Predictive Cruise Control for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cruise control and adaptive cruise control systems do not fully optimize energy efficiency in commercial vehicles due to dynamic driving environments and varying driver behaviors, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A predictive enhanced cruise control system that uses sensors and controllers to determine a target speed window and adaptive vehicle performance plan based on vehicle operating parameters, driver inputs, and environmental conditions, dynamically adjusting the vehicle's operation to minimize energy consumption, braking, and shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cruise control systems maintain a set speed through gradual braking and accelerating, then the vehicle can maintain specified distance from impeding vehicles, but fuel consumption is not optimized to the extent achievable by skilled drivers who anticipate stops and coast
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting impeding vehicles and calculating optimal deceleration rates in advance, allowing the vehicle to coast toward stops rather than braking abruptly, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining safe distances
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the deceleration rate based on real-time conditions including the distance to impeding vehicles, vehicle speed, and environmental factors, transitioning between different control modes (coasting, gentle braking, moderate braking) to optimize both distance maintenance and fuel efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If drivers operate vehicles with varying speeds and acceleration patterns based on their driving style, then energy efficiency can be optimized, but consistent and predictable vehicle control becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle operating parameters, driver inputs, and environmental conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust control actions and maintain consistent, predictable vehicle behavior while optimizing energy efficiency across different driving scenarios
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle operates at steady cruising speed in the highest gear on level roadways, then optimal energy efficiency is achieved, but the vehicle cannot respond to dynamic driving environments including hills, curves, and traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle operating parameters including speed, acceleration rate, and gear selection based on real-time detection of environmental conditions such as hills, curves, and traffic, allowing the vehicle to maintain optimal energy efficiency while adapting to varying road conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and calculation of optimal operating parameters before entering dynamic conditions, allowing smooth transitions between different driving states while maintaining energy efficiency and appropriate response to environmental changes
Data Source
AI summary
Ground vehicle control techniques adapted to reduce energy consumption, braking, shifting, travel distance, travel time, and or the like. The techniques can generate a target speed window and a target vehicle performance plan for controlling operation of a ground vehicle along a current and one or more upcoming segments of a roadway responsive to the dynamic driving environment.