Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Control for EV Mode Charge Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles lack efficient control systems that prioritize electric vehicle (EV) mode operation based on user preferences and optimal energy management, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption, emissions, and noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A controller that adjusts powertrain operating modes by optimizing the state of charge of energy storage systems using a Stackelberg equilibrium control methodology, favoring EV mode operation by promoting aggressive charging when the user selects a specific driving mode, and determining appropriate modes based on fuel consumption, emissions, and noise, while considering driver torque demand and vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the controller promotes aggressive charging to higher state of charge in engine charging mode, then the duration of EV mode operation is increased, but the fuel consumption rate increases due to extended engine operation for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the reference state of charge value based on the selected hybrid driving mode. In first hybrid driving mode, the reference state of charge is set to a first value that enables longer EV mode duration, while in second hybrid driving mode, it is set to a second value that reduces fuel consumption. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either EV mode duration or fuel efficiency depending on user preference.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the reference state of charge parameter according to the selected hybrid driving mode. When the first mode is selected, the reference state of charge is increased to promote aggressive charging and extend EV mode operation. When the second mode is selected, the reference state of charge is adjusted to balance charging needs with fuel consumption reduction, thereby resolving the trade-off between EV mode duration and fuel usage.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the controller increases the reference state of charge to favor EV mode operation, then the emission levels are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to multiple control modes and cost function evaluations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into distinct operational modes (first hybrid driving mode and second hybrid driving mode), each with its own reference state of charge value and control strategy. This segmentation allows the system to reduce emissions through EV mode operation while managing complexity by providing pre-defined control modes rather than requiring continuous complex optimization calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from the selected hybrid driving mode to automatically adjust the reference state of charge and determine appropriate powertrain operating modes. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control process by using user-selected modes to guide the control strategy, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making while still achieving emission reduction goals through EV mode preference.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the controller uses cost function optimization to determine powertrain modes, then the noise levels are reduced by minimizing engine usage, but the computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-establishes reference state of charge values for different hybrid driving modes before real-time operation. By having these reference values pre-determined, the controller can quickly select appropriate powertrain modes based on the selected driving mode without requiring extensive real-time computational optimization, thus reducing noise through minimized engine usage while avoiding excessive processing time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a controller for a hybrid electric vehicle having an engine, electric propulsion means powered by energy storage means and electric generator means operable to be driven by the engine to recharge the energy storage means, the controller being operable to: receive a signal indicative of a required hybrid driving mode; receive a signal indicative of a state of charge of the energy storage means; determine which of a plurality of powertrain operating modes is appropriate for vehicle operation at a given moment, the powertrain operating modes including an engine charging mode in which the engine drives the generator means to recharge the energy storage means and an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the engine is switched off and the electric propulsion means is operable to develop drive torque to drive the vehicle; and cause the powertrain to assume the appropriate powertrain operating mode and the required hybrid driving mode, wherein the controller is operable to determine which of the plurality of powertrain operating modes is appropriate for vehicle operation in dependence at least in part on the signal indicative of the instant state of charge of the energy storage means and a reference value of state of charge, the controller being operable to set the reference value of state of charge to one of a plurality of different respective values in dependence on the signal indicative of the required hybrid driving mode.