Hybrid Vehicle Energy Replenishment Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In series hybrid vehicles, determining whether battery charging or refueling is necessary for reaching a destination is challenging due to varying energy requirements based on route conditions, especially when the required power output exceeds the generating power output of the electric generator.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a fuel cell system with a controller to estimate and notify the driver of the necessary energy replenishment by calculating distances to empty based on battery state of charge and fuel remaining, considering different energy replenishment scenarios, including charging and refueling, to accurately determine the required operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the required running power output exceeds the generating power output of the electric generator, then the vehicle can continue running only on the generating power output, but the distance to empty cannot be calculated from the total amount of energy obtained by simply adding the amount of charge remaining in the battery and the amount of fuel remaining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance to empty calculation into two distinct scenarios: (1) when required power output is less than or equal to generator power output, and (2) when required power output exceeds generator power output. This segmentation allows each scenario to be handled with the appropriate calculation method, improving accuracy for high-load conditions while maintaining simplicity for normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic calculation approach that adapts the distance to empty formula based on the relationship between required power output and generator power output. The system dynamically switches between different calculation methods depending on the operating conditions, ensuring accuracy across varying load scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If the distance to empty changes depending on the magnitude of required running power output, then the increase of distance to empty greatly changes depending on whether energy replenishment is battery charging or refueling, but it becomes difficult for the driver to determine whether battery charging or refueling is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides feedback to the driver by displaying two distinct distance values: distance to empty if battery charging is performed, and distance to empty if refueling is performed. This feedback mechanism enables the driver to directly compare the benefits of each energy replenishment option and make an informed decision based on their specific needs and route requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the complex energy management system and the driver. It processes the various parameters (battery charge, fuel remaining, power output requirements) and translates them into simple, actionable information that helps the driver determine the appropriate energy replenishment action without needing to understand the underlying calculations.
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 the driver to correctly select the necessary energy replenishment operation, reducing the risk of incorrect choices and ensuring the vehicle can reach its destination by providing accurate estimates of distance to empty under various power output conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell system 200 as an electric generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A method of controlling the hybrid vehicle in which electric power of the battery and electric power generated by an electric generator are supplied to a drive device, a running load of the drive motor is estimated on the basis of the driver's requirement, and a first distance to empty that allows for running in a state where the estimated running load is fulfilled is calculated on the basis of an amount of charge remaining in the battery and an amount of fuel remaining used to drive the fuel cell. Then, a required running distance is estimated on the basis of the driver's requirement, and, on the basis of the first distance to empty and the required running distance, a necessary energy replenishment operation is notified to the driver.