Pseudo-EV Range Powertrain State Selection for Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powertrain systems face challenges in efficiently managing torque transfer among engines, torque machines, and drivelines while optimizing for fuel economy, emissions, and driveability, particularly in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle systems, where existing control methods do not adequately account for power losses and operational stability across varying engine and transmission states.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that evaluates and selects a preferred powertrain state, including pseudo-electric vehicle ranges, to minimize operating costs by determining the minimum cost of operating in candidate states, allowing for efficient torque transfer and reduced power losses through the use of a selection scheme that considers engine and transmission operating points, and employs a power cost function to optimize engine and transmission control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the powertrain system operates in traditional hybrid modes, then fuel economy is improved, but the output torque and speed ranges are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between traditional hybrid modes and pseudo-EV range, adapting the operating mode based on real-time conditions. The controller selectively engages the pseudo-EV range to expand operational versatility while maintaining fuel economy benefits through intelligent mode selection rather than fixed operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pseudo-EV range that changes the operational parameters of the powertrain system by allowing the electric machine to operate as a motor without requiring the engine to be running, thereby expanding the output torque and speed ranges while maintaining fuel efficiency through selective deployment.
2Reliability
If the powertrain system evaluates multiple candidate states including pseudo-EV range, then operational stability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the powertrain operating states into distinct candidate states including traditional hybrid modes and pseudo-EV range. By dividing the continuous operating space into discrete evaluable states, the system can systematically assess each state's suitability without being overwhelmed by complexity, thereby maintaining operational stability through structured evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors system conditions and provides feedback to the selection scheme, which evaluates candidate states based on current operating parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining stability, as the evaluation process incorporates real-time system state information.
3Loss of energy
If the system selects preferred powertrain state based on minimum cost, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates multiple candidate states including pseudo-EV range to determine the minimum cost operating mode, but implements partial action by selectively engaging the computationally intensive pseudo-EV evaluation only when beneficial. This approach reduces fuel consumption through intelligent state selection while managing computational requirements by avoiding continuous full-evaluation of all candidate states.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a powertrain system to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and a driveline in response to an output torque request includes executing a selection scheme to evaluate operating in a plurality of candidate powertrain states including a pseudo-electric vehicle (EV) range responsive to the output torque request. A respective minimum cost for operating the powertrain system in each of the candidate powertrain states including the pseudo-EV range is determined. A preferred powertrain state is selected, and is one of the candidate powertrain states including the pseudo-EV range associated with a minimum of the respective minimum costs. The powertrain system is controlled in the preferred powertrain state responsive to the output torque request.