Generator Cutoff Controller for Vehicle Range Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles operating as generators lack a mechanism to automatically cutoff power supply when a predetermined range is reached, risking depletion of power sources and uncertainty in return trips, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle equipped with a controller that estimates its range based on power source state and automatically stops generator operation when the estimated range reaches a user-set threshold, using a human-machine interface for inputting the threshold and alerting the user before depletion, incorporating both battery pack and internal combustion engine as power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle operates as a generator without range monitoring, then power supply duration to auxiliary load is extended, but power source depletion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary estimation of vehicle range based on power source state before allowing generator operation to continue. By calculating the remaining range in advance and comparing it against a threshold, the system proactively prevents power source depletion while maximizing power supply duration to the auxiliary load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the state of the power source and dynamically estimates the vehicle's remaining range. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to adjust generator operation in real-time, cutting off power supply when the estimated range reaches the threshold, thus balancing extended operation with prevention of power depletion.
2Reliability
If automatic range monitoring and cutoff mechanism is implemented, then power source depletion is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller in the vehicle is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original control functions and the new range estimation and generator management functions. This approach avoids adding a separate dedicated control system, thereby preventing excessive complexity while achieving reliable power source depletion prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller utilizes existing sensor data and vehicle system information to autonomously estimate range and make cutoff decisions without requiring external monitoring devices or complex additional infrastructure. The system serves itself by leveraging already-available data sources for range calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, at least one power source. The motor vehicle is operable as a generator to supply power from the at least one power source to an auxiliary load. The motor vehicle also includes a controller configured to estimate a range of the motor vehicle based on a state of the at least one power source, and to command the motor vehicle to stop operating as a generator when the estimated range reaches a threshold range. A method is also disclosed.