Dielectric elastomer electrically powered electric vehicle auxiliary drive system

Abstract

The application discloses a dielectric elastomer power generation electric vehicle auxiliary driving system, and relates to the field of electric vehicle power systems.The dielectric elastomer power generation electric vehicle auxiliary driving system comprises a dielectric elastomer power generation module, an energy management module, a dielectric elastomer driving module, a control module and a sensor group.The dielectric elastomer power generation module comprises a plurality of dielectric elastomer power generation units.The energy management module is electrically connected with the dielectric elastomer power generation module.The energy management module comprises a rectifier circuit, a filter circuit, a DC-DC conversion circuit and an energy distribution unit.The dielectric elastomer driving module is electrically connected with the energy management module.The dielectric elastomer driving module comprises a plurality of dielectric elastomer driving units.The dielectric elastomer driving unit comprises a dielectric elastomer driving main body, a transmission mechanism and a fixing support.The dielectric elastomer power generation electric vehicle auxiliary driving system is adopted, energy efficiency is improved, the system is compact and light in the whole, and balanced auxiliary driving force is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric vehicle powertrain technology, and in particular to an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system that generates electricity using a dielectric elastomer. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the driving range and energy utilization efficiency of electric vehicles have become one of the core issues restricting their widespread adoption. Currently, energy recovery in electric vehicles mainly focuses on regenerative braking, which converts the kinetic energy generated during braking into electrical energy stored in the power battery. However, its recovery efficiency is limited, and it cannot fully utilize other forms of mechanical energy generated during vehicle operation, such as the vibration energy generated by vehicle body vibration, road bumps, and the deformation energy of the suspension system during vehicle acceleration / deceleration.

[0003] Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are a novel type of smart material with excellent electromechanical conversion properties. When deformed under mechanical force, the thickness and area of ​​the dielectric layer inside change, enabling efficient conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. Simultaneously, when an electric field is applied, the dielectric elastomer undergoes mechanical deformation, possessing the ability to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. This bidirectional electromechanical conversion characteristic makes it a promising candidate for applications in energy harvesting and driving. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system that generates electricity using a dielectric elastomer, which improves energy efficiency, is compact and lightweight, and provides balanced auxiliary drive force.

[0005] This invention provides an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using dielectric elastomers, comprising a dielectric elastomer power generation module, an energy management module, a dielectric elastomer drive module, a control module, and a sensor group. The dielectric elastomer power generation module includes several dielectric elastomer power generation units. The energy management module is electrically connected to the dielectric elastomer power generation module and includes a rectifier circuit, a filter circuit, a DC-DC conversion circuit, and an energy distribution unit. The dielectric elastomer drive module is electrically connected to the energy management module and includes several dielectric elastomer drive units. Each dielectric elastomer drive unit includes a dielectric elastomer drive body, a transmission mechanism, and a fixed bracket. The control module is electrically connected to the energy management module, the dielectric elastomer drive module, and the sensor group.

[0006] Preferably, the dielectric elastomer power generation unit includes an upper electrode layer, a dielectric elastomer layer and a lower electrode layer stacked sequentially, wherein the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are made of a flexible conductive material composed of carbon nanotubes / polydimethylsiloxane.

[0007] Preferably, barium titanate nanoparticles are added to the silicone rubber-based composite material of the dielectric elastomer layer.

[0008] Preferably, the energy management module selectively stores the processed electrical energy in the power battery or directly supplies it to the dielectric elastomer drive module.

[0009] Preferably, the structure of the dielectric elastomer drive body is consistent with that of the dielectric elastomer power generation unit, and the transmission mechanism adopts a gear and rack structure.

[0010] Preferably, the dielectric elastomer drive module also includes a displacement sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the surfaces of both the dielectric elastomer power generation unit and the dielectric elastomer drive unit are covered with a waterproof and dustproof encapsulation layer, which is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention adopts the above-mentioned electric vehicle auxiliary drive system with dielectric elastomer power generation, which improves energy efficiency, makes the system compact and lightweight, and provides balanced auxiliary drive force.

[0013] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an overall system block diagram of an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer, according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dielectric elastomer power generation unit in an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for power generation using a dielectric elastomer according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dielectric elastomer drive unit of an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using dielectric elastomer, according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure Labels 1. Dielectric elastomer power generation module; 11. Dielectric elastomer power generation unit; 111. Upper electrode layer; 112. Dielectric elastomer layer; 113. Lower electrode layer; 2. Energy management module; 21. Rectifier circuit; 22. Filter circuit; 23. DC-DC conversion circuit; 24. Energy distribution unit; 3. Dielectric elastomer drive module; 31. Dielectric elastomer drive unit; 311. Dielectric elastomer drive body; 312. Transmission mechanism; 313. Fixed bracket; 314. Displacement sensor; 4. Control module; 5. Sensor group; 6. Power battery; 7. Drive wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0018] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0019] Example 1 like Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer, comprising a dielectric elastomer power generation module 1, an energy management module 2, a dielectric elastomer drive module 3, a control module 4, and a sensor group 5.

[0020] The dielectric elastomer power generation module 1 includes several dielectric elastomer power generation units 11, which are respectively arranged in the suspension system of the electric vehicle (one on each side of each suspension spring), the vehicle body, the frame connection parts (one each on the front, rear, left, and right sides), and the inner side of the wheel hub (two on the inner side of each wheel). The dielectric elastomer power generation module 1 is used to collect redundant mechanical energy during the electric vehicle's operation and convert it into electrical energy.

[0021] The dielectric elastomer power generation unit 11 includes an upper electrode layer 111, a dielectric elastomer layer 112, and a lower electrode layer 113 stacked sequentially. The upper electrode layer 111 and the lower electrode layer 113 are made of flexible carbon conductive material, specifically a flexible conductive material composed of carbon nanotubes and polydimethylsiloxane, with a thickness of 50-100 μm. This material exhibits good flexibility and conductivity, enabling it to adapt to large deformations of the dielectric elastomer layer. The dielectric elastomer layer 112 is made of a silicone rubber-based composite material, incorporating barium titanate nanoparticles to improve the dielectric constant and electromechanical conversion efficiency of the dielectric elastomer layer.

[0022] The energy management module 2 is electrically connected to the dielectric elastomer power generation module 1 and is used to rectify, filter, and regulate the electrical energy output by the dielectric elastomer power generation module 1, converting the AC power output by the dielectric elastomer power generation unit 111 into DC power.

[0023] The energy management module 2 includes a rectifier circuit 21, a filter circuit 22, a DC-DC converter circuit 23, and an energy distribution unit 24. The filter circuit 22 uses an LC filter circuit to remove ripple in the DC power. The DC-DC converter circuit 23 uses a Buck-Boost bidirectional converter circuit to stabilize the rectified and filtered voltage at 36-48V, adapting to the voltage requirements of the power battery 6 and the dielectric elastomer drive module 3. The energy distribution unit 24 connects the power battery 6 and the dielectric elastomer drive module 3 respectively through two electromagnetic relays to achieve switching of energy flow. The voltage monitoring unit uses a voltage sensor to monitor the output voltage of the dielectric elastomer power generation module 1 and the voltage of the power battery 6 in real time.

[0024] The energy distribution unit 24 switches the flow of electrical energy through a relay; the energy management module 24 selectively stores the processed electrical energy into the power battery 6 or directly supplies it to the dielectric elastomer drive module 3.

[0025] The dielectric elastomer drive module 3 is electrically connected to the energy management module 2 and is used to convert electrical energy into mechanical driving force to provide auxiliary drive for electric vehicles. The dielectric elastomer drive module includes several dielectric elastomer drive units. The structure of the dielectric elastomer drive body 311 is the same as that of the dielectric elastomer power generation unit 11. The transmission mechanism 312 adopts a gear and rack structure. The rack is fixedly connected to the output end of the dielectric elastomer drive body 311, and the gear meshes with the shaft of the drive wheel 7. When the dielectric elastomer drive body 311 extends or retracts, it drives the gear to rotate through the rack, which is used to convert the extension and retraction deformation of the dielectric elastomer drive body 311 into the rotational power of the drive wheel 7. The dielectric elastomer drive units 31 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drive wheel 7 of the electric vehicle. Each dielectric elastomer drive unit 31 includes a dielectric elastomer drive body 311, a transmission mechanism 312, and a fixed bracket 313. The dielectric elastomer drive module 3 also includes a displacement sensor 314, which is used to collect the deformation displacement of the dielectric elastomer drive body 311. The control module 4, based on the data collected by the displacement sensor 314, adjusts the voltage applied to the dielectric elastomer drive body 311 to precisely control its deformation displacement, thereby realizing closed-loop control of the auxiliary driving force.

[0026] Both the dielectric elastomer power generation unit 11 and the dielectric elastomer drive unit 31 are covered with a waterproof and dustproof encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material to adapt to the complex driving environment of electric vehicles.

[0027] Sensor group 5 is used to collect driving status parameters of the electric vehicle. Sensor group 5 includes a vehicle speed sensor (installed on the drive wheel 7 axle), an acceleration sensor (installed at the vehicle's center of gravity), a power battery charge sensor (integrated inside the power battery 6), and a suspension deformation sensor (installed in the suspension system). All sensors communicate with the control module 4 via a CAN bus.

[0028] The control module 4 is electrically connected to the energy management module 2, the dielectric elastomer drive module 3, and the sensor group 5, respectively. It controls the energy distribution logic of the energy management module 2 and the operating state of the dielectric elastomer drive module 3 based on the driving status parameters collected by the sensor group 5. When the power battery charge is below a preset threshold, the control energy management module 2 prioritizes storing the electrical energy generated by the dielectric elastomer power generation module 1 into the power battery 6. When the vehicle is in conditions requiring additional driving force, such as acceleration or hill climbing, the control energy management module 2 prioritizes supplying electrical energy to the dielectric elastomer drive module 3 and adjusts the output driving force of the dielectric elastomer drive module 3 according to vehicle speed and acceleration parameters.

[0029] Control module 4 uses an STM32F407 microcontroller, and its working logic is as follows: Data acquisition: Real-time reception of vehicle speed, acceleration, power battery charge, and suspension deformation data collected by sensor group 5.

[0030] Energy distribution control: When the power battery 6's charge level is below 30% (preset threshold), the relay controlling the energy distribution unit 24 switches to the power battery 6 side, storing the electrical energy generated by the dielectric elastomer power generation module 1 into the power battery 6. When the power battery 6's charge level is above 30%, the system determines the vehicle's operating conditions: if the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed (absolute acceleration less than 0.2 m / s²), the system will adjust accordingly. 2 If the vehicle is accelerating (acceleration greater than 0.2 m / s²), the electrical energy will be stored in the power battery 6. 2 In operating conditions such as climbing (judged by changes in acceleration and vehicle speed), the control relay switches to the dielectric elastomer drive module 3 side to supply electrical energy to the dielectric elastomer drive module 3.

[0031] Assisted driving force control: Based on vehicle speed and acceleration data, the voltage applied to the dielectric elastomer drive body 311 is adjusted via a PWM signal, thereby regulating its expansion and contraction displacement. Simultaneously, closed-loop feedback is performed based on rack displacement data collected by displacement sensor 314 to ensure the assisted driving force accurately matches vehicle requirements. For example, when the vehicle speed is below 30 km / h and the acceleration is greater than 0.5 m / s², the assisted driving force will be adjusted accordingly. 2 When the vehicle speed is above 60 km / h, the applied voltage (48V) is applied to cause the dielectric elastomer driving body 311 to produce the maximum deformation and provide the maximum auxiliary driving force. When the vehicle speed is above 60 km / h, the applied voltage is appropriately reduced to reduce the auxiliary driving force and avoid affecting the vehicle's driving stability.

[0032] When the voltage monitoring unit detects that the output voltage of the dielectric elastomer power generation module 1 is lower than 12V, the control module 4 controls the energy management module 2 to stop supplying power to the dielectric elastomer drive module 3, and only retains the function of charging the power battery 6 (if the voltage is higher than the minimum charging voltage of the power battery 6).

[0033] Therefore, this invention employs an electric vehicle auxiliary drive system that generates electricity using a dielectric elastomer, leveraging the bidirectional electromechanical conversion characteristics of the dielectric elastomer to integrate the power generation and drive modules. This efficiently recovers and reuses redundant mechanical energy from the vehicle, improving energy efficiency. The dielectric elastomer material is flexible, has a fast response, and a simple structure, making it suitable for complex vehicle operating conditions. The system is compact and lightweight overall. The control module adjusts energy distribution and auxiliary drive force in real time, achieving intelligent management and precise control. The power generation unit is arranged in multiple locations to comprehensively collect redundant mechanical energy. The drive unit is symmetrically arranged to provide balanced auxiliary drive force.

[0034] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer, characterized in that, The device includes a dielectric elastomer power generation module, an energy management module, a dielectric elastomer drive module, a control module, and a sensor group. The dielectric elastomer power generation module comprises several dielectric elastomer power generation units. The energy management module is electrically connected to the dielectric elastomer power generation module and includes a rectifier circuit, a filter circuit, a DC-DC conversion circuit, and an energy distribution unit. The dielectric elastomer drive module is electrically connected to the energy management module and includes several dielectric elastomer drive units. Each dielectric elastomer drive unit includes a dielectric elastomer drive body, a transmission mechanism, and a fixed bracket. The control module is electrically connected to the energy management module, the dielectric elastomer drive module, and the sensor group, respectively.

2. The electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric elastomer power generation unit includes an upper electrode layer, a dielectric elastomer layer, and a lower electrode layer stacked sequentially. The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are made of a flexible conductive material composed of carbon nanotubes and polydimethylsiloxane.

3. An electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer according to claim 2, characterized in that, Barium titanate nanoparticles are added to the silicone rubber-based composite material with dielectric elastomer layer.

4. An electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy management module selectively stores the processed electrical energy into the power battery or directly supplies it to the dielectric elastomer drive module.

5. An electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The structure of the dielectric elastomer drive body is the same as that of the dielectric elastomer power generation unit, and the transmission mechanism adopts a gear and rack structure.

6. An electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric elastomer drive module also includes a displacement sensor.

7. An electric vehicle auxiliary drive system for generating electricity using a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the dielectric elastomer power generation unit and the dielectric elastomer drive unit are covered with a waterproof and dustproof encapsulation layer, which is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

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