Hybrid Vehicle External Power Feeding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles that engage in external power feeding without actuating the engine may surprise people around the vehicle when the engine is suddenly started due to a decrease in the state of charge of the power storage device, as existing systems lack a clear notification mechanism for engine activation during power feeding.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle system that selectively executes a first power feeding operation with the engine actuated and a second operation with the engine stopped, where the first operation is performed for a predetermined period at the start of external power feeding, providing notice to the surroundings that the engine may be activated, and alternates with the second operation to suppress exhaust gas and extend the engine-off period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is actuated for external power feeding, then power supply reliability is improved, but exhaust gas emissions increase and surprise to bystanders occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is actuated periodically at predetermined intervals during external power feeding operation. This periodic activation ensures reliable power supply while limiting total engine runtime, thereby reducing exhaust gas emissions compared to continuous operation.
2Reliability
If the engine is actuated for external power feeding, then power supply reliability is improved, but surprise to bystanders is caused
Solution Approach 1:
A notification device activates before the engine starts to warn bystanders. This preliminary action allows people around the vehicle to anticipate engine activation, eliminating surprise while maintaining power supply reliability through scheduled engine operation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine is not actuated during external power feeding, then exhaust gas emissions are reduced, but power supply duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The engine operates periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This allows the vehicle to maintain lower overall emissions while still accessing engine power when needed, effectively extending the duration of external power feeding capability without sustained exhaust emissions.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine is not actuated during external power feeding, then noise from engine operation is reduced, but power supply flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between engine-off and engine-on states based on power storage device charge levels and external power demands. This dynamic operation maintains noise reduction by default while providing flexible engine activation when power requirements exceed battery capacity alone.
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 solution allows for a controlled and notified engine activation during external power feeding, reducing surprise to bystanders and minimizing exhaust gas emissions by limiting the engine's operation to a predetermined period, while also enabling long-term engine-off power feeding with a large-capacity power storage device.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage device (180), a power output unit (230) for external power feeding
Implementation Method 2
a rotating electric machine (130) driven by the engine (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A power I/F unit is for outputting at least one of electric power stored in a power storage device and electric power generated by a motor generator driven by an engine to outside of a vehicle. An ECU selectively executes a first power feeding operation in which external power feeding is performed with the engine actuated and a second power feeding operation in which external power feeding is performed with the engine stopped. The ECU executes the first power feeding operation for a predetermined period from the start of external power feeding.