PHEV Charging Mode Control via GPS Route Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug-in electric vehicles operate inefficiently in charge sustaining mode and face limitations when entering emission-restricted areas or areas with limited charging infrastructure, as they maintain a minimal state of charge, limiting travel distance and requiring frequent charging or avoidance of certain routes.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an energy conversion unit, energy storage unit, user selection unit, and global positioning system, allowing the vehicle to operate in default, extended, or forced charging modes based on user input and location-specific conditions, dynamically managing state of charge to optimize energy use and extend travel range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle operates in charge sustaining mode maintaining minimal SOC, then emissions are reduced in restricted areas, but travel distance is limited and frequent charging is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the energy storage unit before entering emission-restricted areas by detecting GPS location and predicting future routes. This allows the vehicle to accumulate sufficient energy in advance to travel through restricted areas without engine operation, thereby reducing emissions while maintaining adequate travel range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of charge management strategy based on real-time conditions including GPS location, predicted route, current SOC, and proximity to charging infrastructure. This dynamic adaptation allows the vehicle to optimize between emission reduction and travel range by switching between charge depletion and charge sustaining modes as appropriate.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle maintains minimal SOC in charge sustaining mode, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the vehicle cannot travel far before requiring charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the route and charging infrastructure availability to determine the optimal SOC level. By predicting future charging opportunities and route requirements, the system can maintain higher SOC when appropriate to extend range while still achieving good fuel efficiency through intelligent energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the SOC parameter dynamically based on route predictions, charging infrastructure location, and current energy levels. This allows flexible adjustment between maintaining minimal SOC for fuel efficiency and increasing SOC for extended range when charging opportunities are available or route requirements demand it.
3Productivity
If the vehicle uses GPS and route prediction to manage charging modes, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions including GPS signal reception, route prediction, SOC management, and charging mode control within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality improves operational efficiency while minimizing the increase in system complexity by consolidating control functions rather than adding separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses publicly available GPS signals and open routing algorithms to perform route prediction and charging mode management without requiring complex proprietary infrastructure. This self-service approach leverages existing resources to improve operational efficiency while keeping system complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile having an energy conversion unit, an energy storage unit, a user selection unit, a global positioning system, and a control unit. The automobile can operate in a default charging mode, which is either the charge depletion mode or the charge sustaining mode. Upon a user input, the energy conversation unit and/or the energy storage unit can operate in an extended charging mode or a forced charging mode. In the extended charging mode, the state of charge (SOC) is increased or decreased over a predetermined charging range. In the forced charging mode, the SOC is increased until a predetermined charge limit is reached. The automobile can also use global positioning system signals to operate in the charge depletion mode, the charge sustaining mode, the extended charging mode, and/or the forced charging mode.