Partners Target Improved Powertrain Efficiency Via V2X

By sharing data with each other and the infrastructure, vehicles can optimize powertrain efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Vehicle platooning (Image: Michigan Tech)

That’s the thinking behind a new joint research program that kicks off this month in Michigan. Backed by the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the 27-month project includes AVL, BorgWarner, Navistar and Traffic Technology Services along with researchers at Michigan Technological University and the American Center for Mobility.

Connected Efficiency

The program will use vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications to relay information about upcoming traffic and road conditions to better coordinate and optimize vehicle speed and overall traffic flow.

Based on real-time data, route planning and predictive analysis, adjustments will be made to the operating parameters of vehicles traveling near each other to reduce their net energy consumption, according to the partners.

The study will evaluate various types of connectivity, electrification and automation. This includes platooning—where vehicles travel in a tight caravan—and smart adaptive cruise control based on surrounding traffic, upcoming turns and hills.

In addition to highways, the vehicles will be tested over arterial corridors and intersections. In some cases, information from traffic lights and other connected infrastructure will be shared.

Adaptive Propulsion

The project will include a variety of vehicles—including passenger cars and commercial trucks—and propulsion systems.

During the tests, BorgWarner will adapt its transmission, electric motors and engine control systems to optimize performance as conditions change. This includes various levels of hybridization, torque splitting, gearing, driving modes and charging states.

“We believe this joint effort will have a significant impact on energy optimization in the future,” says BorgWarner CEO Frederic Lissalde.

Big Picture

The $2 million program is funded by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

It’s one of 55 projects announced earlier this year under DOE’s Energy Storage Grand Challenge, which aims to accelerate the development, commercialization and utilization of next-generation energy storage technologies.