Regenerative Braking Torque Control for Low-Traction Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Regenerative braking in hybrid and electric vehicles lacks flexibility to accommodate different driving conditions, particularly in slippery or hazardous road conditions, leading to potential loss of traction and limited driver control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a user interface and controller that allow for selectable modes of regenerative braking, including manually and automatically controlled modes, with scaling factors based on user input or traction control events and environmental factors, integrating regenerative braking with friction brakes via the brake pedal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking is implemented in hybrid or electric vehicles, then fuel consumption is reduced and energy efficiency is improved, but flexibility to accommodate different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerative braking system transitions from a static, fixed-control architecture to a dynamic, adaptive one. The controller continuously adjusts the regenerative braking torque by applying scaling factors to the torque capability curve based on real-time inputs from multiple sensors (wheel speed, brake pedal position, traction control status, environmental conditions). This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to varying driving conditions while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of regenerative braking by introducing scaling factors that modify the torque capability curve. These scaling factors are adjusted based on detected conditions such as traction control events, environmental factors (temperature, humidity, road surface), and driver input. This parameter modification allows the same regenerative braking hardware to operate effectively across diverse driving scenarios.
2Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking torque is increased to maximize energy recovery, then energy efficiency is improved, but loss of traction and vehicle stability deteriorates in slippery conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors wheel speed, traction control events, and environmental conditions. When slip or loss of traction is detected, the controller automatically reduces the regenerative braking torque by applying a reduced scaling factor. This feedback loop ensures that energy recovery is maximized when traction is adequate while preventing loss of stability when traction deteriorates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing regenerative braking torque before complete loss of traction occurs. The controller detects early signs of slip or hazardous conditions (through sensors monitoring wheel speed, brake pedal position, and environmental factors) and preemptively adjusts the torque scaling factor to prevent instability, rather than reacting after the problem manifests.
3Ease of operation
If manual control of regenerative braking is provided to enhance driver control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal serves multiple functions: it activates friction brakes, triggers regenerative braking, and provides input for the controller to determine the appropriate scaling factor for regenerative torque. This multi-functionality allows the driver to maintain familiar operating procedures while the system automatically adapts regenerative braking behavior, enhancing ease of operation without requiring additional controls or significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically performs the complex task of adjusting regenerative braking torque based on sensor inputs and detected conditions. Once the driver presses the brake pedal, the system self-manages the torque scaling by monitoring wheel speed, traction control status, environmental factors, and brake pedal position, eliminating the need for the driver to manually calculate or adjust complex parameters.
4Reliability
If automatic adjustment of regenerative braking is implemented to improve safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic safety adjustment system uses feedback from multiple sensors (wheel speed, brake pedal position, traction control events, environmental sensors) to continuously monitor vehicle conditions. The controller processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the regenerative braking torque scaling factor to maintain safety. This feedback-driven approach enables reliable automatic adaptation without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the driver's brake pedal input and the regenerative braking system. It mediates the torque delivery by applying scaling factors based on sensor data and detected conditions, translating simple driver input into safely adjusted regenerative braking commands. This intermediary role allows automatic safety adjustments while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
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
Enhances safety and control by allowing real-time adjustment of regenerative braking based on driver preference or environmental conditions, improving stability and versatility across various driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Regenerative braking provides negative torque to the driveline and recovers kinetic energy from a moving vehicle, which is stored as electrical potential energy
Implementation Method 2
The scaling factor corresponds to a position of a brake pedal as determined by a position sensor coupled with the brake pedal
Implementation Method 3
The scaling factor is proportional to a force or pressure applied to a brake pedal as determined by a force or pressure sensor coupled with the brake pedal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for controlling regenerative braking of a vehicle are disclosed. A user interface facilitates a user to provide an input to select an operating mode for the vehicle, the operating mode selected from one of selectable modes comprising: (i) manually controlled regenerative braking mode and (ii) automatically controlled regenerative braking mode. When the (i) mode is selected, the controller applies a scaling factor to the regenerative torque capability curve of the vehicle based on additional user input. When the (ii) mode is selected, the controller automatically applies the scaling factor based on one or more traction control events and environmental factors.