PHEV Control System Optimizes Operating Costs via Dynamic Charge Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluctuations in energy prices pose challenges for automotive customers, as existing plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) strategies do not consider operating costs associated with different energy sources, leading to increased costs in areas with higher electricity prices and reduced cost-savings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that adjusts engine-based battery power requests based on changes in electricity and fuel prices, increasing energy draw from the external electrical source when electricity is cheaper and using the engine more when electricity costs are higher than fuel costs, by modifying the battery charge points and state of charge thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the vehicle operates in electric only mode to achieve best fuel economy, then fuel consumption is reduced, but operating costs increase in areas with high electricity prices
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control system dynamically adjusts operating modes (electric only, engine only, or hybrid) based on real-time electricity and fuel price data. The system transitions from static manufacturer-defined operating strategies to dynamic, price-responsive control that optimizes operating costs while maintaining fuel economy benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (battery charge points, state of charge thresholds, engine operation points) based on electricity and fuel price comparisons. When electricity prices are high relative to fuel prices, the system adjusts parameters to increase engine-based charging; when electricity prices are low, it increases plug-in charging utilization.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle uses plug-in charging to reduce operating costs, then fuel consumption is reduced, but operating costs increase in areas with high electricity prices
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring electricity and fuel prices, comparing them against predetermined thresholds, and adjusting operating modes accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the vehicle responds to price fluctuations to minimize operating costs while achieving fuel economy goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating strategy dynamically adapts to changing price conditions. The system modifies battery charge points and state of charge thresholds in real-time based on the relative costs of electricity and fuel, enabling flexible optimization of operating costs without sacrificing fuel economy benefits.
3Productivity
If the manufacturer designs fixed operating strategies to achieve desired fuel economy, then fuel economy is optimized, but adaptability to price fluctuations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control system serves multiple functions: it maintains fuel economy optimization while simultaneously responding to price fluctuations. The system can operate in electric only mode, engine only mode, or hybrid mode, and dynamically selects among these functions based on price conditions, making the vehicle adaptable to various economic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms static manufacturer-defined operating strategies into dynamic, adaptive control that responds to real-time price data. The control system adjusts battery charge points, state of charge thresholds, and engine operation points based on electricity and fuel price comparisons, enabling the vehicle to maintain fuel economy while adapting to price volatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle operates the engine and/or traction motor in response to energy costs or prices received from an external source, such as a user or network. The vehicle can include a battery; an engine; an electric motor; a memory to store a battery charge point, and a controller to modify the battery charge point in response to arbitration criteria to control battery charging from the engine. The arbitration criteria can be based at least partially on fuel cost for the engine. The arbitration criteria can be based at least partially on electricity cost. The arbitration criteria can also include location of the vehicle. The controller may alter a deadband between charging the battery with the engine and discharging the battery to power the traction motor based on the arbitration criteria.