Hybrid Powertrain Setpoint Control With Gear Ratio Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for hybrid powertrains in motor vehicles do not always achieve optimal distribution of power between electric motors and internal combustion engines, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption and battery charge management.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a gearbox ratio parameter into the convex optimization method to determine the optimal distribution of power between electric and internal combustion engines, ensuring minimal fuel consumption and battery charge levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If convex optimization method is used to distribute power between electric motor and internal combustion engine, then power distribution is optimized, but gearbox ratio is not considered leading to suboptimal results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidoptimization result effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the optimization space by adding gearbox ratio as a third dimension to the existing two-dimensional power distribution optimization. Instead of only optimizing electric motor power and internal combustion engine power, the method now simultaneously optimizes these two power parameters plus the gearbox ratio, transforming a 2D optimization problem into a 3D optimization problem that yields more comprehensive and effective results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If gearbox ratio is added to the optimization parameters, then optimization accuracy is improved, but calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization accuracyVSAvoidcalculation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex three-parameter optimization problem into a systematic process: first acquiring the requested power at the drive wheels, then using convex optimization to simultaneously determine the optimal electric motor power, internal combustion engine power, and gearbox ratio. By structuring the optimization in a standardized convex framework, the method manages calculation complexity while achieving higher accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3589519B1Method for calculating a control setpoint of a hybrid powertrain of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 RENAULT SA
  • EP3589519B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3589519B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~5
  • EP3589519B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for calculating a control setpoint of a hybrid powertrain of a motor vehicle (1), said hybrid powertrain comprising an electric motor (32) and an internal combustion engine (22) that is equipped with a gearbox (23) and that is supplied with fuel, said method comprising: - a step of acquiring a value relative to a power (Pr) requested at the drive wheels (10) of the motor vehicle, and - a step of determining the contribution of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine in order to satisfy the request for power at the drive wheels. According to the invention, the determination step involves calculating a triplet of three values, one value relating to the electromechanical power (Pm) that the electric motor must provide, one value relating to the thermomechanical power (Pth) that the internal combustion engine must provide and one value relating to the ratio (Rth) that needs to be engaged in the gearbox, this triplet minimising the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine and the current consumption of the electric motor.