Series Hybrid Powertrain Control for Battery SOH-Aware Torque Split

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid powertrain systems struggle to efficiently manage energy generation while maintaining the state of health of energy storage devices, leading to potential degradation and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for controlling energy generation in a series hybrid powertrain using a controller to dynamically adjust the energy output of a genset and energy storage device based on torque demand, state of charge, and state of health, employing a power-split algorithm to maintain or improve the state of health of the energy storage device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the genset operates at high power output to meet torque demand, then the power supply capability is improved, but the fuel efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidfuel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The genset power output is dynamically adjusted based on real-time state of health (SOH) of the energy storage device. The control system continuously monitors SOH and modulates the genset operating point accordingly, transitioning between high-power mode (when SOH is healthy) and reduced-power mode (when SOH degrades), thereby optimizing the trade-off between power supply capability and fuel efficiency throughout the device lifecycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the genset based on the state of health of the energy storage device. By adjusting the power output parameter dynamically according to SOH status, the system adapts its fuel consumption characteristics to match the remaining capacity and health condition of the energy storage device, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high power output and preserving fuel efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the genset operates at high power output continuously, then the torque demand is met, but the state of health of the energy storage device deteriorates faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque demand fulfillmentVSAvoidstate of health
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the state of health of the energy storage device and uses this information to adjust the genset power output. When SOH decreases, the system automatically reduces genset operating point to lessen the burden on the energy storage device, creating a closed-loop control that protects reliability while maintaining adequate productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary protective action by reducing genset power output before the energy storage device reaches critical failure points. By proactively adjusting the operating point based on SOH trends, the invention prevents accelerated degradation and extends the operational life of the energy storage device, ensuring long-term reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the energy storage device is used to meet torque demand, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the state of health of the energy storage device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidstate of health
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically balances the use of energy storage device discharge with genset generation based on SOH conditions. When SOH is high, the energy storage device can be utilized more aggressively for fuel efficiency gains. When SOH decreases, the system reduces reliance on the energy storage device and increases genset contribution, creating a dynamic allocation strategy that optimizes fuel efficiency while preserving device health

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the power allocation parameters between the energy storage device and the genset based on the state of health. By adjusting the discharge power limit and state of charge maintenance targets according to SOH, the system optimizes the balance between utilizing energy storage for fuel efficiency improvements and preserving the device's long-term health and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4299395B1System and method for controlling energy generation in a hybrid powertrain
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 CUMMINS INC
  • EP4299395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4299395B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4299395B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus includes an energy storage circuit, an input circuit, and a hybrid management circuit. The energy storage circuit is structured to receive a state of charge (SOC) and a state of health (SOH) of an energy storage device. The input circuit is structured to receive an indication of a torque demand. The hybrid management circuit is structured to determine a first torque output for a genset including an engine and a first motor-generator based on the torque demand and the SOC of the energy storage device; determine an adjustment factor based on the SOH of the energy storage device; determine an adjusted torque output for the genset based on the adjustment factor and the first torque output; operate the genset to provide the adjusted torque output and to generate an amount of energy; and operate a second motor-generator at a second torque output to meet the torque demand.