Opportunity Charging Strategy for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plug-in hybrid vehicle powertrain systems lack an efficient strategy to opportunistically charge the energy storage device during a trip, leading to suboptimal state-of-charge management and reduced electric vehicle range.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a HOLD+SOC strategy that allows the hybrid powertrain system to operate in an opportunity charging mode, increasing the state-of-charge of the energy storage device before transitioning to a charge-sustaining mode, by employing the engine to generate electric power when conditions such as peak efficiency and favorable operating conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the hybrid powertrain system operates in charge-depletion mode to reduce SOC, then the vehicle can maximize electric range utilization, but the energy storage device depletes too quickly and forces transition to charge-sustaining mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions during periods when the vehicle is static or during opportunity charging events, storing energy in advance for later use during charge-depletion mode operation, thereby extending the duration of electric range
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between charge-depletion mode and opportunity charging events in a periodic manner, allowing the energy storage device to be depleted during driving and recharged during static periods or favorable operating conditions, thus maintaining longer-term electric range capability
2Quantity of substance
If the hybrid powertrain system operates in charge-sustaining mode to maintain SOC, then the energy storage device remains charged, but the vehicle loses electric range opportunity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts between charge-sustaining and charge-depletion modes based on real-time conditions such as driver behavior, traffic patterns, and energy storage device state, allowing optimal switching between maintaining charge and utilizing electric range
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors driver behavior patterns and energy storage device state, using this feedback to determine the optimal timing for transitioning between charge-sustaining and charge-depletion modes, thereby maximizing electric range utilization while maintaining adequate charge levels
3Reliability
If the system transitions to charge-sustaining mode at minimum SOC, then the energy storage device is protected from over-depletion, but the vehicle must reduce electric machine usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging during opportunity charging events before the energy storage device reaches minimum SOC, preventing the need to transition to charge-sustaining mode and maintaining electric machine utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the SOC threshold parameter dynamically based on driving patterns and opportunity charging availability, allowing deeper discharge into the charge-sustaining mode range when favorable conditions exist, thereby maintaining higher electric machine utilization while protecting the energy storage device
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
This strategy enhances the vehicle's electric range by opportunistically charging the battery during trips, allowing for extended all-electric vehicle mode operation and maintaining fuel economy without compromising drive quality.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical energy storage device, e.g., a battery, stores DC electrical power that can be transferred and converted to AC electric power using an inverter device to operate the multiphase electric machine
Implementation Method 2
Known non-combustion torque machines include multiphase electric motors that transform electric power to mechanical power
Implementation Method 3
Known internal combustion engines include multi-cylinder heat engines that convert stored fuel to mechanical power through combustion processes
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid powertrain system and an energy storage device. A method for operating the hybrid powertrain system includes initially operating the hybrid powertrain system in a charge-depletion mode to reduce a state-of-charge (SOC) of an energy storage device. In response to an operator request, the hybrid powertrain system operates in an opportunity charging mode to opportunistically charge the energy storage device to increase the SOC of the energy storage device during a trip prior to achieving a minimum SOC that is associated with triggering operation in a charge sustaining mode.