Vehicle trailer comprising a turbogenerator as a range extender, and vehicle having such a trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer (R) configured to be temporarily attached to a motor vehicle of the electric or hybrid type equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, the trailer (R) comprising: a mechanical coupling means (MC1) for attaching the trailer (R) to the motor vehicle; an incorporated turbogenerator (TG) comprising at least one turbocompressor equipped with a generator motor, and having an air circuit; a thermal coupling means configured to couple the air circuit of the turbogenerator to the air circuit of the motor vehicle; and an electrical coupling means configured to couple the generator motor to the electronic power circuit of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a trailer.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: TRAILER FOR A VEHICLE COMPRISING A TURBOGENERATOR AS A RANGE EXTENDER, AND VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH A TRAILER

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application No. 2208249 filed on 08 / 11 / 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of gas turbine cycle type turbogenerator devices and systems integrated into a vehicle. The invention relates more particularly to the coupling of this type of device to a trailer, used in particular as a range extender for electric vehicles.

[0003] Gas turbine-type energy converters are currently being widely studied as a range extender in series hybrid vehicles. This converter can operate in APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) mode, where its role is to recharge the batteries of an electric vehicle. It is thus mechanically decoupled from the powertrain and operates at its maximum efficiency point.

[0004] Several cycles are under investigation, including simple regenerative cycles (RGT for Recuperative Gas Turbine), but also regenerative cycles with cooler (IRGT) and cycles with cooler, recuperator and reheater or "Intercooled Recuperative Reheat Gas Turbine" in English.

[0005] The refrigerated, recuperated, and reheated gas turbine (IRReGT) cycle has great potential for automotive applications. This cycle achieves high efficiency and high power density (high net specific work).

[0006] These advantages lead to a need for the integration of the turbogenerator into an electric vehicle. However, electric vehicles represent: - low autonomy (due to the energy density of the battery compared to the energy density of a fuel); - excessive vehicle mass (especially due to the mass of the battery).

[0007] Thus, a first objective of the invention is to overcome the defects of an electric vehicle of this type, and in particular to propose a solution making it possible to increase the autonomy of the electric vehicle without increasing the need for battery components, and without increasing the mass of the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, hybridizing a vehicle with an energy converter operating with a high energy density fuel is a solution to overcome these problems.

[0009] However, integrating the machine into an electric vehicle presents the following problems: - compared to mechanical integration: the front part of the vehicle is occupied by the electric machine and its power electronics; the rear part is occupied by the trunk, while a minimum storage volume must be kept; the lower part under the chassis is occupied by the battery; - compared to thermal integration: the thermal converter requires the evacuation of thermal calories, and presents problems (addition of exchangers, other components, etc.); - in relation to noise and noise pollution: the addition of a thermodynamic machine generates noise, which is annoying for the user of the electric vehicle; - the turbogenerator can be used for 20% of the time of use (for an average user), and especially for long journeys; for 80% of the time of use, the user does not need the turbogenerator, and therefore does not need to carry it in the vehicle.

[0010] Thus, a second objective is to propose a solution with optimized mechanical and thermal integration, with little noise disturbance for the user, and which can be used transiently.

[0011] To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a trailer configured to be temporarily attached to an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, the trailer comprising: - a mechanical coupling means for attaching the trailer to the motor vehicle; - an integrated turbogenerator comprising at least one turbocharger equipped with a generator motor, and having an air circuit; - a thermal coupling means configured to couple the air circuit of the turbogenerator to the air circuit of the motor vehicle; - an electrical coupling means configured to couple the generator motor to the electronic power circuit of the motor vehicle.

[0012] By "engine generator" is meant an electrical machine operating in both engine and generator mode, the engine serving for example to drive and start the system; and the generator serving for example to recover energy.

[0013] Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to limit the need for additional battery components without increasing the mass of the vehicle itself, by using a trailer as a temporary range extender instead of adding battery components and weight permanently.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention allows for optimized mechanical and thermal integration through the corresponding couplings. The external trailer limits noise for the user in the vehicle.

[0015] In addition, the trailer, used temporarily, can be coupled to the vehicle for long journeys, and stored for short journeys.

[0016] According to one variant, the electrical coupling means is configured to perform a coupling such that the turbogenerator forms an auxiliary power unit for the motor vehicle, for recharging the traction battery.

[0017] This allows for a standard electrical coupling architecture and to extend the range by recharging the traction battery.

[0018] According to one variant, the thermal coupling means and the turbogenerator are configured to heat the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0019] This helps to limit heating energy costs and further improve the energy efficiency of the system.

[0020] Alternatively, the generator engine runs on fossil fuel, biofuel, or fuel from renewable energy. allows the use of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly fuels.

[0021] According to a variant, where the trailer defines a reference point with a front-rear direction corresponding to a rectilinear front-rear direction of movement of the trailer, and a lateral direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the mechanical coupling means is configured to fix the trailer to the front or rear of the motor vehicle.

[0022] According to one variant, the mechanical coupling means comprises a ball joint system or a rigid coupling system for a chassis of the motor vehicle.

[0023] Alternatively, the trailer has free wheels or movable wheels.

[0024] Alternatively, the trailer includes a storage volume. This provides more storage space for the user, especially for long journeys.

[0025] The invention relates to an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, characterized in that the vehicle is temporarily attached to a trailer according to the invention.

[0026] Another subject of the invention relates to a method of travel by means of an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, the method of travel comprising the following steps: - coupling the vehicle to a trailer according to the invention, in the event of a journey of a distance greater than the battery life, and / or - decoupling of the vehicle from the trailer when traveling a distance shorter than the battery's range.

[0027] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a view in space of a trailer according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a view in space similar to that of the Figure 1 with more details of the interior of the trailer; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a view in space of a trailer according to a second embodiment, with details of an open storage volume; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a view in space similar to that of Figure 3 with the storage volume closed; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a view in space of a part of the trailer of figures 3 and 4, with details of coupling means; and - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a view in space of the front of the trailer of figures 3 to 5, detailing a variant of wheels.

[0028] The TG turbogenerator technology is very promising for replacing the internal combustion engine in highly electrified powertrains, particularly for PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) vehicles with series hybrid architecture. The technology promises the following advantages: - low level of emissions; - low noise level; - no vibrations; - no maintenance (except oil filter changes); - ability to operate with multiple fuel types.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a reference point in the three axes of space, that is to say: - a front-rear direction X corresponding to a straight front-rear direction of movement of the trailer R, the arrow representing the front; - a lateral direction Y perpendicular to the front-back direction X, the arrow representing the straight line; - a vertical direction Z perpendicular to the lateral and front-rear directions, the arrow representing the top.

[0030] The invention proposes to integrate a turbogenerator TG on a trailer R, in a first volume V1. The objective is to provide, for electric cars, a range extender for long-distance journeys. The trailer R can be coupled to an electric vehicle with a short range, especially for long-distance journeys. The trailer R is equipped with a turbogenerator TG with preferably a fuel tank RC.

[0031] The system allows: - to increase the vehicle's autonomy; - to size a low capacity battery for daily journeys, the R trailer being used only for long distance journeys; - to offer a non-intrusive system in that the mechanical and electrical architecture of the vehicle is not touched; - to recharge the vehicle with electricity from a biofuel or a fuel with low environmental impact (e-fuel) in the trailer R; - to produce thermal energy to heat the vehicle, if there is a need for hot energy such as during the winter season; - to have a V2 loading volume for a maximum mass of 750 kg for example; - to have a low perceptible noise level as the machine is integrated into the trailer; - to reduce the mass of the vehicle by removing several kWh of battery which is not needed for more than 80% of the vehicle's usage time (for an average user).

[0032] The storage volume V2 is preferably arranged above the volume V1 housing the turbogenerator TG.

[0033] The invention can be applied to a regenerative cycle turbogenerator (RGT) or gas turbine cycle converter with cooler, recuperator and reheater (IRReGT). The invention mainly concerns the integration aspect of the machine in the trailer R. Integrating the turbogenerator TG reduces the intrusiveness of the system and allows to save volume, reduce complexity, but above all to increase the autonomy of an electric vehicle easily and efficiently: for example, 20 kWh of battery (i.e. approximately 100 km daily) is kept instead of 50 kWh. Thus, 30 kWh is saved. Since the trailer R is used 20% of the annual time, the user can rent it at rest areas for example.

[0034] The invention can be implemented on a vehicle with a SHEV type powertrain (series hybrid or “Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle”) or preferably as a range extender (or “Range Extender”), in particular for electric vehicles with a short range.

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates details of the machine, including a power electronics box EP, a junction box BJ, the fuel tank RC, a battery B, and the turbogenerator TG equipped with a generator motor.

[0036] By "engine generator" is meant an electrical machine operating in both engine and generator mode, the engine serving for example to drive and start the system; and the generator serving for example to recover energy.

[0037] The coupling to the vehicle is based on a thermal coupling means TC configured to couple an air circuit of the turbogenerator TG to an air circuit of the motor vehicle; and an electrical coupling means EC configured to couple the generator motor to the power electronic circuit of the motor vehicle. These coupling means may be those of the state of the art.

[0038] The trailer can be mechanically coupled to the vehicle by a MC1 ball joint system (figures 1 and 2) or by MC2 rigid coupling for the vehicle chassis (figures 3 to 6). In the latter case, the system is coupled to the chassis preferably with at least two MC2 beams as illustrated in the above figures.

[0039] Specific connectors (mechanical for coupling MC1, MC2, thermal TC for thermal energy and electrical EC to supply electrical energy) provide the interface between the trailer R and the vehicle. The interface is illustrated in Figure 5.

[0040] The trailer R can be on a chassis with one point and two wheels RM, RL, as it can be on a wheel positioned in the middle, or on free wheels (illustrated in figure 6).

[0041] The TG turbogenerator can operate on conventional fuel (i.e. fossil fuel), biofuel, or fuel from renewable energy (or e-fuel). It provides electricity to recharge the batteries of the electric vehicle. It also produces thermal energy for heating needs.

[0042] In the second embodiment (figures 3 to 6), the trailer R is equipped with an additional storage volume V2 making it possible to increase the total available volume.

[0043] The TG turbogenerator may have a structure and arrangement such as those detailed in the applicant's applications, in particular those of the co-pending application FR2101906.

[0044] The invention proposes to reduce the size of batteries which makes it possible to optimize the manufacture of electric or hybrid vehicles, to reduce the mass of the vehicle and the electrical consumption (by reducing the mass reducing the energy requirement), as well as the environmental impact linked to the production of batteries.

[0045] The invention allows for increased vehicle range through a non-intrusive solution. Thermal energy is provided to heat the passenger compartment during the winter, which represents a significant energy requirement that limits the range of electric vehicles in winter.

[0046] The volume occupied by the vehicle's batteries and electric motor is relatively high. The proposed solution offers a larger passenger compartment volume due to the reduction in battery size.

[0047] The use of an energy converter operating with a fuel with high energy density is proposed, thus providing additional autonomy.

[0048] A design with a ball joint system or beams that integrate into the vehicle chassis at the front or rear is available.

[0049] The user can thus choose to obtain a small battery and the trailer for long journeys, which allows the vehicle to be adapted to the user's current needs.

[0050] Compared to an electric vehicle with a battery, we propose a solution that increases the vehicle's range while limiting the need for additional battery components.

[0051] The system provides electrical energy to recharge the batteries. The system can also provide thermal energy to heat the passenger compartment if needed.

[0052] The trailer R can be on a chassis with one point and two wheels RM, RL, as it can be on a wheel positioned in the middle, or on free wheels (illustrated in figure 6).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Trailer (R) configured to be temporarily attached to an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, the trailer (R) comprising: - a mechanical coupling means (MC1, MC2) for attaching the trailer (R) to the motor vehicle; - an integrated turbogenerator (TG), comprising at least one turbocharger equipped with a generator motor, and having an air circuit; - a thermal coupling means (TC) configured to couple the air circuit of the turbogenerator (TG) to the air circuit of the motor vehicle; - an electrical coupling means (EC) configured to couple the generator motor to the electronic power circuit of the motor vehicle.

2. Trailer according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical coupling means (EC) is configured to perform a coupling so that the turbogenerator (TG) forms an auxiliary power unit for the motor vehicle, to recharge the traction battery.

3. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the thermal coupling means (TC) and the turbogenerator (TG) are configured to heat the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

4. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the generator motor operates using a fossil fuel, a biofuel or a fuel from renewable energy.

5. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, defining a reference mark with a front-rear direction (X) corresponding to a rectilinear front-rear direction of movement of the trailer (R), and a lateral direction (Y) perpendicular to the front-rear direction (X), characterized in that the mechanical coupling means (MC) is configured to fix the trailer (R) to the front or rear of the motor vehicle.

6. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mechanical coupling means (MC1, MC2) comprises a ball joint system (MC1) or a rigid coupling system (MC2) for a chassis of the motor vehicle.

7. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises free wheels (RL) or mobile wheels (RM).

8. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a storage volume (V2).

9. Motor vehicle of electric or hybrid type equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, characterized in that the vehicle is temporarily attached to a trailer (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Method of travel by means of an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, the method of travel comprising the following steps: - coupling the vehicle to a trailer (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the event of a journey of a distance greater than the battery life, and / or - decoupling of the vehicle from the trailer (R) when traveling a distance shorter than the battery range.

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