Hybrid Powertrain Control for Aftertreatment Regeneration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exhaust aftertreatment systems in hybrid vehicles face degradation due to frequent regeneration events, which can lead to long-term damage and reduced emission-reduction capabilities, despite short-term performance restoration.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a controller to manage power distribution between the electric motor and engine, adjust engine load, and employ thermal management strategies to reduce the frequency of regeneration events, maintain system performance, and prevent long-term degradation by leveraging the hybrid powertrain to control aftertreatment system temperatures and soot accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regeneration events are performed frequently to restore short-term performance of aftertreatment components, then emission-reduction capability is improved, but long-term component lifespan deteriorates due to thermal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary thermal management actions before regeneration events are needed. It maintains aftertreatment system temperature within optimal ranges during normal operation, preventing excessive temperature buildup that would cause thermal degradation during regeneration. This preliminary temperature control allows regeneration to occur less frequently while still maintaining emission-reduction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts engine load and hybrid powertrain operation to control aftertreatment temperature in real-time. The controller modulates power distribution between the engine and electric motor, and adjusts engine operating parameters to maintain temperature within a window that prevents degradation while enabling occasional effective regeneration.
2Reliability
If engine load is increased to raise aftertreatment system temperature for regeneration, then soot accumulation is reduced, but powertrain efficiency deteriorates due to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid powertrain system performs multiple functions simultaneously. The electric motor assists the engine during transient conditions, enabling the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points while still achieving the power output needed to maintain aftertreatment temperature. The system uses electric power to supplement engine power during regeneration events, reducing the fuel penalty associated with high-load engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operating parameters of both the engine and electric motor to achieve aftertreatment heating with minimal fuel penalty. It adjusts engine speed, torque, and electric motor contribution dynamically to find the optimal combination that raises aftertreatment temperature while minimizing fuel consumption.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal management actions are taken to maintain aftertreatment system temperature, then component degradation is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The aftertreatment system uses its own exhaust heat and the existing hybrid powertrain controls to manage its temperature. The controller leverages normal hybrid vehicle operation modes (engine braking, electric motor assistance, idle control) to maintain aftertreatment temperature without requiring dedicated heating devices or complex thermal management hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing hybrid powertrain control system performs dual functions: managing vehicle power delivery and managing aftertreatment thermal state. The same controller and actuators used for powertrain management are also used for thermal management, avoiding the need for separate control systems and reducing overall complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the frequency of regeneration events, minimizing long-term degradation and maintaining short-term performance of aftertreatment system components, thereby extending their lifespan and ensuring consistent emission reduction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
directing, by the controller, an amount of power from an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle to a powertrain of the hybrid vehicle based on the increase in power demand
Implementation Method 2
directing, by the controller, an engine of the hybrid vehicle to operate at a relatively higher load than a present engine load
Implementation Method 3
reduces the frequency of regeneration events, minimizing long-term degradation
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, by a controller, that a transient event for a hybrid vehicle is occurring; determining, by the controller, an increase of power demand for the hybrid vehicle based on the determined transient event; directing, by the controller, an amount of power from an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle to a powertrain of the hybrid vehicle based on the increase in power demand, the amount of power from the electric motor determined based on at least one of a state of charge of a battery of the hybrid vehicle; and increasing, by the controller, an amount of power from an engine of the hybrid vehicle as a power output from the electric motor decays to avoid an engine power output spike from the engine based on the determined increase in power demand.