Coordinated Torque, Energy and Clutch Control Strategy for Downshifts in P2 Parallel xHEV Powertrains

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper describes a methodology for investigating the controls coordination of clutch and propulsion torque sources relative to clutch energy, electrification energy consumption and output torque profile for offgoing controlled downshifts in P2 parallel xHEV powertrain configurations. The focus is on an 8 speed planetary automatic transmission, but the approach is equally applicable to any powerflow design with clutch-to-clutch shifting. The modeling technique is for an overall control strategy relative to achieving a targeted transmission input speed profile. A reduced order model of the transmission system is presented that accounts for input shaft acceleration and compensation of inertial contributions to offgoing clutch torque and transmission output torque. The coordinated control of offgoing clutch, engine and P2 electric motor torques are explored in the context of power on and off downshifts for clutch energy, P2 energy consumption and output torque trajectory that directly translates to responsiveness and/or perceived shift quality. The presence of a torque converter and lockup clutch and the influence of the lockup clutch state control on downshifting coordination and torque disturbance is also incorporated in the analysis. Potential improvements in downshift response, clutch controllability and output torque trajectory are provided for the particular 8 speed transmission powerflow considered. The methodology presented can easily be applied to any clutch-to-clutch transmission architecture and powerflow, whether planetary, dual clutch or other.</div></div>