Multi-Mode Powertrain Controller Architecture for Torque Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain control systems face challenges in efficiently managing torque distribution across multiple propulsion sources, including internal combustion engines and non-combustion torque machines, to achieve optimal vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, particularly in hybrid powertrain systems with passive transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A controller architecture that integrates engine, transmission, and hybrid control modules to determine and execute torque commands across internal combustion engines, non-combustion torque machines, and passive transmissions, enabling coordinated operation to achieve desired axle torque and gear selection based on operator inputs and operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-mode powertrain system with multiple propulsion sources is used, then vehicle performance and fuel efficiency are improved, but torque distribution management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into three distinct control modules: engine controller, transmission controller, and hybrid controller. Each module independently manages specific aspects of torque distribution, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimized fuel efficiency across multiple propulsion sources
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid controller serves multiple functions by managing torque commands for non-combustion torque machines, determining hybrid engine torque commands, and coordinating with both the engine controller and transmission controller, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated control systems
2Power
If coordinated operation of multiple torque machines is implemented, then desired axle torque is achieved, but control architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control architecture is divided into specialized controllers: the engine controller manages combustion engine torque, the hybrid controller manages non-combustion torque machines, and the transmission controller manages passive transmission operation. This segmentation enables coordinated torque delivery without requiring a single complex control system
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid controller acts as an intermediary that receives torque requests and distributes appropriate torque commands to both the engine controller and transmission controller, coordinating the operation of multiple torque machines while simplifying the overall control architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A controller architecture for a vehicle including a multi-mode powertrain system includes an engine controller having a control routine for determining and executing engine torque commands responsive to a hybrid engine torque command, and a control routine for determining a propulsion axle torque command responsive to an output torque request. The controller architecture further includes transmission controller having a control routine for selecting and effecting operation of the passive transmission in a preferred gear responsive to the output torque request. The controller architecture further includes a hybrid controller having control routines for determining and executing torque commands for each of the non-combustion torque machines and for determining the hybrid engine torque command to achieve a desired axle torque in response to the propulsion axle torque command with the passive transmission operating in the preferred gear.