Hybrid Powertrain Control for Engine Restart Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing the interaction between internal combustion engines and electric motor/generators across varying driving conditions, particularly in restarting the engine based on energy storage device parameters and actuator states, which affects overall powertrain efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid powertrain system with a control system that includes a motor/generator, a belt drive train, a gear train, and a starter mechanism, along with energy storage devices and switching devices, is controlled by an electronic controller executing algorithms to establish multiple operating modes based on parameters like state-of-charge, temperature, and actuator states to optimize engine restart and power distribution between the engine and motor/generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is restarted based on energy storage device parameters and actuator states, then the powertrain efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts operating modes based on real-time parameters including energy storage device state-of-charge, temperature, and actuator states. The system transitions between different operating modes (engine off, engine on, motor/generator assist) to optimize powertrain efficiency while managing the complexity through adaptive control rather than fixed complex architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors multiple parameters (energy storage device state-of-charge, temperature, actuator states) and uses this feedback to determine optimal engine restart timing and operating mode selection. This feedback mechanism enables efficiency optimization without requiring overly complex predetermined control logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating modes are established based on energy storage device parameters, then the adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but the control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multiple dynamic operating modes that adapt to varying driving conditions based on energy storage device parameters. The control algorithm selects from predefined modes (engine off, engine on, motor/generator assist, regenerative braking) rather than computing complex optimal control in real-time, balancing adaptability with algorithm simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses parameter thresholds (state-of-charge levels, temperature ranges, actuator states) to trigger transitions between operating modes. This parameter-based control strategy enables adaptability to different driving conditions while keeping the control algorithm relatively simple through threshold-based decision logic rather than complex optimization algorithms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the motor/generator is used for engine starting and regenerative braking, then the power utilization is improved, but the mechanical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator serves multiple functions: engine starting, propulsive assistance during acceleration, and regenerative braking. This multi-functionality improves power utilization by maximizing the use of the electric motor/generator across different operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in mechanical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the starting motor and alternator functions into a single motor/generator unit connected to the engine crankshaft via a belt drive system. This merging of functions into one component reduces the number of separate mechanical components compared to traditional starting alternator systems, improving power utilization while controlling mechanical 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 system enhances the hybrid powertrain's efficiency by dynamically adjusting operating modes to optimize engine restart and power distribution, improving fuel efficiency and performance across different driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a motor/generator. A belt drive train is operatively connectable to the crankshaft and to the motor/generator
Implementation Method 2
A first energy storage device that is operable within a first range of operating voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid powertrain with an engine, motor/generator, a belt drive train, a starting mechanism and one or more switching devices for one or more energy storage devices has at least one electronic controller that executes a stored algorithm and controls the hybrid powertrain in accordance with the stored algorithm to establish multiple operating modes including an operating mode in which a first switching device establishes an electrical connection between a first energy storage device and the motor/generator. The operating mode established can be dependent upon a parameter of the first energy storage device, a parameter of the control system, a parameter of the motor/generator, and/or a parameter of said at least one actuator. For example, the stored algorithm can control the hybrid powertrain based on a capacity to restart the engine.