Hybrid Power System Aftertreatment Regeneration Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine systems face challenges in generating sufficient and sustained elevated temperatures for aftertreatment component regeneration, which often results in reduced fuel economy and operator dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power system that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric component, where a controller determines engine loading commands to apply oppositional torque to the output shaft, enhancing aftertreatment regeneration by adjusting engine operation parameters such as temperature and battery state of charge, to ensure effective thermal regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional engine behaviors are used to generate elevated temperatures for aftertreatment regeneration, then the regeneration function is improved, but fuel economy significantly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the internal combustion engine with an electric component (motor-generator) to form a hybrid power system. The electric component assists the engine during regeneration events by providing additional torque, allowing the engine to operate at lower loads while still achieving the necessary exhaust temperatures for aftertreatment regeneration, thus improving fuel economy while maintaining regeneration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the engine by using the electric component to adjust the torque demand on the engine. During regeneration events, the electric component can absorb excess torque requirements, allowing the engine to operate in a more fuel-efficient operating range while still generating sufficient exhaust heat for regeneration through coordinated control of engine and electric component
2Reliability
If conventional engine behaviors are used to generate elevated temperatures for aftertreatment regeneration, then the regeneration function is improved, but operator satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid power system merges the engine and electric component capabilities to provide regeneration assistance without requiring the operator to notice or respond to the process. The electric component handles the additional workload during regeneration events, maintaining smooth vehicle operation and preventing the engine from entering modes that would affect driver experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs regeneration events automatically through coordinated control of the engine and electric component without requiring operator intervention. The control system monitors regeneration needs and automatically adjusts the operating parameters, allowing the vehicle to self-manage the regeneration process while maintaining normal driving conditions
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
This approach effectively increases the workload on the engine to assist aftertreatment regeneration, improving temperature management and reducing the fuel economy penalties associated with existing methods, thereby enhancing the regeneration process.
Implementation Method 1
A hybrid power system includes an internal combustion engine and an electric component, where a controller determines engine loading commands to apply oppositional torque to the output shaft
Implementation Method 2
The regeneration event in many cases includes an elevated temperature sustained over a period of time. The internal combustion engine produces an exhaust gas stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and producing an exhaust gas stream, providing an electric motor operatively coupled to the output shaft, and determining a regeneration state of an aftertreatment component that treats the exhaust gas stream. The method further includes determining an engine torque requirement such that, when the internal combustion engine achieves the engine torque requirement at a present set of operating conditions, a temperature of the exhaust gas stream will achieve an exhaust gas temperature threshold. The method further includes commanding the electric motor to apply a counter torque to the output shaft in response to the regeneration state indicating an active thermal regeneration event, where the counter torque comprises is high enough for the internal combustion engine to achieve the engine torque requirement. The exhaust gas temperature threshold may be a hold-warm temperature and/or a regeneration temperature.