Driver alerting system using range estimation of electric vehicles in real time under dynamically varying environmental conditions

Abstract

, "Driver alerting system using range estimation of electric vehicles in real time under dynamically varying environmental conditions," IET Electrical Systems in Transportation, vol. 6, (2) pp. 107-116, 2016. Driver alerting system using range estimation of electric vehicles in real time under dynamically varying environmental conditions AbstractAs the technology supporting electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly progressing and the cost of EV components is reducing, EVs are becoming more feasible for use in Australia and in many countries around the world. However, the public perception of EVs and their perceived limitations result in a slow uptake of the technology, partially because of the uncertainty regarding the ability of an EV to meet the driving needs of the general population. Range anxiety is a particular concern with drivers having fear of being stranded by a depleted EV battery. This study explores means of reducing range anxiety by taking into account a variety of environmental and behavioural factors. By considering such factors and implementing it in conjunction with a recently proposed improved state of charge (SoC) estimation method by the authors, a range estimate can be produced that is much more accurate than the conventional methods which consider the SoC and vehicle efficiency alone. This range estimate can be used to inform the driver of the capabilities of the EV and advise if a recharge is required to reach the intended destination. authors, a range estimate can be produced that is much more accurate than the conventional methods which consider the SoC and vehicle efficiency alone. This range estimate can be used to inform the driver of the capabilities of the EV and advise if a recharge is required to reach the intended destination.

An intelligent driver alerting system for real-time range indicator embedded in electric vehicles

“…Based on the transmission system gear ratio and the efficiency, the load power seen from the shaft of the induction motor can be calculated. In the proposed method the efficiency of the drive system (motor plus inverter) is calculated at any instant of time, unlike many papers where the authors consider the efficiency reported by the manufacturer data is assumed to be constant at any instant of time [3] [12]. In order to improve the SoC estimation, auxiliary electric loads such as that used for air conditioning, windscreen wipers and lighting are also taken into account.…”

“…Fig. 4, shows how friction loss, gravity loss, aerodynamic loss and acceleration loss are taken into account during the calculation of the traction power/force [3] [12]. The full details of the traction power calculation along a segment of a route are given in Equations (1) -(3).…”

“…Even taking into consideration the new low-cost generation of electric vehicle batteries, the range anxiety can still limit the usage of electric vehicles. Recently, a great deal of effort has been devoted to the study of reducing range anxiety by improving the SoC/range estimation methods in the vehicle battery monitoring systems using low cost microcontrollers [2], taking environmental conditions into consideration [3] [4], driver behavior [3] [5] [6], traffic conditions [6]- [7] and, time-variant efficiency analysis of the drive system [8]- [9]. There is still a lack, however, of studies into the communication between the vehicle battery monitoring systems and the electric vehicle drivers.…”

“…The authors concede, however, that, this model is only at the research stage and implementing it in real electric vehicles is extremely difficult and it will quite a challenge to establish an information exchange environment in a smart grid system and public transportation system. Tannahill et al [3] studied the SoC estimation model along with the charging recommendation system. The proposed SoC estimation model in [3] considers all the environmental conditions and behavioral factors, but the authors concede that it is a preliminary paper and more research is needed into this innovative system.…”

“…Tannahill et al [3] studied the SoC estimation model along with the charging recommendation system. The proposed SoC estimation model in [3] considers all the environmental conditions and behavioral factors, but the authors concede that it is a preliminary paper and more research is needed into this innovative system. The recommendation algorithm has the ability to alert the driver when charging is required and can also provide an estimation of the duration of the charging required.…”