Hybrid Powertrain Torque Monitoring and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powertrain control systems for electro-mechanical transmissions face challenges in efficiently managing torque transfer and optimizing operating modes to meet operator demands while ensuring fuel economy and protecting hardware components.
Innovation Solution
A control system that monitors operator torque requests and determines maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques, using a two-mode, compound-split electro-mechanical transmission with selective actuation of torque-transfer clutches to manage torque flow between an internal combustion engine and electric machines, optimizing operating modes for efficient energy use and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control system monitors and compares commanded transmission output torque with maximum and minimum allowable torques, then the reliability of the powertrain system is improved through fault detection, but the device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and comparison functions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the commanded transmission output torque and compares it with maximum and minimum allowable torque values. This feedback mechanism enables real-time fault detection by identifying when commanded torque exceeds allowable limits, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex additional hardware beyond standard control system components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electro-mechanical transmission uses selective actuation of torque-transfer clutches to manage torque flow, then the fuel economy is enhanced through optimized operating modes, but the device complexity increases due to multiple clutches and hydraulic circuit control
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-mechanical transmission employs selective actuation of torque-transfer clutches to dynamically switch between different operating modes (fixed gear and continuously variable ranges). This dynamic control allows the system to optimize torque flow and energy efficiency for different driving conditions, enhancing fuel economy while managing the complexity through programmable control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque-transfer clutches serve multiple functions: they enable fixed gear operation, continuously variable transmission modes, and torque management between electric machines and the driveline. This multi-functionality allows a single clutch mechanism to handle diverse operational requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control system determines maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques based on operator torque request, then the adaptability to operator demands is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional calculation and determination steps
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-establishes the relationship between operator torque requests and allowable torque limits through predetermined control logic and lookup tables. When an operator torque request is received, the system quickly determines maximum and minimum allowable torques by referencing pre-calculated parameters rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining adaptability while minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling a hybrid powertrain includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques based upon the operator torque request, determining a commanded transmission output torque, and comparing the commanded transmission output torque and each of the maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques.