Vehicle Power Outlet Control for Low Driving Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in managing power outlets and estimating vehicle range effectively, as external devices can reduce the driving range, and existing systems lack efficient management to conserve energy when the range is low.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes power outlets and controllers to manage power flow from the traction battery based on the vehicle's driving range, disabling power outlets when the range is low to conserve energy and enabling them when sufficient, using sensors and computing platforms to monitor and control external devices and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power outlets are enabled to supply power to external devices, then the utility and versatility of the vehicle is improved, but the driving range is reduced due to additional energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the availability of power outlets based on the vehicle's driving range. When the driving range falls below a predetermined threshold, the controller automatically disables the power outlets to conserve battery energy. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between versatility and energy conservation in real-time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power outlet availability and preserving driving range.
2Duration of action of moving object
If power outlets are disabled to conserve energy, then the driving range is extended, but the utility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's driving range and uses this feedback to control the state of power outlets. When the driving range drops below the threshold, the controller receives feedback about the low energy state and automatically disables the power outlets. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system responds appropriately to energy conditions, extending driving range when necessary while maintaining user convenience when energy is sufficient.
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors driving range and power outlet usage, then the energy management precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it monitors driving range, manages battery charge state, controls power outlet availability, and estimates range extension. By consolidating these functions into one multi-functional controller, the system achieves precise energy management without proportionally increasing device complexity. The controller leverages existing sensors and data already present in the vehicle's battery management system.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an electric motor that propels the vehicle, a battery that provides power to the electric motor, one or more power outlets that supply electric power from the battery to one or more external devices, and one or more controllers that, responsive to indication that a driving range is less than a threshold, disable one of the power outlets.