Hybrid Powertrain Torque Control via Distributed Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engineers face challenges in effectively controlling powertrain systems with electro-mechanical transmissions to efficiently meet operator torque requests while optimizing costs, driveability, fuel economy, and emissions across various engine states.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system architecture that determines engine input torque and preferred engine states based on cost analysis, using a distributed control module system to selectively actuate torque-transfer clutches in hybrid powertrain systems, allowing operation in fixed gear and continuously variable modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a distributed control module architecture is used to monitor and control powertrain operation, then control precision and system reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules (engine control module, transmission control module, hybrid control module) that each handle specific control functions. This segmentation improves reliability by isolating failures to individual modules while maintaining overall system functionality, and allows parallel processing that reduces computational complexity in each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed control modules are designed to perform multiple functions - monitoring system states, determining optimal operating parameters, controlling actuators, and communicating with other modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cost determination is performed for multiple engine states to select a preferred state, then fuel economy and emissions are optimized, but computational time and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cost maps or cost functions for different engine states are pre-calculated and stored in memory during system operation or manufacturing. When control decisions are needed, the system retrieves these pre-computed values and compares them directly, avoiding the need to perform complex real-time optimization calculations, thus reducing computational time while maintaining fuel economy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system evaluates a limited set of predetermined engine states rather than continuously optimizing across all possible operating conditions. By focusing on discrete, pre-identified candidate states that are most likely to be optimal, the system achieves satisfactory fuel economy optimization with reduced computational effort compared to exhaustive optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission operates in continuously variable modes with electrical machines, then adaptability and torque control flexibility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines electrical machines (motors/generators) with the mechanical transmission system to create a hybrid powertrain architecture. This merging allows the electrical machines to provide continuous torque control capability and adaptability while sharing common structural components and control infrastructure with the mechanical transmission, thereby reducing overall complexity compared to fully independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed control modules act as intermediaries that coordinate between the electrical machines and mechanical transmission components. These control modules manage the interaction and torque distribution between electrical and mechanical systems, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a unified control layer that abstracts the complexity of coordinating multiple torque sources and transmission modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and article of manufacture are provided for operating an internal combustion engine adapted to transmit torque to a hybrid transmission. The method comprises determining engine input torque transmittable to the hybrid transmission for each of a plurality of engine states. Costs are determined for operating the engine and hybrid transmission in the engine states to substantially meet an operator torque request. A preferred engine state is selected based upon the determined costs. The engine is controlled based upon the preferred engine state to substantially meet an operator torque request.