Hybrid Propulsion Switching Feedback for Lower Vehicle Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in reducing environmental impact due to inefficient switching between internal combustion engines and electric motors, leading to higher emissions than potential, despite stricter emission standards.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that gather data on vehicle propulsion switching, compare it to model data, and provide driver recommendations to optimize the use of electric motors over internal combustion engines, reducing emissions by encouraging environmentally conscious driving behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle switches between internal combustion engine and electric machine based on operating parameters, then fuel efficiency is improved, but emissions control becomes difficult to optimize
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors operating parameters (vehicle speed, acceleration, battery state of charge, engine temperature) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust propulsion source selection. The driver behavior suggestion system provides real-time feedback to guide drivers toward operating patterns that optimize both fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system dynamically switches between internal combustion engine and electric machine based on real-time operating conditions. The system adapts to changing vehicle states (acceleration, deceleration, cruising, idling) and environmental factors to optimize the balance between fuel efficiency and emissions control on a moment-by-moment basis.
2Ease of operation
If drivers manually select propulsion source based on operating parameters, then operational flexibility is improved, but emissions optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors operating parameters and determines optimal propulsion source selection without requiring driver intervention. The driver behavior suggestion system provides recommendations that enable drivers to make informed decisions, effectively allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing emissions while maintaining driver control and flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If the system collects and analyzes propulsion switching data, then measurement precision of emissions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing vehicle sensors and control systems serve multiple functions: they monitor operating parameters for propulsion source selection, track emissions data for regulatory compliance, and provide input for driver behavior suggestions. This multi-functionality allows precise emissions measurement without adding dedicated complex measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines data collection, emissions calculation, and driver behavior analysis into a unified software-based approach. By merging these functions into the existing vehicle control unit and utilizing standard communication protocols (CAN bus), the system achieves precise emissions measurement while minimizing additional hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a hybrid vehicle includes obtaining propulsion switching data descriptive of a state of one or more vehicle systems for switching power flow of an internal combustion engine and an electric machine. The propulsion switching data may be used to provide a driver behavior recommendation and/or an actual environmental impact of the hybrid vehicle.