Torque Machine Temperature Control for Powertrain Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain systems face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution and temperature regulation across torque-generative devices, leading to issues such as overvoltage and temperature-related torque limitations, which affect system performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain system that monitors temperature and determines optimal operating points, calculating power loss and costs to manage torque machine efficiency, incorporating a control method that adjusts motor power output and torque distribution based on temperature and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative power is increased to charge the energy storage device, then energy recovery is improved, but overvoltage occurs on the input side exceeding acceptable power limits
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the temperature of the torque machine and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the regenerative power. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system reduces regenerative power to prevent overvoltage, creating a closed-loop control that balances energy recovery with voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the torque machine based on temperature conditions. By adjusting regenerative power as a function of temperature, the system optimizes energy recovery while preventing overvoltage conditions that would occur at constant high power regeneration.
2Power
If torque machine power output is increased to meet power demand, then system performance is improved, but temperature rises causing torque limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor power output based on real-time temperature monitoring. Rather than operating at fixed power levels, the control system continuously adapts the power output to match thermal conditions, allowing maximum performance when cool and progressive reduction as temperature thresholds are approached.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system takes preliminary action by monitoring temperature trends and proactively reducing power output before critical temperature thresholds are reached. This preventive approach avoids torque limitations by preparing for thermal constraints before they become restrictive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple torque machines are used to distribute power consumption, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the torque machine fleet into multiple controllable units, each monitored individually for temperature. This segmentation enables flexible power distribution across available machines while the modular monitoring approach keeps control complexity manageable through standardized sensing and control logic for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements universal monitoring and control logic that can manage multiple torque machines with the same functional approach. Each machine serves multiple functions (motoring, regeneration, heating) and the same control algorithm applies to all, reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A powertrain system includes an engine (14) coupled to an input member (12) of a transmission device (10) operative to transmit torque between the input member (12) and a torque machine (56,72) and an output member (64). The torque machine (56,72) is connected to an energy storage device (74). A method for controlling the powertrain system include monitoring a temperature of the torque machine (56,72), selecting a candidate powertrain system operating point, determining an electrical power input and a motor power output of the torque machine (56,72) for the candidate powertrain system operating point, determining a power loss for the torque machine (56,72) associated with the motor power output of the torque machine (56,72) and the electrical power input, and determining operating costs for operating the powertrain system at the candidate powertrain system operating point associated with the power loss from the torque machine (56,72) and based upon the temperature of the torque machine (56,72).