Hybrid Powertrain External Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery monitoring systems in hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing and regulating energy exchange between the electrical energy storage device and electric machines, particularly in maintaining optimal charge levels and ensuring engine starting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method for externally charging the powertrain is implemented, utilizing a distributed control module system that includes a battery pack control module, a voltage conversion control module, and a hybrid control module to monitor and manage battery state-of-charge, voltage, and power levels, and initiate external charging when necessary to prevent engine starting failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery monitoring system continuously monitors and regulates energy exchange to maintain optimal charge levels, then the reliability of engine starting is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple control modules and monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: a battery monitoring system that continuously monitors charge levels, a hybrid control module that manages powertrain operations, and a voltage conversion control module that handles external charging. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability for engine starting.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery monitoring system continuously monitors the state of charge before engine starting is attempted, and the hybrid control module proactively manages energy exchange to maintain optimal charge levels. This preliminary monitoring and management ensures the battery is ready for engine starting without waiting for last-minute checks, thereby improving reliability while keeping control actions targeted and manageable.
2Reliability
If external charging is implemented to prevent charge deficiencies, then the reliability of the powertrain is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional charging infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid control module acts as an intermediary that manages the energy exchange between the battery, electric machines, and external power source. It coordinates the voltage conversion control module to handle external charging when needed, preventing charge deficiencies without requiring complex direct connections between all components. This intermediary management simplifies the overall charging system architecture while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the system manages energy exchange between electrical energy storage device and electric machines, then the productivity of the powertrain is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to conversion and regulation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The battery monitoring system continuously monitors the state of charge and provides feedback to the hybrid control module, which adjusts energy exchange management in real-time. This feedback mechanism optimizes the timing and amount of energy conversion between the battery and electric machines, maximizing powertrain productivity while minimizing unnecessary conversion cycles that would increase energy loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of externally charging a powertrain includes monitoring a voltage level of a first battery (74), determining when the monitored voltage level is below a first voltage threshold, and when the monitored voltage level is below the first voltage threshold, charging the first battery (74) by supplying power from an external power source (56,72) and increasing voltage of the power supplied by the external power source (56,72) within the powertrain.