System and method of vehicle powertrain control
Inventors
Gao, Zhiming • LaClair, Timothy J.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12233847-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-25
Expiration Date
2040-11-25
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Abstract
An efficiency-based powertrain control system and method to provide real-time optimization of powertrain efficiency for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Core Innovation
The invention provides an efficiency-based powertrain control system and method for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), enabling real-time optimization of powertrain efficiency by coordinating the operation of multiple power sources, specifically an engine and an electric motor with battery. The control system comprises a supervisory controller and a database module that stores optimal performance maps and constraints for the individual and combined operation of power sources. By using this stored information, the controller determines the optimal operation of the engine and electric motor to maximize the overall efficiency of the vehicle powertrain, considering factors like tractive power, wheel torque, battery state of charge, and driving conditions.
Conventional hybrid vehicle control strategies do not simultaneously optimize the efficiency of all powertrain components and often lack the ability to respond effectively in real-time due to computational demands or lack of component coordination. The described solution overcomes these limitations by providing a real-time, efficiency-driven supervisory strategy that utilizes component energy efficiency databases and a control algorithm that manages conflicting targets, drivability concerns, and functional constraints. The controller dynamically selects between modes such as charge depletion and charge sustaining, with further subdivisions into charging dominant and discharging dominant regimes, to ensure optimal efficiency across various driving demands and battery charge levels.
This methodology leverages both pre-determined efficiency maps and real-time inputs (including drive cycle and traffic/route information) to rapidly determine and adjust optimal engine, motor, and gear operations. It modulates power source use to smooth powertrain operation, minimize fuel consumption, and enhance battery management throughout different vehicle operation modes. The core innovation thus lies in the integration of a multi-source real-time optimization strategy with practical vehicle operational constraints, facilitating improved fuel economy and emissions, especially well-suited for PHEVs and plug-in hybrid buses.
Claims Coverage
There are three principal independent claims outlining key inventive features related to control systems, methods, and powertrain control system architectures for parallel hybrid vehicles.
Efficiency-based multi-source powertrain supervisory control using optimal performance mapping
A system comprising: - A supervisory controller and a database memory that stores information on predetermined optimal efficiency maps for engine-driven, motor-driven, and combined powertrain operations. - The database includes definitions of operating envelopes for wheel torque, speed, and power across a full range of driving conditions, as well as optimal transmission gear maps specific to each operational mode. - The controller determines—in real time and based on stored data—operations for the engine-driven, motor-driven, and combined engine-motor powertrain to maximize overall vehicle powertrain efficiency.
Optimized powertrain control method for CD and CS modes with dynamic data-driven management
A method including: - Storing optimal operating parameters for engine-driven, motor-driven, and combined operations. - Receiving instantaneous drive cycle data and calculating required tractive power and wheel torque. - Determining and selecting, based on real-time and stored data (including battery state of charge), CD (charge depletion), DDC (discharge dominant control), or CDC (charge dominant control) modes. - Identifying optimal engine, motor, and combined operating characteristics and corresponding transmission operations from a database. - Selectively and instantaneously controlling and modulating operation of all power sources for real-time efficiency maximization, considering traffic data and planned route segments.
Adaptive real-time control system for hybrid powertrains with multi-mode management and battery SOC optimization
A powertrain control system including: - Memory for storing optimal operational parameters for engine-driven, motor-driven, and combined engine-motor operation. - A controller that receives drive cycle data, calculates tractive power, wheel torque, SOC, and determines which operational mode (CD, DDC, CDC) to employ. - The controller identifies optimal engine, motor, and transmission parameters, controls and modulates instantaneous powertrain operation for efficiency and smooth operation, and adjusts according to real-time traffic and route analysis. - Implements logic to monitor SOC, determine mode switching (between charge depletion and sustaining), and runs specific modes such as engine plus battery charging at optimal efficiency when certain SOC thresholds are reached.
The claims together establish an efficiency-maximizing, real-time hybrid powertrain control system and method, characterized by database-driven supervisory control that dynamically optimizes engine/motor/gear operation for plug-in hybrid vehicles across various drive scenarios and charge states.
Stated Advantages
Enables real-time optimization of powertrain efficiency for plug-in hybrid vehicles, taking into account vehicle drivability and component constraints.
Significantly improves fuel economy and motor/engine efficiencies compared to conventional control strategies.
Allows for smooth gear shifting and reduced frequency of engine on/off events, enhancing driving comfort and reliability.
Facilitates safe and reliable battery operation through dynamic state-of-charge management and mode switching.
Operates efficiently with low CPU and computational requirements suitable for real-time application.
Supports integration with eco-drive systems for further enhancements in vehicle operating efficiency.
Documented Applications
Control and optimization of powertrains in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including but not limited to buses.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles used in medium-duty and heavy-duty vocational applications such as buses, refuse trucks, delivery trucks, and vans operating on defined routes with frequent stops and lower average speeds.
Integration into eco-drive systems to optimize fleet vehicle fuel economy, emissions, and operational efficiency.
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