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.     

Engine-CVT-A/F consolidated control using decoupling control theory

If an engine with an electric throttle valve control and CVT is fitted to the powertrain, fuel consumption becomes economical while the throttle valve angle and the gear ratio of CVT are controlled simultaneously. If the engine is operated with a lean air-fuel ratio (A/F), it is also effective for fuel economy. Therefore, combining A/F control with the simultaneous control of the throttle valve angle and the gear ratio becomes a more important method for controlling the powertrain of a car. Though these input-output relations were complicated, an adequate and convenient control method was required for the synthetic powertrain control. From such a point of view, Engine-CVT-A/F consolidated control using decoupling control theory was investigated.     

Model-Based Integrated Control of Engine and CVT to Minimize Fuel Use

In this study, a model-based integrated control method for engines and continuous variable transmissions (CVTs) is developed. CVT refers to a type of transmission which allows an engine to be operated independently with respect to the vehicle speed, with the engine torque and CVT gear ratio controlled in an integrated manner. In the proposed integrated control scheme, engine operating points which minimize the rate of instantaneous fuel consumption are calculated, and the engine target torque and target gear ratio are determined in an integrated manner based on the results of the calculations. Unlike the previous map-based control method, the method introduced in this study does not require an engine torque map or a CVT ratio map for tuning, and the engine torque and CVT ratio are controlled to minimize the amount of fuel used while satisfying the level of acceleration demand from the driver. The control scheme is based on the powertrain model, and the CVT response lag and transmission loss are also considered in the integrated control processes. The algorithm is simulated with various driving cycles, with the simulation results showing that the fuel economy performance of the vehicle system is improved with the newly suggested engine-CVT integrated control algorithm.     

金属带式CVT速比控制的仿真与试验研究

针对装备金属带式无级变速器(CVT)的整车,建立了无级变速传动系统数学模型.以无级变速汽车动力性和经济性相协调为目标,设计了Fuzzy-PI复合速比控制器.采用Fuzzy-PD控制策略和Fuzzy-PI复合控制策略对汽车起动工况进行了仿真分析,对装备金属带式CVT的某轿车进行了起动工况的模拟试验.结果表明,Fuzzy-PI复合控制策略优于Fuzzy-PD控制策略,速比的试验结果与理论数据一致,说明所建模型合理.     

Plug-in HEV with CVT: configuration,control, and its concurrent multi-objective optimization by evolutionary algorithm

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (Plug-in HEV) has dramatic improvements in fuel economy and emission reduction. It is most important to decide its optimal configuration, energy management strategy, powertrain sizes, and control logic parameters. For multi-objective optimization, we present a concurrent optimization methodology based on an optimal Plug-in HEV powertrain configuration with continuous variable transmission (CVT). The novelty is using evolutionary algorithm in conjunction with an instantaneous optimal energy management strategy. Simulation results indicate the proposed method can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions by simultaneously optimizing the propulsion system parameters as well as the energy control parameters.     

Development of a high torque capacity belt-drive CVT with a torque converter

A new belt-drive continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been developed and installed in a 2-liter class vehicle for the first time in the world. This paper describes the technical features of this high torque capacity transmission, the need for a torque converter, the importance of electronic control and the driving modes achieved. This new CVT provides better driving performance and fuel economy than current CVTs and 4-speed automatic transmissions.     

压力钢带式无级变速器技术降低油耗的潜能分析(一)

为降低压力钢带式无级变速(CVT)车型的燃油消耗,将研究重点放在对其内部不同损耗源的分析上,并认为最有可能降低损耗的部分是压力钢带式CVT的变速机构、液压驱动回路及其控制策略。根据研究结果指出,通过采取诸如滑移控制、改进的液压回路、分离离合器或启动-停止控制等措施,压力钢带式CVT仍具有较大的降低油耗的潜力;今后的工作应着重于扩大CVT滑移控制的工作区域及将此功能应用于生产实际中。。     

无级变速传动系统综合控制仿真与试验

基于无级变速传动系统动力学仿真模型与自适应模糊控制策略,综合考虑后备功率、动力传动系损失和CVT速比变化响应滞后的影响,提出了τ算法、发动机转矩补偿和发动机转速补偿3种控制方法,并分别对采用这3种控制方法时的动力性与燃油经济性进行仿真分析.结果表明,相对于常规控制,采用这3种综合控制方法后动力性基本保持不变,而经济性则分别提高了约2.9%-3.5%.     

基于遗传算法系统效率优化的PHEV电量保持模式控制策略

为了提高插电式混合动力汽车（PHEV）在电量保持下的燃油经济性,并解决插电式混合动力汽车在运行过程中动力元件效率对系统能量利用率影响的问题,制定了系统效率最优的控制策略。以PHEV关键动力部件的测试数据为基础,建立发动机、驱动电机、无级变速器（CVT）以及动力电池等关键部件的效率数值模型,并考虑了温度及荷电状态（SOC）对动力电池充放电功率的影响。设计以混合动力系统效率最优为适应度评价函数,将CVT速比、发动机转矩作为优化变量,以车速、加速度和SOC为状态变量,在动力性指标的约束下,运用遗传算法进行迭代寻优,PHEV的系统效率在第20代左右收敛于全局最优值。同时发动机转矩和CVT速比通过多代遗传进化,较快收敛于最佳值。将相关优化结果与车速、加速度拟合成相应的三维控制数表,综合数值建模和试验测试数据建模的方法,基于MATLAB/Simulink搭建插电式混合动力汽车整车控制策略仿真模型,采用新欧洲行驶循环工况进行仿真验证。结果表明：插电式混合动力汽车在电量保持模式下,利用遗传算法优化的系统效率最优控制策略相比优化前,动力电池SOC运行更为平稳,CVT效率有所提升,驱动电机及发动机转矩分配更为合理;百公里燃油消耗量从优化前的5.2 L降至4.5 L,燃油经济性提升了13.5%。     

Powertrain system optimization for a heavy-duty hybrid electric bus

This research concerns the design of a powertrain system for a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and presents a new design paradigm for the plug-in hybrid electric bus (HEB). The criteria and method for selecting and sizing powertrain components equipped in the plug-in HEB are presented. The plug-in HEB is designed to overcome the vulnerable limitations of driving range and performance of a purely electric vehicle (EV), and it is also designed to improve the fuel economy and exhaust emissions of conventional buses and conventional HEBs. Optimization of the control strategy for the complicated and interconnected propulsion system in the plug-in parallel HEB is one of the most significant factors for achieving higher fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In this research, the proposed control strategy was simulated to prove its validity using the ADVISOR (advanced vehicle simulator) analysis simulation tool.     

Economic value and utility of a powertrain system for a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus

This research is the first to develop a design for a powertain system of a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and presents a new design paradigm of the plug-in hybrid electric bus (HEB). The criteria and method for selecting and sizing powertrain components equipped in the plug-in HEB are presented. The plug-in HEB is designed to overcome the vulnerable limitations of driving range and performance of a purely electric vehicle (EV) and to improve fuel economy and exhaust emissions of conventional bus and conventional HEBs. The control strategy of the complicated connected propulsion system in the plug-in parallel HEB is one of the most significant factors in achieving higher fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions of the HEV. In this research, a new optimal control strategy concept is proposed against existing rule-based control strategies. The optimal powertrain control strategy is obtained through two steps of optimizations: tradeoff optimization for emission control and energy flow optimization based on the instantaneous optimization technique. The proposed powertrain control strategy has the flexibility to adapt to battery SOC, exhaust emission amount, classified driving pattern, driving condition, and engine temperature. The objective of the optimal control strategy is to optimize the fuel consumption, electricity use, and exhaust emissions proper to the performance targets. The proposed control strategy was simulated to prove its validity by using analysis simulation tool ADVISOR (advanced vehicle simulator).     

The Horsepower Reserve Formulation of Driveability for a Vehicle Fitted With a Continuously Variable Transmission

Summary A systematic methodology is developed for choosing the optimum ratio trajectory of a continuously variable transmission in a passenger vehicle. The optimum CVT ratio schedule is formulated as a constrained optimization problem with maximum fuel economy as the objective function and driveability concerns and physical limitations included as the constraints. The key notion to achieving good driveability is the introduction and definition of a horsepower reserve function that creates a consistent and desirable vehicle response under different driving conditions. Simulation results compare the optimized schedule's performance with several other possible ratio schedules, including the minimum brake specific fuel consumption map. Results from the optimized schedule indicate only a mild tradeoff between driveability and fuel economy relative to the other ratio schedules. The ratio optimization problem formulation and solution provide a novel and unique approach for systematically addressing driveability and fuel economy considerations associated with a continuously variable transmission.     

Development of dry hybrid belt CVT

We have developed a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which has superior transfer efficiency, by thoroughly reducing transfer loss by means of using a dry hybrid belt, using no lubrication composition system around the belt, and using an electric control system of a DC motor.The fuel efficiency and driveability of the prototype vehicle equiped with the CVT were proven equivalent or even superior to a 5 speed manual transmission.     

Fuel economy evaluation of fuel cell hybrid vehicles based on optimal control

The fuel economy of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV) depends on its power management strategy because the strategy determines the power split between the power sources. Several types of power management strategies have been developed to improve the fuel economy of FCHVs. This paper proposes an optimal control scheme based on the Minimum Principle. This optimal control provides the necessary optimality conditions that minimize the fuel consumption and optimize the power distribution between the fuel cell system (FCS) and the battery during driving. In this optimal control, the final battery state of charge (SOC) and the fuel consumption have an approximately proportional relationship. This relationship is expressed by a linear line, and this line is defined as the optimal line in this research. The optimal lines for different vehicle masses and different driving cycles are obtained and compared. This research presents a new method of fuel economy evaluation. The fuel economy of other power management strategies can be evaluated based on the optimal lines. A rule-based power management strategy is introduced, and its fuel economy is evaluated by the optimal line.     

Conceptual design of economic hybrid vehicle system using clutchless geared smart transmission

Most hybrid vehicles employ the continuously variable transmission (CVT or eCVT) currently as their choice of the transmissions. Recently, an automated geared transmission (AGT) or dual clutch transmission (DCT) is being tried for some hybrid vehicles for the better fuel economy than the CVT hybrid. However, this AGT or DCT is using automated clutches which require the hydraulic power in addition to the slippage in the clutch plate invoking some energy loss as well as wear. Also, they require a motor with significant power to match to the engine power. The clutchless geared smart transmission (CGST) has no clutch and the clutch function is performed by a planetary gear system controlled by a motor-generator. The hybrid vehicles proposed here using CGST may have some merits in durability, fuel efficiency, and cost since they do not have clutches. The motor used for the clutch function can be also working for power merge with the engine in propelling the vehicle. The proposed hybrid system can be either mild hybrid or full hybrid by adopting a different capacity of battery with much smaller motor-generator due to the planetary gear system compared to the other type hybrid vehicles. In this study, the prospects of newly proposed CGST hybrid system are examined in practical aspects compared with AGT hybrid or DCT hybrid systems.     

Application of a modified thermostatic control strategy to parallel mild HEV for improving fuel economy in urban driving conditions

A modified thermostatic control strategy is applied to the powertrain control of a parallel mild hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to improve fuel economy. This strategy can improve the fuel economy of a parallel mild HEV by operating internal combustion engine (ICE) in a high-efficiency region. Thus, in this study, experiments of a parallel mild HEV were conducted to analyze the characteristics of the hybrid electric powertrain and a numerical model is developed for the vehicle. Based on the results, the thermostatic control strategy was modified and applied to the vehicle model. Also, battery protection logic by using electrochemical battery model is applied because the active usage of battery by thermostatic control strategy can damage the battery. The simulation results of the vehicle under urban driving conditions show that the thermostatic control strategy can improve the vehicle’s fuel economy by 3.7 % compared with that of the conventional strategy. The results also suggest that the trade-off between the fuel economy improvement by efficient ICE operation and the battery life reduction by active battery usage should be carefully investigated when a thermostatic control strategy is applied to a parallel mild HEV.     

PHEV发动机驱动工况效率耦合分析与优化控制

单轴并联式混合动力系统（Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle,PHEV）包括电池、驱动电机、发动机、自动变速器等多个关键部件。各部件效率特性存在相互耦合的关系,要实现系统整体效率最优,需要辨明影响系统效率的控制参数,并对系统整体效率最优的控制参数进行优化。以装备无级变速器（Continuously Variable Transmission,CVT）的PHEV为研究对象,首先对系统各关键部件的效率特性进行分析,建立各关键部件效率模型,明确各部件效率与控制参数、状态参数之间的关系。在此基础上,对发动机单独驱动模式下动力传递路径中不同部件的效率耦合关系进行分析,推导出系统燃油消耗量与动力系统各状态参数、控制参数之间的函数关系。根据分析结果,选取车辆需求功率及车速为状态参数,变速器速比及发动机转矩为控制参数,以系统燃油消耗量最小为目标建立优化目标函数和约束条件,对系统优化问题进行定义。根据优化问题的特点,设计基于模拟退火的优化算法对优化问题进行求解,获取系统燃油消耗率最小时变速器目标速比和发动机目标转矩随状态参数的变化关系。建立系统仿真模型对所述优化算法进行仿真分析,并搭建混合动力试验台对优化结果进行试验验证。结果表明：无级变速器效率对系统整体效率影响较大,采用优化控制规律使发动机效率有所降低,但无级变速器效率升高更大,系统整体效率升高;在功率需求一定的循环工况下,优化控制算法比传统上仅以发动机效率最高为目标的控制算法节油1%~2%。     

Study of fuel consumption improvement of the car with the dry hybrid belt CVT

By reducing transmission loss in the speed-change control system and optimizing the transmission ratio using an electronically controlled DC motor, the authors were able to prove that the dry hybrid belt CVT is more fuel efficient than manual transmissions. This paper describes the results of the transmission-loss analysis and the control method used for the speed-change ratio.     

现代轿车无级传动技术分析

现代轿车传动技术正朝着自动化方向发展,由于无级变速器对提高汽车动力性和燃油经济性均具有显著的效果,同时也能减小冲击,改善车辆的换挡品质,因此始终被认为是一项颇具潜力的技术,在轿车上的运用也日渐增多。了解和研究该项技术有利于把握未来汽车传动系技术的发展脉搏,缩短我国与世界汽车技术的差距。     

Real-time weighted multi-objective model predictive controller for adaptive cruise control systems

In this paper, a novel spacing control law is developed for vehicles with adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems to perform spacing control mode. Rather than establishing a steady-state following distance behind a newly encountered vehicle to avoid collision, the proposed spacing control law based on model predictive control (MPC) further considers fuel economy and ride comfort. Firstly, a hierarchical control architecture is utilized in which a lower controller compensates for nonlinear longitudinal vehicle dynamics and enables to track the desired acceleration. The upper controller based on the proposed spacing control law is designed to compute the desired acceleration to maintain the control objectives. Moreover, the control objectives are then formulated into the model predictive control problem using acceleration and jerk limits as constrains. Furthermore, due to the complex driving conditions during in the transitional state, the traditional model predictive control algorithm with constant weight matrix cannot meet the requirement of improvement in the fuel economy and ride comfort. Therefore, a real-time weight tuning strategy is proposed to solve time-varying multi-objective control problems, where the weight of each objective can be adjusted with respect to different operating conditions. In addition, simulation results demonstrate that the ACC system with the proposed real-time weighted MPC (RW-MPC) can provide better performance than that using constant weight MPC (CW-MPC) in terms of fuel economy and ride comfort.