Torque Estimation System for Hybrid Powertrains
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid powertrain systems face challenges in accurately estimating and managing torque across various engine operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in fuel economy and component protection, as existing systems struggle to produce a continuous range of torque values between minimum and maximum engine states.
Innovation Solution
A torque estimation system comprising an operating parameter module, torque estimation module, and estimation control module determines estimated engine torque based on engine speed, air per cylinder, fuel per cylinder, cam phaser position, and spark advance, generating torque curves for maximum, minimum running, and engine off conditions, enabling the hybrid control module to optimize engine and electric motor torque distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a torque estimation system uses virtual engine conditions to generate continuous torque curves, then torque estimation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of engine operating conditions through a torque model that simulates torque production across the entire engine speed range. Instead of physically measuring torque at every operating point, the system uses a torque model to generate virtual torque curves based on engine speed, air per cylinder, fuel per cylinder, and other parameters. This copying approach enables precise torque estimation without requiring complex physical measurement systems at every operating point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations by pre-generating torque curves for maximum torque, minimum running torque, and engine off conditions across the full engine speed range. These pre-calculated torque curves are stored and readily available for immediate use during vehicle operation, eliminating the need for real-time complex computations and enabling rapid torque estimation while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system generates torque curves for multiple operating modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque estimation system is designed as a universal multi-functional module that can generate torque curves for multiple operating modes including maximum torque, minimum running torque, and engine off conditions. The same torque model and control module structure handle all operating modes, making the system adaptable to various hybrid powertrain configurations (strong hybrid, mild hybrid with BAS system) without requiring mode-specific hardware or complex control logic for each mode.
3Productivity
If continuous torque production is enabled across engine speeds, then productivity is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts torque production by generating torque curves that reflect the actual engine operating conditions at any given moment. The torque model continuously updates torque estimates based on current engine speed, air per cylinder, fuel per cylinder, and other dynamic parameters. This enables the hybrid powertrain to optimize the balance between engine torque production and electric motor assistance, ensuring the engine operates in efficient regions while maintaining continuous torque availability across the entire engine speed range.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque estimation system for a vehicle comprises an operating parameter module, a torque estimation module, and an estimation control module. The operating parameter module determines an estimated engine operating parameter based on engine speed. The torque estimation module estimates engine torque based on the engine speed and the estimated engine operating parameter. The estimation control module provides a plurality of engine speeds to the operating parameter module and the torque estimation module to determine estimated engine torque as a function of engine speed.