Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Ford software maximizes hybrid efficiency

DRIVE MAGAZINE -
Ford can use a trifle navigation creative thinking on 2 of its hybrids: the C-Max Energi plug-in and Fusion. The system can use GPS knowledge ANd an algorithmic rule to predict once a driver is shut frequented destinations. The automobile can alter powertrain controls to maximise potency.Ford calls the feature EV+, that is a component of SmartGauge, commonplace on the Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi plug-ins and on hybrid models.

“We understand from our analysis that hybrid drivers need to drive as usually as they will in electric-only mode, particularly close to their home or often visited locations,” aforementioned Kevin Layden, Ford director of electrification programs and engineering.

The system, developed by Ford staff Ken town and Matt Smith, is within the method of being proprietary.EV+ learns the latitude and meridian of frequent stops and might switch the automobile into electric-only mode once nearing home or work.The feature is disabled with a button.

When the automobile gets among a radius of concerning 1/8 mile of a frequent stop, the EV+ sign lights informed the dash, and therefore the driver will wordlessly coast to the destination.

The original set up was for the system to gather all the information and alter the car’s performance supported location. The team discovered that it'd take an excessive amount of hardware and code, and would demand too several resources from the vehicle. Smith and town developed the simplest way to try to to identical factor mistreatment solely GPS knowledge.

“We complete that harnessing knowledge already accessible was the means we have a tendency to might reach our goal of rising the whole hybrid vehicle driving expertise,” aforementioned town. “Once we have a tendency to had access to the information, we have a tendency to applied machine learning principles to predict often visited locations that will confirm what powertrain controls ought to be applied to attain our goal.”

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