EV Navigation Using Elevation Coefficients for Range Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for electric vehicles lack accuracy in estimating drivable distances due to the complexities introduced by battery discharge and recharging patterns, especially in hilly terrains.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for an electric vehicle navigation system that utilizes a geographic database to provide more accurate navigation by calculating energy consumption based on elevation coefficients associated with road segments, taking into account uphill and downhill terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional navigation systems are used for electric vehicles, then routing functionality is provided, but accuracy in estimating drivable distances is insufficient due to not considering elevation changes and battery discharge patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing elevation coefficients as a new parameter to modify the energy consumption calculation. The system changes the standard routing parameters to include elevation-specific factors that affect battery discharge rates, thereby improving drivable distance estimation accuracy without fundamentally redesigning the navigation system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating elevation coefficients for different road segments and storing them in the geographic database. This allows the navigation system to have elevation data ready before route calculation begins, enabling accurate energy consumption estimates without adding computational complexity during real-time routing
2Measurement precision
If elevation coefficients are integrated into the navigation system, then energy consumption calculation accuracy is improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the route into discrete road segments, each with its own elevation coefficient. This allows the system to process elevation data in manageable units rather than as a continuous complex dataset, reducing the overall data processing burden while maintaining calculation accuracy for each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning specific elevation coefficients to individual road segments based on their local terrain characteristics. Rather than using a single global elevation factor, the system tailors the energy consumption calculation to the specific elevation conditions of each segment, improving accuracy without requiring processing of unnecessary global data
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for an electric vehicle navigation system. For example, a destination is received as input. A geographic database is accessed to obtain data that represents a first road segment of a route to the destination. The data of the first road segment includes a first elevation coefficient of energy consumption associated with a first elevation change. The geographic database is accessed to obtain data that represents a second road segment of the route. The data of the second road segment includes a second elevation coefficient of energy consumption associated with a second elevation change. The first elevation coefficient is different than the second elevation coefficient. Energy consumption by the vehicle along the route is calculated based on the first elevation coefficient and the second elevation coefficient. Data representing energy consumption for the route is outputted as a function of the calculated energy consumption.