Virtual Torque Actuator Control for Hybrid Powertrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid powertrain systems face challenges in efficiently controlling torque transmission across multi-mode transmissions to optimize fuel economy, emissions, and driveability, as existing control systems struggle to accurately determine torque commands for physical torque actuators in response to operator demands.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop speed control system employing a virtual torque actuator control scheme is implemented, which generates torque commands for physical torque actuators based on output commands for virtual torque actuators, allowing for independent control of multiple virtual torque actuators and alignment with operator-defined control functions, thereby enhancing torque management and transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a closed-loop speed control system with virtual torque actuators is implemented, then torque control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual torque actuators as intermediary control elements that do not physically exist but are mathematically defined to simplify the control architecture. These virtual actuators serve as mediators between the control system and physical actuators, enabling independent control of torque components without requiring additional physical sensors or actuators, thus improving control precision while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of torque actuators that replicate the functional characteristics of physical actuators in a mathematical model. These virtual actuators are copied from the physical system's dynamics but exist purely as computational entities, allowing the control system to manipulate torque commands independently and then transform them to physical actuator commands, thereby achieving precise torque control without duplicating physical hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent control of multiple virtual torque actuators is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall torque control task into multiple independent virtual torque actuators, each responsible for specific torque components (e.g., engine torque, motor torque, brake torque). This segmentation allows independent control of each torque source according to different control objectives (fuel economy, emissions, driveability) without requiring complex inter-coordination, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual torque actuator framework provides a universal control platform that can accommodate multiple torque sources and control objectives simultaneously. The same virtual actuator structure can be applied to different torque machines (engines, motors, generators) and can be configured for different operating modes (electric vehicle mode, hybrid mode, regenerative braking), making the control system highly adaptable without requiring separate control schemes for each application
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain system including a multi-mode transmission is configured to transfer torque among an input member, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling the multi-mode transmission includes employing a closed-loop speed control system to determine torque commands for physical torque actuators including the torque machines. The closed-loop speed control system includes employing a virtual torque actuator control scheme to generate torque commands for the physical torque actuators responsive to output commands for a plurality of virtual torque actuators.