Vehicle Control System for Autonomous Coasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autonomous vehicles face battery state of charge depletion during coasting, leading to unnecessary termination of autonomous operation due to continuous actuator power consumption and lack of engine-driven mechanical oil pump operation, which reduces battery charge levels.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes an engine, generator, battery, clutch, brake system, and steering system, with a controller that selects coasting modes based on battery state of charge and road grade to manage power transmission and charging, ensuring autonomous operation is maintained by activating the engine or using regenerative braking as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the vehicle coasts with the engine stopped and clutch disengaged to save fuel, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the battery state of charge level drops excessively due to continuous actuator power consumption and lack of mechanical oil pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different coasting modes (first coasting mode with engine stopped and clutch disengaged, second coasting mode with engine activated and clutch disengaged, third coasting mode with engine stopped and clutch engaged) based on real-time battery state of charge levels and driving conditions, allowing the vehicle to adapt its energy management strategy to maintain both fuel efficiency and battery charge
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters (engine activation state, clutch engagement state) based on the battery state of charge level detected by the state of charge detector, transitioning between different coasting modes to optimize the balance between fuel consumption and battery charge maintenance
2Quantity of substance
If the engine is activated during coasting to drive the mechanical oil pump, then the battery charge level is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine activation state during coasting based on battery state of charge levels, switching between stopping and activating the engine to drive the mechanical oil pump, thereby optimizing the trade-off between maintaining battery charge and minimizing fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the engine operational parameter (activated or stopped) based on detected battery state of charge levels and driving conditions, allowing flexible adjustment between fuel efficiency and battery charge maintenance
3Quantity of substance
If the clutch is engaged during coasting to drive the mechanical oil pump, then battery charge is maintained, but the vehicle cannot coast efficiently and autonomous operation may be terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different clutch engagement states (engaged or disengaged) during coasting based on battery state of charge levels and driving conditions, optimizing the balance between maintaining battery charge through mechanical oil pump operation and preserving efficient coasting for autonomous operation continuity
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 effectively prevents battery state of charge reduction by strategically managing coasting modes, allowing autonomous operation to continue without terminating due to battery depletion, and ensures efficient energy management by charging the battery during appropriate conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a generator that generates electricity by the drive force generated by the engine or a force delivered from drive wheels to the engine
Implementation Method 2
an engine that generates a drive force by burning fuel
Implementation Method 3
a brake system that applies braking torque to wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system is provided to maintain an SOC level of the battery during autonomous operation of the vehicle. The control system is applied to a vehicle that can be operated autonomously by controlling an engine, a motor, a steering system, a brake system etc. autonomously by a controller, and the vehicle is allowed to coast by manipulating a clutch. During autonomous operation of the vehicle, a first coasting mode in which the engine is stopped and the clutch is disengaged is selected if the SOC level is higher than a threshold level, and a second coasting mode in which the engine is activated and the clutch is disengaged is selected if the SOC level is lower than the threshold level.