Prognostic Module for Hybrid Vehicle Component Health Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems are reactive and unable to proactively test or predict the state of health of vehicle components, particularly in hybrid, fuel cell, and electric vehicles, which require advanced control strategies due to their dynamic operational ranges.
Innovation Solution
A prognostic system that uses test signals to assess the state of vehicle components by measuring responses such as voltage drop, leakage current, thermal impedance, and AC impedance, allowing for predictive maintenance and modified vehicle operation strategies based on component health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reactive monitoring system is used to track component operation characteristics, then the system can detect abnormal operation when it occurs, but it cannot predict or prevent component degradation before failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by conducting prognostic tests that actively stress components before failure occurs. Test signals are applied to components to provoke responses that reveal degradation states, allowing the system to predict future failures and take preventive action rather than merely reacting after abnormalities occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having components test themselves through automated prognostic testing. The control unit applies test signals to components and analyzes their responses to determine health status, eliminating the need for external manual testing and enabling continuous self-diagnosis of component conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional internal combustion engine control methods are used, then the control strategy is relatively simple, but it cannot address the wide dynamic ranges and diverse usage profiles of hybrid, fuel cell, and electric vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements universality by designing a prognostic testing system that can adapt to multiple vehicle types including hybrid, fuel cell, and electric vehicles. The system uses diverse test signals that can be applied to different components across various vehicle architectures, making the control strategy universally applicable rather than vehicle-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by implementing adaptive control strategies that respond to real-time component health status. The control unit dynamically adjusts vehicle operation based on prognostic test results, modifying control parameters according to the current state of power electronic modules and other components to optimize performance and prevent failure across varying operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If no active testing is performed on vehicle components, then the system operation is uninterrupted, but the system cannot determine the actual health state or predict future failures of components
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by conducting prognostic tests at scheduled intervals or under specific operating conditions. The control unit applies test signals to components periodically to assess their health status without requiring continuous testing, thereby balancing measurement precision with minimal disruption to vehicle operation and time loss.
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
Enables predictive determination of component health, allowing for proactive control strategies that limit degradation and prevent permanent damage, suitable for hybrid, fuel cell, and electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
testing a vehicle component by using a test signal to determine a forward-on voltage drop of the tested component
Implementation Method 2
testing a vehicle component by disabling at least one non-tested component and using a test signal to determine a leakage current in the tested component
Implementation Method 3
testing a component by providing a test signal to determine thermal impedance of the component
Implementation Method 4
testing a component by using a test signal to test for an AC impedance of the tested component
Data Source
AI summary
A prognostic method and system for testing and controlling various hybrid, fuel cell, and electric vehicle components. The tests generate test data for determining a state of the tested components. An operating strategy of the vehicle is controlled based on the state of its tested components.