Hybrid Vehicle Power Generation Control via Inter-Vehicle Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid vehicles experience decreased fuel economy in power generation travel mode due to constant power generation, which increases engine load and fuel consumption, and struggle to maintain battery state of charge without motor power transfer to drive wheels.
Innovation Solution
A power generation control device for hybrid vehicles that includes an inter-vehicle distance detection unit and a power generation control unit to restrict power generation based on inter-vehicle distance, reducing engine load by adjusting motor torque gain and transmission gear ratio during power generation travel mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power generation is performed at constant amount in power generation travel mode, then battery state of charge can be maintained, but engine load increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power generation amount variable rather than constant. The control device dynamically adjusts the power generation amount based on real-time inter-vehicle distance measurements, allowing the system to optimize between battery charging needs and fuel consumption by adapting power generation to actual driving conditions and distance to preceding vehicle.
2Reliability
If power generation amount is increased to maintain battery state of charge, then battery charging is sufficient, but engine load increases more and fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power generation amount parameter based on inter-vehicle distance. The control device changes operational parameters (power generation level) according to detected distance to preceding vehicle, enabling optimal balance between battery charging requirements and fuel economy by adjusting power generation parameters to match actual driving conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If motor torque gain is reduced to restrict power generation, then fuel consumption decreases, but drive force to drive wheels may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring inter-vehicle distance and using this information to adjust power generation control. The control device receives feedback from the distance detection device and dynamically modifies motor torque gain and power generation amount, ensuring that drive force requirements are met while optimizing fuel consumption based on actual driving conditions and distance to preceding vehicle.
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 fuel economy by dynamically adjusting power generation according to inter-vehicle distance, reducing engine load and maintaining driver-requested drive force while optimizing battery state of charge.
Implementation Method 1
a motor having an electric power generation function
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device connected with the motor-generator, the engine and the inverter
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle has an engine and a motor-generator as power sources and has an inter-vehicle distance detection unit to detect an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle. A power generation amount is restricted according to the inter-vehicle distance in a power generation travel mode in which power of the engine drives the motor-generator while being transferred to the drive wheels. Output torque of an engine drivetrain is reduced according to the restricted power generation amount.