Vehicle Powertrain Freewheeling Control for Fuel-Saving Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles consume unnecessary fuel and emit excess emissions due to continuous engine operation during idling and inactivity, and existing stop-and-start systems do not effectively manage powertrain operations during varying driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computer system controls a powertrain system with freewheeling modes (first and second freewheeling, coasting, and engine braking) to optimize engine operation based on topography and vehicle data, allowing the engine to disconnect from drive wheels and manage transitions for efficient fuel use and emissions reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the engine operates continuously to maintain readiness for acceleration, then the vehicle can respond quickly to acceleration demands, but fuel consumption increases and emissions are generated during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (first freewheeling mode with rotating engine, second freewheeling mode with non-rotating engine, coasting mode, and engine braking mode) based on real-time driving conditions, topography data, and vehicle state, allowing the engine to be disconnected from drive wheels during freewheeling while maintaining acceleration capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses predictive algorithms and topography data to anticipate upcoming acceleration requirements, allowing the engine to remain rotating in the first freewheeling mode when acceleration is likely needed soon, while switching to second freewheeling mode with non-rotating engine when acceleration can be delayed, thus preparing in advance for acceleration demands without continuous operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is disconnected from drive wheels during freewheeling to save fuel, then fuel efficiency improves, but the vehicle loses the ability to quickly accelerate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over engine connection status, allowing smooth transitions between connected and disconnected states based on acceleration demands, enabling the vehicle to maintain acceleration capability while maximizing fuel savings during appropriate freewheeling periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the freewheeling operation into two distinct modes: first freewheeling mode with rotating engine for situations where acceleration may be needed, and second freewheeling mode with non-rotating engine for maximum fuel savings when acceleration can be delayed, allowing selective application of each mode based on conditions
3Reliability
If the engine is restarted frequently to maintain operation, then the engine remains warm and ready for power delivery, but engine wear increases and exhaust aftertreatment systems are exposed to cold exhaust gases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses predictive algorithms to anticipate when engine power will be needed, allowing the engine to remain rotating in the first freewheeling mode in advance of actual power demands, reducing the frequency of restarts while maintaining readiness for acceleration based on predicted driving conditions and topography
Solution Approach 2:
The system accepts temporary engine shutdown and cold exhaust conditions as acceptable trade-offs in exchange for significantly reduced engine wear and emissions during extended idle periods, using intelligent control to minimize restart frequency while maintaining overall system reliability
4Use of energy by moving object
If the system uses predictive algorithms and real-time data to optimize engine operation, then fuel savings and emissions reduction improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions including predictive algorithms, real-time data processing, topography analysis, and mode selection into a single unified system that manages all aspects of powertrain control, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated control strategies employed
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle state, driving conditions, and engine performance through feedback mechanisms, using this real-time information to dynamically adjust engine operation and mode selection, optimizing fuel savings while maintaining simplicity through adaptive control based on actual conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for controlling a powertrain system of a vehicle, the powertrain system comprising an internal combustion engine connectable to one or more drive wheels, the computer system comprising processing circuitry configured to selectively operate the powertrain system in: a first freewheeling mode; a second freewheeling mode; a coasting mode; and an engine braking mode; wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine vehicle target speed; determine that freewheeling mode condition is fulfilled based on any one of topography data and vehicle data; determine that the powertrain system is operating in either first freewheeling mode or second freewheeling mode; if the powertrain system is operating in first freewheeling mode and an acceleration level fulfills an acceleration level condition, control the powertrain system from first freewheeling mode to the coasting mode; and if the powertrain system is operating in second freewheeling mode, further determine to maintain second freewheeling mode.