Active Vane Control for Drag and Energy Recovery Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active vane control systems on vehicles do not efficiently balance energy recovery and aerodynamic drag, leading to suboptimal energy management and increased drag at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically control active vanes based on energy expenditure and recovery values, considering current and predicted operating conditions, including proximity to target vehicles, to optimize airflow for cooling and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If active vanes are closed to reduce aerodynamic drag at higher speeds, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but energy recovery from the energy recovery system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the position of active vanes based on real-time operating conditions including vehicle speed, cooling requirements, and energy recovery potential. Instead of a static closed position at high speeds, the system continuously optimizes vane position to balance drag reduction with energy recovery maximization, transitioning from a fixed strategy to an adaptive dynamic control approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from a simple speed-threshold-based binary open/close strategy to a multi-parameter optimization approach that considers vehicle speed, cooling airflow requirements, energy recovery system performance, and predicted operating conditions. This allows the vanes to be positioned at intermediate angles rather than just fully open or closed, optimizing the trade-off between drag and energy recovery.
2Use of energy by moving object
If active vanes are opened to improve energy recovery, then energy recovery increases, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fully opening all vanes to maximize energy recovery, the system applies partial action by opening only the necessary portion of vanes or positioning them at intermediate angles. This provides just enough opening to achieve satisfactory energy recovery levels while minimizing the impact on aerodynamic drag, avoiding the excessive action of complete opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system applies local quality by differentiating the position of individual vanes or vane groups based on local conditions. Different vanes may be positioned at different angles to optimize the balance between energy recovery and drag reduction in specific regions, rather than applying a uniform position to all vanes.
3Ease of operation
If a simple speed-threshold control strategy is used, then control simplicity is maintained, but energy management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual energy recovery rates, cooling requirements, and vehicle operating conditions, then using this information to adjust vane positions in real-time. Sensors provide feedback on airflow rates, temperature differentials, and system performance, enabling the controller to optimize energy management dynamically rather than relying on pre-programmed speed thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting future operating conditions and pre-adjusting vane positions in anticipation of upcoming scenarios. The control system uses predicted vehicle speed, load conditions, and energy recovery opportunities to position vanes optimally before critical moments arise, improving energy management efficiency without requiring complex real-time calculations during transient events.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances energy recovery and reduces aerodynamic drag by strategically positioning active vanes, improving overall vehicle efficiency and range, particularly in platooning scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more active vanes may be closed to prevent airflow through the aperture to improve airflow around the vehicle, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a method of controlling one or more active vanes (2-n) on a host vehicle (VH1) having an energy recovery system (10). The one or more active vanes (2-n) is selectively configurable in a first position and a second position. The method comprises, in respect of one or more current operating parameters of the host vehicle (VH1), determining a first energy expended value (EEV1) and a first energy recovery value (ERV1) associated with the one or more active vanes (2-n) in the first position. A second energy expended value (EEV2) and a second energy recovery value (ERV2) associated with the one or more active vanes (2-n) are determined in respect of the second position. A first difference (D1) is determined between the first energy expended value (EEV1) and the first energy recovery value (ERV1). A second difference (D2) between the second energy expended value (EEV2) is determined and the second energy recovery value (ERV2). The one or more active vanes (2-n) is configured in the first position when the magnitude of the first difference (D1) is greater than the magnitude of the second difference (D2). The one or more active vanes (2-n) is configured configuring the one or more active vanes (2-n) in the second position when the magnitude of the second difference (D2) is greater than the magnitude of the first difference (D1). Aspects of the present invention also relate to a control system (1); a host vehicle (VH1); computer software; and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium.