PHEV Engine Control via EV Driving Accumulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) face issues with engine corrosion and lubricant leakage when driven exclusively in electric vehicle (EV) mode for extended periods, necessitating periodic engine operation despite unnecessary driving.

Innovation Solution

An engine control method that accumulates EV driving distance or time and compares it to reference values, operating the engine for inspection when thresholds are exceeded, and resetting counters upon engine operation to ensure periodic engine use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the PHEV is driven in the EV mode without operating the engine for a relatively long period of time to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel efficiency is improved, but corrosion, leakage of lubricant, and fuel damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidengine durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control method implements periodic engine operation by monitoring accumulated EV mode driving distance or time, and automatically operating the engine when predetermined thresholds are exceeded. This periodic activation prevents corrosion and lubricant degradation while maintaining overall fuel efficiency by limiting engine operation to necessary intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the engine is operated periodically to prevent corrosion and lubricant leakage, then engine durability is improved, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine durabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control method employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring EV mode driving distance or time accumulation, comparing it against predetermined thresholds, and automatically triggering engine operation only when necessary. This feedback-based approach ensures engine operation occurs at optimal intervals to maintain durability while minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the engine is operated frequently to ensure proper lubrication and prevent corrosion, then engine performance is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performanceVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control method applies partial action by operating the engine only for the minimum necessary duration and frequency to prevent corrosion and lubricant issues. Rather than continuous or frequent operation, the engine is activated only when accumulated EV driving exceeds thresholds, providing just enough operation to maintain engine performance while avoiding excessive fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9171408B2Engine control method of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An engine control method of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle may include accumulating an EV accumulated driving distance or an EV accumulated driving time. The EV accumulated driving distance or the EV accumulated driving time is compared with each of reference values. An engine is operated for inspection if the EV accumulated driving distance or the EV accumulated driving time is greater than each of the reference values.