Vehicular Propulsion Controller Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular electrical systems in alternative fuel vehicles, such as hybrid and battery electric vehicles, do not effectively manage power consumption between propulsion and non-propulsion loads, leading to reduced driving range and potential strandings when energy levels are low.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular propulsion system with a controller that monitors remaining energy and limits power to non-propulsion auxiliary loads based on available energy, optimizing energy use by reducing power consumption of these loads when energy levels are low, thereby extending the vehicle's driving range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control system allows both propulsion actuators and non-propulsion loads to consume power simultaneously without management, then the ease of operation is improved, but the driving range is reduced and the vehicle may become stranded
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts power allocation to non-propulsion loads based on real-time monitoring of remaining energy in the energy supply. When energy levels are sufficient, full power is provided to auxiliary loads; when energy levels drop below thresholds, the system automatically reduces or shuts off power to non-essential loads, creating a dynamic adaptation to changing energy conditions that extends driving range while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring remaining energy levels in the energy supply and using this information to control power distribution to non-propulsion loads. The controller receives feedback about energy state and adjusts load management accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents energy depletion while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making
2Productivity
If power is provided to all auxiliary devices without limitation, then the productivity is improved, but the energy consumption increases and driving range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by providing power to non-propulsion loads only to the extent necessary based on available energy. Instead of fully powering all auxiliary devices, the controller selectively provides power to essential loads while limiting or shutting off non-essential loads when energy is constrained, achieving sufficient productivity while reducing energy consumption to extend driving range
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicular propulsion systems and methods for managing propulsion systems are provided. The remaining energy in an energy supply coupled to a propulsion actuator on-board a vehicle is monitored. The energy provided to an on-board auxiliary non-propulsion load device from the energy supply is automatically limited based on the remaining energy in the energy supply.