Speed optimality analysis for evaluating the optimality of a powertrain
AssigneePACCAR Inc
InventorsChristopher Michael James Douglas, Michael Douglas Gerty, Mark G. Malowicki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for improving fuel economy in vehicles such as Class 8 trucks are provided. In some embodiments, signals indicating states of the powertrain are collected and used to generate fuel rate optimization values. Fuel rate optimization values may indicate a difference between optimum fuel flow rates and actual fuel flow rates during a vehicle drive cycle. Recorded fuel rate optimization values may be used to compare different vehicle configurations during testing, and may also be used to evaluate vehicle performance during real-world operation.
Claims12
A method for improving fuel economy in a vehicle, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a vehicle test fixture, a drive cycle record, wherein the drive cycle record indicates a time series of vehicle speed and road grade values;
- exercising, by the vehicle test fixture, a vehicle under test based on the drive cycle record;
- receiving, by the vehicle test fixture, sensor data from the vehicle, wherein the sensor data indicates, for each time period of a plurality of time periods, at least an engine power and a fuel usage rate;
- and
- determining, by the vehicle test fixture, at least one fuel rate optimization value based on the sensor data
- wherein determining at least one fuel rate optimization value based on the sensor data includes:
- for a given time period of the plurality of time periods:
- determining an optimal fuel rate for the engine power;
- and
- dividing the optimal fuel rate by the fuel usage rate.
A method for configuring a vehicle to have an optimized fuel usage rate over a drive cycle, the method comprising:
- receiving a set of vehicle configuration records;
- receiving a drive cycle record, wherein the drive cycle record includes a time series of road grade values and vehicle speed values;
- for each vehicle configuration record of the set of vehicle configuration records:
- configuring a test vehicle using the vehicle configuration record;
- exercising the test vehicle by executing the drive cycle record using a vehicle test fixture;
- collecting sensor data from the test vehicle while executing the drive cycle;
- calculating at least one test fuel rate optimization value based on the sensor data;
- and
- storing the at least one test fuel rate optimization value in a performance data store in association with the vehicle configuration record;
- comparing the test fuel rate optimization values in the performance data store;
- and
- configuring the vehicle using the vehicle configuration record associated with the highest test fuel rate optimization value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.