Motor Torque Distribution for PHEV Charging Overheat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) face issues with motor overheating during charging modes, leading to suspended battery charging and potential component burning, which limits driving in electric vehicle (EV) mode due to excessive heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A motor control method and apparatus that distribute driving torque from an engine to both the driving motor and hybrid starter & generator (HSG) motor, using a controller to adjust power generation based on temperature thresholds to prevent overheating, including reducing power generation by the driving motor and transferring torque to the HSG motor when temperatures exceed certain levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driving motor operates continuously to generate power for charging the battery, then the battery charging efficiency is improved, but the motor temperature increases excessively causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single driving motor into two separate motors: a first driving motor and a second driving motor (HSG motor). This segmentation allows the system to distribute the power generation load across multiple motors, preventing any single motor from overheating while maintaining battery charging efficiency. Each motor can operate at optimal temperature ranges while collectively providing the required power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of motor operation based on real-time temperature monitoring. The controller adjusts which motor operates and at what power level according to temperature thresholds. When the first motor exceeds a first temperature threshold, the system dynamically switches to using the second motor. When both motors exceed a second temperature threshold, the system dynamically adjusts power generation levels to maintain safe operating temperatures while continuing charging operations.
2Power
If the driving motor operates at high power for extended periods, then the power output is improved, but the motor overheats causing charging suspension and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages power distribution and motor selection based on temperature conditions. The controller receives temperature signals from sensors and automatically adjusts motor operation to prevent overheating. This intermediary control system ensures that high power output can be maintained when temperatures are acceptable, while automatically preventing overheating-related failures, thus maintaining both power output and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor system by introducing temperature-based control thresholds. The system monitors motor temperature and adjusts operating parameters (which motor operates, at what power level) based on temperature thresholds. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain high power output when conditions permit while preventing overheating, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing power capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the motor temperature is allowed to increase for sustained power generation, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the excessive heat causes burning of components and affects motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power generation function across two motors, the system can distribute heat generation across multiple components. This segmentation prevents concentrated heat buildup that would damage individual motors while maintaining overall energy conversion efficiency. The HSG motor specifically serves as a backup power generation source that can operate when the primary motor reaches thermal limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system using temperature sensors to monitor motor temperatures in real-time. The sensor signals are fed back to the controller, which adjusts motor operation to prevent excessive heat generation. This feedback mechanism ensures that energy conversion efficiency is optimized within safe temperature ranges, automatically preventing heat damage to components while maintaining efficient energy conversion.
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
Prevents motor overheating, enhances operational reliability, allows continuous battery charging, and enables hassle-free driving in EV mode by effectively managing temperature through torque distribution and power adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
the HSG motor mainly starts the engine and functions as a generator. Both motors may supply power to the PHEV together with the engine, and function as a generator configured to convert mechanical energy of the engine into electric energy.
Implementation Method 2
The PHEV may be driven in various different driving modes such as an electric vehicle (EV) mode that corresponds to a mode of a pure electric vehicle using power of a motor
Data Source
AI summary
A motor control method is provided and includes reducing first power generated by a first motor and operating a second motor to generate second power corresponding to the reduced first power when a temperature of the first motor is greater than a first temperature. Additionally, generation of the first power by the first motor is suspended and the second power is generated by the second motor when the temperature of the first motor is greater than a second temperature. Generation of the second power by the second motor is suspended when at least one of the temperature of the first motor and a temperature of the second motor is greater than a third temperature.