Hybrid Vehicle Power Control Module Managing Engine Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid electric vehicles fail to effectively manage power distribution between the engine and electric motor/generator, leading to overuse of the energy storage system when the engine is not optimally performing, which reduces component life and masks underlying engine issues, while conventional diagnostic methods do not adequately address small percentage errors or long-term effects.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates the power capability of the primary power source, calculates a system power capability, and limits the driver power command if it exceeds the system capability, preventing the electric motor/generator from compensating for engine performance issues and ensuring the engine receives necessary service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electric motor/generator compensates for engine performance issues to meet driver power command, then vehicle performance is maintained, but the energy storage system is overused and component life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors engine performance parameters and compares actual engine output against expected performance. When engine performance degradation is detected, the system provides feedback to adjust power distribution, preventing the electric motor/generator from compensating for engine issues and thereby protecting the energy storage system from overuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the engine and electric motor/generator, managing power distribution based on engine capability assessment. It prevents direct compensation by the electric motor/generator when engine issues are detected, serving as a mediator that protects the energy storage system while maintaining overall vehicle performance.
2Power
If the electric motor/generator compensates for engine performance issues, then driver power command is met, but underlying engine problems are masked and service is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors engine performance parameters and provides feedback to the control module. When performance degradation is detected, the system generates diagnostic information that alerts to underlying engine problems, preventing maskation of issues while maintaining power delivery through controlled power distribution.
3Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then large errors are detected, but small percentage errors and long-term effects are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for diagnostic monitoring, shifting from detecting only large errors to monitoring small percentage changes in engine performance parameters over time. This enables detection of gradual degradation and long-term effects that conventional methods miss, improving diagnostic accuracy while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method adapted to control a hybrid electric vehicle having a primary power source and a secondary power source. The method includes estimating the power capability of the primary power source, and thereafter obtaining a power command from the vehicle's driver. A primary power demand and a secondary power demand which collectively meet the driver power command are then established, and a desired power balance between the primary power demand and the secondary power demand is also obtained. A system power capability is calculated based on the desired power balance and the estimated power capability. The method of the present invention then determines if the driver power command exceeds the system power capability. If the driver power command exceeds the system power capability, the driver power command limited and thereafter the limited driver power command is executed.