CVT ratio control with consideration of CVT system loss

A modified CVT ratio map is proposed to obtain the improved fuel economy for a metal belt CVT. Since the CVT system loss, which occupies most of the drivetrain loss, depends on the engine speed, input torque, primary and secondary actuator pressure, a modified CVT ratio map is produced to realize the highest engine-CVT overall efficiency through the consideration of CVT system loss. The modified CVT ratio map is constructed with respect to the demanded vehicle power and present vehicle speed based on the steady state CVT system loss. Using the modified CVT ratio map, performance simulations are carried out using the dynamic models of the CVT powertrain. The simulation results indicate that the modified CVT ratio control provides improved engine-CVT overall system efficiency, and improves the fuel economy of the federal urban driving schedule by 4.9 percent.