Electric Vehicle Range Calculator Using Environmental Load Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle drivers experience range anxiety due to inaccurate range estimates caused by varying power consumption, particularly influenced by environmental factors such as sun load, ambient temperature, and cabin temperature, which current systems fail to accurately account for.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a range calculator within an electric vehicle, incorporating a battery pack, HVAC control module, and electronic control unit to determine a base power load and auxiliary power load based on environmental factors, calculating the vehicle's range by integrating these loads with the battery charge, thereby providing a more accurate estimate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a simple range estimation method is used, then the calculation is fast and simple, but the range estimate accuracy deteriorates due to unaccounted environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The power load is segmented into base power load (for driving the electric motor) and auxiliary power load (for HVAC and other accessories). This segmentation allows the system to calculate each component separately, improving accuracy by accounting for environmental factors affecting auxiliary systems without overwhelming the calculation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of base power load and auxiliary power load based on environmental factors (sun load, ambient temperature, cabin temperature, temperature setting) before calculating the final range. This preliminary action enables the range calculator to use pre-computed power load values, reducing real-time calculation complexity while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If environmental factors are incorporated into range calculation, then range estimate accuracy improves, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Environmental factors (sun load, ambient temperature, cabin temperature, temperature setting) are evaluated in advance to determine auxiliary power load before the final range calculation. This preliminary evaluation reduces the computational burden during actual range estimation by pre-computing environmental impact on power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The range calculator automatically integrates environmental factor analysis into the range estimation process without requiring additional external computational resources. The system self-serves by using its own sensors and processors to evaluate environmental conditions and adjust power load calculations accordingly.
3Measurement precision
If detailed power load analysis is performed, then range calculation accuracy improves, but the system response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detailed power load analysis is segmented into distinct components (base power load and auxiliary power load) that can be calculated independently and efficiently. This segmentation allows the system to perform detailed analysis without excessive computation time by processing each segment separately rather than as one monolithic calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
Power load components are determined in advance through preliminary calculations based on current environmental conditions. This preliminary determination of base and auxiliary power loads enables the system to have detailed analysis results ready before the driver needs the range estimate, reducing perceived response time.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods to determine electric vehicle range based on environmental factors are disclosed. An example disclosed vehicle includes a battery pack, a HVAC control module, and an electronic control unit that includes a range calculator. The example range calculator determine a base power load, determines an auxiliary power load based on a sun load, an ambient temperature, a cabin temperature, and a temperature setting, and calculates a range of the vehicle based on the base power load, the auxiliary power load and a charge of the battery pack.