Hybrid Vehicle Power Controller Cost Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicle systems lack an efficient method to control energy storage and consumption, which limits overall efficiency and increases undesirable emissions.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that determines the optimal combination of power sources, generators, and energy storage devices to achieve commanded acceleration at the lowest total cost, considering the potential and costs of each component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If energy is stored in batteries, capacitors, and/or flywheels during deceleration, then kinetic energy is recovered and efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases and undesirable emissions are not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the energy storage device to serve itself by automatically determining when to charge or discharge based on real-time cost analysis. The controller evaluates the cost of using each energy source (power source, generator, or energy storage device) and makes autonomous decisions about energy flow without requiring complex manual control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy recovery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by evaluating cost associated with each energy source based on varying vehicle conditions (acceleration commands, current energy storage state, power source availability). This cost-based parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize energy usage in real-time, improving emissions reduction while managing system complexity through adaptive control rather than fixed complex architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple energy sources (power source, generator, energy storage device) are used to achieve commanded acceleration, then efficiency is improved, but the control complexity and decision-making process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the cost associated with each energy source and adjusts energy distribution accordingly. By evaluating the cost of using the power source, generator, or energy storage device for each acceleration command and implementing control decisions based on this feedback, the system achieves optimal efficiency without requiring overly complex control architecture. The feedback loop enables adaptive optimization while maintaining manageable control complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the controller optimizes energy usage by determining cost associated with each energy source, then emissions are reduced and efficiency is improved, but the computational requirements and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by autonomously evaluating the cost of each energy source and making independent decisions about energy allocation. The controller determines the cost associated with using the power source, generator, or energy storage device based on current vehicle conditions and acceleration commands, then automatically selects the optimal energy source without requiring external intervention or overly complex decision-making frameworks. This self-service approach reduces emissions while keeping the control system relatively simple.
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
Improves the efficiency and reduces undesirable emissions by optimizing energy usage in hybrid vehicles, enhancing their overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a generator operably coupled to at least one of the power source and the propulsion member
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device... Energy previously lost during deceleration, primarily in the form of heat, may be stored in batteries, capacitors, and/or flywheels
Implementation Method 3
the energy may be used to provide electric power to one or more electric motors to assist with propelling the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling power of a hybrid vehicle may include a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a commanded acceleration for the hybrid vehicle and determine a potential for each of a power source, a generator, and an energy storage device to supply energy to achieve the commanded acceleration. The controller may be further configured to determine a cost associated with using each of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration, and determine a combination of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device that achieves the commanded acceleration at a lowest total cost. The controller may also be configured to provide a signal to at least one of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration based on the determined combination.