Vehicle Electrical System Recuperation Control via Accelerator Pedal Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for increasing recuperation potential in motor vehicles do not effectively utilize braking energy without increasing fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that utilizes the position and dynamics of the accelerator pedal to initiate and control recuperation power, allowing for earlier and more efficient energy recovery by maintaining fuel injection during specific operating conditions, and adjusting generator torque based on vehicle states, such as catalytic converter heating and engine warming, without increasing fuel injection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If recuperation power is increased by utilizing braking energy, then energy recovery potential is improved, but fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking energy recoveryVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit initiates recuperation before the overrun phase begins, by detecting accelerator pedal release or specific pedal positions. This preliminary action allows the electrical system to start charging the energy storage device earlier, capturing more braking energy without requiring the engine to be in overrun mode, thus avoiding additional fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts recuperation power based on real-time operating conditions including accelerator pedal position, vehicle speed, and energy storage device state of charge. The control unit modulates generator torque to optimize energy recovery while maintaining engine operation within efficient ranges, preventing fuel consumption increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If generator voltage is increased to improve battery charging power, then energy recovery efficiency is improved, but vehicle deceleration becomes excessive and unpleasant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking energy recovery efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle deceleration smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts generator excitation current and output voltage based on vehicle operating conditions, energy storage device state of charge, and driver behavior patterns. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize charging power while maintaining smooth and comfortable deceleration characteristics, avoiding excessive or abrupt braking sensations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors vehicle deceleration rate, energy storage device charging status, and driver inputs to adjust generator output in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that recuperation power is optimized for energy recovery while maintaining comfortable deceleration profiles and preventing excessive braking forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If recuperation is activated only during overrun fuel cut-off phases, then fuel consumption is reduced, but recuperation potential is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidrecuperation potential
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit activates recuperation before the overrun phase begins, by detecting accelerator pedal release or specific pedal positions. This preliminary activation extends the recuperation window beyond traditional overrun phases, capturing additional braking energy while maintaining engine operation during phases when energy recovery is less critical, thus increasing total recuperation potential without increasing fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Significantly increases recuperation potential by enabling energy recovery before overrun phases, maintaining low fuel consumption and smooth transition between driving modes, allowing for maximum energy utilization without perceptible disruption to the driver.

Implementation Method 1

the electric machine (4) is controlled by a control system (15) in such a way that, under first external operating conditions and under the condition of first internal operating conditions, switching is performed from a recuperation phase to an operating phase in which a driver request resulting from an accelerator pedal input is interpreted, whereby braking action by the vehicle results

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

During deceleration, the generator produces recuperation energy, which is stored in the capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2603410B1Method for operating a vehicle electrical system, controller, and computer program product
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2603410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2603410B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle electrical system of a motor vehicle having at least one energy store (14), wherein the motor vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine (2) and an electric machine (4) mechanically coupled thereto, an actuatable accelerator pedal (21) for prescribing a torque that can be output by at least the internal combustion engine (2), an engine controller (18) for an injection (J) of fuel into the internal combustion engine (2), and in particular an actuatable brake pedal (22) by means of which a controller (15) is activated at least in a first partial range of the actuation thereof under the condition of first external operating conditions, so that a recuperative power of the electric machine is generated while simultaneously feeding energy into the vehicle electrical system. In order to increase the potential for recuperation, the electric machine (4) is switched to recuperative power by the controller (15) in an operating phase, in which a driver intent is inferred due to actuating the accelerator pedal (21), resulting in braking power of the vehicle, wherein the injection (J) of the internal combustion engine (2) is maintained due to second internal operating conditions of the vehicle.