Hybrid Vehicle Power Split Control for Zero-Emission Zone Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in optimizing power source usage to enter and traverse zero-emission zones (ZEZs) without activating the internal combustion engine, particularly due to the need for precise battery charge management and route planning.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that determines power utilization between the first and second power sources, including a rechargeable battery, by adjusting state of charge (SOC) limits based on proximity to ZEZs, using cost function minimization and predictive horizon analysis to ensure the vehicle can traverse ZEZs using only battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is sized and charged to ensure adequate charge prior to ZEZ entry, then the vehicle can avoid activating the internal combustion engine in the ZEZ, but this creates sub-optimal operations in other parts of the trip and complicates the control architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary routing analysis to identify upcoming ZEZs and calculates required battery charge levels in advance. The controller proactively adjusts power split strategy before entering the ZEZ, ensuring adequate battery charge without requiring complex real-time control modifications during ZEZ traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the lower SOC limit based on proximity to ZEZs and predicted battery charge levels. Rather than using a fixed special mode, the system continuously adapts the power split strategy, transitioning between different operational modes as the vehicle approaches and enters ZEZ zones, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a special mode approach is used to manage EV-only segments, then the vehicle can comply with ZEZ requirements, but this creates sub-optimal operations in hybrid vehicle for other parts of the trip
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies upcoming ZEZs through routing analysis and calculates the minimum required battery charge level in advance. By determining the necessary state of charge before entering the ZEZ, the system can optimize power split strategy during approach and transition to EV-only mode seamlessly, avoiding sub-optimal fuel consumption patterns that would result from abrupt mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically modifies the lower state of charge (SOC) limit parameter based on proximity to ZEZs and predicted battery charge levels. This continuous parameter adjustment allows the vehicle to maintain optimal fuel consumption efficiency while ensuring adequate battery charge for ZEZ compliance, rather than operating in a fixed special mode that would degrade overall productivity.
3Reliability
If the vehicle ensures adequate battery charge before ZEZ entry, then it can traverse the ZEZ without engine activation, but this requires precise battery charge management and route planning
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system performs multiple functions: standard route guidance, ZEZ identification, and battery charge requirement calculation. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent eliminates the need for separate complex route planning modules, thereby achieving ZEZ compliance through enhanced multi-functionality rather than increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the route to identify ZEZs and calculate required battery charge levels before the vehicle reaches them. This advance planning allows the controller to adjust power split strategy proactively, simplifying the real-time control requirements and reducing the complexity of battery charge management during actual ZEZ traversal.
Data Source
AI summary
Hybrid vehicles and control methods for hybrid vehicles. The vehicles and methods are adapted for use with restricted emissions zones, including zero emission zones. The battery state of charge for a hybrid vehicle is controlled to enable passage through a zero emissions zone without the use of the engine in the zero emissions zone. Multiple approaches to the analysis are highlighted.