Predictive Brake Capacity Control for Battery SOC on Downhill Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Braking systems in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) face inefficiencies due to brake fade when mechanical brakes overheat, and regenerative braking is limited by battery state of charge (SOC), leading to potential loss of braking capability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a processor device to predict future braking needs and control resistor brakes to manage battery SOC, applying them before downhill slopes to absorb energy and maintain speed, thereby reducing the risk of mechanical brake overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking is used to recharge onboard batteries, then energy efficiency is improved, but if the batteries are fully charged, mechanical brakes must be applied which can overheat and lose braking capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting future braking events and proactively managing battery SOC levels before they become fully charged. The controller monitors predicted regenerative braking energy and takes preventive measures to maintain battery SOC below maximum thresholds, ensuring capacity to absorb future regenerative energy and avoiding mechanical brake overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring battery SOC levels, comparing them against predicted regenerative braking energy requirements, and adjusting braking strategies accordingly. The controller uses this feedback loop to determine when to apply mechanical brakes versus when to use electric brakes, maintaining optimal braking capability while maximizing energy recovery.
2Reliability
If mechanical brakes are applied when batteries are fully charged, then braking function is maintained, but mechanical brake temperature increases leading to brake fade
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by predicting upcoming downhill slopes and regenerative braking events in advance. Using prediction data about road gradients and vehicle speed, the controller proactively manages battery charging status before mechanical brakes would be required, preventing temperature buildup by ensuring battery capacity is available to absorb regenerative energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the braking system and battery system, coordinating their operation to prevent harmful effects. It mediates by deciding when to use mechanical brakes and when to rely on electric brakes, balancing the need for braking function with the need to control mechanical brake temperature through predictive battery management.
3Reliability
If resistor brakes are applied before downhill slope to reduce battery SOC, then regenerative braking capacity is prepared, but propulsion power increases at maintained speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by applying resistor brakes in advance of predicted downhill slopes to proactively reduce battery SOC levels. This preliminary discharge creates capacity in the battery to absorb upcoming regenerative braking energy, ensuring optimal regenerative braking capacity is available when needed while managing thermal loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting battery SOC targets dynamically based on predicted driving conditions. When downhill slopes are anticipated, the controller modifies the target SOC to lower values, enabling greater energy absorption capacity. This parameter change allows the system to optimize regenerative braking capacity while managing propulsion power requirements.
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
This approach enhances the vehicle's ability to handle braking energy efficiently and safely by preparing batteries for regenerative braking, extending mechanical brake durability and preventing brake fade.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a traction motor of the vehicle so that the vehicle is propelled at maintained speed while the resistor brakes are applied
Implementation Method 2
controlling the application of resistor brakes of the vehicle before said upcoming downhill slope, thereby increasing the propulsion power needed to propel the vehicle at maintained speed
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of controlling future braking capacity of a vehicle travelling along a road, the vehicle having onboard batteries that are configured to absorb energy from regenerative braking. The method comprises acquiring prediction data indicative of how much braking capacity will be needed for the vehicle in an upcoming downhill slope in which a regenerative braking event is anticipated; controlling, based on the acquired prediction data, the application of resistor brakes of the vehicle before said upcoming downhill slope, thereby increasing the propulsion power needed to propel the vehicle at maintained speed, and controlling a traction motor of the vehicle so that the vehicle is propelled at maintained speed while the resistor brakes are applied, thereby reducing the state of charge (SOC) of the onboard batteries and enabling the onboard batteries to subsequently absorb energy from said anticipated regenerative braking event.