Fuel Cell EV Battery Charge Control Using Surrounding Topography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optimizing energy use in hybrid vehicles with fuel cells and traction batteries are limited by the need for precise route planning and reliance on navigation systems, failing to adapt effectively to deviations or lack of navigation use, and do not efficiently manage power distribution during varying road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses satellite navigation to determine vehicle topography within a specified perimeter to estimate probable uphill and downhill sections, adjusting the traction battery's state of charge based on these probabilities, optimizing energy storage and use independently of navigation system use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the battery state of charge is optimized using navigation system route planning, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system fails to adapt when the vehicle deviates from the planned route or when navigation is not used
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own movement data and onboard sensors to independently determine topography and adjust battery state of charge, without relying on external navigation systems. The control device processes GPS position data and elevation information directly to optimize energy management based on actual driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively determines the topography in the vehicle's surroundings and pre-adjusts the battery state of charge based on predicted uphill or downhill sections before the vehicle encounters them. This allows the vehicle to be pre-prepared with appropriate energy reserves for upcoming terrain challenges.
2Reliability
If the battery state of charge is increased to provide additional power for uphill sections, then the risk of speed restriction is reduced, but the ability to store recuperation energy during downhill sections is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The battery state of charge target is dynamically adjusted based on real-time topography analysis and predicted driving conditions. The system continuously monitors the vehicle's position and surrounding elevation data to adaptively set optimal charge levels, transitioning between prioritizing speed maintenance and energy recovery based on upcoming terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from GPS position data, digital map topography information, and actual vehicle performance to continuously refine battery state of charge adjustments. The control device compares predicted energy needs with actual consumption patterns to optimize the balance between maintaining speed and capturing recuperation energy.
3Use of energy by moving object
If complex recalculation is performed when the vehicle deviates from the planned route, then energy optimization can be maintained, but the response time is insufficient for optimal adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system independently processes topography determination and energy optimization calculations using onboard computational resources, eliminating the need for complex external navigation system recalculations. The control device directly analyzes GPS position and elevation data to make rapid energy management decisions without time-consuming recalculation cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an electric vehicle having a fuel cell system and a traction battery involves specifying a target state of charge of the traction battery using the topography in the surroundings of the vehicle, for which the position of the vehicle is determined and elevations in a specified perimeter around the vehicle are determined from a digital map, from which a conclusion is drawn about the probable occurrence of uphill and/or downhill sections, whereupon the target state of charge is specified depending on the probability of uphill and/or downhill sections.