Vehicle Controller Engine State Switching for Parameter Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid vehicles face challenges in maintaining the internal combustion engine in a proper state for traveling due to limited opportunities to learn control parameters during electric power feed to external equipment, especially when parked for extended periods, leading to potential improper engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A controller for the vehicle that includes a control section, a learning section, and a determination section to change the internal combustion engine's operation state during electric power feed, allowing learning of control parameters in different states, such as idle or low load states, and returning to the original state for efficient power feed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the internal combustion engine is operated only in a first operation state during electric power feed to the outside of the vehicle, then the electric power feed efficiency is improved, but the opportunity to learn control parameters for traveling operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between a first operation state (optimized for electric power feed) and a second operation state (optimized for learning control parameters) based on learning conditions. The controller determines whether to maintain the engine in the first state or transition to the second state for parameter learning, then returns to the first state after learning completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary learning of control parameters during electric power feed operations by temporarily switching to the second operation state when learning conditions are met. This allows control parameters to be learned in advance before actual traveling occurs, ensuring proper engine operation when the vehicle travels.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the vehicle is parked for a long time period during electric power feed, then the electric power supply to external equipment is maintained, but the control parameters cannot be updated for traveling conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous learning of control parameters even during prolonged stationary electric power feed operations. By monitoring learning conditions and switching to the second operation state when appropriate, the system maintains continuous parameter updates without interruption, ensuring control parameters remain accurate despite extended parking periods.
3Reliability
If the internal combustion engine is operated in a second operation state during electric power feed, then the control parameters can be learned, but the electric power feed efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by switching to the second operation state only temporarily and conditionally for parameter learning, rather than maintaining it continuously. The controller switches to the second state only when learning conditions are satisfied, performs the necessary learning, then returns to the first state, thus minimizing the impact on electric power feed efficiency while still achieving parameter updates.
Data Source
AI summary
An ECU includes: a control section for controlling an engine such that the engine is operated in an intermediate load state during electric power feed to the outside of a vehicle; a learning section for learning a control parameter based on a detected state quantity; and a determination section for determining whether a learning condition that the learning section learns the control parameter is established. When the learning condition is established during the electric power feed from the electric power feed section to the outside of the vehicle, the engine is controlled such that a state thereof is changed from the intermediate load state to either an idle state or a low load state, and the control parameter regarding the engine in the idle state or the low load state is learned.