Vehicle Mass Characterization for Dynamic Fuel Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating fuel consumption and emissions in vehicles are often based on averages and generalities, failing to provide accurate, instant-to-instant values that account for specific vehicle characteristics, driver behavior, and journey specifics, which is problematic for fleet managers and insurance companies seeking precise data.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that estimate fuel consumption by calculating overall power components such as rolling power, aerodynamic resistance, and acceleration using on-board diagnostic system parameters, determining fuel type, and adjusting for engine efficiency, allowing for dynamic and accurate fuel consumption estimation during a journey.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If average-based fuel consumption estimation methods are used, then the estimation process is simple, but the accuracy of fuel consumption values is insufficient for specific vehicles and journeys
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from using generic average parameters to using specific vehicle parameters (mass, frontal area, drag coefficient) and journey parameters (route, traffic conditions, weather) to calculate fuel consumption dynamically, improving accuracy while managing complexity through modular implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel consumption estimation is segmented into distinct components: rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag, acceleration, and gradient forces. Each component is calculated separately using specific parameters, allowing for precise individual adjustments while maintaining an organized system structure
2Productivity
If real-time vehicle parameters are collected and processed, then accurate instant-to-instant fuel consumption values are provided, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicle parameters such as mass, frontal area, and drag coefficient are determined in advance during qualifying periods before they are needed for fuel consumption calculation. This preliminary determination stores values that can be rapidly retrieved and used during real-time estimation, reducing processing complexity during actual fuel consumption calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary calculations for power components (rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag, acceleration forces) that mediate between raw vehicle parameters and final fuel consumption values. These intermediaries simplify the overall calculation process and enable modular, efficient real-time processing
3Measurement precision
If vehicle mass and frontal area are estimated using qualifying periods, then accurate vehicle characteristics are obtained, but the time required for parameter determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicle characteristics (mass, frontal area) are determined in advance during qualifying periods when specific conditions are met. Once determined, these values are stored and reused for subsequent fuel consumption calculations, avoiding repeated measurement processes and reducing time loss in normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically identifies qualifying periods based on real-time vehicle operating conditions. When conditions change, the system can re-determine vehicle characteristics, making the parameter determination process adaptive rather than static, balancing accuracy requirements with time efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to characterizing vehicle mass. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, one or more operating parameters of the vehicle are obtained, and at least one qualifying period of time is identified in which the operating parameter or parameters are within a range of values associated with the parameter. A value that provides an estimate of the mass is then generated based on the one or more operating parameters.