Hybrid Powertrain Torque Arbitration via Dual Control Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid powertrain systems face challenges in effectively arbitrating multiple torque requests from various components, such as the internal combustion engine and electric machine, to produce a single drive torque value, necessitating a coordinated control strategy to manage propulsion torque and axle torque while ensuring component protection and reducing data link latency.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented that determines a desired axle torque and arbitrates torque requests in an engine control module (ECM) and a hybrid control module (HCM), generating control signals for the internal combustion engine and electric machine to split propulsion torque control, facilitating component protection and reducing data link latency by assigning responsibility for transmission torque control to the HCM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single control module arbitrates all torque requests from multiple torque generators, then torque coordination is simplified, but data link latency increases and response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two separate control modules: a first control module (ECM) responsible for ICE torque requests and a second control module (HCM) responsible for EM torque requests. Each module independently arbitrates torque requests within its domain, eliminating the need for continuous serial data link communication and reducing latency. This segmentation allows parallel processing of torque arbitration without centralized bottlenecks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple torque features control drive torque simultaneously, then comprehensive vehicle control is achieved, but torque arbitration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arbitration system is segmented into two independent domains: ICE torque arbitration handled by the ECM and EM torque arbitration handled by the HCM. Each control module manages its own set of torque features independently, reducing the complexity of cross-module arbitration while maintaining comprehensive vehicle control capabilities through coordinated operation of both modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a serial data link as an intermediary communication channel between the ECM and HCM. This mediator enables the first control module to communicate torque-related information to the second control module and vice versa, allowing comprehensive torque control across both torque generators while maintaining independent arbitration processes.
3Loss of time
If transmission torque control is managed by the engine control module, then centralized control is maintained, but serial data link latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts transmission torque control responsibility from the engine control module (ECM) and assigns it to the hybrid control module (HCM). This extraction eliminates the need for the ECM to communicate transmission torque requests via the serial data link, thereby reducing data link latency. The HCM directly manages transmission torque control as part of its EM torque arbitration functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of regulating a torque output of each of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric machine (EM) in a hybrid powertrain system includes determining a desired axle torque of the hybrid powertrain system and arbitrating the desired axle torque and a first plurality of torque requests in an engine control module (ECM) of the hybrid powertrain system to provide an arbitrated axle torque request. The method further includes arbitrating a torque request, which is based on the arbitrated axle torque request, and a second plurality of torque requests in a hybrid control module (HCM) to provide a final torque request, and generating ICE control signals and EM control signals based on the final torque request.