Vehicle Propulsion Torque Control for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle propulsion systems face challenges in reducing fuel or energy consumption, particularly in heavy vehicles, which affects profitability and emission standards, as conventional cruise control methods focus on maintaining constant speed rather than optimizing torque delivery based on road topography.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a torque profile for vehicle propulsion by estimating the work required along a path segment, distributing it to reduce torque variations, allowing increased speed variations, and controlling the power source accordingly, using data on road profiles to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cruise control maintains constant speed, then driver comfort is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the control strategy based on real-time conditions. It transitions from constant speed control to torque-based control when energy efficiency is prioritized, and vice versa when comfort is prioritized, making the control characteristics adaptable rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the controlled parameter from speed (in conventional cruise control) to torque (in the invention). By controlling torque to be constant or averaged while allowing speed to vary, the system achieves better fuel economy while still meeting driver needs through selective activation
2Use of energy by moving object
If torque variations are reduced by allowing increased speed variations, then fuel consumption is reduced, but vehicle speed stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between control modes based on activation conditions. When the invention is activated, it accepts speed variations as a trade-off for reduced torque variations and lower fuel consumption. When deactivated, it restores constant speed control for stability. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by making stability requirements conditional
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining constant speed and accepting torque variations (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by maintaining constant or averaged torque and accepting speed variations. This inversion achieves better fuel economy by keeping the power source operating in more efficient regimes
3Use of energy by moving object
If cruise control adapts speed based on road knowledge, then fuel consumption is reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary knowledge of road topography (stored in the database) to pre-determine the optimal torque profile before actually traversing the road segment. This preliminary action allows the system to plan energy-efficient torque delivery in advance, reducing fuel consumption without requiring complex real-time calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to determine when to activate or deactivate the invention based on current operating conditions. It monitors whether the vehicle is traversing a stored road segment and whether activation conditions are met, using this feedback to selectively apply the torque-based control strategy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for propulsion of a vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising at least one power source (101) for providing power to at least one drive wheel (113, 114) of said vehicle (100). The method includes, when said vehicle (100) is to be driven along a first path: - determining a torque profile for use in controlling said first power source (101) when driving said vehicle (100) along at least a first segment of said first path (A-B); - determining said torque profile on the basis of an estimated representation of a demand for torque when driving said vehicle (100) along said first segment; - when determining said torque profile, reducing variations in torque delivered by said power source (101) by allowing increased variations in speed of said vehicle (100); and - when said vehicle (100) is driven along said first segment of said first path, controlling torque delivered by said at least one power source according to said determined torque profile.