Section controller

摘要

When GM began developing the Voltec powertrain for the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera 29 months ago the emphasis was placed on efficiency. The aim was to emit the least amount of CO2 by combining an electric motor and lithium-manganese spinel battery with a gasoline combustion engine. But bringing those technologies together so they work efficiently increases the complexity of the management system. A greater number of electronic control units are needed, which grow yet further when the transmission, thermal management and ancillary systems are included. In a conventional combustion engine vehicle the hierarchical layout places the engine as the dominant controller - it determines the output requirements based on the drivers throttle position, with information then passed to the transmission to select the gear. In the Ampera the traction power inverter module (TPIM) is dominant.