Engine Cylinder Optimization in Connected Vehicles

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Program:
NEXTCAR
Award:
$9,933,144
Location:
Columbus, Ohio
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
03/09/2017 - 12/31/2024

Technology Description:

The Ohio State University will develop and demonstrate a transformational powertrain control technology that uses vehicle connectivity and automated driving capabilities to enhance the energy consumption of a light duty passenger vehicle up-fitted with a mild hybrid system. At the core of the proposed powertrain control technology, is the use of a novel cylinder deactivation strategy called Dynamic Skip Fire which makes instantaneous decisions about which engine cylinders are fired or skipped thus significantly improving vehicle energy efficiency. Connected and automated vehicle technologies will allow route-based optimization of driving. Route terrain information including road slope, curvature, and speed limits will be used to calculate an energy-optimal speed trajectory for the vehicle. Traffic condition information based on V2I communication (such as traffic lights) will be used to further optimize route selection and optimize the vehicle and powertrain control. The vehicle will interact with traffic lights using Dedicated Short Range Communications and will stop and start from intersections using an energy-optimal speed trajectory. The integrated radar/camera sensor and V2V connectivity will be used to determine the immediate traffic around the vehicle. Finally, machine learning algorithms will be used to make intelligent powertrain and vehicle optimization decisions in continuously changing and uncertain environments.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Ohio State’s project will enable at least an additional 20% reduction in energy consumption of future connected and automated vehicles. 

Security:

These innovations could lead to a dramatically more efficient domestic vehicle fleet, lessening U.S. dependence on imported oil.

Environment:

Greater efficiency in transportation can help reduce sector emissions, helping improve urban air quality and decreasing the sector’s carbon footprint.

Economy:

Innovations would further solidify the United States’ status as a global leader in connected and automated vehicle technology, while a more efficient vehicle fleet would reduce energy cost per mile driven and bolster economic competitiveness.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Priyanka Bakaya
Project Contact:
Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
rizzoni.1@osu.edu

Partners

Tula Technolgies
Delphi Automotive Systems, LLC

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Release Date:
04/12/2016