Adaptive Kalman Filter for Vehicle Fuel Range Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the remaining travel distance (DTE) on a motor vehicle's propellant are inaccurate due to varying fuel consumption patterns, especially in heavy vehicles, leading to less relevant or erroneous estimates, which can result in sudden fuel supply stops.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously determines the remaining travel distance by calculating a corrected measurement using a weighted magnitude representing the difference between routine and corrected measurements, applying Kalman theory with an adaptable constant to account for changes in fuel consumption patterns, such as loading/unloading and urban vs. highway driving, and presenting the adjusted measurement to the operator with a warning threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If slow filter functions are applied to smooth fuel use variations, then measurement stability is improved, but response time to actual fuel consumption changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic filtering where the filter characteristics adapt based on detected driving conditions. The system transitions between different filter states (fast and slow) depending on whether fuel consumption patterns indicate steady-state or transient conditions, allowing the measurement system to be both stable and responsive as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the filter time constant parameter dynamically based on detected operating conditions. When transient fuel consumption is detected (indicating condition changes), the system switches to a faster filter response; during steady-state operation, it uses a slower filter for improved stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If detection algorithms are added to handle varying fuel consumption patterns, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies detection algorithms selectively rather than continuously. It monitors for specific transient conditions and only activates complex detection and filtering routines when such conditions are detected, keeping the system simple during normal steady-state operation while providing enhanced adaptability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects transient fuel consumption conditions and self-adjusts its filtering and detection algorithm activation without requiring manual intervention or complex external control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of manufacture
If routine DTE calculation methods are used with varying fuel consumption, then computational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its calculation approach based on detected operating conditions. During steady-state operation, it uses simple routine calculations; during transient conditions (loading, unloading, acceleration), it activates corrected measurement algorithms that account for the varying fuel consumption patterns, thereby maintaining both simplicity and precision as appropriate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a remaining travel distance available on remaining amount of propellant (DTE) of a motor vehicle (100), comprising the steps of: - determining (s310) remaining amount (Vol) of propellant; - determining (s310) current vehicle speed (V); - determining (s310) current propellant consumption; - determining (s320) a routine measurement (Measured DTE) of remaining travel distance available on remaining amount of propellant (DTE) on the basis of the parameter values thus determined with respect to remaining amount (Vol) of propellant, current vehicle speed (V) and current propellant consumption; - continuously (s330) determining travel distances (S*Ts) during said determination as a basis for a corrected measurement (Process DTE(n)) of remaining travel distance available on remaining amount of propellant; - determining (s340) said corrected measurement (Process DTE(n)) on the basis of a previously determined adjusted measurement (Final DTE(n-1)) of remaining travel distance available on remaining amount of propellant, with subtraction of a determined travel distance (S*Ts) from the previously determined adjusted measurement (Final DTE (n-1)); - determining (s350) an adjusted measurement (Final DTE(n)) as the aggregate of a corrected measurement (Process DTE(n)) and a weighted magnitude representing a difference between said routine measurement (Measured DTE) and said corrected measurement (Process DTE(n)). The invention relates also to a computer programme product comprising programme code (P) of a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a system for determining a remaining travel distance available on remaining amount of propellant (DTE) on board a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle (100) equipped with the system.