Vehicle Force Distribution Control for Power Unit Thermal Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of loss of performance and/or total force provided to vehicles with multiple power units is high in demanding driving situations due to the potential overheating of electrical machines and power electronic devices, leading to non-optimal conditions for achieving desired performance and power.
Innovation Solution
A method and control arrangement that predict temperature profiles for each power unit and power electronic device based on predictive data, adjusting the distribution of force to delay the reaching of upper temperature thresholds, thereby maintaining optimal performance and force delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the distribution of force is optimized for performance in demanding driving situations, then the total power and performance are improved, but the risk of overheating electrical machines and power electronic devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement predicts future temperature profiles of power units and power electronic devices before overheating occurs. Based on these predictions, it proactively adjusts the force distribution between power units to delay reaching upper temperature thresholds, thereby maintaining optimal performance while preventing overheating in demanding driving situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the force distribution between multiple power units based on real-time temperature monitoring and predictive modeling. The control arrangement continuously optimizes the allocation of force demand to different power units, adapting to changing thermal conditions and vehicle operating states to balance performance and thermal management.
2Reliability
If the force distribution is adjusted to delay reaching upper temperature thresholds, then the reliability is improved, but the total force output may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement performs predictive temperature profiling and adjusts force distribution before thermal limits are reached. This proactive approach ensures that power units operate within safe temperature ranges while maintaining optimal force output, thereby improving reliability without significantly compromising productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the force distribution ratios between multiple power units. By dynamically modifying these parameters based on predicted temperature profiles, the system maintains reliable operation while minimizing the impact on total force output through optimized power unit coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power units are used to meet total force demand, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of controlling force distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement manages the complexity of controlling multiple power units by focusing on adjusting key operational parameters, specifically the force distribution ratios between power units. This parameter-based control approach simplifies the management of complex multi-power-unit systems while maintaining the adaptability to handle various driving conditions and vehicle configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
Control arrangement (100) and method for controlling distribution of force provided to a vehicle (1) by a plurality of power units (11, 12, 14, 22, 32) to meet a total force demand. The method comprises predicting a respective temperature profile for each power unit that constitutes an electrical machine and/or each of one or more optional power electronic devices (13, 15). The method further comprises, in response to a determination that the predicted temperature profiles demonstrate that a respective upper temperature threshold for one of the power units (11, 12, 14, 22, 32) and/or one of the optional power electronic device(s) (13, 15) will be reached, determining a first adjusted distribution of force between the plurality of power units (11, 12, 14, 22, 32) which enables a delay of when a first one of the power units (11, 12, 14, 22, 32) and/or the optional power electronic device(s) (13, 15) is predicted to reach its upper temperature threshold; and controlling the plurality of power units (11, 12, 14, 22, 32) in accordance with the determined first adjusted distribution of force.