Predictive Driveline Control for Energy Use and Arrival Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control strategies for heavy-duty vehicles do not adequately address fuel or energy consumption optimization based on topographic data, particularly in scenarios where time constraints or cost considerations are important.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a vehicle driveline using topographic data to switch between eco-mode for minimal energy consumption and time-sensitive modes, utilizing an electronic control unit to predict and adjust driving strategies based on route parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle is controlled in eco-mode to minimize energy consumption, then fuel or energy efficiency is improved, but the vehicle may not arrive at the predetermined destination at the required time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between eco-mode and time-sensitive mode based on real-time conditions. The system adjusts the driving strategy by determining whether to prioritize energy consumption minimization or arrival time based on predicted energy levels, topographic data, and mission requirements, making the control approach adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between two distinct control modes: eco-mode for minimal energy consumption and time-sensitive mode for guaranteed arrival. The control unit adjusts driving behavior parameters such as acceleration profiles, speed maintenance, and energy management strategies based on the selected mode and predicted conditions
2Loss of time
If the vehicle is controlled to arrive at a predetermined time, then timeliness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically selects between eco-mode and time-sensitive mode based on real-time assessment of energy levels, topographic predictions, and mission constraints. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize for arrival time when needed while accepting higher energy consumption, rather than maintaining a fixed control strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by activating time-sensitive mode which adjusts driving behavior to ensure punctual arrival. This involves modifying acceleration patterns, maintaining higher speeds, and prioritizing time over energy efficiency, with the control unit adapting parameters based on predicted energy availability and route characteristics
3Use of energy by moving object
If the driver shuts off the internal combustion engine during downhill travel to reduce fuel consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the vehicle loses control over speed management
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors vehicle state, energy levels, and route topography to make informed decisions about engine operation. By using feedback from sensors and predictive algorithms, the system determines when to shut off the engine during downhill travel while maintaining overall speed management through electronic control, replacing manual driver decisions with automated feedback-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The control system autonomously manages engine shutdown and speed control during downhill travel without requiring direct driver intervention. The electronic control unit self-regulates engine operation based on predicted energy opportunities, automatically managing the trade-off between fuel consumption and speed control while the driver benefits from reduced manual operation
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method is provided for controlling a vehicle driveline comprising a propulsion unit and a transmission. The method uses topographic data in order to provide predictive control of the vehicle driveline, where the driveline comprises a first driving mode and a second driving mode, where the vehicle is driving to a predetermined destination. The method includes receiving topographic data for the route to the predetermined destination, determining a number of predictive parameters for the route, where, in the first driving mode, the vehicle driveline is controlled in an eco-mode in order to provide the lowest possible energy consumption to the predetermined destination, and where, in the second driving mode, the vehicle driveline is controlled in order for the vehicle to arrive at the predetermined destination at a predetermined time.