Range Management Unit for Electric Vehicles with REX
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle drivers experience range anxiety due to limited and time-consuming charging options, and existing methods require manual activation of energy-saving modes, which may not ensure reaching the destination without restricting vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a range management unit to assess the battery state and route data, recommending and implementing energy-saving operating modes or switching to REX mode to extend the range, ensuring the driver can reach their destination by automatically activating the internal combustion engine when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vehicle operates in standard mode with full electric power, then the driving performance and speed are maintained, but the battery consumption increases and the cruising range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode between standard and energy-saving modes based on real-time conditions. The control unit monitors battery charge level and automatically switches modes to optimize the balance between driving performance and energy consumption, rather than using a fixed operating mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different operating modes that have distinct characteristics. In standard mode, full electric power is available for high performance. In energy-saving mode, the maximum current from the battery is limited, reducing consumption but also limiting available power. This parameter change allows adaptation to different driving scenarios.
2Duration of action of moving object
If energy-saving operating modes are activated to extend cruising range, then battery consumption is reduced, but the vehicle performance and maximum speed are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic mode switching between standard and energy-saving operations. The control unit automatically selects the appropriate mode based on battery charge level and driving conditions, allowing the vehicle to operate at full power when needed and conserve energy when extending range is the priority.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery charge level and driving conditions before mode selection. By evaluating the current state in advance, the control unit can proactively switch to energy-saving mode before the battery is depleted, ensuring the vehicle can complete its journey while managing power consumption effectively.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the driver manually selects energy-saving modes to extend range, then battery consumption is controlled, but the driver convenience and automation level are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring battery charge level and switching between operating modes without requiring driver intervention. The control unit independently manages the transition between standard and energy-saving modes based on predefined thresholds and current driving conditions, freeing the driver from manual mode selection while optimizing range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery charge level and automatically adjusting the operating mode in response to charge state changes. When the battery charge drops below a threshold, the system switches to energy-saving mode and provides feedback to the driver through the display, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes range automatically.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the system automatically switches to REX mode to ensure destination reachability, then the cruising range is extended, but the complexity of the powertrain system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating both electric motor and internal combustion engine in a single powertrain that can operate in multiple modes. The electric motor provides primary propulsion while the generator-coupled engine serves as a range extender that can also charge the battery. This universal design allows the same components to fulfill multiple functions: electric driving, energy generation, and battery charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the electric motor and internal combustion engine into a unified powertrain system where the engine is coupled to a generator rather than directly to the wheels. This combination allows the engine to generate electrical energy that both charges the battery and powers the electric motor, creating an integrated system that extends range while maintaining the benefits of electric driving.
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
The solution enhances the vehicle's range by dynamically adjusting energy consumption based on real-time data, providing recommendations to the driver and automatically switching to REX mode when necessary, thus minimizing range anxiety and ensuring the vehicle can reach its destination.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-fed electric drive motor
Implementation Method 2
a generator-coupled internal combustion engine for providing electric energy
Implementation Method 3
a generator-coupled internal combustion engine for providing electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device are provided for operating an electrically driven motor vehicle with a battery-fed electric drive motor and a generator-coupled internal combustion engine for providing electric energy for the battery. An internal combustion engine is operated based on the state of charge of the battery. In the method, a route to a previously entered destination is determined by way of a navigation system, and it is checked periodically, based on the particular route, a detected charge level of the battery and a detected energy consumption, whether the destination will be reached or whether there is a range gap to the destination. When a range gap is determined, it is determined, whether the destination can be reached in at least one specified energy saving operating mode, in which the energy consumption is reduced, or whether the destination will be reached only in REX operating mode. The driver is sent a corresponding recommendation. If no decision is made by the driver, then the REX operating mode is activated as soon as it is determined that this mode is necessary to bridge the range gap.