Hybrid Vehicle Torque Control for Efficiency-Performance Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in dynamically adjusting torque distribution between engines and electric motors to prioritize either efficiency or output performance based on rider preferences, as existing systems do not effectively switch between these modes without compromising performance or efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method for a hybrid vehicle that determines whether efficiency or output performance is prioritized based on predetermined conditions, adjusting the torque distribution between the engine and electric motor accordingly, allowing for seamless switching between efficiency-focused and performance-focused driving states even with the same accelerator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If torque distribution is optimized for efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but output performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between efficiency-prioritized and output-prioritized driving states based on predetermined conditions (such as vehicle speed, acceleration requests, and battery state of charge). The control device adjusts torque distribution in real-time, transitioning from efficiency-optimized torque splitting to output-optimized torque splitting when acceleration demands exceed a threshold, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and output performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the torque distribution parameters between the engine and electric motor based on the driving state. In efficiency-prioritized mode, torque is distributed to minimize energy consumption. In output-prioritized mode, the system increases electric motor torque contribution and adjusts engine operating points to maximize total output power, thus adapting parameters to resolve the efficiency-output contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system prioritizes efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but accelerating performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors acceleration requests and vehicle dynamics in real-time. When the acceleration request exceeds a predetermined threshold or when rapid acceleration is detected, the control device transitions from efficiency-prioritized torque distribution to output-prioritized torque distribution, thereby improving accelerating performance while maintaining energy efficiency during normal driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors vehicle speed, acceleration requests, and battery state of charge, using this feedback to determine whether to maintain efficiency-prioritized mode or switch to output-prioritized mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that accelerating performance is improved only when necessary, while energy efficiency is maintained during steady-state operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If torque distribution is fixed for efficiency, then energy consumption is minimized, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic torque distribution that adapts to different driving conditions through real-time condition assessment. The control device evaluates predetermined conditions including vehicle speed, acceleration requests, battery state of charge, and road gradient, switching between efficiency-prioritized and output-prioritized torque distribution strategies accordingly. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining energy efficiency during suitable conditions while adapting to performance demands when conditions change.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to handle multiple driving scenarios and conditions using a unified control framework that can switch between different torque distribution strategies. This multi-functional capability allows the system to maintain energy efficiency during normal driving while adapting to various conditions such as acceleration, deceleration, uphill driving, and battery charging/discharging scenarios, thereby achieving both low energy consumption and high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device of a hybrid vehicle includes: a determiner that determines whether or not a predetermined first condition that efficiency is prioritized is satisfied and whether or not a predetermined second condition that output performance is prioritized; and a control unit that controls an engine and an electric motor in accordance with an accelerator manipulation amount and a determination result of the determiner. When the first condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the driving power source such that the driving power source outputs first driving force in a first driving state where the efficiency is prioritized, and when the second condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the driving power source such that the driving power source outputs second driving force larger than the first driving force in a second driving state where the output performance is prioritized.