Torque Split Arbitration for Hybrid Vehicle Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle propulsion control systems in hybrid vehicles do not effectively consider route characteristics and vehicle parameters when determining torque splits, leading to suboptimal energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for torque split arbitration in vehicles that identify route characteristics and determine a target torque split based on a vehicle energy consumption profile, allocating torque demand between propulsion units such as electric motors and internal combustion engines to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional propulsion control systems allocate torque between propulsion units without considering route characteristics, then the control system is simple to implement, but energy consumption is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of route characteristics (such as upcoming hills, curves, or traffic conditions) and pre-calculates optimal torque split strategies before the vehicle encounters specific driving conditions. This allows the control system to proactively adjust torque allocation between the internal combustion engine and electric motor based on predicted route demands, improving energy efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The torque split arbitration system dynamically adjusts the torque distribution between propulsion units based on identified route characteristics and current vehicle operating conditions. The system continuously monitors route data, vehicle state, and energy consumption patterns to adaptively optimize the torque split ratio, transitioning between different operating modes (e.g., engine-dominated, motor-dominated, or combined operation) to minimize energy consumption while meeting propulsion requirements
2Productivity
If torque split is determined without considering vehicle energy consumption profile, then the control logic is simpler, but propulsion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor actual energy consumption against the vehicle energy consumption profile and route characteristics. The torque split arbitration uses this feedback to refine and adjust torque allocation strategies in real-time, comparing predicted energy consumption with actual consumption patterns to optimize propulsion efficiency. The feedback loop enables the system to learn from past performance and adapt torque split decisions to improve overall propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operating parameters such as torque split ratio, propulsion unit selection, and operating modes based on the vehicle energy consumption profile and identified route characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to the specific combination of route conditions and vehicle state, the system optimizes propulsion efficiency for different driving scenarios while managing control logic complexity through structured parameter adjustment strategies
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system dynamically adjusts torque distribution based on route characteristics, then energy usage is optimized, but the computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque split arbitration system segments the route into distinct sections based on identified characteristics (e.g., uphill segments, downhill segments, flat sections, curves) and applies optimized torque allocation strategies specific to each segment type. This segmentation approach allows the system to pre-determine appropriate torque split strategies for different route portions, reducing the need for complex continuous calculations while maintaining energy optimization across the entire route
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial optimization by focusing computational resources on the most energy-critical portions of the route (such as uphill climbs or high-load segments) rather than uniformly optimizing every segment. By identifying and prioritizing key route characteristics that have the greatest impact on energy consumption, the system achieves significant energy savings while limiting computational requirements to essential adjustments rather than exhaustive optimization of all operating parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A method for torque split arbitration in a vehicle includes identifying at least one route characteristic of a portion of a route being traversed by the vehicle. The method further includes determining a target torque split based on the at least one route characteristics. The method further includes generating a first output torque demand that corresponds to a product of a first portion of a target torque demand to be provided by a first propulsion unit and a ratio of a total propulsion system torque demand and the target torque demand. The method further includes generating a second output torque demand based on the first output torque demand.