GM prognostics use 4G for data acquisition, cloud analysis, from SAE International.
Prognostics uses real-time monitoring to detect impending fault and deploys an in-car display, smartphone text, email, and/or remote notification to chosen receiver.
“How much longer will it last?” is a common question that motorists in for repairs ask service technicians. And although a “best guess” may be fine for deciding when to replace tires and brakes, other vehicle parts and systems raise more time-sensitive questions. “Will the car start the next time I turn the key?” is an example, and that’s where prognostics—predicting remaining service life of systems and components—is becoming a technical area of increasing interest. Panelists took a fresh look at a 2015 SAE World Congress panel led by Tim Cavanaugh, Global Telematics, at Delphi, using a new General Motors vehicle health monitoring system as the springboard.
Focus on starting system parts
Electronic modules have been keeping a close watch on the battery packs and control electronics of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids since their introduction, because battery capacity and vehicle range are important. Any deterioration is of great concern, particularly for a motorist expecting to make trips of a specific distance on a regular basis.
Heavy-duty vehicle fleets also are in the picture, for as panelist Bernie Porter, Manager of Powertrain Calibration and Controls for Mahle Powertrain noted, “they don’t want a piece of machinery to end up sitting in the middle of nowhere.” Of course, the aviation industry has a long-established focus in this area, as part of required maintenance, seeking to balance safety with cost-effectiveness.