Onboard Energy Distribution Control for Autonomous Transport Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems in autonomously powered vehicles face challenges in balancing energy supply with passenger comfort and operational needs, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort due to automatic load shedding, which is not always optimal.
Innovation Solution
A flexible energy management system that includes a control device capable of dynamically switching between predefined energy distribution modes based on real-time operational and environmental parameters, allowing manual or remote adjustment of thresholds and variables to optimize energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If additional energy storage means are equipped to satisfy the compromise between walking range and travel comfort, then the energy availability is improved, but the cost and vehicle weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic energy management by continuously monitoring energy state of charge and automatically switching between predefined distribution modes (M1-M4) based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize energy allocation without requiring additional storage capacity, thereby avoiding increased vehicle weight while maintaining energy availability through intelligent control strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting energy distribution modes according to state of charge thresholds and environmental conditions. By modifying how energy is allocated rather than increasing total energy storage, the system maintains performance while avoiding the weight penalty of additional battery capacity or fuel tanks.
2Loss of energy
If automatic load shedding of auxiliary systems is applied, then energy conservation is improved, but passenger well-being and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic load management that continuously adapts auxiliary system operation to current energy conditions and environmental factors. Instead of predetermined fixed thresholds, the system dynamically adjusts the operation of auxiliary equipment based on real-time state of charge and weather conditions, thereby conserving energy while minimizing impact on passenger comfort through context-aware decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor both energy state and environmental conditions to adjust load shedding decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from actual operational conditions and passenger needs, optimizing the balance between energy conservation and comfort maintenance by continuously adapting to changing circumstances rather than following rigid predetermined rules.
3Device complexity
If predetermined fixed thresholds are used for load shedding, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to actual operational conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed predetermined thresholds into dynamic adaptive thresholds that automatically adjust based on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and weather forecasts. The system maintains relative simplicity by using predefined distribution modes (M1-M4) but enhances adaptability by making the switching thresholds dynamic rather than fixed, allowing automatic adaptation to actual operational conditions without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves versatility through multi-functional distribution modes that can handle various operational scenarios. Each mode (M1-M4) is designed to be universally applicable across different conditions, with the ability to switch between them based on environmental factors. This universal design allows a single system architecture to adapt to diverse operational contexts without requiring condition-specific customization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) and a method (200) for managing a predefined quantity of energy stored in an energy storage device (110) on board a self-propelled vehicle (1), intended to power a propulsion system (2) and one or more energy-consuming equipment (3) of the vehicle (1). A first control device (120) is installed on board the vehicle (1) and provides a second control device (140) with signals representing the level of energy currently available in the storage device (110) when the vehicle (1) is traveling along a route on a transport network.An energy distribution system (130), located on board the vehicle, manages the distribution of energy between the propulsion system (2) and the energy-consuming equipment (3) according to predetermined energy distribution modes, switching from one current energy distribution mode to another when the available energy level reaches corresponding predefined thresholds. The second control device (140) is configured to modify, in real time, the predefined thresholds and/or configuration variables of these predetermined distribution modes, based on one or more parameters or information relating to the current operating conditions of the vehicle (1), and/or the transmission network, and/or environmental conditions.The invention also relates to an autonomously powered transport vehicle adapted to interact with, or comprising, such a stored energy management system and/or to operate in accordance with such a stored energy management method.