Title of Invention	METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TO TRANSMIT POWER TO A DRIVELINE
Abstract	A method for operating an engine includes defining a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power transmittable between the internal combustion engine and an electro-mechanical transmission. The method further includes iteratively dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the input power and the input speed, iteratively determining an engine operating point within each of the subregions, iteratively calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request for each engine operating point within each of the subregions, and iteratively identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. A preferred engine operating point is determined based upon the engine operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request.

Title of Invention

METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TO TRANSMIT POWER TO A DRIVELINE

Abstract

A method for operating an engine includes defining a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power transmittable between the internal combustion engine and an electro-mechanical transmission. The method further includes iteratively dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the input power and the input speed, iteratively determining an engine operating point within each of the subregions, iteratively calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request for each engine operating point within each of the subregions, and iteratively identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. A preferred engine operating point is determined based upon the engine operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request.

Full Text	METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TO TRANSMIT POWER TO A DRIVELINE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/985,257 filed on 11/04/2007 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This disclosure is related to controlling an engine within a hybrid vehicle. BACKGROUND [0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. [0004] Known powertrain architectures include torque-generative devices, including internal combustion engines and electric machines, which transmit torque through a transmission device to an output member. One exemplary powertrain includes a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission which utilizes an input member for receiving motive torque from a prime mover power source, preferably an internal combustion engine, and an output member. The output member can be operatively connected to a driveline for a motor vehicle for transmitting tractive torque thereto. Electric machines, operative as motors or generators, generate a torque input to the transmission, independently of a torque input from the internal combustion engine. The electric machines may transform vehicle kinetic energy, transmitted through the vehicle driveline, to electrical energy that is storable in an electrical energy storage device. A control system monitors various inputs from the vehicle and the operator and provides operational control of the powertrain, including controlling transmission operating state and gear shifting, controlling the torque-generative devices, and regulating the electrical power interchange among the electrical energy storage device and the electric machines to manage outputs of the transmission, including torque and rotational speed. SUMMARY [0005] An internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to an electro- mechanical transmission to transmit power to a driveline in response to an operator torque request. A method for operating the engine includes defining a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power transmittable between the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission. The method further includes iteratively dividing the two- dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the input power and the input speed, iteratively determining an engine operating point within each of the subregions, iteratively calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request for each engine operating point within each of the subregions, and iteratively identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. A preferred engine operating point is determined based upon the engine operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary powertrain, in accordance with the present disclosure; [0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary architecture for a control system and powertrain, in accordance with the present disclosure; [0009] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method for controlling a speed level and a torque level within a powertrain, in accordance with the present disclosure; and [0010] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of an exemplary search, in accordance the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0011] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, Figs. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary electro- mechanical hybrid powertrain. The exemplary electro-mechanical hybrid powertrain in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted in Fig. 1, comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical hybrid transmission 10 operatively connected to an engine 14 and first and second electric machines ('MG-A') 56 and ('MG-B') 72. The engine 14 and first and second electric machines 56 and 72 each generate power which can be transferred to the transmission 10. The power generated by the engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 and transferred to the transmission 10 is described in terms of input and motor torques, referred to herein as T1, TA, and Tb respectively, and speed, referred to herein as N1, Na, and Nb, respectively. [0012] The exemplary engine 14 comprises a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine selectively operative in several states to transfer torque to the transmission 10 via an input shaft 12, and can be either a spark-ignition or a compression-ignition engine. The engine 14 includes a crankshaft (not shown) operatively coupled to the input shaft 12 of the transmission 10. A rotational speed sensor 11 monitors rotational speed of the input shaft 12. Power output from the engine 14, comprising rotational speed and engine torque, can differ from the input speed N1 and the input torque T1 to the transmission 10 due to placement of torque-consuming components on the input shaft 12 between the engine 14 and the transmission 10, e.g., a hydraulic pump (not shown) and/or a torque management device (not shown). [0013] The exemplary transmission 10 comprises three planetary-gear sets 24, 26 and 28, and four selectively engageable torque-transferring devices, i.e., clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75. As used herein, clutches refer to any type of friction torque transfer device including single or compound plate clutches or packs, band clutches, and brakes, for example. A hydraulic control circuit 42, preferably controlled by a transmission control module (hereafter 'TCM') 17, is operative to control clutch states. Clutches C2 62 and C4 75 preferably comprise hydraulically-applied rotating friction clutches. Clutches C1 70 and C3 73 preferably comprise hydraulically-controlled stationary devices that can be selectively grounded to a transmission case 68. Each of the clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 is preferably hydraulically applied, selectively receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid via the hydraulic control circuit 42. [0014] The first and second electric machines 56 and 72 preferably comprise three-phase AC machines, each including a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not shown), and respective resolvers 80 and 82. The motor stator for each machine is grounded to an outer portion of the transmission case 68, and includes a stator core with coiled electrical windings extending therefrom. The rotor for the first electric machine 56 is supported on a hub plate gear that is operatively attached to shaft 60 via the second planetary gear set 26. The rotor for the second electric machine 72 is fixedly attached to a sleeve shaft hub 66. [0015] Each of the resolvers 80 and 82 preferably comprises a variable reluctance device including a resolver stator (not shown) and a resolver rotor (not shown). The resolvers 80 and 82 are appropriately positioned and assembled on respective ones of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. Stators of respective ones of the resolvers 80 and 82 are operatively connected to one of the stators for the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The resolver rotors are operatively connected to the rotor for the corresponding first and second electric machines 56 and 72. Each of the resolvers 80 and 82 is signally and operatively connected to a transmission power inverter control module (hereafter 'TPIM') 19, and each senses and monitors rotational position of the resolver rotor relative to the resolver stator, thus monitoring rotational position of respective ones of first and second electric machines 56 and 72. Additionally, the signals output from the resolvers 80 and 82 are interpreted to provide the rotational speeds for first and second electric machines 56 and 72, i.e., Na and Nb, respectively. [0016] The transmission 10 includes an output member 64, e.g. a shaft, which is operably connected to a driveline 90 for a vehicle (not shown), to provide output power to the driveline 90 that is transferred to vehicle wheels 93, one of which is shown in Fig. 1. The output power at the output member 64 is characterized in terms of an output rotational speed No and an output torque To. A transmission output speed sensor 84 monitors rotational speed and rotational direction of the output member 64. Each of the vehicle wheels 93 is preferably equipped with a sensor 94 adapted to monitor wheel speed, Vss-whl, the output of which is monitored by a control module of a distributed control module system described with respect to Fig. 2, to determine vehicle speed, and absolute and relative wheel speeds for braking control, traction control, and vehicle acceleration management. [0017] The input torque from the engine 14 and the motor torques from the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 (T1, TA, and Tb respectively) are generated as a result of energy conversion from fuel or electrical potential stored in an electrical energy storage device (hereafter 'ESD') 74. The ESD 74 is high voltage DC-coupled to the TPIM 19 via DC transfer conductors 27. The transfer conductors 27 include a contactor switch 38. When the contactor switch 38 is closed, under normal operation, electric current can flow between the ESD 74 and the TPIM 19. When the contactor switch 38 is opened electric current flow between the ESD 74 and the TPIM 19 is interrupted. The TPIM 19 transmits electrical power to and from the first electric machine 56 by transfer conductors 29, and the TPIM 19 similarly transmits electrical power to and from the second electric machine 72 by transfer conductors 31 to meet the torque commands for the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 in response to the motor torques Ta and Tb. Electrical current is transmitted to and from the ESD 74 in accordance with whether the ESD 74 is being charged or discharged. [0018] The TPIM 19 includes the pair of power inverters (not shown) and respective motor control modules (not shown) configured to receive the torque commands and control inverter states therefrom for providing motor drive or regeneration functionality to meet the commanded motor torques TA and TB. The power inverters comprise known complementary three-phase power electronics devices, and each includes a plurality of insulated gate bipolar transistors (not shown) for converting DC power from the ESD 74 to AC power for powering respective ones of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72, by switching at high frequencies. The insulated gate bipolar transistors form a switch mode power supply configured to receive control commands. There is typically one pair of insulated gate bipolar transistors for each phase of each of the three-phase electric machines. States of the insulated gate bipolar transistors are controlled to provide motor drive mechanical power generation or electric power regeneration functionality. The three-phase inverters receive or supply DC electric power via DC transfer conductors 27 and transform it to or from three-phase AC power, which is conducted to or from the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 for operation as motors or generators via transfer conductors 29 and 31 respectively. [0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the distributed control module system. The elements described hereinafter comprise a subset of an overall vehicle control architecture, and provide coordinated system control of the exemplary hybrid powertrain described in Fig. 1. The distributed control module system synthesizes pertinent information and inputs, and executes algorithms to control various actuators to meet control objectives, including objectives related to fuel economy, emissions, performance, drivability, and protection of hardware, including batteries of ESD 74 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The distributed control module system includes an engine control module (hereafter 'ECM') 23, the TCM 17, a battery pack control module (hereafter 'BPCM') 21, and the TPIM 19. A hybrid control module (hereafter 'HCP') 5 provides supervisory control and coordination of the ECM 23, the TCM 17, the BPCM 21, and the TPIM 19. A user interface ('UP) 13 is operatively connected to a plurality of devices through which a vehicle operator controls or directs operation of the electro-mechanical hybrid powertrain. The devices include an accelerator pedal 113 ('AP'), an operator brake pedal 112 ('BP'), a transmission gear selector 114 ('PRNDL'), and a vehicle speed cruise control (not shown). The transmission gear selector 114 may have a discrete number of operator-selectable positions, including the rotational direction of the output member 64 to enable one of a forward and a reverse direction. [0020] The aforementioned control modules communicate with other control modules, sensors, and actuators via a local area network (hereafter 'LAN') bus 6. The LAN bus 6 allows for structured communication of states of operating parameters and actuator command signals between the various control modules. The specific communication protocol utilized is application-specific. The LAN bus 6 and appropriate protocols provide for robust messaging and multi-control module interfacing between the aforementioned control modules, and other control modules providing functionality including e.g., antilock braking, traction control, and vehicle stability. Multiple communications buses may be used to improve communications speed and provide some level of signal redundancy and integrity. Communication between individual control modules can also be effected using a direct link, e.g., a serial peripheral interface ('SPI') bus (not shown). [0021] The HCP 5 provides supervisory control of the hybrid powertrain, serving to coordinate operation of the ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, and BPCM 21. Based upon various input signals from the user interface 13 and the hybrid powertrain, including the ESD 74, the HCP 5 determines an operator torque request, an output torque command, an engine input torque command, clutch torque(s) for the applied torque-transfer clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, C4 75 of the transmission 10, and the motor torques TA and TB for the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The TCM 17 is operatively connected to the hydraulic control circuit 42 and provides various functions including monitoring various pressure sensing devices (not shown) and generating and communicating control signals to various solenoids (not shown) thereby controlling pressure switches and control valves contained within the hydraulic control circuit 42. [0022] The ECM 23 is operatively connected to the engine 14, and functions to acquire data from sensors and control actuators of the engine 14 over a plurality of discrete lines, shown for simplicity as an aggregate bi-directional interface cable 35. The ECM 23 receives the engine input torque command from the HCP 5. The ECM 23 determines the actual engine input torque, T1, provided to the transmission 10 at that point in time based upon monitored engine speed and load, which is communicated to the HCP 5. The ECM 23 monitors input from the rotational speed sensor 11 to determine the engine input speed to the input shaft 12, which translates to the transmission input speed, N1. The ECM 23 monitors inputs from sensors (not shown) to determine states of other engine operating parameters including, e.g., a manifold pressure, engine coolant temperature, ambient air temperature, and ambient pressure. The engine load can be determined, for example, from the manifold pressure, or alternatively, from monitoring operator input to the accelerator pedal 113. The ECM 23 generates and communicates command signals to control engine actuators, including, e.g., fuel injectors, ignition modules, and throttle control modules, none of which are shown. [0023] The TCM 17 is operatively connected to the transmission 10 and monitors inputs from sensors (not shown) to determine states of transmission operating parameters. The TCM 17 generates and communicates command signals to control the transmission 10, including controlling the hydraulic circuit 42. Inputs from the TCM 17 to the HCP 5 include estimated clutch torques for each of the clutches, i.e., C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75, and rotational output speed, No, of the output member 64. Other actuators and sensors may be used to provide additional information from the TCM 17 to the HCP 5 for control purposes. The TCM 17 monitors inputs from pressure switches (not shown) and selectively actuates pressure control solenoids (not shown) and shift solenoids (not shown) of the hydraulic circuit 42 to selectively actuate the various clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 to achieve various transmission operating range states, as described hereinbelow. [0024] The BPCM 21 is signally connected to sensors (not shown) to monitor the ESD 74, including states of electrical current and voltage parameters, to provide information indicative of parametric states of the batteries of the ESD 74 to the HCP 5. The parametric states of the batteries preferably include battery state-of-charge, battery voltage, battery temperature, and available battery power, referred to as a range Pbat_min to Pbat_max. [0025] A brake control module (hereafter 'BrCM') 22 is operatively connected to friction brakes (not shown) on each of the vehicle wheels 93. The BrCM 22 monitors the operator input to the brake pedal 112 and generates control signals to control the friction brakes and sends a control signal to the HCP 5 to operate the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 based thereon. [0626] Each of the control modules ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, BPCM 21, and BrCM 22 is preferably a general-purpose digital computer comprising a microprocessor or central processing unit, storage mediums comprising read only memory ('ROM'), random access memory ('RAM'), electrically programmable read only memory ('EPROM'), a high speed clock, analog to digital ('A/D') and digital to analog ('D/A') circuitry, and input/output circuitry and devices ('I/O') and appropriate signal conditioning and buffer circuitry. Each of the control modules has a set of control algorithms, comprising resident program instructions and calibrations stored in one of the storage mediums and executed to provide the respective functions of each computer. Information transfer between the control modules is preferably accomplished using the LAN bus 6 and serial peripheral interface buses. The control algorithms are executed during preset loop cycles such that each algorithm is executed at least once each loop cycle. Algorithms stored in the non-volatile memory devices are executed by one of the central processing units to monitor inputs from the sensing devices and execute control and diagnostic routines to control operation of the actuators, using preset calibrations. Loop cycles are executed at regular intervals, for example each 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 100 milliseconds during ongoing operation of the hybrid powertrain. Alternatively, algorithms may be executed in response to the occurrence of an event. [0027] The exemplary hybrid powertrain selectively operates in one of several operating range states that can be described in terms of an engine state comprising one of an engine-on state ('ON') and an engine-off state ('OFF'), and a transmission state comprising a plurality of fixed gears and continuously variable operating modes, described with reference to Table 1, below. [0028] Each of the transmission operating range states is described in the table and indicates which of the specific clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 are applied for each of the operating range states. A first continuously variable mode, i.e., EVT Mode 1, or Ml, is selected by applying clutch C1 70 only in order to "ground" the outer gear member of the third planetary gear set 28. The engine state can be one of ON ('M1_Eng_On') or OFF ('M1_Eng_Off'). A second continuously variable mode, i.e., EVT Mode 2, or M2, is selected by applying clutch C2 62 only to connect the shaft 60 to the carrier of the third planetary gear set 28. The engine state can be one of ON ('M2_Eng_On') or OFF ('M2_Eng_Off'). For purposes of this description, when the engine state is OFF, the engine input speed is equal to zero revolutions per minute ('RPM'), i.e., the engine crankshaft is not rotating. A fixed gear operation provides a fixed ratio operation of input-to-output speed of the transmission 10, i.e., N1/NO A first fixed gear operation ('G1') is selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C4 75. A second fixed gear operation ('G2') is selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C2 62. A third fixed gear operation ('G3') is selected by applying clutches C2 62 and C4 75. A fourth fixed gear operation ('G4') is selected by applying clutches C2 62 and C3 73. The fixed ratio operation of input-to-output speed increases with increased fixed gear operation due to decreased gear ratios in the planetary gears 24, 26, and 28. The rotational speeds of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72, NAand Nb respectively, are dependent on internal rotation of the mechanism as defined by the clutching and are proportional to the input speed measured at the input shaft 12. [0029] In response to operator input via the accelerator pedal 113 and brake pedal 112 as captured by the user interface 13, the HCP 5 and one or more of the other control modules determine torque commands to control the torque generative devices comprising the engine 14 and first and second electric machines 56 and 72 to meet the operator torque request at the output member 64 and transferred to the driveline 90. Based upon input signals from the user interface 13 and the hybrid powertrain including the ESD 74, the HCP 5 determines the operator torque request, a commanded output torque from the transmission 10 to the driveline 90, an input torque from the engine 14, clutch torques for the torque-transfer clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, C4 75 of the transmission 10; and the motor torques for the first and second electric machines 56 and 72, respectively, as is described hereinbelow. [0030] Final vehicle acceleration can be affected by other factors including, e.g., road load, road grade, and vehicle mass. The operating range state is determined for the transmission 10 based upon a variety of operating characteristics of the hybrid powerrrain. This includes the operator torque request communicated through the accelerator pedal 113 and brake pedal 112 to the user interface 13 as previously described. The operating range state may be predicated on a hybrid powertrain torque demand caused by a command to operate the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 in an electrical energy generating mode or in a torque generating mode. The operating range state can be determined by an optimization algorithm or routine which determines optimum system efficiency based upon operator demand for power, battery state of charge, and energy efficiencies of the engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The control system manages torque inputs from the engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 based upon an outcome of the executed optimization routine, and system efficiencies are optimized thereby, to manage fuel economy and battery charging. Furthermore, operation can be determined based upon a fault in a component or system. The HCP 5 monitors the torque- generative devices, and determines the power output from the transmission 10 required in response to the desired output torque at output member 64 to meet the operator torque request. As should be apparent from the description above, the ESD 74 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 are electrically-operatively coupled for power flow therebetween. Furthermore, the engine 14, the first and second electric machines 56 and 72, and the electro-mechanical transmission 10 are mechanically-operatively coupled to transfer power therebetween to generate a power flow to the output member 64. [0031] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a method 200 for determining a preferred operating point for operating the engine 14 and the transmission 10 to transmit power to the driveline 90 in response to an operator torque request ('TO_req'), and a graph 300 of an iterative search performed using the method 200. The method 200 is preferably utilized during operation in the first and second continuously variable modes. During the first and second continuously variable modes, the transmission 10 transmits mechanical power using one clutch, i.e., either clutch C1 62 or C2 70 from the engine 14 and the first and second electric machine 56 and 72, and the engine 14 operates at an operating point described in terms of power to the transmission 10 at an operating point described in terms of the input speed N, and the input torque TV The method 200 controls the engine 14 at the operating point by preferably executing algorithms and calibrations in the HCP 5 that includes conducting a two- dimensional search to determine the preferred engine operating point. The preferred engine operating point can include an input power Pengj from the engine that comprises the input speed H multiplied by the input torque T1. [0032] Boundary conditions of the engine operating points are defined (248). In one embodiment, the boundary conditions define a two-dimensional search area 303 from which a plurality of engine operating points 302 can be provided within the two-dimensional search area 303. The two-dimensional search area 303 is determined based upon the input power Peng_1 transmitted from the engine 14 to the transmission 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the two-dimensional search area 303 comprises a range of permissible input power values from -1 kW to 40 kW and a range of permissible input speed values from 600 RPM to 2000 RPM. In alternate embodiments, the two- dimensional search area 303 comprises a range of permissible input speed values and a range of permissible input torque values or a range of permissible input power values and the range of permissible input torque values. [0033] The range of permissible input power values associated with engine input power include input power values ['Y'] from a minimum permissible input power ['Ymin'] to a maximum permissible input power ['Ymax']. The range of permissible input speed values from the engine 14 include input speed values ['X'] from a minimum permissible input speed ['Xmin'] to a maximum permissible input speed ['Xmax']. The HCP 5 utilizes the output speed No of the transmission 10 and the operator torque request TO_req in a lookup table (not shown) to obtain the minimum permissible input power Ymin, the maximum permissible input power Ymax, the minimum permissible input speed XMin, and the maximum permissible input speed XMax. In alternative embodiments, the minimum permissible input power Ymin, the maximum permissible input power YMax, the minimum permissible input speed Xmin, and the maximum permissible input speed XMax can be based on measurements of other operating properties of the powertrain. [0034] The maximum permissible input power Ymax and the minimum permissible input power Ymin are normalized such that the maximum permissible input power YMax corresponds to a normalized maximum input power ['Ymax'] which has a value of one, and the minimum permissible input power Ymin corresponds to a normalized minimum permissible input power ['Ymin'], which has a value of zero. The maximum permissible input speed Xmax and the minimum permissible input speed Xmin are normalized such that the maximum permissible input speed Xmax corresponds to a normalized maximum permissible input speed ['Xmax'] which has a value of one, and the minimum permissible input speed Xmin corresponds to a normalized minimum permissible input speed ['Xmin'], which has a value of zero. [0035] In one embodiment each of the engine operating points 302 is a predetermined engine operating point associated with a predetermined coordinate (that is, a predetermined normalized input speed value x and a predetermined normalized input power value y) of the two-dimensional search area 303. The engine operating points 302 are stored in one of the memory devices accessible by the HCP 5. In one embodiment, a distance between each of the engine operating points 302 is spaced at equal increments of normalized input speed x and normalized input power y throughout the two- dimensional search area 303. [0036] The HCP 5 defines search regions within the two-dimensional search area 303. In one embodiment, a single search region comprises the entire area of the two-dimensional search area 303. In one embodiment, more search regions are provided by dividing the two-dimensional search area 303 at normalized input speed values x, at normalized input power values y, or at both normalized input speed values x and normalized input power values y. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 defines search regions by segmenting the two- dimensional search area 303 into three search regions by providing lines at two normalized input speed values. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 defines the search regions by providing a plurality of search regions such that each search region is a rectangle. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 defines search regions such that each search region has an equal area. [0037] The HCP 5 defines the search regions by segmenting the two- dimensional search area 303 into a plurality of search regions comprising search regions 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, and 326. [0038] The HCP 5 determines an engine operating point within each search region 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, and 326. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 determines an engine operating point located at a center of each search region 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, and 326. Each search region includes one of a corresponding first plurality of engine operating point 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360 and 362. In one embodiment, each engine operating point is precalibrated and is preassociated with one of the search regions in the memory device. The search region 310 includes the engine operating point 350, the search region 312 includes the engine operating point 352, the search region 314 includes the engine operating point 354, a search region 316 includes the engine operating point 356, a search region 318 includes the engine operating point 358, a search region 320 includes the engine operating point 360, a search region 322 includes the engine operating point 362, a search region 324 includes an engine operating point 364, and a search region 326 includes the engine operating point 366. [0039] The HCP 5 calculates an operating cost Pcost to operate the engine 14 associated with each engine operating point 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366 and associated with the operator torque request To_req and the output speed No of the transmission 10 by executing a cost function f(X,Y, No, To_req) (252). The HCP 5 calculates an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request To_req for each engine operating point within each of the subregions. The HCP 5 determines the speed relationship as defined shown in Eq. 1, below: wherein, NO is the output speed, NAis the operating speed for the first electric machine 56, NB is the operating speed for the second electric machine 72, and b11, b12, b21, D22, are known scalar values determined for the specific application in the specific operating range state. Therefore, the determined scalar values for b11, b12, b21, b22 are specific to each of EVT Mode 1 and EVT Mode 2. In this application, when the transmission output speed, NO is known, there is one degree of freedom in input speed N1, by which NA and NB can be determined. [0040] The HCP 5 determines the torque the relationship as shown in Eq. 2, below: [0041] wherein the To is the transmission output torque at which is set to the operator torque request TO_req, Ta and TB are the operating torques for MG-A 56 and MG-B 72, N1 and No represent time-rate changes in input speed from the engine 14 and output speed of the transmission 10, and d11, d12, d13, d14, d21, d22, d23, d24 are known scalar values determined for each operating range state, i.e., either one of EVT Mode 1 and EVT Mode 2, of the application. In this application, when the transmission output torque To is known, there is one degree of torque freedom for input torque T1, by which TAand TB can be determined. [0042] The HCP 5 denormalizes each engine operating point of the first plurality of engine operating points to their corresponding input speed and input power values (X,Y) using scaling based on normalization. The HCP 5 inputs the operator torque request To_req , the output speed No and the input speed and input power values (X,Y) of each engine operating point of the first plurality of engine operating points into the cost function f(X,Y, No, To_req) 252 to determine the overall cost Pcost. The cost function f(X,Y, No, To_req) 252 comprises operating costs which are generally determined based upon factors that include vehicle driveability, fuel economy, emissions, and battery usage. Furthermore, costs are assigned and associated with fuel and electrical power consumption and are further associated with a specific engine operating points of the powertrain. Lower operating costs are generally associated with lower fuel consumption at high conversion efficiencies, lower battery power usage, and lower emissions for an engine operating point, and take into account a current operating state of the powertrain system. The overall system power loss comprises a term based upon engine power loss driven by fuel economy and exhaust emissions, plus losses in the mechanical system (e.g., gears, pumps, belts, pulleys, valves, chains), losses in the electrical system (e.g. wire impedances and switching and solenoid losses), and heat losses. Other losses include electrical machine power losses and internal battery power losses. Other factors may also be considered, including factors related to battery life due to depth of discharge of the ESD 74, current ambient temperatures and their effect on state of charge of the battery. [0043] The HCP 5 calculates a cost PCost352, a cost PCOst354, a cost PCost356, a COSt PC0ST358, a COSt PC0ST360, a COSt PCoST362, a COSt PCost364, and a COSt PCost366 for the corresponding engine operating points 352, 354, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, respectively. The HCP 5 performs a base point determination by determining which of the cost PCost352, the cost PCost354, the cost PCOst356, or the cost PCost358, the cost Pcost360, the cost PCost362, the cost Pcost364, and the cost Pcost366 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating point associated with the lowest value as a base point of the first plurality of engine operating points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which the HCP 5 identifies a lowest cost of the first plurality of cost values to be the cost Pcost350 and therefore, identifies the engine operating point 350 as the base point of the first plurality of engine operating points and the search region 310 as the base search region of the first plurality of search regions. [0044] The HCP 5 segments the search region 310 into a first plurality of subregions utilizing the search engine 250 based on normalized input speeds x. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 divides the search region 310, into a first plurality of subregions comprising a subregion 328, a subregion 330, and a subregion 332. The HCP 5 determines an engine operating point within each of the subregions of the first plurality of subregions. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 determines an engine operating point located at a geometric center of each of the subregions. In one embodiment, each of the subregions of the first plurality of subregions includes one of a second plurality of engine operating points comprising engine operating points 350, 368, and 370. In one embodiment, the subregion 328, the subregion 330 and the subregion 332 have a rectangular shape. In one embodiment, the subregion 328 includes the engine operating point 368, the subregion 330 includes the engine operating point 350, and the subregion 332 includes the engine operating point 370. [0045] The HCP 5 executes the cost function 252 to calculate a cost PCOst associated with each engine operating point of the second plurality of engine operating points. The HCP 5 calculates a third plurality of cost values comprising a cost PCost368 and a cost PCosT37o for the engine operating point 368, and the engine operating point 370, respectively. The HCP 5 performs the base point determination by determining which of the cost PCost368, the cost Pcost370, or the cost PCost350 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating point associated with the lowest value as the base point of the second plurality of engine operating points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which the HCP 5 identifies a lowest cost of the second plurality of cost values to be the cost PCost350 and therefore, identifies the engine operating point 350 as the base point of the second plurality of engine operating points and the subregion 330 as the base subregion of the first plurality of subregions. [0046] The HCP 5 segments the subregion 330 into a second plurality of subregions based on the normalized input power y. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 divides the subregion 330 into subregions 334, 336, and 338. In one embodiment, subregions 334, 336 and 338 have a rectangular shape. In one embodiment, the subregions 334, 336, and 338 are orthogonal to the first plurality of subregions. In one embodiment, the subregion 334 includes the engine operating point 372, the subregion 336 includes the engine operating point 350, and the subregion 338 includes the engine operating point 374. A third plurality of engine operating points includes engine operating points 350, 372, and 374. [0047] The HCP 5 executes the cost function 252 to calculate a cost PCoSt associated with each engine operating point of the third plurality of engine operating points. The HCP 5 calculates a cost PCost372 and a cost PCOst374 for the engine operating point 372, and the engine operating point 374, respectively. The HCP 5 performs the base point determination by determining which of the cost PCost372, the cost PCOst350, or the cost PCOst374 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating point associated with the lowest value as the base point of the third plurality of engine operating points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which the HCP 5 identifies a lowest cost of the third plurality of cost values to be the cost Pcost374 and therefore, identifies the engine operating point 374 as the base point of the third plurality of engine operating points and the subregion 338 as the base subregion for the second plurality of subregions. [0048] The HCP 5 determines a third plurality of subregions comprising subregions 340, 342, and 344 based on the engine operating point 350. The HCP 5 determines a cost PCost376 for an engine operating point 376 in subregion 340, a cost PCost378 for an engine operating point 378 for engine operating point 378 in subregion 344. The HCP 5 performs the base point determination by determining which of the cost PCost372, the cost PCost374, or the cost PCost378 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating point associated with the lowest value as the base point for the fourth plurality of engine operating points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which the HCP 5 identifies a lowest cost of the fourth plurality of engine operating points to be cost PCost376 and therefore, determines the engine operating point 376 as the base point and the subregion 340 as the base subregion. [0049] The HCP 5 determines a fourth plurality of subregions comprising a subregion 346, a subregion 348, and a subregion 349 based on the engine operating point 376. The HCP 5 determines a cost PCost380 for an engine operating point 380 in subregion 346, and a cost PCost382 for an engine operating point 382in subregion 340. The HCP 5 performs the base point determination by determining which of the cost PCost380, the cost PCost376, or the cost PCost382 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating point associated with the lowest value as the base point for the fifth plurality of engine operating points. [0050] The HCP 5 continues to utilize the search engine 250 and the cost function 252 until a selected number of costs are calculated, or a predetermined number of iterations are executed. Although, the predetermined number iterations can be determined based on a desired search resolution or a desired search speed, in one embodiment, ten iterations are performed. In one embodiment, eleven iterations are performed. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 calculates 100 cost values. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 calculates 30 cost values. The HCP 5 determines a preferred engine operating point within the iteratively identified subregion (that is, the subregion identified as having a engine operating point with a lowest cost Pcost after a predetermined number iterations) having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. The preferred engine operating points associated with an optimal speed value Xopt and an optimal input power value Yopt. [0051] The HCP 5 utilizing the method 200 to calculate cost values Pcost rapidly due to the separation of the search engine 250 and the cost function 252. In particular, the search engine 250 determines pluralities of engine operating points and provides each plurality of engine operating points to the cost function 252 such that the cost function 252 of cost only has to solve for one unknown variable per engine operating point. The HCP 5 utilizing the method 200 to calculate twenty-eight cost values in less than twenty-five milliseconds. [0052] In alternative embodiments, the HCP 5 performs other amounts of cost calculations. Further, in other alternative embodiments, the HCP 5 performs cost calculations until a selected amount of time elapses or until a selected search tolerance level is reached. [0053J The powertrain is controlled based on the optimal engine operating point as determined by the search engine 250 and the cost function 252. The values for Xopt, Yopt are translated to an optimal input speed N1_opt and an input power P1_opt from the engine 14. Optimal input torque T1_opt is determined by dividing optimal input speed N1_opt by the optimal input power P1_opt. The HCP 5 commands operation of the engine 14 at optimal input torque T1_opt and optimal input speed N1_opt (254). [0054] As mentioned above, the HCP 5 utilizes the method 200 to control the transmission 10 in the first or second continuously variable modes. The HCP 5 controls the input speed and input torque of the engine utilizing Eqs. 1 and 2 as described wherein the input speed N1 is set to the optimal input speed N1_opt, and wherein the input torque T, and is set to the optimal input torque T1_opt. [0055] The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. CLAIMS 1. A method for operating an internal combustion engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission to transmit power to a driveline in response to an operator torque request, the method comprising: defining a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power transmittable between the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission; iteratively dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the input power and the input speed, determining an engine operating point within each of the subregions, calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request for each engine operating point within each of the subregions, identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request; and determining a preferred engine operating point based upon the engine operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising defining the two-dimensional search area based upon input power transmittable between the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional search area comprises a range of permissible input speeds and a range of permissible input torques. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional search area comprises a range of permissible input powers and a range of permissible input speeds. 5. The method of claim 1, comprising dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of rectangular-shaped subregions. 6. The method of claim 1, comprising determining an engine operating point located at a geometric center of each of the subregions. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the input speed and the input torque of the internal combustion engine based on the preferred engine operating point. 8. The method of claim 1, comprising calculating the operating cost based upon vehicle driveability, fuel economy, emissions, and battery usage. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each engine operating point in each subregion comprises a precalibrated normalized engine operating point. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises one of ten iterations and eleven iterations. 11. A method for operating an internal combustion engine mechanically connected to an electro-mechanical transmission to transmit power to a driveline in response to an operator torque request, the method comprising: defining a two-dimensional search region comprising an input torque range and an input speed range transmittable from the internal combustion engine to the electro-mechanical transmission; iteratively dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the input torque and the input speed, determining an engine operating point within each of subregions, calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request for each of the engine operating points within each of the subregions, identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost based on the operator torque request; and determining a preferred input speed and a preferred input torque for operating the internal combustion engine based upon the iteratively identified subregion having the minimum operating cost based on the operator torque request. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying a two-dimensional search area comprising a range of permissible input torques and a range of permissible input speeds transmittable from the internal combustion engine to the electro- mechanical transmission; dividing the two-dimensional search area into the plurality of search regions based upon the input torque and the input speed; determining an engine operating point within each of the plurality of search regions; calculating an operating cost in response to the operator torque request for each of the engine operating points within each of the plurality of search regions; and selecting the search region having a minimum calculated operating cost in response to the operator torque request for the engine operating points within the plurality of search regions. 13. The method of claim 11, comprising dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of rectangular-shaped subregions. 14. The method of claim 11, comprising determining an engine operating point located at a geometric center of each subregion. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising controlling the input speed and the input torque of the internal combustion engine based on the preferred engine operating point. 16. The method of claim 11, comprising calculating the operating costs based upon vehicle driveability, fuel economy, emissions, and battery usage. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein each engine operating point in each subregion comprises a precalibrated normalized engine operating point. 18. The method of claim 11 comprising dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions by iteratively alternating dividing search regions based upon input torques and input speeds. 19. The method of claim 11, comprising dividing the two-dimensional search region into three subregions. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the method comprises one of ten iterations and eleven iterations. A method for operating an engine includes defining a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power transmittable between the internal combustion engine and an electro-mechanical transmission. The method further includes iteratively dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the input power and the input speed, iteratively determining an engine operating point within each of the subregions, iteratively calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the operator torque request for each engine operating point within each of the subregions, and iteratively identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. A preferred engine operating point is determined based upon the engine operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request.

Full Text

METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
TO TRANSMIT POWER TO A DRIVELINE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/985,257 filed on 11/04/2007 which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure is related to controlling an engine within a hybrid
vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
[0004] Known powertrain architectures include torque-generative devices,
including internal combustion engines and electric machines, which transmit
torque through a transmission device to an output member. One exemplary
powertrain includes a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical
transmission which utilizes an input member for receiving motive torque from
a prime mover power source, preferably an internal combustion engine, and an
output member. The output member can be operatively connected to a
driveline for a motor vehicle for transmitting tractive torque thereto. Electric
machines, operative as motors or generators, generate a torque input to the
transmission, independently of a torque input from the internal combustion
engine. The electric machines may transform vehicle kinetic energy,
transmitted through the vehicle driveline, to electrical energy that is storable in
an electrical energy storage device. A control system monitors various inputs
from the vehicle and the operator and provides operational control of the
powertrain, including controlling transmission operating state and gear
shifting, controlling the torque-generative devices, and regulating the electrical
power interchange among the electrical energy storage device and the electric
machines to manage outputs of the transmission, including torque and
rotational speed.
SUMMARY
[0005] An internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to an electro-
mechanical transmission to transmit power to a driveline in response to an
operator torque request. A method for operating the engine includes defining
a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power transmittable
between the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical
transmission. The method further includes iteratively dividing the two-
dimensional search region into a plurality of subregions based upon one of the
input power and the input speed, iteratively determining an engine operating
point within each of the subregions, iteratively calculating an operating cost to
operate the internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical
transmission to meet the operator torque request for each engine operating
point within each of the subregions, and iteratively identifying the subregion
having a minimum operating cost to meet the operator torque request. A
preferred engine operating point is determined based upon the engine
operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum operating
cost to meet the operator torque request.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary powertrain, in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary architecture for a
control system and powertrain, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method for
controlling a speed level and a torque level within a powertrain, in accordance
with the present disclosure; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of an exemplary search, in
accordance the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the
purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for the
purpose of limiting the same, Figs. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary electro-
mechanical hybrid powertrain. The exemplary electro-mechanical hybrid
powertrain in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted in Fig. 1,
comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical hybrid
transmission 10 operatively connected to an engine 14 and first and second
electric machines ('MG-A') 56 and ('MG-B') 72. The engine 14 and first and
second electric machines 56 and 72 each generate power which can be
transferred to the transmission 10. The power generated by the engine 14 and
the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 and transferred to the
transmission 10 is described in terms of input and motor torques, referred to
herein as T1, TA, and Tb respectively, and speed, referred to herein as N1, Na,
and Nb, respectively.
[0012] The exemplary engine 14 comprises a multi-cylinder internal
combustion engine selectively operative in several states to transfer torque to
the transmission 10 via an input shaft 12, and can be either a spark-ignition or
a compression-ignition engine. The engine 14 includes a crankshaft (not
shown) operatively coupled to the input shaft 12 of the transmission 10. A
rotational speed sensor 11 monitors rotational speed of the input shaft 12.
Power output from the engine 14, comprising rotational speed and engine
torque, can differ from the input speed N1 and the input torque T1 to the
transmission 10 due to placement of torque-consuming components on the
input shaft 12 between the engine 14 and the transmission 10, e.g., a hydraulic
pump (not shown) and/or a torque management device (not shown).
[0013] The exemplary transmission 10 comprises three planetary-gear sets
24, 26 and 28, and four selectively engageable torque-transferring devices, i.e.,
clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75. As used herein, clutches refer to
any type of friction torque transfer device including single or compound plate
clutches or packs, band clutches, and brakes, for example. A hydraulic control
circuit 42, preferably controlled by a transmission control module (hereafter
'TCM') 17, is operative to control clutch states. Clutches C2 62 and C4 75
preferably comprise hydraulically-applied rotating friction clutches. Clutches
C1 70 and C3 73 preferably comprise hydraulically-controlled stationary
devices that can be selectively grounded to a transmission case 68. Each of
the clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 is preferably hydraulically
applied, selectively receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid via the hydraulic
control circuit 42.
[0014] The first and second electric machines 56 and 72 preferably comprise
three-phase AC machines, each including a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not
shown), and respective resolvers 80 and 82. The motor stator for each
machine is grounded to an outer portion of the transmission case 68, and
includes a stator core with coiled electrical windings extending therefrom.
The rotor for the first electric machine 56 is supported on a hub plate gear that
is operatively attached to shaft 60 via the second planetary gear set 26. The
rotor for the second electric machine 72 is fixedly attached to a sleeve shaft
hub 66.
[0015] Each of the resolvers 80 and 82 preferably comprises a variable
reluctance device including a resolver stator (not shown) and a resolver rotor
(not shown). The resolvers 80 and 82 are appropriately positioned and
assembled on respective ones of the first and second electric machines 56 and
72. Stators of respective ones of the resolvers 80 and 82 are operatively
connected to one of the stators for the first and second electric machines 56
and 72. The resolver rotors are operatively connected to the rotor for the
corresponding first and second electric machines 56 and 72. Each of the
resolvers 80 and 82 is signally and operatively connected to a transmission
power inverter control module (hereafter 'TPIM') 19, and each senses and
monitors rotational position of the resolver rotor relative to the resolver stator,
thus monitoring rotational position of respective ones of first and second
electric machines 56 and 72. Additionally, the signals output from the
resolvers 80 and 82 are interpreted to provide the rotational speeds for first
and second electric machines 56 and 72, i.e., Na and Nb, respectively.
[0016] The transmission 10 includes an output member 64, e.g. a shaft,
which is operably connected to a driveline 90 for a vehicle (not shown), to
provide output power to the driveline 90 that is transferred to vehicle wheels
93, one of which is shown in Fig. 1. The output power at the output member
64 is characterized in terms of an output rotational speed No and an output
torque To. A transmission output speed sensor 84 monitors rotational speed
and rotational direction of the output member 64. Each of the vehicle wheels
93 is preferably equipped with a sensor 94 adapted to monitor wheel speed,
Vss-whl, the output of which is monitored by a control module of a distributed
control module system described with respect to Fig. 2, to determine vehicle
speed, and absolute and relative wheel speeds for braking control, traction
control, and vehicle acceleration management.
[0017] The input torque from the engine 14 and the motor torques from the
first and second electric machines 56 and 72 (T1, TA, and Tb respectively) are
generated as a result of energy conversion from fuel or electrical potential
stored in an electrical energy storage device (hereafter 'ESD') 74. The ESD
74 is high voltage DC-coupled to the TPIM 19 via DC transfer conductors 27.
The transfer conductors 27 include a contactor switch 38. When the contactor
switch 38 is closed, under normal operation, electric current can flow between
the ESD 74 and the TPIM 19. When the contactor switch 38 is opened electric
current flow between the ESD 74 and the TPIM 19 is interrupted. The TPIM
19 transmits electrical power to and from the first electric machine 56 by
transfer conductors 29, and the TPIM 19 similarly transmits electrical power
to and from the second electric machine 72 by transfer conductors 31 to meet
the torque commands for the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 in
response to the motor torques Ta and Tb. Electrical current is transmitted to
and from the ESD 74 in accordance with whether the ESD 74 is being charged
or discharged.
[0018] The TPIM 19 includes the pair of power inverters (not shown) and
respective motor control modules (not shown) configured to receive the torque
commands and control inverter states therefrom for providing motor drive or
regeneration functionality to meet the commanded motor torques TA and TB.
The power inverters comprise known complementary three-phase power
electronics devices, and each includes a plurality of insulated gate bipolar
transistors (not shown) for converting DC power from the ESD 74 to AC
power for powering respective ones of the first and second electric machines
56 and 72, by switching at high frequencies. The insulated gate bipolar
transistors form a switch mode power supply configured to receive control
commands. There is typically one pair of insulated gate bipolar transistors for
each phase of each of the three-phase electric machines. States of the
insulated gate bipolar transistors are controlled to provide motor drive
mechanical power generation or electric power regeneration functionality.
The three-phase inverters receive or supply DC electric power via DC transfer
conductors 27 and transform it to or from three-phase AC power, which is
conducted to or from the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 for
operation as motors or generators via transfer conductors 29 and 31
respectively.
[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the distributed control module
system. The elements described hereinafter comprise a subset of an overall
vehicle control architecture, and provide coordinated system control of the
exemplary hybrid powertrain described in Fig. 1. The distributed control
module system synthesizes pertinent information and inputs, and executes
algorithms to control various actuators to meet control objectives, including
objectives related to fuel economy, emissions, performance, drivability, and
protection of hardware, including batteries of ESD 74 and the first and second
electric machines 56 and 72. The distributed control module system includes
an engine control module (hereafter 'ECM') 23, the TCM 17, a battery pack
control module (hereafter 'BPCM') 21, and the TPIM 19. A hybrid control
module (hereafter 'HCP') 5 provides supervisory control and coordination of
the ECM 23, the TCM 17, the BPCM 21, and the TPIM 19. A user interface
('UP) 13 is operatively connected to a plurality of devices through which a
vehicle operator controls or directs operation of the electro-mechanical hybrid
powertrain. The devices include an accelerator pedal 113 ('AP'), an operator
brake pedal 112 ('BP'), a transmission gear selector 114 ('PRNDL'), and a
vehicle speed cruise control (not shown). The transmission gear selector 114
may have a discrete number of operator-selectable positions, including the
rotational direction of the output member 64 to enable one of a forward and a
reverse direction.
[0020] The aforementioned control modules communicate with other control
modules, sensors, and actuators via a local area network (hereafter 'LAN') bus
6. The LAN bus 6 allows for structured communication of states of operating
parameters and actuator command signals between the various control
modules. The specific communication protocol utilized is application-specific.
The LAN bus 6 and appropriate protocols provide for robust messaging and
multi-control module interfacing between the aforementioned control
modules, and other control modules providing functionality including e.g.,
antilock braking, traction control, and vehicle stability. Multiple
communications buses may be used to improve communications speed and
provide some level of signal redundancy and integrity. Communication
between individual control modules can also be effected using a direct link,
e.g., a serial peripheral interface ('SPI') bus (not shown).
[0021] The HCP 5 provides supervisory control of the hybrid powertrain,
serving to coordinate operation of the ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, and
BPCM 21. Based upon various input signals from the user interface 13 and
the hybrid powertrain, including the ESD 74, the HCP 5 determines an
operator torque request, an output torque command, an engine input torque
command, clutch torque(s) for the applied torque-transfer clutches C1 70, C2
62, C3 73, C4 75 of the transmission 10, and the motor torques TA and TB for
the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The TCM 17 is operatively
connected to the hydraulic control circuit 42 and provides various functions
including monitoring various pressure sensing devices (not shown) and
generating and communicating control signals to various solenoids (not
shown) thereby controlling pressure switches and control valves contained
within the hydraulic control circuit 42.
[0022] The ECM 23 is operatively connected to the engine 14, and functions
to acquire data from sensors and control actuators of the engine 14 over a
plurality of discrete lines, shown for simplicity as an aggregate bi-directional
interface cable 35. The ECM 23 receives the engine input torque command
from the HCP 5. The ECM 23 determines the actual engine input torque, T1,
provided to the transmission 10 at that point in time based upon monitored
engine speed and load, which is communicated to the HCP 5. The ECM 23
monitors input from the rotational speed sensor 11 to determine the engine
input speed to the input shaft 12, which translates to the transmission input
speed, N1. The ECM 23 monitors inputs from sensors (not shown) to
determine states of other engine operating parameters including, e.g., a
manifold pressure, engine coolant temperature, ambient air temperature, and
ambient pressure. The engine load can be determined, for example, from the
manifold pressure, or alternatively, from monitoring operator input to the
accelerator pedal 113. The ECM 23 generates and communicates command
signals to control engine actuators, including, e.g., fuel injectors, ignition
modules, and throttle control modules, none of which are shown.
[0023] The TCM 17 is operatively connected to the transmission 10 and
monitors inputs from sensors (not shown) to determine states of transmission
operating parameters. The TCM 17 generates and communicates command
signals to control the transmission 10, including controlling the hydraulic
circuit 42. Inputs from the TCM 17 to the HCP 5 include estimated clutch
torques for each of the clutches, i.e., C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75, and
rotational output speed, No, of the output member 64. Other actuators and
sensors may be used to provide additional information from the TCM 17 to the
HCP 5 for control purposes. The TCM 17 monitors inputs from pressure
switches (not shown) and selectively actuates pressure control solenoids (not
shown) and shift solenoids (not shown) of the hydraulic circuit 42 to
selectively actuate the various clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 to
achieve various transmission operating range states, as described hereinbelow.
[0024] The BPCM 21 is signally connected to sensors (not shown) to
monitor the ESD 74, including states of electrical current and voltage
parameters, to provide information indicative of parametric states of the
batteries of the ESD 74 to the HCP 5. The parametric states of the batteries
preferably include battery state-of-charge, battery voltage, battery temperature,
and available battery power, referred to as a range Pbat_min to Pbat_max.
[0025] A brake control module (hereafter 'BrCM') 22 is operatively
connected to friction brakes (not shown) on each of the vehicle wheels 93.
The BrCM 22 monitors the operator input to the brake pedal 112 and
generates control signals to control the friction brakes and sends a control
signal to the HCP 5 to operate the first and second electric machines 56 and 72
based thereon.
[0626] Each of the control modules ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, BPCM 21,
and BrCM 22 is preferably a general-purpose digital computer comprising a
microprocessor or central processing unit, storage mediums comprising read
only memory ('ROM'), random access memory ('RAM'), electrically
programmable read only memory ('EPROM'), a high speed clock, analog to
digital ('A/D') and digital to analog ('D/A') circuitry, and input/output
circuitry and devices ('I/O') and appropriate signal conditioning and buffer
circuitry. Each of the control modules has a set of control algorithms,
comprising resident program instructions and calibrations stored in one of the
storage mediums and executed to provide the respective functions of each
computer. Information transfer between the control modules is preferably
accomplished using the LAN bus 6 and serial peripheral interface buses. The
control algorithms are executed during preset loop cycles such that each
algorithm is executed at least once each loop cycle. Algorithms stored in the
non-volatile memory devices are executed by one of the central processing
units to monitor inputs from the sensing devices and execute control and
diagnostic routines to control operation of the actuators, using preset
calibrations. Loop cycles are executed at regular intervals, for example each
3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 100 milliseconds during ongoing operation of the
hybrid powertrain. Alternatively, algorithms may be executed in response to
the occurrence of an event.
[0027] The exemplary hybrid powertrain selectively operates in one of
several operating range states that can be described in terms of an engine state
comprising one of an engine-on state ('ON') and an engine-off state ('OFF'),
and a transmission state comprising a plurality of fixed gears and continuously
variable operating modes, described with reference to Table 1, below.
[0028] Each of the transmission operating range states is described in the
table and indicates which of the specific clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4
75 are applied for each of the operating range states. A first continuously
variable mode, i.e., EVT Mode 1, or Ml, is selected by applying clutch C1 70
only in order to "ground" the outer gear member of the third planetary gear set
28. The engine state can be one of ON ('M1_Eng_On') or OFF
('M1_Eng_Off'). A second continuously variable mode, i.e., EVT Mode 2, or
M2, is selected by applying clutch C2 62 only to connect the shaft 60 to the
carrier of the third planetary gear set 28. The engine state can be one of ON
('M2_Eng_On') or OFF ('M2_Eng_Off'). For purposes of this description,
when the engine state is OFF, the engine input speed is equal to zero
revolutions per minute ('RPM'), i.e., the engine crankshaft is not rotating. A
fixed gear operation provides a fixed ratio operation of input-to-output speed
of the transmission 10, i.e., N1/NO A first fixed gear operation ('G1') is
selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C4 75. A second fixed gear operation
('G2') is selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C2 62. A third fixed gear
operation ('G3') is selected by applying clutches C2 62 and C4 75. A fourth
fixed gear operation ('G4') is selected by applying clutches C2 62 and C3 73.
The fixed ratio operation of input-to-output speed increases with increased
fixed gear operation due to decreased gear ratios in the planetary gears 24, 26,
and 28. The rotational speeds of the first and second electric machines 56 and
72, NAand Nb respectively, are dependent on internal rotation of the
mechanism as defined by the clutching and are proportional to the input speed
measured at the input shaft 12.
[0029] In response to operator input via the accelerator pedal 113 and brake
pedal 112 as captured by the user interface 13, the HCP 5 and one or more of
the other control modules determine torque commands to control the torque
generative devices comprising the engine 14 and first and second electric
machines 56 and 72 to meet the operator torque request at the output member
64 and transferred to the driveline 90. Based upon input signals from the user
interface 13 and the hybrid powertrain including the ESD 74, the HCP 5
determines the operator torque request, a commanded output torque from the
transmission 10 to the driveline 90, an input torque from the engine 14, clutch
torques for the torque-transfer clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, C4 75 of the
transmission 10; and the motor torques for the first and second electric
machines 56 and 72, respectively, as is described hereinbelow.
[0030] Final vehicle acceleration can be affected by other factors including,
e.g., road load, road grade, and vehicle mass. The operating range state is
determined for the transmission 10 based upon a variety of operating
characteristics of the hybrid powerrrain. This includes the operator torque
request communicated through the accelerator pedal 113 and brake pedal 112
to the user interface 13 as previously described. The operating range state
may be predicated on a hybrid powertrain torque demand caused by a
command to operate the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 in an
electrical energy generating mode or in a torque generating mode. The
operating range state can be determined by an optimization algorithm or
routine which determines optimum system efficiency based upon operator
demand for power, battery state of charge, and energy efficiencies of the
engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The control
system manages torque inputs from the engine 14 and the first and second
electric machines 56 and 72 based upon an outcome of the executed
optimization routine, and system efficiencies are optimized thereby, to manage
fuel economy and battery charging. Furthermore, operation can be determined
based upon a fault in a component or system. The HCP 5 monitors the torque-
generative devices, and determines the power output from the transmission 10
required in response to the desired output torque at output member 64 to meet
the operator torque request. As should be apparent from the description
above, the ESD 74 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 are
electrically-operatively coupled for power flow therebetween. Furthermore,
the engine 14, the first and second electric machines 56 and 72, and the
electro-mechanical transmission 10 are mechanically-operatively coupled to
transfer power therebetween to generate a power flow to the output member
64.
[0031] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a method 200 for determining a preferred
operating point for operating the engine 14 and the transmission 10 to transmit
power to the driveline 90 in response to an operator torque request ('TO_req'),
and a graph 300 of an iterative search performed using the method 200. The
method 200 is preferably utilized during operation in the first and second
continuously variable modes. During the first and second continuously
variable modes, the transmission 10 transmits mechanical power using one
clutch, i.e., either clutch C1 62 or C2 70 from the engine 14 and the first and
second electric machine 56 and 72, and the engine 14 operates at an operating
point described in terms of power to the transmission 10 at an operating point
described in terms of the input speed N, and the input torque TV The method
200 controls the engine 14 at the operating point by preferably executing
algorithms and calibrations in the HCP 5 that includes conducting a two-
dimensional search to determine the preferred engine operating point. The
preferred engine operating point can include an input power Pengj from the
engine that comprises the input speed H multiplied by the input torque T1.
[0032] Boundary conditions of the engine operating points are defined (248).
In one embodiment, the boundary conditions define a two-dimensional search
area 303 from which a plurality of engine operating points 302 can be
provided within the two-dimensional search area 303. The two-dimensional
search area 303 is determined based upon the input power Peng_1 transmitted
from the engine 14 to the transmission 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the
two-dimensional search area 303 comprises a range of permissible input
power values from -1 kW to 40 kW and a range of permissible input speed
values from 600 RPM to 2000 RPM. In alternate embodiments, the two-
dimensional search area 303 comprises a range of permissible input speed
values and a range of permissible input torque values or a range of permissible
input power values and the range of permissible input torque values.
[0033] The range of permissible input power values associated with engine
input power include input power values ['Y'] from a minimum permissible
input power ['Ymin'] to a maximum permissible input power ['Ymax']. The
range of permissible input speed values from the engine 14 include input
speed values ['X'] from a minimum permissible input speed ['Xmin'] to a
maximum permissible input speed ['Xmax']. The HCP 5 utilizes the output
speed No of the transmission 10 and the operator torque request TO_req in a
lookup table (not shown) to obtain the minimum permissible input power
Ymin, the maximum permissible input power Ymax, the minimum permissible
input speed XMin, and the maximum permissible input speed XMax. In
alternative embodiments, the minimum permissible input power Ymin, the
maximum permissible input power YMax, the minimum permissible input
speed Xmin, and the maximum permissible input speed XMax can be based on
measurements of other operating properties of the powertrain.
[0034] The maximum permissible input power Ymax and the minimum
permissible input power Ymin are normalized such that the maximum
permissible input power YMax corresponds to a normalized maximum input
power ['Ymax'] which has a value of one, and the minimum permissible input
power Ymin corresponds to a normalized minimum permissible input power
['Ymin'], which has a value of zero. The maximum permissible input speed
Xmax and the minimum permissible input speed Xmin are normalized such that
the maximum permissible input speed Xmax corresponds to a normalized
maximum permissible input speed ['Xmax'] which has a value of one, and the
minimum permissible input speed Xmin corresponds to a normalized minimum
permissible input speed ['Xmin'], which has a value of zero.
[0035] In one embodiment each of the engine operating points 302 is a
predetermined engine operating point associated with a predetermined
coordinate (that is, a predetermined normalized input speed value x and a
predetermined normalized input power value y) of the two-dimensional search
area 303. The engine operating points 302 are stored in one of the memory
devices accessible by the HCP 5. In one embodiment, a distance between
each of the engine operating points 302 is spaced at equal increments of
normalized input speed x and normalized input power y throughout the two-
dimensional search area 303.
[0036] The HCP 5 defines search regions within the two-dimensional search
area 303. In one embodiment, a single search region comprises the entire area
of the two-dimensional search area 303. In one embodiment, more search
regions are provided by dividing the two-dimensional search area 303 at
normalized input speed values x, at normalized input power values y, or at
both normalized input speed values x and normalized input power values y. In
one embodiment, the HCP 5 defines search regions by segmenting the two-
dimensional search area 303 into three search regions by providing lines at
two normalized input speed values. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 defines
the search regions by providing a plurality of search regions such that each
search region is a rectangle. In one embodiment, the HCP 5 defines search
regions such that each search region has an equal area.
[0037] The HCP 5 defines the search regions by segmenting the two-
dimensional search area 303 into a plurality of search regions comprising
search regions 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, and 326.
[0038] The HCP 5 determines an engine operating point within each search
region 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, and 326. In one embodiment,
the HCP 5 determines an engine operating point located at a center of each
search region 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, and 326. Each search
region includes one of a corresponding first plurality of engine operating point
350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360 and 362. In one embodiment, each engine
operating point is precalibrated and is preassociated with one of the search
regions in the memory device. The search region 310 includes the engine
operating point 350, the search region 312 includes the engine operating point
352, the search region 314 includes the engine operating point 354, a search
region 316 includes the engine operating point 356, a search region 318
includes the engine operating point 358, a search region 320 includes the
engine operating point 360, a search region 322 includes the engine operating
point 362, a search region 324 includes an engine operating point 364, and a
search region 326 includes the engine operating point 366.
[0039] The HCP 5 calculates an operating cost Pcost to operate the engine
14 associated with each engine operating point 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360,
362, 364, 366 and associated with the operator torque request To_req and the
output speed No of the transmission 10 by executing a cost function f(X,Y,
No, To_req) (252). The HCP 5 calculates an operating cost to operate the
internal combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet
the operator torque request To_req for each engine operating point within each
of the subregions. The HCP 5 determines the speed relationship as defined
shown in Eq. 1, below:
wherein, NO is the output speed, NAis the operating speed for the first electric
machine 56, NB is the operating speed for the second electric machine 72, and
b11, b12, b21, D22, are known scalar values determined for the specific
application in the specific operating range state. Therefore, the determined
scalar values for b11, b12, b21, b22 are specific to each of EVT Mode 1 and EVT
Mode 2. In this application, when the transmission output speed, NO is known,
there is one degree of freedom in input speed N1, by which NA and NB can be
determined.
[0040] The HCP 5 determines the torque the relationship as shown in Eq. 2,
below:
[0041] wherein the To is the transmission output torque at which is set to the
operator torque request TO_req, Ta and TB are the operating torques for MG-A
56 and MG-B 72, N1 and No represent time-rate changes in input speed from
the engine 14 and output speed of the transmission 10, and d11, d12, d13, d14,
d21, d22, d23, d24 are known scalar values determined for each operating range
state, i.e., either one of EVT Mode 1 and EVT Mode 2, of the application. In
this application, when the transmission output torque To is known, there is one
degree of torque freedom for input torque T1, by which TAand TB can be
determined.
[0042] The HCP 5 denormalizes each engine operating point of the first
plurality of engine operating points to their corresponding input speed and
input power values (X,Y) using scaling based on normalization. The HCP 5
inputs the operator torque request To_req , the output speed No and the input
speed and input power values (X,Y) of each engine operating point of the first
plurality of engine operating points into the cost function f(X,Y, No, To_req)
252 to determine the overall cost Pcost. The cost function f(X,Y, No, To_req)
252 comprises operating costs which are generally determined based upon
factors that include vehicle driveability, fuel economy, emissions, and battery
usage. Furthermore, costs are assigned and associated with fuel and electrical
power consumption and are further associated with a specific engine operating
points of the powertrain. Lower operating costs are generally associated with
lower fuel consumption at high conversion efficiencies, lower battery power
usage, and lower emissions for an engine operating point, and take into
account a current operating state of the powertrain system. The overall system
power loss comprises a term based upon engine power loss driven by fuel
economy and exhaust emissions, plus losses in the mechanical system (e.g.,
gears, pumps, belts, pulleys, valves, chains), losses in the electrical system
(e.g. wire impedances and switching and solenoid losses), and heat losses.
Other losses include electrical machine power losses and internal battery
power losses. Other factors may also be considered, including factors related
to battery life due to depth of discharge of the ESD 74, current ambient
temperatures and their effect on state of charge of the battery.
[0043] The HCP 5 calculates a cost PCost352, a cost PCOst354, a cost PCost356, a
COSt PC0ST358, a COSt PC0ST360, a COSt PCoST362, a COSt PCost364, and a COSt PCost366
for the corresponding engine operating points 352, 354, 356, 358, 360, 362,
364, respectively. The HCP 5 performs a base point determination by
determining which of the cost PCost352, the cost PCost354, the cost PCOst356, or the
cost PCost358, the cost Pcost360, the cost PCost362, the cost Pcost364, and the cost
Pcost366 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating point
associated with the lowest value as a base point of the first plurality of engine
operating points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which the HCP
5 identifies a lowest cost of the first plurality of cost values to be the cost
Pcost350 and therefore, identifies the engine operating point 350 as the base
point of the first plurality of engine operating points and the search region 310
as the base search region of the first plurality of search regions.
[0044] The HCP 5 segments the search region 310 into a first plurality of
subregions utilizing the search engine 250 based on normalized input speeds x.
In one embodiment, the HCP 5 divides the search region 310, into a first
plurality of subregions comprising a subregion 328, a subregion 330, and a
subregion 332. The HCP 5 determines an engine operating point within each
of the subregions of the first plurality of subregions. In one embodiment, the
HCP 5 determines an engine operating point located at a geometric center of
each of the subregions. In one embodiment, each of the subregions of the first
plurality of subregions includes one of a second plurality of engine operating
points comprising engine operating points 350, 368, and 370. In one
embodiment, the subregion 328, the subregion 330 and the subregion 332 have
a rectangular shape. In one embodiment, the subregion 328 includes the
engine operating point 368, the subregion 330 includes the engine operating
point 350, and the subregion 332 includes the engine operating point 370.
[0045] The HCP 5 executes the cost function 252 to calculate a cost PCOst
associated with each engine operating point of the second plurality of engine
operating points. The HCP 5 calculates a third plurality of cost values
comprising a cost PCost368 and a cost PCosT37o for the engine operating point 368,
and the engine operating point 370, respectively. The HCP 5 performs the
base point determination by determining which of the cost PCost368, the cost
Pcost370, or the cost PCost350 has the lowest value, and determines the engine
operating point associated with the lowest value as the base point of the
second plurality of engine operating points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary
embodiment in which the HCP 5 identifies a lowest cost of the second
plurality of cost values to be the cost PCost350 and therefore, identifies the
engine operating point 350 as the base point of the second plurality of engine
operating points and the subregion 330 as the base subregion of the first
plurality of subregions.
[0046] The HCP 5 segments the subregion 330 into a second plurality of
subregions based on the normalized input power y. In one embodiment, the
HCP 5 divides the subregion 330 into subregions 334, 336, and 338. In one
embodiment, subregions 334, 336 and 338 have a rectangular shape. In one
embodiment, the subregions 334, 336, and 338 are orthogonal to the first
plurality of subregions. In one embodiment, the subregion 334 includes the
engine operating point 372, the subregion 336 includes the engine operating
point 350, and the subregion 338 includes the engine operating point 374. A
third plurality of engine operating points includes engine operating points 350,
372, and 374.
[0047] The HCP 5 executes the cost function 252 to calculate a cost PCoSt
associated with each engine operating point of the third plurality of engine
operating points. The HCP 5 calculates a cost PCost372 and a cost PCOst374 for
the engine operating point 372, and the engine operating point 374,
respectively. The HCP 5 performs the base point determination by
determining which of the cost PCost372, the cost PCOst350, or the cost PCOst374 has
the lowest value, and determines the engine operating point associated with
the lowest value as the base point of the third plurality of engine operating
points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which the HCP 5
identifies a lowest cost of the third plurality of cost values to be the cost
Pcost374 and therefore, identifies the engine operating point 374 as the base
point of the third plurality of engine operating points and the subregion 338 as
the base subregion for the second plurality of subregions.
[0048] The HCP 5 determines a third plurality of subregions comprising
subregions 340, 342, and 344 based on the engine operating point 350. The
HCP 5 determines a cost PCost376 for an engine operating point 376 in
subregion 340, a cost PCost378 for an engine operating point 378 for engine
operating point 378 in subregion 344. The HCP 5 performs the base point
determination by determining which of the cost PCost372, the cost PCost374, or
the cost PCost378 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating
point associated with the lowest value as the base point for the fourth plurality
of engine operating points. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment in which
the HCP 5 identifies a lowest cost of the fourth plurality of engine operating
points to be cost PCost376 and therefore, determines the engine operating point
376 as the base point and the subregion 340 as the base subregion.
[0049] The HCP 5 determines a fourth plurality of subregions comprising a
subregion 346, a subregion 348, and a subregion 349 based on the engine
operating point 376. The HCP 5 determines a cost PCost380 for an engine
operating point 380 in subregion 346, and a cost PCost382 for an engine
operating point 382in subregion 340. The HCP 5 performs the base point
determination by determining which of the cost PCost380, the cost PCost376, or
the cost PCost382 has the lowest value, and determines the engine operating
point associated with the lowest value as the base point for the fifth plurality
of engine operating points.
[0050] The HCP 5 continues to utilize the search engine 250 and the cost
function 252 until a selected number of costs are calculated, or a
predetermined number of iterations are executed. Although, the
predetermined number iterations can be determined based on a desired search
resolution or a desired search speed, in one embodiment, ten iterations are
performed. In one embodiment, eleven iterations are performed. In one
embodiment, the HCP 5 calculates 100 cost values. In one embodiment, the
HCP 5 calculates 30 cost values. The HCP 5 determines a preferred engine
operating point within the iteratively identified subregion (that is, the
subregion identified as having a engine operating point with a lowest cost
Pcost after a predetermined number iterations) having the minimum operating
cost to meet the operator torque request. The preferred engine operating
points associated with an optimal speed value Xopt and an optimal input
power value Yopt.
[0051] The HCP 5 utilizing the method 200 to calculate cost values Pcost
rapidly due to the separation of the search engine 250 and the cost function
252. In particular, the search engine 250 determines pluralities of engine
operating points and provides each plurality of engine operating points to the
cost function 252 such that the cost function 252 of cost only has to solve for
one unknown variable per engine operating point. The HCP 5 utilizing the
method 200 to calculate twenty-eight cost values in less than twenty-five
milliseconds.
[0052] In alternative embodiments, the HCP 5 performs other amounts of
cost calculations. Further, in other alternative embodiments, the HCP 5
performs cost calculations until a selected amount of time elapses or until a
selected search tolerance level is reached.
[0053J The powertrain is controlled based on the optimal engine operating
point as determined by the search engine 250 and the cost function 252. The
values for Xopt, Yopt are translated to an optimal input speed N1_opt and an
input power P1_opt from the engine 14. Optimal input torque T1_opt is
determined by dividing optimal input speed N1_opt by the optimal input power
P1_opt. The HCP 5 commands operation of the engine 14 at optimal input
torque T1_opt and optimal input speed N1_opt (254).
[0054] As mentioned above, the HCP 5 utilizes the method 200 to control
the transmission 10 in the first or second continuously variable modes. The
HCP 5 controls the input speed and input torque of the engine utilizing Eqs. 1
and 2 as described wherein the input speed N1 is set to the optimal input speed
N1_opt, and wherein the input torque T, and is set to the optimal input torque
T1_opt.
[0055] The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and
modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to
others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is
intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)
disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but
that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
CLAIMS
1. A method for operating an internal combustion engine mechanically
coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission to transmit power to a
driveline in response to an operator torque request, the method
comprising:
defining a two-dimensional search region based upon an input power
transmittable between the internal combustion engine and the
electro-mechanical transmission;
iteratively
dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of
subregions based upon one of the input power and the input
speed,
determining an engine operating point within each of the subregions,
calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion
engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the
operator torque request for each engine operating point within
each of the subregions,
identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost to meet
the operator torque request; and
determining a preferred engine operating point based upon the engine
operating point within the identified subregion having the minimum
operating cost to meet the operator torque request.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising defining the two-dimensional
search area based upon input power transmittable between the internal
combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional search area
comprises a range of permissible input speeds and a range of permissible
input torques.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional search area
comprises a range of permissible input powers and a range of
permissible input speeds.
5. The method of claim 1, comprising dividing the two-dimensional search
region into a plurality of rectangular-shaped subregions.
6. The method of claim 1, comprising determining an engine operating
point located at a geometric center of each of the subregions.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the input speed
and the input torque of the internal combustion engine based on the
preferred engine operating point.
8. The method of claim 1, comprising calculating the operating cost based
upon vehicle driveability, fuel economy, emissions, and battery usage.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein each engine operating point in each
subregion comprises a precalibrated normalized engine operating point.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises one of ten
iterations and eleven iterations.
11. A method for operating an internal combustion engine mechanically
connected to an electro-mechanical transmission to transmit power to a
driveline in response to an operator torque request, the method
comprising:
defining a two-dimensional search region comprising an input torque
range and an input speed range transmittable from the internal
combustion engine to the electro-mechanical transmission;
iteratively
dividing the two-dimensional search region into a plurality of
subregions based upon one of the input torque and the input
speed,
determining an engine operating point within each of subregions,
calculating an operating cost to operate the internal combustion
engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the
operator torque request for each of the engine operating points
within each of the subregions,
identifying the subregion having a minimum operating cost based on
the operator torque request; and
determining a preferred input speed and a preferred input torque for
operating the internal combustion engine based upon the iteratively
identified subregion having the minimum operating cost based on the
operator torque request.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
identifying a two-dimensional search area comprising a range of
permissible input torques and a range of permissible input speeds
transmittable from the internal combustion engine to the electro-
mechanical transmission;
dividing the two-dimensional search area into the plurality of search
regions based upon the input torque and the input speed;
determining an engine operating point within each of the plurality of
search regions;
calculating an operating cost in response to the operator torque request
for each of the engine operating points within each of the plurality of
search regions; and
selecting the search region having a minimum calculated operating cost
in response to the operator torque request for the engine operating
points within the plurality of search regions.
13. The method of claim 11, comprising dividing the two-dimensional
search region into a plurality of rectangular-shaped subregions.
14. The method of claim 11, comprising determining an engine operating
point located at a geometric center of each subregion.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising controlling the input speed
and the input torque of the internal combustion engine based on the
preferred engine operating point.
16. The method of claim 11, comprising calculating the operating costs
based upon vehicle driveability, fuel economy, emissions, and battery
usage.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein each engine operating point in each
subregion comprises a precalibrated normalized engine operating point.
18. The method of claim 11 comprising dividing the two-dimensional search
region into a plurality of subregions by iteratively alternating dividing
search regions based upon input torques and input speeds.
19. The method of claim 11, comprising dividing the two-dimensional
search region into three subregions.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the method comprises one of ten
iterations and eleven iterations.

A method for operating an engine includes defining a two-dimensional
search region based upon an input power transmittable between the internal
combustion engine and an electro-mechanical transmission. The method
further includes iteratively dividing the two-dimensional search region into a
plurality of subregions based upon one of the input power and the input speed,
iteratively determining an engine operating point within each of the
subregions, iteratively calculating an operating cost to operate the internal
combustion engine and the electro-mechanical transmission to meet the
operator torque request for each engine operating point within each of the
subregions, and iteratively identifying the subregion having a minimum
operating cost to meet the operator torque request. A preferred engine
operating point is determined based upon the engine operating point within the
identified subregion having the minimum operating cost to meet the operator
torque request.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=yRnTIiXdpT0DQPSRfeNr2A==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

271897

Indian Patent Application Number

1943/KOL/2008

PG Journal Number

11/2016

Publication Date

11-Mar-2016

Grant Date

09-Mar-2016

Date of Filing

03-Nov-2008

Name of Patentee

CHRYSLER LLC

Applicant Address

800 CHRYSLER DRIVE,AUBURN HILLS,MICHIGAN,USA-48326-2757

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	BIN WU	981 DURHAM CT. TROY MICHIGAN 48084
2	ANTHONY H. HEAP	2969 LESLIE PARK CIRCLE, ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48105
3	WILFRIED BRUNSSEN	3670 FIELDCREST LN. YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN 48197
4	JASON J MCCONNELL	9647 LANDDOWNE LN. YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN 48197
5	KEE YONG KIM	1699 SCIO RIDGE RD. ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48103
6	BRIAN R MEDEMA	4401 LOTUS DRIVE, WATERFORD, MICHIGAN 48329

PCT International Classification Number

F02B75/32

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	60/985257	2007-11-04	U.S.A.