PHEV Drive Mode Control for Route-Based Emissions Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) face challenges in reducing emissions due to lower-than-expected all-electric driving share, difficulty in locating charging stations, and user confusion about drive modes, leading to unintended engine starts and missed opportunities for low-emission refueling.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling PHEV operation by receiving route data, determining electric range, and adjusting drive modes to suppress engine operation or prioritize low-carbon fuel use, including charge sustaining or increasing modes before refueling, and suggesting low-emission charging or refueling stops based on route conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PHEV offers multiple drive modes including force charge sustain or force charge deplete, then the vehicle can adapt to different driving conditions and user preferences, but the complexity of drive mode selection increases and users may accidentally select wrong modes leading to unintended engine starts
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and switches between drive modes based on real-time analysis of route distance, battery charge state, and refueling opportunities, eliminating the need for manual user selection and preventing accidental mode changes that lead to unintended engine starts
2Object-generated harmful factors
If PHEV prioritizes all-electric operation to reduce emissions, then tailpipe emissions are reduced, but the vehicle may miss opportunities to recharge at low emission recharging stations during trips that exceed battery range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary route analysis to identify low emission refueling opportunities before the trip begins, then proactively adjusts drive mode selection and timing to ensure the vehicle arrives at these opportunities with appropriate charge states, maximizing the ability to recharge with low emission fuels
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the balance between all-electric operation and engine operation based on real-time conditions, including proximity to low emission refueling stations, battery charge state, and route characteristics, allowing optimal emissions reduction strategy to be applied throughout the journey
3Object-generated harmful factors
If PHEV operates in charge depleting mode to maximize electric driving, then emissions are reduced, but the vehicle range is limited and may not reach low emission refueling stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the minimum engine operation required in advance to ensure the vehicle can reach low emission refueling stations, then applies only that necessary engine operation rather than excessive fuel consumption, optimizing the balance between range extension and emissions reduction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for selectively controlling hybrid drive modes of a hybrid vehicle to reduce emissions. In one example, a method may include using route planning and vehicle operating conditions to identify emissions reducing opportunities. In one example, in response to a route distance not exceeding an electric range, the method includes suppressing an operation of an engine based on the route data, ambient temperature, and cabin pre-conditioning. In response to the route distance exceeding the electric range, further in anticipation of a fuel station along the route, where the fuel station has a fuel with a carbon footprint less than a low carbon threshold, the method includes operating the hybrid vehicle in a charge sustaining or charge increasing mode prior to a refueling event at the fuel station.