Range Extender Control Modes for EV Power and NVH Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improper mode switching in extended range electric vehicles leads to poor user experience due to insufficient dynamic force and increased costs or noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control method that includes configurable modes (first, second, and third configuration modes) to manage the range extender's operation based on battery state of charge (SOC) and vehicle status, ensuring the battery preferentially supplies power when possible, and the range extender idles or supplies power as needed to maintain dynamics performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the range extender is started to supply power when battery SOC is low, then the vehicle has sufficient power supply, but the user experience deteriorates due to increased costs and NVH issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control method performs preliminary assessment of vehicle status information (including power demand, driving conditions, battery state) before deciding to start the range extender. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether starting the range extender is truly necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary operations that would increase costs and NVH while still ensuring power supply when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle status information and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the range extender operation decisions. By incorporating real-time feedback on power demand, battery SOC, and driving conditions, the system optimizes the balance between power supply needs and NVH/cost considerations.
2Power
If the range extender operates in idle mode to prepare for power output, then the vehicle maintains sufficient dynamic force, but energy is consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of whether idle operation is necessary by evaluating vehicle status information including power demand and driving conditions. Only when the assessment indicates potential need for power output does the system transition the range extender to idle mode, avoiding unnecessary idle operations that would consume energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method dynamically adjusts the range extender operating mode (idle or power output) based on real-time vehicle status information. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition between modes flexibly, maintaining sufficient dynamic force when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery preferentially supplies power to reduce NVH, then costs are reduced, but the vehicle may have insufficient dynamic force
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle status information including power demand and battery state, using this feedback to determine when to switch from battery-only operation to range extender operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the vehicle maintains sufficient dynamic force while minimizing NVH by keeping the range extender off when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method performs preliminary assessment of whether battery power alone is sufficient by evaluating current power demand and driving conditions. Only when the assessment indicates the battery cannot meet power demands does the system activate the range extender, thereby reducing NVH while ensuring sufficient dynamic force.
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
Enhances user experience by ensuring adequate dynamic force and reducing unnecessary range extender operation, thereby minimizing costs and noise, vibration, and harshness.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle includes a battery and a range extender
Implementation Method 2
An engine (such as an internal combustion engine) is used to drive a generator to generate electricity
Implementation Method 3
An engine (such as an internal combustion engine) is used to drive a generator to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle control methods, vehicle control apparatuses, and vehicles (systems) are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a battery and a range extender. When a first configuration mode of the vehicle is activated, the range extender supplies power to the vehicle when an actual SOC value of the battery is less than or equal to a first threshold. When a second configuration mode is activated, the range extender supplies power to the vehicle when the actual SOC value of the battery is less than or equal to a second threshold. The second threshold is less than the first threshold. When a third configuration mode is activated, the range extender supplies power to the vehicle or idles when the actual SOC value of the battery is less than or equal to a third threshold.