A computer program that learns how to save fuel
It seems to work—at least, in simulations. Using live traffic information to mimic journeys in southern California, Dr Qi and Dr Barth compared their algorithm with a basic energy-management system for plug-in hybrids that simply switches to combustion power once the battery is depleted. As they report in a paper to be published in IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, their system was 10.7% more efficient than the conventional one. If the system is aware in advance that a recharging station will be used as part of the trip (which might be arranged by booking one via the vehicle’s information screen) it can spread the use of electric power throughout the journey, to maximum advantage, knowing when the battery will be topped up. In such situations the average fuel saving was 31.5%.
