Vehicle Consumption Prediction Using Drivetrain Efficiency Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting motor vehicle consumption on known routes are inaccurate due to reliance on historical consumption values, leading to suboptimal operating strategies and inaccurate remaining range calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method that predicts energy requirements by using base data from route information to assign energy to different efficiency models of the drivetrain, based on power levels, without relying on historical data, allowing for precise calculation of energy needs and optimal operating strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If historical consumption values are used to predict future consumption, then the calculation method is simple, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining efficiency models for the drivetrain components (internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery) before actual consumption prediction. These efficiency models are established in advance based on technical specifications and characteristics, allowing the system to perform accurate real-time predictions without relying on historical data. The control device uses these pre-established models to calculate expected consumption for upcoming route sections, resolving the contradiction by preparing necessary computational frameworks beforehand.
2Device complexity
If average consumption values are used for route sections, then the calculation is simplified, but the remaining range calculation becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the route into multiple sections and calculating consumption for each section individually using specific efficiency models rather than using a single average value for the entire route. The control device segments the drivetrain into distinct components (internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery) and applies appropriate efficiency models to each component based on the specific characteristics of upcoming route sections. This segmented approach maintains computational feasibility while significantly improving remaining range accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If historical consumption data is relied upon, then the prediction method is straightforward, but optimal operating strategies cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the efficiency models and consumption predictions to continuously optimize operating strategies. The control device calculates expected consumption for different operating modes (electric-only, hybrid, combustion-only) based on upcoming route sections and selects the optimal strategy that minimizes total consumption. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt operating strategies in real-time based on predicted conditions, achieving both ease of operation and optimization capability by using model-based predictions rather than historical data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating in advance the consumption of a motor vehicle provided with at least one drive motor in a drivetrain, wherein the power levels of differentiated predicted energies describing the predicted operation of the motor vehicle, which are required to complete a route that is known in advance and include input data obtained from the route data, are determined, wherein the predicted energies are assigned in dependence on the associated power levels and at least one used operating strategy proportionally to the different efficiency models of the drive train, and while using the efficiency model from the predicted energy components associated with the efficiency model, the energy used from an associated energy storage device is determined as consumption or as a variable determining consumption.