Cruise Control (with MPG sensitive logic)

[Xringer]

A timer is going to have a problem anytime you have to slow down (or speed up) due to traffic or pedestrians etc.


I think that Real-Time control would be much better than a timer for climbing hills.
If slowly decreasing the throttle going up a hill, so that you are at 32 MPH as you reach the top, is a good strategy for you,
Then it could be done using a computer, if it knew in advance how long the hill was.. (Using a learned map).

[NeilBlanchard]

Right, this is similar to the ChargeCar project at Carnegie Mellon -- they are working on using GPS and elevation data with "learning" software, for better regenerative braking:

ChargeCar

...but something very much like this would work for throttle control tuned for higher MPG.

[mcmancuso]

Originally Posted by shawnmstout

ok so why not use a electronical level to calculate the degree of incline or decline on the hill, by using the speed you could figure out the momentum and be able to program in when to set the gas and how much also depending on the incline or decline, whats your thoughts?

Just an FYI on why this is a REALLY BAD IDEA. if this device is just a level and not gyro based. You start up a hill, the cruise increases throttle, accelerating the car, the acceleration causes a momentum shift, the inclinometer senses the momentum shift as an increase in incline(because its not gyro based) and increases throttle more, and this goes on and on until you're at full throttle This could be dangerous, and probably useless for the intended purpose. Its because accel/decel would effect the inclinometer just like a hill does, you have to use GPS or Gyros.

[Xringer]

I think the sample rate could be adjusted to account for the momentum shift.
Maybe Sample while coasting? Give the inclinometer a chance to settle down?

Maybe just not checking the inclinometer until a fixed time, AFTER the last up-click of the TPS.?.

Sounds almost like an automated Pulse-n-Glide..

[jomelmaldonado]

Hello folks, I am working on an improved version of the MPG sensitive cruise control. This time I will be using both the speed signal and the engine load signal that I captured from the Ford's MAP sensor. Both signals will be fed to and Arduino and a program will compare theses signals and determine if it's more convenient to regulate the engine load or the speed. In other word,s you will have 3 settings, desired engine load, upper and lower speed limit. If the conditions are right, the cruise control will regulate the load, but if the speed increases or decreases to much, it will go back and forth from load to speed regulation. It will have a hysteresis gap.

I need some help on how to interpret the pulses from the VSS and the MAP sensor and convert them to a frequency related number. Any help will be appreciated. Any one of you that have worked with the MPGuino, please let me now how the use the injector and the VSS pulses and how they convert them and manage those signals.

Anticipated Thanks;
Jomel Maldonado

[steffen707]

Keep up with the progress! I totally want this in my Honda.

[getnpsi]

I'd be happy with the just load dependant as you still can throttle up or down via the arrows. As we all are watching our gauges and modulating controls more than the average driver, I dont think many of would care, as we are always trying to beat MPH references ourselves anyway. The more features are added the less DIY it becomes for the masses. I will stay tuned of course. Any working improvement is still something great.

[driverdude]

For me cruise control is the best option on my mostly flat terrain environment. For drivers not interested in high MPGs their technique, if it can be called that, is to speed up, slow down, change lanes at every opportunity, etc. which destroys any possibility of efficiency. By staying in the right or center lane at 60-62 mph ON CRUISE CONTROL, my vehicles use exactly the amount of fuel needed, no more. The slight rise and falls on my highways near Cincinnati, OH do not affect negatively MPGS. I do get 33-35 mpg (one 2008 hybrid SUV, one 2001 4 cylinder Audi TT, 5 speed). I have attempted to push these cars to higher MPGS but the technology built into is maxed out, unless I go downhill, of course). Higher tire pressures do help. I am looking into other aerodynamic alterations but those seem limited.) Good luck to all.

[oldbeaver]

Sounds like you know what you are talking about.

Can you tell what is VSS voltage and what is TPS voltage, so many can follow and contribute.

Thanks a lot!

Old Beaver

Originally Posted by metroschultz

If you hack the cruise for MPG it may be easier on the input end to use TPS voltage instead of VSS volts.
This would allow constant throttle instead of constant speed.
Let me know how you do.
I am not a good hack but I can follow instructions.
Thanx,
S.

[Xringer]

One of these days, someone is going to be selling cheap add-on modules that will
increase your MPG, just like all the add-on modules they sell now, that decrease MPG..

Hey, what's this? Ford Escape Performance Chips - Amazing Ford Escape Chips