PHEV Engine Startup Reference Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) face challenges in maintaining fuel efficiency and control performance in auto mode when the driver forgets to set a destination, leading to unpredictable engine startup reference power adjustments and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A PHEV system that estimates average mileage and state of charge (SOC) per cycle using traveling information, converts SOC into All Electric Range (AER) for mode selection, and variably controls engine startup reference power based on estimated values to optimize power distribution between engine and electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the PHEV uses navigation system destination information to control engine startup reference power, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the system fails when destination is not set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation mechanism that mediates between the unavailable destination information and the required engine control. When navigation destination is not set, the system uses estimated average mileage and estimated average SOC as intermediary parameters to determine engine startup reference power, ensuring continuous reliable operation without direct dependency on destination data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using its own historical operating data (traveling information, SOC measurements) to estimate current state parameters. The controller estimates average mileage and average SOC based on the vehicle's own past performance and current battery sensor readings, enabling the system to autonomously determine appropriate engine control without external destination input.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the PHEV reduces engine startup reference power based on distance to destination, then fuel efficiency increases, but control performance deteriorates when destination is unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from destination-based distance to estimation-based average mileage and average SOC. By transforming the control basis from external navigation data to internal historical operating data, the system maintains parameter variability needed for fuel efficiency optimization while ensuring operational reliability when destination information is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary estimation of average mileage and average SOC based on historical data before actual engine startup control is needed. This preliminary action prepares the control parameters in advance, ensuring that when engine startup decision is required, the reference power can be immediately determined using pre-calculated estimation values even without current destination information.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which has an engine and a motor and travels using a power of the engine and an electric power of the motor, includes: a battery configured to supply a drive energy of the motor; a battery sensor configured to measure a state of charge (SOC) of the battery; and a controller configured to estimate an average mileage per cycle established using traveling information of the vehicle, estimate an average SOC per cycle using the measured SOC, and control a reference power needed for driving the engine according to the estimated average mileage and the estimated average SOC.