Vehicle Energy Controller Buffer Ratio Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems for vehicles face challenges in optimizing fuel efficiency, as determining how much and how quickly energy should be transferred between energy buffers is complex and requires continuous tuning, especially with changing vehicle setups, and existing methods like standard optimal control and distributed optimization are inefficient for complex systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system controller determines a current buffer ratio for energy buffers and decides whether to increase it using energy converters, setting a unitary energy price for each energy subsystem to optimize energy distribution, allowing energy to flow efficiently between different energy forms and subsystems, using converters to convert energy between mechanical, electrical, and thermal forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If standard optimal control with cost function optimization is used to manage energy flows, then energy distribution can be optimized, but the system becomes far from easy to set up and solve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex energy management problem into separate control modules for each energy buffer (battery, capacitor, supercapacitor). Each buffer has its own control strategy that determines when to charge or discharge based on local conditions, eliminating the need for a single complex global optimization system while achieving similar fuel efficiency improvements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If distributed optimization with negotiation phase is used, then energy distribution can be optimized, but the negotiation phase becomes non-trivial and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each energy buffer controller independently determines its own charge/discharge actions based on predefined control strategies and local system conditions. The controllers do not engage in complex negotiation phases but instead make autonomous decisions about energy flow, simplifying the overall system while maintaining optimization capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If limited step controller is used, then the system is easier to control, but it is best suited only for less complex systems and becomes inadequate for complicated energy systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses dynamic control strategies that adapt to changing system conditions and vehicle operation modes. Each energy buffer controller continuously adjusts its charge/discharge behavior based on real-time parameters such as state of charge, power demand, and vehicle operating conditions, enabling the system to handle complex energy management requirements while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 approach reduces fuel consumption by optimizing energy distribution and flow within the vehicle's energy system, allowing for efficient energy management without the need for global optimization algorithms, and can be applied to complex systems without adjusting the energy management system.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter that is operationally connected to the first and the second energy buffer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system controller is configured to determine a current buffer ratio for a first energy buffer based on a current buffer energy level for the first energy buffer and a predetermined buffer range for the first energy buffer, and determine if the current buffer ratio for the first energy buffer should be increased using energy provided by a power converter, the determination being based on the current buffer ratio for the first energy buffer and a cost for generating energy from energy stored in a second energy buffer using the power converter.