Motor Control Modules for Electrified Vehicle Traction Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrified vehicles, particularly fuel cell vehicles, face challenges in efficiently managing propulsion demands and resource balancing across multiple power modules, leading to potential load and resource imbalances that can affect performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple motors connected to a drivetrain with multiple control modules, including a power control module per motor, which switches between drive and traction control modes to optimize propulsion and resource distribution, ensuring efficient power management and balancing across power modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple power control modules operate respective assigned motors independently in drive mode, then each motor can be controlled individually, but load and resource imbalances occur across power modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control authority during traction events by having one control module assume operational control of multiple motors simultaneously. This consolidation ensures coordinated power distribution and prevents load imbalances while maintaining individual motor control capabilities during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between drive mode (independent control) and traction control mode (consolidated control) based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both individual motor control and load balancing across different operational scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If multiple control modules operate independently, then detailed local control is achieved, but overall propulsion demand satisfaction becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator control module that coordinates between individual motor control and overall propulsion demands. This intermediary ensures that local precision control and global propulsion efficiency are both satisfied by managing power distribution across motors in a centralized manner during traction events.
3Device complexity
If power control modules operate assigned motors independently, then modular control architecture is maintained, but resource distribution imbalances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control modules are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both independent drive mode and consolidated traction control mode. This universality allows the system to maintain modular architecture benefits while achieving efficient resource distribution through centralized control when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a drivetrain and multiple motors. The drivetrain includes at least one wheel, and is mechanically connected to the motors. The vehicle additionally includes multiple control modules communicatively connected to the motors. The control modules include a power control module per motor. Each power control module is assigned a motor, communicatively connected to the assigned motor, and configured to operate the assigned motor. In response to a traction event, the control modules are configured to switch from a drive mode to a traction control mode. In the drive mode, the power control modules are configured to operate the respective assigned motors to contributorily satisfy at least one propulsion demand global to the vehicle. In the traction control mode, one of the control modules is configured to operate the motors to contributorily satisfy at least one propulsion demand global to the vehicle.