Predictive Cruise Control Engine Off Coasting Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an efficient method to optimize fuel economy and emissions by predicting and implementing ideal engine off coasting opportunities based on real-time and look-ahead data, leading to suboptimal fuel usage and emissions control.
Innovation Solution
A predictive cruise control system that utilizes processing circuits and memory devices to receive and analyze look-ahead information and vehicle data, determining ideal coasting opportunities and modulating engine and transmission states to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by turning the engine off during coasting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is turned off during coasting opportunities, then fuel economy is improved, but vehicle performance and responsiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the exhaust aftertreatment system and pre-charging the battery during engine operation phases. This stored thermal and electrical energy enables the engine to be turned off during coasting opportunities without compromising vehicle performance or emissions control capabilities when the engine is reactivated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes engine operating parameters including temperature, speed, and load based on real-time conditions. By optimizing these parameters during engine on-periods and utilizing stored energy during off-periods, the system maintains overall performance while improving fuel economy through extended coasting opportunities.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine is turned off to maximize coasting opportunities, then emissions are reduced, but aftertreatment system effectiveness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats the exhaust aftertreatment catalysts and filters during engine operation phases, storing thermal energy that maintains aftertreatment effectiveness during subsequent engine-off coasting periods. This preliminary thermal conditioning ensures emissions control systems remain functional even when the engine is temporarily off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous aftertreatment system effectiveness by strategically timing engine operation to ensure catalysts and filters remain within their optimal temperature ranges. By minimizing complete shutdowns and using partial load operations, the system maintains continuous thermal activity in the aftertreatment system while still achieving significant emissions reductions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If predictive cruise control modulates speed to maximize coasting, then fuel consumption is reduced, but driver experience and vehicle responsiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial speed modulation only when necessary to create coasting opportunities, rather than continuously varying cruise speed. By using minimal speed adjustments and maintaining steady cruising most of the time, the system achieves fuel savings while preserving natural driver expectations and vehicle responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver inputs, vehicle conditions, and road characteristics to dynamically adjust predictive cruise control behavior. When drivers apply acceleration or braking inputs, the system immediately adapts its coasting strategy, ensuring driver intent is always prioritized while still capturing fuel efficiency benefits during appropriate coasting opportunities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving predictive cruise control and predictive engine off coasting for a vehicle are provided. An apparatus includes one or more processing circuits having one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive look ahead information and store the look ahead information in the one or more memory devices; receive vehicle information regarding operation of a vehicle including an engine; determine a coasting opportunity for the vehicle based on the look ahead information and the vehicle information; modulate a cruise control set speed based on the determined coasting opportunity; and turn the engine off during the determined coasting opportunity for the vehicle based on modulation of the cruise control set speed.