Smart Cruise Control for EV Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face inefficiencies in energy usage, particularly when navigating varying road grades and traffic conditions, leading to reduced range and increased energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A smart cruise control and advanced driver assistance system that adjusts vehicle speed based on road parameters such as incline, decline, obstacles, and traffic density to optimize energy efficiency by allowing deviations from set speeds and utilizing regenerative braking and coasting techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle maintains a constant set speed using traditional cruise control, then the speed stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases particularly on varying road grades
Solution Approach 1:
The cruise control system transitions from static speed maintenance to dynamic speed adjustment by incorporating road grade information from the road gradient detector. The controller dynamically modifies the set speed based on detected inclines and declines, allowing the vehicle to coast downhill and reduce speed uphill, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining acceptable speed stability through continuous adaptation to road conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the road gradient detector to continuously monitor road conditions and feed this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the throttle actuator and transmission gear selection based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy consumption by adapting speed maintenance strategies to actual road grade conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle uses regenerative braking and coasting techniques with deviations from set speed, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the speed control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by allowing controlled deviations from the set speed only when road conditions permit energy recovery or conservation. The controller selectively permits speed variations during coasting and regenerative braking opportunities while maintaining stricter speed control during normal driving conditions, achieving improved energy efficiency without excessive loss of speed control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters by adjusting the acceptable speed tolerance range based on road grade conditions. During downhill coasting or regenerative braking opportunities, the system temporarily expands the speed deviation tolerance to enable energy recovery, then returns to tighter speed control when such opportunities are unavailable, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining overall speed control accuracy
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system continuously adjusts speed based on road parameters and traffic conditions, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by integrating road gradient detection, speed control, throttle actuation, and transmission gear selection into a single control unit. This multi-functional approach improves energy efficiency through comprehensive condition-based optimization while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating control functions rather than adding separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting road gradients in advance and pre-adjusting the set speed and gear selection before the vehicle encounters significant grade changes. This proactive approach allows the system to optimize energy consumption through anticipatory control decisions while maintaining simpler real-time control requirements, as the system prepares for upcoming energy optimization opportunities ahead of time
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 system enhances energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption, particularly on inclines and declines, thereby extending the vehicle's range and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing regenerative braking and coasting techniques
Implementation Method 2
efficient use of energy stored in a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance system may be a vehicle control system configured to perform a driver assistance operation, such as implementing cruise control or performing an automated driving control operation. The control system may be configured to perform a driver assistance operation which includes at least one step which conserves energy stored in at least one battery. The control system may conserve energy by controlling a speed or following distance of a vehicle based on road parameter, such as an uphill grade or downhill grade.