Hybrid Vehicle Torque Coordination Using Supplemental Torque Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in efficiently coordinating torque between internal combustion engines and electric motors, leading to potential sacrifices in vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and control system that dynamically adjust torque output by instructing torque sources to provide instantaneous torque, calculating torque errors, and activating supplemental torque sources based on efficiency scores to maintain optimal energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the internal combustion engine is operated to provide torque, then vehicle performance is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts torque source selection and coordination based on real-time operating conditions, vehicle state, and efficiency scores. The controller continuously monitors and reconfigures which torque sources (ICE or electric motors) are active and at what levels, optimizing the balance between performance and fuel efficiency throughout varying driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting torque demands, power split ratios, and engine operating points based on efficiency scores and vehicle requirements. The controller modulates torque output from each source and transitions between different operating modes (electric-only, hybrid, charge sustain) to maintain optimal fuel efficiency while meeting performance demands.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the electric drive system is operated to reduce emissions, then environmental performance is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to battery energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback through efficiency scores that continuously evaluate the environmental and energy implications of operating in electric mode versus hybrid mode. The controller uses this feedback to determine when electric-only operation is appropriate and when transitioning to hybrid or charge-sustain modes better balances emissions reduction with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between electric-only, hybrid, and charge-sustain operating modes based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, vehicle speed, torque demands, and efficiency scores. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maximize emissions reduction when conditions favor electric operation while conserving battery energy when conditions warrant engine assistance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple torque sources are coordinated to optimize energy usage, then fuel efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments torque source selection into distinct operating modes (electric-only, hybrid, charge-sustain) with specific efficiency score thresholds for each. This segmentation simplifies control logic by providing clear decision boundaries and predefined response strategies for different operating conditions, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple torque sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes efficiency score thresholds and operating mode definitions before runtime decision-making. By pre-defining the criteria for mode transitions and the sequence of torque source activation, the system reduces real-time computational complexity and enables faster, more straightforward control decisions during actual operation.
4Power
If supplemental torque sources are activated to meet torque demands, then vehicle performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates supplemental torque sources in a predetermined sequence based on efficiency scores and torque error thresholds. By pre-defining which torque sources should be activated first and under what conditions, the system ensures that the most efficient sources are utilized before engaging less efficient ones, optimizing the energy-cost of meeting torque demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes torque output parameters by adjusting the torque demand assigned to each source based on its efficiency score and current operating state. The controller dynamically modifies torque distribution parameters to maximize the use of high-efficiency sources while minimizing reliance on lower-efficiency sources, thereby reducing overall energy consumption for a given torque output requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a vehicle having a vehicle drive system and a plurality of torque sources connected to the vehicle drive system instructs a first torque source of the plurality of torque sources to provide an instantaneous torque to the vehicle drive system. The data processing hardware further receives a vehicle drive requested torque output and obtains a first available torque source output of the first torque source. The data processing hardware calculates a first torque error based on the requested torque output and the first available torque source output for the first torque source. The data processing hardware determines whether the first torque error exceeds a torque error threshold, and, when the first torque error exceeds the torque error threshold, activates a first supplemental torque source of the plurality of the torque sources to provide a first supplemental torque output to the vehicle drive system.