Electrified Vehicle Engine Control for Grid Energy Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical grid faces challenges in balancing energy production with demand, particularly due to fluctuations between energy shortages and surpluses, which existing electrified vehicle systems do not effectively address by adjusting their operation to support grid stability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed vehicle system adjusts the operation of an electrified vehicle's engine during a drive event to either conserve or deplete the battery pack's state of charge based on grid conditions, with the engine being activated during energy shortages and restricted during energy surpluses, allowing energy to be added or drawn from the grid accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the electrified vehicle operates exclusively on battery power to reduce emissions, then environmental performance is improved, but the vehicle cannot support electrical grid balancing during energy shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The electrified vehicle is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a zero-emission vehicle during normal conditions and as a mobile energy storage device that can support the electrical grid during energy shortages. The vehicle can switch between battery-only mode and engine-battery hybrid mode, allowing it to both reduce emissions and provide grid balancing services when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle engine is activated during grid energy shortages to conserve battery charge, then grid support capability is improved, but fuel consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's powertrain operates dynamically, switching between different modes based on real-time grid conditions. During normal operation, the vehicle uses battery power exclusively. When the grid signals an energy shortage, the system dynamically activates the engine to generate electricity and charge the battery, thereby supporting grid stability while managing fuel consumption based on actual needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle depletes battery charge during grid energy surpluses to accept charging, then grid balancing is improved, but vehicle range availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle monitors grid conditions and performs preliminary actions by depleting battery charge during periods of energy surplus when electricity is abundant and inexpensive. This prepares the vehicle to accept charging when grid conditions are favorable, while the system maintains awareness of range requirements to ensure the vehicle can complete its intended journey.
4Productivity
If the vehicle continuously monitors and adjusts operation based on grid conditions, then grid support effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's control system continuously receives feedback from the electrical grid regarding energy shortage or surplus conditions. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the vehicle's operation mode - switching between battery-only and engine-battery hybrid modes - to optimize grid support effectiveness while managing system complexity through automated control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for balancing electrical grid production with electrical grid demand, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, adjusting operation of an engine of an electrified vehicle during a drive event to either conserve a state of charge of a battery pack in response to a first grid condition of an electrical grid or deplete the state of charge of the battery pack in response to a second grid condition of the electrical grid.