Brake Clutch Assisted Mode Transition Control for Compound Power-Split Vehicle

Because a compound power-split transmission is directly connected to the engine, dramatic fluctuations in engine output torque result in strong jerks and torque losses when the hybrid vehicle is in mode transition from electric drive mode to hybrid drive mode. In order to enhance ride comfort and reduce the output torque gap during mode transition process, a brake clutch assisted coordinated control strategy was developed. Firstly, the dynamic plant model of the power-split vehicle including driveline model, engine ripple torque and brake clutch torque was deduced. Secondly, the brake clutch assisted mode transition process was analyzed, and the output torque capability was compared between cases of both brake clutch assisted and unassisted mode transition process. Thirdly, a coordinated control strategy was designed to determine the desired motor torque, brake clutch torque, engine torque, and the moment of fuel injection. Finally, the effectiveness of coordinated control strategy was verified by vehicle test. The experimental results indicate that the proposed strategy was effective to suppress driveline speed oscillations during engine cranking phase, and reduce the engine cranking time.