Vehicle Component Control Using Route-Based Battery Use Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the use profile of vehicle components, particularly batteries in electric or hybrid vehicles, fail to extend their service life effectively, leading to performance decline and increased environmental impact due to frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

A method that controls the functioning of vehicle components based on a planned route and mission goals, using a control unit with a planning module and acquisition system to determine an optimal use profile for the propulsion system, maintaining the battery's state of charge within an optimal range to balance power absorption and delivery, thereby extending the component's service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the battery is used to its full capacity to maximize power delivery, then the vehicle's performance is improved, but the battery's service life deteriorates due to accelerated ageing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidbattery service life
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the battery's power delivery based on real-time conditions including state of charge, temperature, and driving cycle requirements. The system transitions between different operating modes (charge, discharge, rest) to optimize both performance and longevity, rather than operating at fixed maximum capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as state of charge range, current rate, and temperature management to extend battery life. By maintaining the state of charge within an optimal range and controlling the rate of charge/discharge, the system reduces stress on the battery while still meeting power demands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the battery is frequently recharged to maintain optimal state of charge, then the service life is extended, but the use of energy increases due to recharging cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery service lifeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging actions during periods of low demand or when renewable energy is available, preparing the battery for future high-demand periods. This proactive approach reduces the need for frequent high-rate charging later, optimizing both battery life and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system implements periodic charging and discharging cycles rather than continuous operation. By allowing the battery to rest between cycles and charging in periodic intervals, the system reduces cumulative stress on the battery while maintaining adequate energy levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Power

If the state of charge is maintained at high levels to ensure power availability, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the battery ageing accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidbattery ageing
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the state of charge based on predicted power needs and current battery conditions. Rather than maintaining a constantly high state of charge, the system lowers it during periods of low demand and raises it before anticipated high-power requirements, optimizing both availability and battery health

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4470821A1Method for controlling a functioning of a component of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 IVECO SPA
  • EP4470821A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4470821A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4470821A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method implemented by a control unit (15) for controlling a functioning of a component (11, 12) of a vehicle (10). The method comprises the steps of: receiving (S1) route data indicative of a planned route of the vehicle; receiving (S2) vehicle data indicative of a status of the vehicle; determining (S3, S4) a use profile of the component of the vehicle based on the route data and the vehicle data; and controlling (S5) the functioning of the component of the vehicle based on the determined use profile.