Dynamic Vehicle Operation Limiting for Range Predictability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of all-electric vehicles is hindered by the limited range of electrical power storage devices, which can be affected by charge level, temperature, history of use, and environmental conditions, leading to unpredictable performance and slow acceptance, especially in densely populated cities with limited financial resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine an estimated range of the vehicle based on the electrical power storage device's characteristics and travel distance, limiting operational characteristics such as speed and acceleration, and adjusting temperature to ensure adequate range, by using a controller to manage power distribution between the main electrical power storage device and the traction electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle operates in normal mode without limitations, then the performance and speed are maintained, but the range becomes unpredictable and may be insufficient to reach charging locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle operation between normal and limited modes based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors battery charge, temperature, vehicle state, and environmental factors to determine when to apply operational limitations, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (current limits, voltage limits, speed limits, acceleration limits) based on the determined risk of insufficient range. When risk is high, the controller applies limitations to extend range; when risk is low, normal operation is permitted, thus optimizing the trade-off between reliability and performance.
2Reliability
If operational limitations are applied to ensure adequate range, then the range predictability improves, but the vehicle speed and acceleration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies limitations partially - only when the determined risk indicates insufficient range may not be met. The controller assesses multiple factors (battery charge, temperature, distance to charging location) and applies limitations only to the extent necessary to ensure adequate range, avoiding unnecessary performance reduction.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle operates without limitations, then the driving experience is maintained, but the air pollution problem persists due to insufficient adoption of electric vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters (battery charge, temperature, vehicle state, environmental conditions) and uses this feedback to adjust operation in real-time. This ensures the vehicle can reliably reach charging locations, removing a key barrier to electric vehicle adoption and thus indirectly addressing air pollution by making EVs more acceptable to consumers.
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
This approach ensures that electric vehicles can reach a location for power replenishment, enhancing the acceptance of zero tailpipe emission technology by providing predictable range and reducing air pollution in densely populated areas.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a temperature of the rechargeable electrical energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
power converters... to limit current and voltage supplied to the traction motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Vehicle operation (e.g., speed, acceleration) may be limited based on various conditions such as a current charge condition of an electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), history of such, conditions related to the vehicle (e.g., mileage, weight, size, drag coefficient), a driver or operator of the vehicle (e.g., history with respect to speed, acceleration, mileage) and/or environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, terrain). A controller may control operation of one or more power converters to limit current and/or voltage supplied to a traction electric motor, accordingly.