Vehicle Battery Range Prediction with Route Segmentation and Speed Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately predicting the remaining distance a vehicle can travel on its remaining battery charge is challenging, leading to driver anxiety and potentially deterring the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate the remaining battery charge range by identifying route characteristics, determining a vehicle energy consumption profile based on historical data, and calculating the estimated remaining charge for the selected route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional battery range estimation methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision of remaining range is insufficient leading to driver anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the route into multiple portions and analyzes route characteristics (elevational profile, curvature, traffic signals, stop signs) for each segment. The propulsion control system divides the overall route assessment into discrete analytical components, allowing for more precise energy consumption prediction by considering specific characteristics of each route portion rather than treating the route as a single undifferentiated entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of route characteristics before the vehicle completes the journey. By identifying and analyzing route features in advance (elevational changes, curvature, traffic signals, stop signs), the system can predict energy consumption more accurately before depleting battery charge, enabling better range estimation and reducing driver anxiety about reaching the destination.
2Reliability
If simple range estimation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of reaching destination is reduced due to inaccurate predictions
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion control system continuously monitors actual energy consumption and compares it against predicted consumption based on route characteristics. The system uses feedback from historical data and real-time performance to refine its range estimation accuracy. This closed-loop feedback mechanism improves reliability of destination arrival predictions while managing system complexity through iterative learning rather than requiring overly complex initial designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing preliminary analysis of route characteristics (elevational profile, curvature, traffic signals, stop signs) before the journey, the system proactively identifies energy consumption patterns that will affect range estimation. This advance preparation allows the system to provide more reliable arrival predictions without requiring complex real-time adjustments during critical low-charge situations.
3Measurement precision
If detailed route analysis is performed, then the measurement precision of energy consumption improves, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs detailed route characteristic analysis in advance, before the vehicle needs to complete the journey. By identifying elevational profiles, curvature, traffic signals, and stop signs beforehand, the system processes complex data during available time rather than during critical driving moments, thus maintaining high measurement precision without causing unacceptable delays in range estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the route into multiple portions and analyzes characteristics for each segment independently. This segmentation allows the system to process data in manageable chunks rather than attempting to analyze the entire route simultaneously, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive analysis for accurate energy consumption prediction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a remaining range of a vehicle battery charge includes identifying at least one route characteristic of a portion of a selected route, determining a vehicle energy consumption profile for a vehicle, and determining a current state of charge of a vehicle battery of the vehicle. The method also includes determining, for the selected route, a route energy consumption profile and calculating an estimated remaining charge for the vehicle battery at an end of the selected route based on the state of charge of the vehicle battery and the route energy consumption profile. The method also includes, in response to a determination that the estimated remaining charge is less than a lower limit of the vehicle battery charge range, determining a target vehicle speed profile based on the at least one route characteristic, the vehicle energy consumption profile, and the state of charge of the vehicle battery.