Vehicle Power Inverter Standby Control for Low Activation Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power inverter control systems in hybrid vehicles maintain an active state at all times, leading to constant quiescent electrical current draw, which reduces range and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system that enables the power inverter to transition from an active state to a standby state when the first torque source is inactive and the second torque source is active, inhibiting quiescent electrical current draw, and requests the power inverter to transition back to an active state based on predictive conditions for impending activation of the first torque source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the power inverter is maintained in an active state at all times, then the inverter is ready to provide torque without latency, but quiescent electrical current draw increases continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by transitioning the power inverter to an active state before the actual activation condition is met. When the predictive condition (accelerator position exceeding first threshold) is satisfied, the inverter is activated in advance, so that by the time the activation condition (accelerator position exceeding second threshold) occurs, the inverter is already ready and no latency is experienced. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the system beforehand rather than waiting for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power inverter transitions dynamically between standby and active states based on predictive conditions rather than remaining statically active. The system monitors accelerator position and automatically transitions the inverter state, creating a dynamic control strategy that adapts to driver intent. This dynamic approach reduces average current draw while maintaining readiness when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power inverter transitions to a standby state to reduce current draw, then energy efficiency improves, but latency increases when activation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by activating the power inverter in advance when the predictive condition is satisfied (accelerator position > first threshold), before the actual activation condition occurs (accelerator position > second threshold). This pre-activation ensures that when full activation is needed, the inverter is already in active state and can provide torque immediately, thus eliminating latency while maintaining energy efficiency during normal standby operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors accelerator position and uses this feedback to determine when to transition the inverter between states. The feedback mechanism compares the current accelerator position against the first and second thresholds, enabling intelligent state transitions that balance energy efficiency with readiness requirements based on real-time driver input.
3Reliability
If the power inverter remains active during electric vehicle mode, then torque availability is ensured, but range is reduced due to continuous current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by predicting when torque from the first torque source will be needed based on driver input (accelerator position exceeding first threshold). Instead of maintaining continuous readiness, the inverter is activated only when predictive conditions indicate imminent need, thereby extending range while ensuring torque availability is not compromised when actually required.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by autonomously managing the inverter state transitions based on monitored accelerator position. The system independently determines when to activate or standby the inverter without requiring external intervention, optimizing the balance between torque availability and energy consumption for extended range.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system (208) for controlling a power inverter (214) of a vehicle (10), the vehicle comprising a first torque source (202), the power inverter for an electric machine (216) coupled to the first torque source, and a second torque source (212), the control system comprising one or more controllers (300), wherein the control system is configured to:enable (412) the power inverter to transition from an active state to a standby state in dependence on the first torque source being inactive while the second torque source is active (400), wherein the standby state is configured to inhibit quiescent electrical current draw by the power inverter;receive information on which an activation condition depends, the activation condition configured to cause at least activation of the first torque source;determine (404, 408) that a predictive condition for a requirement of the activation condition is satisfied, in dependence on the received information; andrequest (410) the power inverter to transition from the standby state to an active state in dependence on satisfaction of the predictive condition.