Hybrid Powertrain Control via Predictive Clutch Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in fuel usage due to limitations in driving solely on electric energy, particularly at low speeds, and inefficient engine clutch engagement during gear shifting, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle's powertrain that uses electric energy to drive the motor at low speeds and strategically engages the engine clutch after gear shifting is complete, based on predictive calculations of motor speed and gear shifting patterns, to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce engine operation during gear shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine is used as the main power source at gear shifting time, then the vehicle can maintain drive power, but the engine clutch engagement becomes inefficient and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method predicts gear shifting time in advance and delays engine clutch engagement until after the gear shifting is completed. This preliminary planning allows the system to avoid unnecessary engine operation during gear shifting, reducing fuel consumption while ensuring the engine is ready to engage at the optimal moment to maintain drive power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine clutch engagement timing based on real-time gear shifting status and predicted shifting completion time. Instead of fixed engagement timing, the control method adapts the engagement moment to coincide with gear shifting completion, optimizing both power delivery and fuel efficiency under varying driving conditions.
2Reliability
If the engine clutch is engaged earlier to ensure drive power availability, then power delivery is reliable, but fuel efficiency decreases due to unnecessary engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of gear shifting completion time and uses this information to determine the optimal engine clutch engagement moment. By planning ahead and engaging the clutch precisely when needed (after gear shifting completes), the system ensures reliable power delivery without premature engine engagement that would waste fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method continuously monitors gear shifting status and uses this feedback to adjust engine clutch engagement timing. The system waits for confirmation that gear shifting is complete before engaging the clutch, ensuring power delivery reliability while avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption from early engine operation.
3Loss of energy
If the engine is delayed for startup to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the vehicle may lack drive power when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts gear shifting completion time in advance and schedules engine startup to occur before this predicted time. This preliminary planning ensures the engine is ready to engage immediately when gear shifting completes, maintaining drive power availability while minimizing the duration of engine operation and reducing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses its own predicted gear shifting timeline to autonomously determine the optimal engine startup moment. By serving its own power delivery requirements through intelligent timing prediction, the system ensures drive power is available when needed while naturally minimizing unnecessary engine operation and fuel consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a powertrain in a hybrid vehicle includes driving a drive motor through a power supply device including electric energy, recognizing when drive power of an engine is necessary, comparing a speed of the drive motor with a predicted output of the engine, and determining whether to start the engine and couple the engine clutch according to a result of the comparison.