Driving range calculation device and driving range calculation method

JP7884902B2Active Publication Date: 2026-07-06HINO MOTORS LTD
View PDF 7 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
HINO MOTORS LTD
Filing Date
2022-04-25
Publication Date
2026-07-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional methods for calculating the achievable distance of an electric vehicle do not accurately reflect the current driving state, leading to a discrepancy between the displayed range and the driver's operating sense.

Method used

A range calculation device and method that calculates the cruising range by determining the remaining capacity of a power storage device, adjusting power consumption based on the state of the electric motor, and displaying the range on a meter, using a rate coefficient to correct energy consumption.

Benefits of technology

The method accurately reflects the driving state of the vehicle, providing a cruising range that aligns with the driver's perception, enhancing the accuracy and responsiveness of range estimation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007884902000001
    Figure 0007884902000001
  • Figure 0007884902000002
    Figure 0007884902000002
  • Figure 0007884902000003
    Figure 0007884902000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To calculate a cruisable distance that follows a traveling state of a movable body.SOLUTION: A cruisable distance calculation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is configured to calculate a cruisable distance of a movable body 1 including an electric motor 13 as a power source and a power storage device 11 configured to supply power to the electric motor 13. The cruisable distance calculation device includes: a residual capacity calculation unit 152 configured to calculate the residual capacity of the power storage device 11; an electricity consumption calculation unit 153 configured to calculate electricity consumption based on a travel distance of the movable body 1 and electricity consumption of the power storage device 11; a setting unit 155 configured to set, based on a state of the electric motor 13, a rate coefficient that indicates how much the electricity consumption is increased and decreased; a rate processor 156 configured to execute, by using the rate coefficient, rate processing that corrects the electricity consumption; a distance calculation unit 157 configured to calculate the cruisable distance of the movable body 1 based on the electricity consumption on which the rate processing is executed and the residual capacity of the power storage device 11; and a display control unit 158 configured to display the cruisable distance of the movable body 1 on a meter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an achievable distance calculation device and an achievable distance calculation method.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for calculating the achievable distance of a moving body such as an electric vehicle are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The achievable distance is calculated based on the remaining capacity of the battery and past electricity costs. In conventional calculation methods, the achievable distance may not follow the current driving state of the moving body. In this case, the achievable distance displayed on the meter may differ from the driver's operating sense.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to calculate an achievable distance that follows the driving state of a moving body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A range calculation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure calculates the range of a mobile body equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a power storage device that supplies power to the electric motor. The range calculation device comprises: a remaining capacity calculation unit that calculates the remaining capacity of the power storage device; a power consumption calculation unit that calculates the power consumption based on the distance traveled by the mobile body and the power consumption of the power storage device; a setting unit that sets a rate coefficient indicating the degree to which the power consumption should be increased or decreased based on the state of the electric motor; a rate processing unit that performs rate processing to correct the power consumption using the rate coefficient; a distance calculation unit that calculates the range of the mobile body based on the power consumption after the rate processing and the remaining capacity of the power storage device; and a display control unit that displays the range of the mobile body on a meter.

[0007] A method for calculating the cruising range according to one aspect of the present disclosure calculates the cruising range of a mobile body equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a power storage device that supplies power to the electric motor. The method for calculating the cruising range comprises the steps of: calculating the remaining capacity of the power storage device; calculating the energy consumption based on the mileage of the mobile body and the power consumption of the power storage device; setting a rate coefficient that indicates the degree to which the energy consumption is increased or decreased based on the state of the electric motor; a rate processing unit that performs rate processing to correct the energy consumption using the rate coefficient; calculating the cruising range of the mobile body based on the energy consumption after the rate processing and the remaining capacity of the power storage device; and displaying the cruising range of the mobile body on a meter.

[0008] In a range calculation device and range calculation method according to one aspect of this disclosure, the remaining capacity of the energy storage device and the energy consumption of the mobile vehicle are calculated, respectively. A rate coefficient is set based on the state of the electric motor of the mobile vehicle. Here, since the state of the electric motor indicates the driving state of the mobile vehicle, the driving state of the mobile vehicle is reflected in the rate coefficient. Then, based on the energy consumption and the remaining capacity of the energy storage device after rate processing using the rate coefficient, the range of the mobile vehicle is calculated and the range is displayed on the meter. In this way, the driving state of the mobile vehicle is reflected in the range. As a result, it is possible to calculate a range that follows the driving state of the mobile vehicle.

[0009] In the cruising range calculation device, the setting unit may set a coefficient as a rate coefficient to reduce the power consumption when the state of the electric motor corresponds to the state of powering. When the power consumption is reduced by the rate coefficient, the cruising range also decreases. This makes it possible to calculate the cruising range that follows the driving state of the moving object, so as to be closer to the driver's feel.

[0010] In the cruising range calculation device, the setting unit may set a coefficient as a rate coefficient to increase the energy consumption when the motor state corresponds to a regenerative state. When the energy consumption increases due to the rate coefficient, the cruising range also increases. This makes it possible to calculate the cruising range that follows the driving state of the moving object, so as to be closer to the driver's feel.

[0011] In a cruising range calculation device, the setting unit may set a rate coefficient to prevent an increase or decrease in energy consumption when the motor is not in a state corresponding to either powering or regenerative braking. When the increase or decrease in energy consumption is suppressed by the rate coefficient, the increase or decrease in cruising range is also suppressed. This makes it possible to calculate the cruising range that follows the driving state of the moving object, in a way that is closer to the driver's feel.

[0012] In the range calculation device, the setting unit may determine a first value as the rate coefficient when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is within a first range, and may determine a second value as the rate coefficient when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is within a second range smaller than the first range. When the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is within the (larger) range of the first range, a first (smaller) value of the rate coefficient is set, and when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is within the (smaller) range of the second range, a second (larger) value of the rate coefficient is set. The calculated range will be more responsive to the vehicle's driving state when the rate coefficient is small, and more responsive to the actual range when the rate coefficient is large. Therefore, when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is large, a range that follows the vehicle's driving state can be calculated. When the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is small, a range that follows the actual range is calculated, making it easier to plan flights that take into account the distance to charging facilities. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the cruising range can be calculated while following the driving state of a moving object. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the basic configuration of the mobile unit. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration related to the ECU according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of electricity consumption before and after rate processing. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of rate processing. Figure 4(a) shows an example of rate processing related to an increase in average electricity consumption. Figure 4(b) shows an example of rate processing related to a decrease in average electricity consumption. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of ECU processing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted.

[0016] The remaining distance calculation device according to this embodiment is mounted on a moving body. The moving body is, for example, an electric vehicle including a motor that outputs driving force for traveling. The remaining distance calculation device calculates the remaining distance, which is a predicted value of the distance that the moving body can travel, using the energy of the moving body.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the moving body 1. In FIG. 1, a part of the basic configuration of the moving body 1 (such as drive wheels, a differential device, a gear mechanism, etc.) is omitted. The moving body 1 is, for example, a commercial vehicle that transports goods.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the moving body 1 includes a power storage device 11, an inverter 12, a motor 13, a fuel cell 14, an ECU 15 (Electronic Control Unit), and a meter 16.

[0019] The power storage device 11 is a drive energy source (battery) that supplies power to drive the motor 13. The power storage device 11 may notify the ECU 15 of the state of the power storage device 11 including the temperature and the output limit value.

[0020] The inverter 12 is, for example, a three-phase bridge circuit including IGBTs and diodes. The inverter 12 switches the on / off state of the IGBTs according to a control signal from the ECU 15 to perform power running control or regenerative control.

[0021] The electric motor 13 is a power source (drive motor) that outputs driving force for propulsion. The electric motor 13 is, for example, an AC synchronous type and functions as both an electric motor and a generator. The electric motor 13 has a rotor made of permanent magnets and a stator around which three-phase windings are wound. Drive wheels (not shown) are connected to the rotor via a gear mechanism (not shown) and a differential device (not shown).

[0022] The fuel cell 14 supplies power to drive the electric motor 13 in accordance with the control signal from the ECU 15. The mobile unit 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the fuel cell 14. The mobile unit 1 may also include an engine and a generator as a power supply unit that supplies power to drive the electric motor 13.

[0023] The ECU15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), backup RAM, an input / output interface, and a communication interface. The ECU15 is a control unit that controls each of these components. In this embodiment, the ECU15 functions as a cruising range calculation device.

[0024] The meter 16 displays various information about the mobile unit 1. For example, the meter 16 measures the distance traveled by the mobile unit 1 and displays the distance traveled on a display device such as an LCD panel. The meter 16 also displays, for example, the remaining range, energy consumption, the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11, the shift position, and the driving speed, but the displayed content is not limited to these.

[0025] In the mobile unit 1, regenerative power from the electric motor 13 can be supplied to the energy storage device 11 via the inverter 12.

[0026] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration related to the ECU 15 according to the embodiment. The ECU 15 includes, as functional elements, an acquisition unit 150, a storage unit 151, a remaining capacity calculation unit 152, a power consumption calculation unit 153, a state determination unit 154, a setting unit 155, a rate processing unit 156, a distance calculation unit 157, and a display control unit 158.

[0027] The acquisition unit 150 acquires various information necessary for calculating the remaining driving range. For example, the acquisition unit 150 acquires the full capacity [kWh] of the energy storage device 11 and the current capacity [%], which is the ratio to the full capacity, from the energy storage device 11. For example, the acquisition unit 150 acquires information such as the detected current from the current sensor attached to the inverter 12. For example, the acquisition unit 150 acquires the mileage of the mobile body 1 from the meter 16. The acquisition unit 150 may store the mileage of the mobile body 1, information about the energy storage device 11, etc., in the storage unit 151.

[0028] The memory unit 151 is a non-temporary storage medium or storage device that stores information such as the distance traveled by the mobile body 1 and information about the energy storage device 11. The memory unit 151 may also store temporary information in the processing of each functional element.

[0029] The remaining capacity calculation unit 152 calculates the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11. For example, the remaining capacity calculation unit 152 calculates the remaining capacity [kWh] of the energy storage device 11 by multiplying the full capacity [kWh] by the current capacity [%].

[0030] The energy consumption calculation unit 153 calculates the energy consumption based on the distance traveled by the mobile unit 1 and the power consumption of the energy storage device 11. For example, the energy consumption calculation unit 153 takes the value obtained by dividing the distance traveled by the power consumption as the energy consumption [km / kWh]. Therefore, the larger the energy consumption value, the better (higher) the energy consumption. The energy consumption calculation unit 153 may also calculate the energy consumption for each short-distance travel section based on the energy consumption for each short-distance travel section. The energy consumption calculation unit 153 may store the energy consumption for the past N times (N≧1) in such short-distance travel sections in the storage unit 151. The energy consumption calculation unit 153 may also calculate the average value of the past N times' energy consumption (hereinafter referred to as "average energy consumption") as the calculation result. In one example, the energy consumption calculation unit 153 may calculate the average energy consumption for 10 short-distance travel sections (10km) and calculate it as the energy consumption for a predetermined travel section (100km). In this embodiment, the electricity consumption calculation unit 153 will be described as one that calculates the average electricity consumption.

[0031] The state determination unit 154 determines whether the state of the motor 13 corresponds to powering, regenerative braking, or neither powering nor regenerative braking. A state that does not correspond to either powering or regenerative braking is, for example, a state in which the mobile body 1 is stopped. For example, the state determination unit 154 detects the torque state as the state of the motor 13. In one example, the state determination unit 154 may calculate the torque state of the motor 13 based on the current in the inverter 12 and the rated rotational speed of the motor 13. The torque state may also be detected by a torque sensor or the like. The state determination unit 154 then determines that the state of the motor 13 corresponds to powering if the torque state is positive. The state determination unit 154 determines that the state of the motor 13 corresponds to regenerative braking if the torque state is negative. The state determination unit 154 determines that the state of the motor 13 is neither powering nor regenerating (a state corresponding to stopping) if the torque state is neither positive nor negative, or if the motor has stopped rotating.

[0032] The setting unit 155 sets a rate coefficient that indicates the degree to which the power consumption is increased or decreased based on the state of the electric motor 13. The rate coefficient is a variable value, and is not limited to, for example, the power consumption value [kWh]. The value of the rate coefficient to be set may be determined according to the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11. For example, the setting unit 155 determines whether the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is large or small. In one example, the setting unit 155 may determine that the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is large when it is in a first range (e.g., 50% or more), and may determine that the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is small when it is in a second range smaller than the first range (e.g., less than 50%). The setting unit 155 may determine the value of the rate coefficient to a first value (for example, 0.1 [km / kWh]) when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is large, and may determine the value of the rate coefficient to a second value (for example, 0.5 [km / kWh]) which is larger than the first value when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is small. In this way, the setting unit 155 determines the value to be set as the rate coefficient to a first value when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within a first range, and determines the value to be set as the rate coefficient to a second value which is larger than the first value when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within a second range which is smaller than the first range.

[0033] The setting unit 155 sets a rate coefficient to reduce the power consumption when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to the state of powering. For example, when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to the state of powering, the setting unit 155 sets a value for the rate coefficient in the direction of decreasing power consumption and sets the rate coefficient in the direction of increasing power consumption to 0.

[0034] The setting unit 155 sets a rate coefficient to increase the energy consumption when the state of the motor 13 is in a state corresponding to regeneration. For example, when the state of the motor 13 is in a state corresponding to regeneration, the setting unit 155 sets a value for the rate coefficient in the direction of increasing energy consumption and sets the rate coefficient in the direction of decreasing energy consumption to 0.

[0035] The setting unit 155 sets a rate coefficient to prevent the increase or decrease in energy consumption when the state of the motor 13 is neither powering nor regenerating. For example, when the state of the motor 13 is neither powering nor regenerating, the setting unit 155 sets the rate coefficients for both the increase and decrease directions of energy consumption to 0.

[0036] The rate processing unit 156 performs rate processing to correct the electricity consumption using a rate coefficient. For example, the rate processing unit 156 corrects the electricity consumption by adding or subtracting a rate coefficient [km / kWh] to the electricity consumption [km / kWh].

[0037] The distance calculation unit 157 calculates the cruising range of the mobile body 1 based on the electricity consumption for which rate processing has been performed and the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11. For example, the distance calculation unit 157 calculates the cruising range of the mobile body 1 [km] by multiplying the electricity consumption [km / kWh] for which rate processing has been performed by the rate processing unit 156 by the remaining capacity [kWh] of the energy storage device 11 calculated by the remaining capacity calculation unit 152.

[0038] The display control unit 158 ​​displays the remaining range of the mobile body 1, calculated by the distance calculation unit 157, on the meter 16.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of electricity consumption before and after rate processing. In Figure 3, the vertical axis represents average electricity consumption, and the horizontal axis represents time. In Figure 3, the average electricity consumption before rate processing is shown as a bar graph, and the average electricity consumption after rate processing is shown as a line graph.

[0040] The average fuel consumption after rate processing changes more gradually compared to the average fuel consumption before rate processing. For example, the average fuel consumption before rate processing may fluctuate sharply at points where the bar graph values ​​change. On the other hand, the average fuel consumption after rate processing gradually approaches and converges to the average fuel consumption before rate processing after the bar graph values ​​change. The sharper the increase or decrease in the average fuel consumption before rate processing, the longer it takes for the average fuel consumption after rate processing to converge to the average fuel consumption before rate processing.

[0041] The "Energy Source Remaining Capacity 'Low' Determination" shown in Figure 3 indicates the point in time when the setting unit 155 determines that the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is in the second range. Before this point in time, the setting unit sets the rate coefficient to the first value. After this point in time, the setting unit 155 sets the rate coefficient to the second value. Before this point in time, the change in average energy consumption after rate processing is gradual, whereas after this point in time, the change in average energy consumption after rate processing is rapid. The cruising range calculated using this average energy consumption will have higher responsiveness (or tracking ability) to the driving state of the mobile body 1 when the rate coefficient value is small, and higher responsiveness to the actual cruising range when the rate coefficient value is large.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an example of rate processing. Figure 4(a) shows an example of rate processing related to an increase in average electricity consumption. Figure 4(b) shows an example of rate processing related to a decrease in average electricity consumption. The setting unit 155 and the rate processing unit 156 perform rate processing while switching the rate coefficient according to the state of the electric motor 13.

[0043] Referring to Figure 4(a), an example of rate processing in range A in Figure 3 will be explained. Range A is an example of a transition from a low average energy consumption state to a high average energy consumption state. For example, when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to a regenerative state, the setting unit 155 sets a value for the rate coefficient in the direction of increasing energy consumption and sets the rate coefficient in the direction of decreasing energy consumption to 0. The rate processing unit 156 performs rate processing to correct the average energy consumption using such rate coefficients for increasing energy consumption. The average energy consumption after rate processing increases when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to a regenerative state, and does not increase or decrease when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to powering or stopping.

[0044] Referring to Figure 4(b), an example of rate processing in range B in Figure 3 will be explained. Range B is an example of a transition from a state with high average energy consumption to a state with low average energy consumption. For example, when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to the state of powering, the setting unit 155 sets a value for the rate coefficient in the direction of decreasing energy consumption and sets the rate coefficient in the direction of increasing energy consumption to 0. The rate processing unit 156 performs rate processing to correct the average energy consumption using such rate coefficients for decreasing energy consumption. The average energy consumption after rate processing decreases when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to the state of powering, and does not increase or decrease when the state of the motor 13 corresponds to the state of regeneration or stopping.

[0045] [Operation of the cruising range calculation device] Referring to Figure 5, an example of a method for calculating the cruising range using a cruising range calculation device will be explained. The cruising range calculation method is performed by the ECU 15 controlling each functional element. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the ECU 15.

[0046] In step S1, the acquisition unit 150 acquires various information necessary to calculate the remaining driving range. For example, the acquisition unit 150 acquires the full capacity [kWh] and current capacity [%] of the energy storage device 11 from the energy storage device 11. For example, the acquisition unit 150 acquires information such as the detected current from the current sensor attached to the inverter 12. For example, the acquisition unit 150 acquires the mileage of the mobile body 1 from the meter 16.

[0047] In step S2, the remaining capacity calculation unit 152 calculates the remaining capacity [kWh] of the energy storage device 11 based on the full capacity [kWh] and current capacity [%] of the energy storage device 11.

[0048] In step S3, the energy consumption calculation unit 153 calculates the average energy consumption [km / kWh] based on the distance traveled by the mobile body 1 [km] and the power consumption of the energy storage device 11 [kWh].

[0049] In step S4, the state determination unit 154 determines whether the state of the motor 13 corresponds to powering, regenerative braking, or neither powering nor regenerative braking. For example, the state determination unit 154 calculates the torque state of the motor 13 based on the current in the inverter 12 and the rated rotational speed of the motor 13. The state determination unit 154 determines the state of the motor 13 based on the torque state.

[0050] In step S5, if the state of the electric motor 13 corresponds to the state corresponding to powering (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6. In step S5, if the state of the electric motor 13 does not correspond to the state corresponding to powering (NO in step S5), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0051] In step S6, the setting unit 155 sets a coefficient to reduce the electricity consumption as a rate coefficient. For example, the setting unit 155 sets a value for the rate coefficient in the direction of decreasing electricity consumption and sets 0 for the rate coefficient in the direction of increasing electricity consumption.

[0052] In step S7, if the state of the motor 13 is in a state that corresponds to regeneration (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8. In step S7, if the state of the motor 13 is not in a state that corresponds to regeneration (NO in step S7), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0053] In step S8, the setting unit 155 sets a coefficient to increase the power consumption as a rate coefficient. For example, the setting unit 155 sets a value for the rate coefficient in the direction of increasing power consumption and sets 0 for the rate coefficient in the direction of decreasing power consumption.

[0054] In step S9, the setting unit 155 sets a coefficient as a rate coefficient to prevent the increase or decrease of electricity consumption. For example, the setting unit 155 sets the rate coefficients for both the increasing and decreasing directions of electricity consumption to 0.

[0055] In relation to steps S6, S8, and S9, the setting unit 155 determines the value of the rate coefficient to be set based on the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11. For example, if the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within a first range, the setting unit 155 determines the value to be set as the rate coefficient to be a first value, and if the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within a second range which is smaller than the first range, the setting unit 155 determines the value to be set as the rate coefficient to be a second value which is larger than the first value.

[0056] In step S10, the rate processing unit 156 performs rate processing to correct the average electricity consumption using the rate coefficient. For example, the rate processing unit 156 corrects the average electricity consumption by adding or subtracting the rate coefficient [km / kWh] to the average electricity consumption [km / kWh].

[0057] In step S11, the distance calculation unit 157 calculates the cruising range [km] of the mobile unit 1 based on the average power consumption [km / kWh] after rate processing and the remaining capacity [kWh] of the energy storage device 11.

[0058] In step S12, the display control unit 158 ​​displays the remaining range of the mobile body 1 on the meter 16. The ECU 15 may repeatedly execute all or part of the processes shown in steps S1 to S12 at predetermined intervals.

[0059] [effect] As described above, a cruising range calculation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure calculates the cruising range of a mobile body 1 equipped with an electric motor 13 as a power source and a power storage device 11 that supplies power to the electric motor 13. The cruising range calculation device includes a remaining capacity calculation unit 152 that calculates the remaining capacity of the power storage device 11, a power consumption calculation unit 153 that calculates the power consumption based on the mileage of the mobile body 1 and the power consumption of the power storage device 11, a setting unit 155 that sets a rate coefficient indicating the degree to which the power consumption is increased or decreased based on the state of the electric motor 13, a rate processing unit 156 that performs rate processing to correct the power consumption using the rate coefficient, a distance calculation unit 157 that calculates the cruising range of the mobile body 1 based on the power consumption after the rate processing and the remaining capacity of the power storage device 11, and a display control unit 158 ​​that displays the cruising range of the mobile body 1 on a meter 16.

[0060] A method for calculating the cruising range according to one aspect of the present disclosure calculates the cruising range of a mobile body 1 equipped with an electric motor 13 as a power source and a power storage device 11 that supplies power to the electric motor 13. The method for calculating the cruising range includes the steps of: calculating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 11; calculating the energy consumption based on the mileage of the mobile body 1 and the power consumption of the power storage device 11; setting a rate coefficient that indicates the degree to which the energy consumption should be increased or decreased based on the state of the electric motor 13; a rate processing unit 156 that performs rate processing to correct the energy consumption using the rate coefficient; calculating the cruising range of the mobile body 1 based on the energy consumption after the rate processing and the remaining capacity of the power storage device 11; and displaying the cruising range of the mobile body 1 on a meter 16.

[0061] In a range calculation device and range calculation method according to one aspect of this disclosure, the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 equipped with the mobile body 1 and the energy consumption are calculated, respectively. A rate coefficient is set based on the state of the electric motor 13 equipped with the mobile body 1. Here, since the state of the electric motor 13 indicates the driving state of the mobile body 1, the driving state of the mobile body 1 is reflected in the rate coefficient. Then, based on the energy consumption and the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 after rate processing is performed using the rate coefficient, the range of the mobile body 1 is calculated and the range is displayed on the meter 16. In this way, the driving state of the mobile body 1 is reflected in the range. As a result, it is possible to calculate a range that follows the driving state of the mobile body 1.

[0062] In the cruising range calculation device, the setting unit 155 may set a coefficient to reduce the power consumption as a rate coefficient when the state of the electric motor 13 corresponds to the state of powering. When the power consumption is reduced by the rate coefficient, the cruising range also decreases. This makes it possible to calculate the cruising range that follows the driving state of the mobile body 1 in a way that is closer to the driver's feel.

[0063] In the cruising range calculation device, the setting unit 155 may set a coefficient to increase the energy consumption as a rate coefficient when the state of the electric motor 13 is in a state corresponding to regeneration. When the energy consumption increases due to the rate coefficient, the cruising range also increases. This makes it possible to calculate the cruising range that follows the driving state of the mobile body 1 in a way that is closer to the driver's feel.

[0064] In the cruising range calculation device, the setting unit 155 may set a rate coefficient to prevent an increase or decrease in energy consumption when the state of the electric motor 13 is neither powering nor regenerating. When the increase or decrease in energy consumption is suppressed by the rate coefficient, the increase or decrease in the cruising range is also suppressed. This makes it possible to calculate the cruising range that follows the driving state of the mobile body 1, so as to be closer to the driver's feel.

[0065] In the cruising range calculation device, the setting unit 155 may determine a value to be set as the rate coefficient to be a first value when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within a first range, and may determine a value to be set as the rate coefficient to be a second value that is larger than the first value when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within a second range that is smaller than the first range. When the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within the (larger) range of the first range, a first (smaller) value of the rate coefficient is set, and when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is within the (smaller) range of the second range, a second (larger) value of the rate coefficient is set. The calculated cruising range will have a higher degree of accuracy in following the driving state of the mobile body 1 when the value of the rate coefficient is small, and a higher degree of accuracy in following the actual cruising range when the value of the rate coefficient is large. Therefore, when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is large, it is possible to calculate a cruising range that follows the driving state of the mobile body 1. If the remaining capacity of the energy storage device 11 is small, the calculated cruising range will follow the actual cruising range, making it easier to plan flights that take into account the distance to charging facilities.

[0066] [Differentiation] The embodiments described above have been explained in detail. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the rate coefficient is the value of the electricity consumption [km / kWh], but the rate coefficient may also be a percentage [%]. The rate processing unit 156 may correct the value of the electricity consumption by multiplying the electricity consumption [km / kWh] by the rate coefficient [%].

[0068] The processing procedure for calculating the remaining range is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. For example, some of the steps (processes) described above may be omitted, or each step may be performed in a different order. Also, any two or more of the steps described above may be combined, or some of the steps may be modified or deleted. Alternatively, other steps may be performed in addition to each of the above steps.

[0069] When comparing the relative magnitudes of two numbers within the ECU15, either the "greater than or equal to" and "greater than" criteria may be used, as may either the "less than or equal to" and "less than" criteria. The choice of such criteria does not change the technical significance of the process of comparing the relative magnitudes of two numbers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...Mobile unit, 11...Energy storage device, 12...Inverter, 13...Electric motor, 14...Fuel cell, 15...ECU, 16...Meter, 150...Acquisition unit, 151...Storage unit, 152...Remaining capacity calculation unit, 153...Energy consumption calculation unit, 154...Status determination unit, 155...Setting unit, 156...Rate processing unit, 157...Distance calculation unit, 158...Display control unit.

Claims

1. A range calculation device for calculating the cruising range of a mobile body equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a power storage device that supplies power to the electric motor, A remaining capacity calculation unit that calculates the remaining capacity of the aforementioned energy storage device, A power consumption calculation unit that calculates power consumption based on the travel distance of the mobile body and the power consumption of the energy storage device, A setting unit that sets a rate coefficient indicating the degree to which the power consumption is increased or decreased based on the state of the electric motor, A rate processing unit that performs rate processing to correct the electricity consumption using the rate coefficient, A distance calculation unit calculates the cruising range of the mobile body based on the electricity consumption after the rate processing and the remaining capacity of the energy storage device, The system includes a display control unit that displays the cruising range of the mobile body on a meter, The rate processing unit, when the electricity consumption is changed, takes the electricity consumption before the change as input and performs a correction using the rate coefficient, and repeatedly performs the correction using the rate coefficient, taking the result of the previous correction as input, so that the corrected electricity consumption approaches the changed electricity consumption. A device for calculating remaining cruising range.

2. The cruising range calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a coefficient for reducing electricity consumption as the rate coefficient when the state of the electric motor is in a state corresponding to powering.

3. The cruising range calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a coefficient for increasing the energy consumption as the rate coefficient when the state of the electric motor is in a state corresponding to regeneration.

4. The cruising range calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a coefficient as the rate coefficient to prevent an increase or decrease in power consumption when the state of the electric motor is neither powering nor regenerating.

5. The cruising range calculation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting unit determines the value to be set as the rate coefficient to be a first value when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is within a first range, and determines the value to be set as the rate coefficient to be a second value greater than the first value when the remaining capacity of the energy storage device is within a second range smaller than the first range.

6. A method for calculating the cruising range of a mobile body equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a power storage device that supplies power to the electric motor, The steps include: calculating the remaining capacity of the aforementioned energy storage device, A step of calculating the electricity consumption based on the travel distance of the mobile body and the power consumption of the energy storage device, The steps include setting a rate coefficient that indicates the degree to which the power consumption is increased or decreased based on the state of the electric motor, The steps include: performing a rate processing to correct the electricity consumption using the rate coefficient; A step of calculating the cruising range of the mobile body based on the electricity consumption after the rate processing and the remaining capacity of the energy storage device, The process includes the step of displaying the cruising range of the aforementioned mobile body on a meter, In the step of performing the rate processing, if the electricity consumption is changed, a correction is performed using the rate coefficient with the electricity consumption before the change as input, and the correction using the rate coefficient is repeatedly performed using the previous correction result as input so that the corrected electricity consumption approaches the changed electricity consumption. Method for calculating remaining range.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Rotary expansion machine

    JP1984005801A

  • Power consumption rate calculating device for vehicle

    JP2013162618A

  • Energy storage system

    JP2014045567A

  • Cruisible distance display device

    JP2014054100A

  • Vehicular display apparatus

    JP2015122901A