Hybrid Vehicle External Power Heating System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in reducing petroleum-based fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions during driving cycles, as internal combustion engines require fuel for heating, which is not as energy-efficient as using external electric power for heating.
Innovation Solution
A system integrated in hybrid vehicles that uses an external power source to control the heating of engines and batteries through an electrical port, featuring heaters and a controller to manage energy transfer, allowing for efficient heating and maintaining optimal temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the internal combustion engine is used to heat the engine and battery during cold conditions, then the heating function is achieved, but petroleum-based fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the internal combustion engine and separated into dedicated electric heating elements (engine heater and battery heater) that can operate independently using external electric power, allowing the engine to remain off during cold conditions while still providing necessary heating
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical heating system (internal combustion engine) is replaced with an electrical heating system (electric heaters connected to external power source), substituting mechanical energy conversion with direct electrical heating to eliminate fuel consumption during cold weather operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine is shut off to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel economy improves, but the engine and battery may not reach optimal operating temperature
Solution Approach 1:
External electric power serves as an intermediary energy source that provides the necessary thermal energy to heat the engine and battery without requiring the internal combustion engine to run, enabling the engine to remain shut off while still achieving optimal operating temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The engine and battery are heated in advance using external electric power before the vehicle is driven, allowing them to reach optimal operating temperature before operation begins, thereby eliminating the need for warm-up fuel consumption during actual driving
3Use of energy by moving object
If external electric power is used to heat the engine and battery, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the system requires an electrical port and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical port and control system are designed to serve multiple functions: charging the battery and heating the engine/battery, allowing a single infrastructure to support both energy storage and thermal management needs of the hybrid vehicle system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system reduces fuel consumption and emissions by using external electric power to heat engines and batteries, enhancing energy efficiency and extending battery charging capacity, thereby improving overall vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
The engine heater is configured to heat the engine
Implementation Method 2
the battery heater is configured to heat the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling heating of at least one of an engine and a battery in a hybrid vehicle includes at least one heater and at least one system controller. The system controller receives a command signal and generates a heater control signal based on the command signal. The heater is in the hybrid vehicle and is electrically coupled to an electrical port integrated in the hybrid vehicle. The electrical port receives electric power from a power source external to the hybrid vehicle. In addition, the system includes a heater switch. The heater switch receives the heater control signal to control an amount of energy transferred from the electrical port to the heater and the heater selectively heats at least one of the engine and the battery in the hybrid vehicle.