EV Range Determination Using Non-Contact Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the range of electric vehicles are complex and often inaccurate, requiring modifications to the vehicle and relying on faulty components for measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor and a controller that determines the range of an electric vehicle by measuring the current and voltage supplied to the motor in a non-contact arrangement, allowing for accurate range calculation without modifying the vehicle's components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional measurement methods are used to determine vehicle speed and current, then measurements can be obtained using existing vehicle components, but the range determination becomes inaccurate due to faulty components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate measurement devices (separate speed sensor and current sensor) that act as mediators between the vehicle components and the controller. These intermediary sensors provide accurate measurement signals independent of the vehicle's original faulty components, enabling precise range determination without relying on potentially defective existing sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the vehicle's original components (speed sensor and current sensor) and implements it through separate, dedicated measurement devices. By taking out the measurement function from potentially faulty integrated components and placing it in independent external sensors, the system achieves accurate measurements without being constrained by the reliability of the vehicle's original sensing components
2Measurement precision
If measurement devices are added in series with the powertrain to determine range, then range determination can be performed, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the vehicle's existing control unit and as the range determination device. By integrating the range calculation function into the existing controller that already manages motor control and battery management, the system achieves range measurement capability without adding separate dedicated range determination hardware, thus minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the range determination function with the existing vehicle control system. The controller that already manages motor operation and battery power distribution is also used to calculate range by processing signals from the speed sensor and current sensor. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate range determination hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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
Enables efficient and accurate range determination of electric vehicles in a controlled environment, preventing inaccuracies due to variations in speed, acceleration, load, and temperature, and allowing for minimal changes to existing test setups.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor and a controller. The sensor is to generate a signal indicative of a current being supplied by the battery to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining range of electric vehicles are described. A sensor provides a signal indicative of the current being supplied by a battery of an electric vehicle to a motor of the electric vehicle. A controller receives the signal and determines the current supplied by the battery. The controller also receives a voltage supplied by the battery and determines a notional distance travelled by the electric vehicle. Based on the voltage, the current, and the notional distance, the controller determines the range of the electric vehicle.