Trailer Electric Drive Control for Velocity-Based Towing Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric drive systems for trailers fail to provide accurate and reliable power compensation for towing, leading to reduced driving range and increased charging or refueling frequency for both battery electric and internal combustion engine towing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling an electric drive system of a trailer, where the electric machine's power is adjusted based on velocity information, specifically to compensate for aerodynamic drag and wheel friction, using either a look-up table or a model derived from theoretical considerations or test data, ensuring efficient energy use and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electric drive systems are permanently coupled with trailer wheels to compensate for towing power, then driving range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method adjusts the drive support power based on velocity information through mathematical operations. The system receives velocity data, determines appropriate power compensation levels, and requests the electric machine to provide the calculated drive support power, thereby optimizing energy compensation without adding complex hardware
2Duration of action of moving object
If power compensation is provided to overcome aerodynamic drag and wheel friction, then driving range is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides partial power compensation by calculating drive support power based on velocity information and road load characteristics. Rather than fully compensating for all power losses, the system applies targeted compensation for aerodynamic drag and wheel friction, balancing energy consumption with driving range extension
3Measurement precision
If velocity-based control is implemented for accurate power compensation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses velocity information as an intermediary parameter to determine drive support power. Rather than directly measuring complex aerodynamic forces and wheel friction, the system uses velocity data combined with mathematical models to calculate the required compensation power, simplifying the measurement requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling an electric drive system of a trailer. The electric drive system comprises at least one electric machine for driving at least one pair of wheels of the trailer. According to the method, a velocity information describing a travelling velocity of the trailer is received (S1). Subsequently, a drive support power is determined as a function of the received velocity information (S3). Moreover, the electric machine is requested to provide the determined drive support power to the at least one pair of wheels of the trailer (S3). Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a data processing device comprising means for carrying out such a method. Moreover, the disclosure is directed to an electric drive system for a trailer.