Hybrid Vehicle Mode Planner for Battery Charge Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel support devices for hybrid vehicles face challenges in accurately planning travel modes due to unpredictable changes in traffic flow, leading to potential battery charge depletion and uncomfortable driving experiences.
Innovation Solution
A travel support device and method that includes a mode planner which selects and replans travel modes based on road load and traffic conditions, prioritizing the EV mode in sections with lower road load and maintaining battery charge, and switching to HV mode when necessary to ensure sufficient charge for priority sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the travel mode is planned based on predicted battery charge consumption, then the battery remaining charge becomes zero at the destination, but the prediction may be incorrect due to traffic flow changes causing battery charge to deplete faster than expected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual battery charge levels and compares them with predicted levels. When the actual remaining charge falls below the predicted remaining charge, the system detects this deviation and triggers replanning of the travel mode to prevent battery depletion and ensure arrival at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The travel mode plan is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on real-time battery charge status. The system transitions from a static prediction-based plan to a dynamic replanning mechanism that adapts to actual traffic conditions and battery consumption patterns, allowing the vehicle to switch between EV and HV modes as needed.
2Reliability
If the travel mode is changed to second mode (HV mode) when battery charge depletes faster than prediction, then the battery charge is maintained, but the driver experiences an uncomfortable sensation due to mode change in a first priority section
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from both battery charge levels and section priority information to make intelligent decisions. When battery charge is insufficient, instead of immediately switching to HV mode in any section, the system identifies first priority sections (where EV mode is preferred) and proactively replans the travel mode to preserve battery charge for these critical sections, thereby maintaining driver comfort while ensuring battery adequacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary replanning when it detects that battery charge may be insufficient for first priority sections. By anticipating the need for battery charge in important sections and adjusting the travel mode plan in advance, the system avoids last-minute mode changes that would cause driver discomfort, instead smoothly transitioning to HV mode only when necessary and appropriate.
3Ease of operation
If the system prioritizes EV mode in first priority sections, then driver comfort is maintained, but battery charge may be insufficient when traffic conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors battery charge levels and compares actual consumption with predictions. When it detects that battery charge is depleting faster than expected, it triggers a replanning process that recalculates the optimal travel mode distribution across sections, balancing driver comfort preferences with actual battery availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of travel mode selection based on real-time conditions. It dynamically adjusts the state of charge thresholds and mode selection criteria, transforming from a static preference-based system to an adaptive system that modifies its energy management strategy according to actual battery charge levels and traffic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A travel support device includes a mode planner. The mode planner selects one of a first mode, in which the state of charge of a battery is not maintained, and a second mode, in which the state of charge of the battery is maintained, based on a road load in each section on a travel route, thereby planning a travel mode. The mode planner selects from the travel route a first priority section, which is a section to be planned by giving priority to the first mode as a travel mode based on information on the travel route. The mode planner replans the travel mode when the vehicle is currently traveling at the first mode and also the remaining charge of the battery is less than the remaining charge of the battery necessary for traveling in the thus selected first priority section.