Charging Trailer Regenerative Braking for Device SOC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not efficiently address the integration and operation of an electrified charging trailer capable of charging battery powered devices, such as tools and recreational vehicles, as the trailer is towed by the vehicle, affecting the vehicle operation and efficiency, as well as associated trip planning.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with electrified charging trailer control can detect objects/vehicles and associated battery state of charge (SOC) within the trailer and can prompt within the vehicle to enable a power generation feature and/or to connect battery powered devices within the trailer and associated battery powered devices, which can be charged during travel. The vehicle system may provide for configuration of various parameters, such as a minimum SOC to prompt for connection, or whether to prompt to switch devices when a connected device reaches a specified SOC, a level for trailer regenerative braking and associated effect on vehicle range, efficiency, or fuel, etc. The vehicle may control the power generation feature of the trailer based on a predicted vehicle destination, route, travel time, or recommended charge level of the trailer battery or one or more devices carried by the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If regenerative braking is enabled in the charging trailer, then battery powered devices can be charged during travel, but vehicle range and fuel economy are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the state of charge (SOC) of battery powered devices and provides feedback to the controller. When devices reach a target SOC threshold, the system automatically disables regenerative braking. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of regenerative braking based on actual charging needs, resolving the contradiction between charging productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the regenerative braking operation based on real-time conditions. The controller enables or disables regenerative braking depending on the SOC levels of connected devices, making the system adaptive rather than static. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize between charging needs and vehicle efficiency on a moment-by-moment basis.
2Ease of operation
If the system continuously monitors battery state of charge and provides prompts, then users can optimize charging timing, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring of battery SOC levels and automatically makes control decisions without requiring complex user intervention. The controller autonomously enables or disables regenerative braking based on predefined SOC thresholds, while the HMI provides simple prompts to the user. This self-service approach simplifies the user interface while maintaining sophisticated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures target SOC thresholds and charging parameters before operation begins. Users can set preferred SOC levels in advance, and the system uses these pre-set parameters to automatically control regenerative braking. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for complex real-time decision-making and simplifies the control system architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking is disabled when devices are fully charged, then vehicle efficiency improves, but requires additional monitoring and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from SOC monitoring to automatically determine when to disable regenerative braking. When all connected devices reach their target SOC thresholds, the controller receives feedback signals and automatically disables regenerative braking operation. This feedback-driven approach eliminates the need for complex manual monitoring while maintaining vehicle efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual monitoring and control mechanisms with automated electronic monitoring and control logic. Sensors continuously monitor SOC levels, and the controller automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on electronic signals rather than mechanical gauges or manual inspection. This substitution reduces the complexity of physical monitoring systems while maintaining sophisticated control capabilities.
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
The system effectively manages the charging of battery powered devices during travel, optimizing vehicle efficiency and range by enabling or disabling regenerative braking based on device SOC and trip conditions, reducing the impact on vehicle performance and fuel economy.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transceiver... in communication with the vehicle controller to transmit a signal enabling regenerative braking
Implementation Method 2
The electric machine may operate as a traction motor to power wheels of the trailer, and/or as a generator that may be used to charge the trailer battery and connected battery-powered devices
Implementation Method 3
The controller may be further programmed to transmit a signal via the wireless transceiver to enable regenerative braking of the charging trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle configurable to tow a charging trailer having at least one electric outlet configured to charge a battery powered device includes a human-machine interface (HMI), a wireless transceiver, and a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the HMI, the controller programmed to, in response to the wireless transceiver receiving signals associated with at least one battery powered device in a connected charging trailer having a battery state of charge (SOC) below a corresponding threshold, signal the HMI to generate an associated output. Input from the HMI may enable or disable regenerative braking of the charging trailer to charge connected battery powered devices to control the associated effect of the charging of devices in the charging trailer on efficiency of the towing vehicle.