Hybrid Powertrain Hydraulic Cooling With Independent Flow Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicle powertrains, existing cooling systems often over-supply cooling oil, leading to inefficient operation of components due to mismatched flow rates, resulting in some parts not operating within an efficient temperature range.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with independently controlled cooling branches and solenoid valves allows for precise adjustment of cooling flow to each power terminal, using a controller to calculate and distribute cooling and pressure requirements based on traveling demand and road conditions, optimizing the operation of drive motors, generators, clutches, and transmission systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single pump supplies cooling oil to multiple parts through throttle valves, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling flow rate to each part cannot be independently adjusted, causing some parts to receive excessive cooling and others insufficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling branches, each serving a specific power terminal (drive motor, generator, clutch, transmission system). Each branch is equipped with its own control element (solenoid valve), allowing independent flow control for each component without affecting others. This segmentation enables precise matching of cooling flow rates to the actual cooling demands of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically controllable solenoid valves in each cooling branch that can adjust opening degrees based on real-time cooling demands. The controller receives temperature feedback from various power terminals and dynamically regulates the flow rate to each component, transforming the static throttle valve system into a dynamic, adaptive cooling system that responds to changing operational conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If throttle valves are used to distribute cooling oil, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the cooling flow rate is fixed according to valve size ratios, preventing optimization of cooling for each part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical throttle valve system with an electro-hydraulic control system. Solenoid valves actuated by electrical signals from the controller substitute for fixed mechanical throttle settings. This substitution enables electronic control of cooling flow rates, providing continuous adjustability and adaptability to different operating conditions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized electro-hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic changes in cooling flow rate parameters for each power terminal based on real-time operational conditions. The controller adjusts the opening degree of solenoid valves to modify flow rates, and the system can adapt cooling parameters in response to temperature feedback, power demand, and road conditions, transforming the fixed parameter system into a variable parameter system.
3Reliability
If cooling flow is increased to meet the highest cooling demand, then the part with highest demand is adequately cooled, but other parts receive excessive cooling that wastes energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors on various power terminals that provide real-time feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the cooling flow rate to each component, ensuring adequate cooling when needed while minimizing or stopping cooling when not required. This feedback mechanism prevents both under-cooling and over-cooling, optimizing energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing full cooling capacity to all parts simultaneously, the system applies partial cooling action only to those parts that currently require it. The solenoid valves can be partially opened or fully closed depending on the cooling demand of each power terminal, avoiding the excessive cooling waste that occurs when full cooling capacity is supplied to all components regardless of their actual needs.
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 solution ensures each power terminal operates within an efficient temperature range, improving the overall efficiency of the powertrain by adjusting cooling flow and pressure as needed, reducing energy consumption and enhancing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler 30, and a plurality of cooling branches n. The cooler 30 is disposed on the main cooling oil path m
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of cooling branches is configured to cool one or more of a drive motor 50a, a generator 50d, a clutch 50b, and a transmission system 50c
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system for a powertrain of a vehicle, the powertrain includes a drive motor, a generator, a clutch, or a transmission system. The hydraulic system includes: an oil tank; a main cooling oil path, a first end of the main cooling oil path being communicated with the oil tank, where a first oil pump and a cooler are disposed on the main cooling oil path; and multiple cooling branches, the cooling branches connected to a second end of the main cooling oil path, the first oil pump configured to pump an oil in the oil tank to the cooling branches, a control element disposed on each of the cooling branches, the control element configured to control opening and closing of a corresponding cooling branch, and the cooling branches configured to cool one or more of the drive motor, the generator, the clutch, and the transmission system.