Hybrid Vehicle Propulsion Control After Engine Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles experience loss of propulsion due to internal combustion engine malfunctions, requiring a method to allow the vehicle to reach a desired destination safely and efficiently after such an event.
Innovation Solution
A method involving data communication between the vehicle and a command center to determine the current location and desired destination, assess vehicle operating parameters, and send remedial action commands to the vehicle to enable it to proceed to the destination, potentially using alternative modes like charge-sustaining or charge-depletion, while considering speed and distance constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal combustion engine malfunctions causing loss of propulsion, then the vehicle cannot operate as designed, but the vehicle still needs to reach the desired destination
Solution Approach 1:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the malfunctioning engine and the vehicle's propulsion needs. When engine malfunction is detected, the control module mediates by commanding the electric machine to provide compensatory torque, ensuring the vehicle can still reach its destination despite the engine failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching from engine-only propulsion to electric machine-assisted propulsion. The control module modifies the torque distribution parameters, increasing electric machine contribution when engine performance deteriorates, allowing the vehicle to maintain propulsion capability despite engine malfunction.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle uses alternative propulsion modes after engine failure, then the vehicle can reach the destination, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine provides partial compensation rather than full propulsion. The control module calculates the exact amount of torque needed from the electric machine to maintain acceptable vehicle performance, using only the necessary energy rather than maximum capacity, thus reducing overall energy consumption while still enabling destination reach.
3Loss of energy
If the vehicle operates with reduced propulsion capability, then energy is conserved, but the vehicle speed and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control module dynamically adjusts the electric machine's torque contribution based on real-time vehicle conditions, driver demands, and energy state. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the balance between energy conservation and speed maintenance, adjusting propulsion levels continuously rather than using fixed reduced-capacity operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric machine includes the following steps: (a) sending data indicative of a current location of the hybrid vehicle to a command center after the hybrid vehicle experiences the loss of propulsion; (b) sending data indicative of a desired destination to the command center; (c) receiving a remedial action command from the command center, wherein the remedial action command is based, at least in part, on vehicle operating parameters, the current location of the hybrid vehicle, and the desired destination; and (d) commanding the hybrid vehicle to perform a remedial action corresponding to the remedial action command, wherein the remedial action allows the hybrid vehicle to travel from the current location to a predetermined location after the hybrid vehicle has experienced the loss of propulsion.