Track-Aware EV Power Delivery for Battery-Limited Lap Time Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems for high-performance vehicles do not maximize performance on tracks due to inadequate battery management, track-specific optimization, and driver inexperience, and the weight of the battery pack, and do not account for the interaction with the driver's skill level, leading to suboptimal energy use and increased lap times.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a control unit to determine an optimal trajectory and convenience index for electric motor power delivery based on the vehicle's dynamic model and track characteristics, allowing for efficient energy use and battery management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large battery pack is used to provide maximum power during acceleration, then vehicle performance is improved, but vehicle weight increases and battery management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic battery power management where the control unit continuously monitors battery charge level and dynamically adjusts the electric motor's power output. The system transitions from static maximum power delivery to dynamic power delivery that adapts to real-time battery state, allowing the vehicle to achieve high performance when energy is available while managing weight penalties through intelligent control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electric motor based on battery charge level. When charge is sufficient, the motor operates at high power output for maximum performance. When charge decreases, the system modulates power delivery to maintain performance while preserving enough energy to complete the track. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making power output variable rather than fixed
2Power
If maximum battery power is used during initial acceleration stages, then vehicle performance is improved, but battery charge is depleted requiring extended recharging time
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary assessment of battery charge level before initiating maximum power delivery. It plans the power delivery strategy in advance, reserving sufficient charge to complete the track while maximizing performance during favorable sections. This preliminary planning prevents premature battery depletion and ensures continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of battery charge level and adjusts power delivery in cycles. Instead of continuous maximum power extraction, the system alternates between high-power bursts and energy conservation modes, allowing the battery to recharge during braking phases and discharge during acceleration phases, thereby extending overall operation duration
3Weight of moving object
If battery pack dimensions are reduced to facilitate recharging, then weight is reduced, but available energy capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the battery to service itself by capturing regenerative energy during braking and deceleration phases. The lightweight battery, which would normally have limited capacity, is paired with a control system that maximizes energy recovery during braking and intelligently manages discharge during acceleration. This self-servicing approach allows smaller batteries to provide sufficient energy for track performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost during braking by channeling it back to the battery through regenerative braking. This recovered energy is then reused during subsequent acceleration phases, effectively extending the usable energy capacity of the lightweight battery without increasing its physical size or weight
4Device complexity
If fixed battery power management is used, then system complexity is reduced, but performance optimization for varying track conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback loops that continuously monitor battery charge level, vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and track conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts electric motor power delivery to optimize performance for the current situation. This feedback mechanism provides adaptability without requiring excessively complex system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors battery state, calculates optimal power delivery, manages regenerative braking, and adapts to different track conditions. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent achieves high adaptability while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each function, thereby managing complexity efficiently
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
This method minimizes lap times by optimizing battery use and power delivery, enhancing performance without additional hardware, and adapting to various tracks and driver abilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (5), in particular as an auxiliary to an endothermic motor, which is mechanically connected to the drive wheels (3) so as to deliver to the same an additional torque
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for the performance-enhancing driver assistance of a road vehicle (1) driven by a driver (DR) and provided with at least two drive wheels (3) driven by at least one electric motor (5) connected to a corresponding vehicular battery pack (6); the method comprises the steps of defining a dynamic model of the road vehicle (1); determining a route (R) of a track (T) travelled by the road vehicle (1); calculating, as a function of the dynamic model of the road vehicle (1) and of the route (R), a convenience index (CI) relative to the use of energy of the vehicular battery pack (6) by the electric motor (5); subdividing the route (R) into a plurality of sectors (7) assigning to each a relative value of the calculated convenience index (CI); delivering electrical power to the drive wheels (3) according to the value of the convenience index (CI) assigned to each sector (7) of the route (R).