Hybrid Vehicle Engine Start Prediction Using Geolocation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles often start their engines unnecessarily near the end of a drive cycle, especially when the destination is not frequently visited, leading to decreased customer satisfaction due to the vehicle operating in non-electric mode.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize geolocation data from multiple vehicle drive cycles to calculate the likelihood of reaching a final destination, adjusting engine-start thresholds based on this likelihood, and incorporating modification factors such as proximity to charging stations and navigation system data to maintain electric-only operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle operates in electric-only mode with a standard engine-start threshold, then the engine starts when battery charge is low, but the engine may start unnecessarily near the final destination reducing customer satisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of geolocation data from multiple previous drive cycles to identify frequent destinations and establish a likelihood threshold before the current drive cycle begins. This pre-computed likelihood information is then used during operation to dynamically adjust engine-start thresholds, allowing the vehicle to maintain electric-only mode longer when approaching predicted destinations, thereby avoiding unnecessary engine starts and improving customer satisfaction.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle extends electric-only mode operation near predicted destinations, then unnecessary engine starts are reduced, but the battery state of charge may deplete further
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine-start threshold based on the calculated likelihood that the vehicle is within a threshold distance of a final destination. When likelihood exceeds the threshold, a first (more permissive) engine-start threshold is applied, allowing extended electric-only operation. When likelihood does not exceed the threshold, a second (more conservative) engine-start threshold is applied. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between maintaining customer satisfaction and managing battery state of charge.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a vehicle includes controlling a vehicle according to a first mode in response to a calculated likelihood exceeding a threshold likelihood, and controlling the vehicle according to a second mode otherwise. The calculated likelihood corresponds to the likelihood that the vehicle is within a threshold distance of a current drive cycle final destination. The calculated likelihood is derived from geolocation data collected from geolocation systems in at least one vehicle across a plurality of vehicle drive cycles.