at low efficiency points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle speed stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control device alternates the motor generator between a first state (high output) and a second state (low output or stopped) in periodic intervals. This periodic switching allows the motor generator to operate at high efficiency points during the first state while reducing energy consumption during the second state, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining acceptable vehicle speed through inertial momentum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the driving source is switched between stopped and driven states repeatedly, then energy consumption can be reduced, but power loss occurs during state transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower loss during transition

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts the output level of the motor generator between two distinct states (high output and low/output-off) rather than using continuous incremental adjustments. This dynamic switching strategy optimizes the balance between reducing power consumption during operation and minimizing transition losses by using only two well-defined operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enhances energy efficiency by reducing power consumption and extending the distance vehicles can travel on stored electric power while improving gasoline and electric mileage.

Implementation Method 1

the vehicle runs mainly with inertial force of the vehicle in the first state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial force: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS9199542B2Vehicle and method of controlling vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle (100) includes a motor generator (130) generating driving power for running the vehicle (100), and an ECU (300) for controlling the motor generator (130). The ECU (300) causes driving power variation operation to be performed on the motor generator (130) in which the motor generator is switched between a first state (low output state) in which the motor generator generates driving power of a prescribed level and a second state (high output state) in which the motor generator generates driving power larger than the driving power in the first state to run the vehicle (100). As a result, energy efficiency of the vehicle (100) is improved.