Motor and gearbox fluid formulations and their use

Abstract

The present invention provides a fluid formulation that can increase efficiency, reduce friction, and extend the drive cycle associated with the vehicle drive unit. [Solution] A fluid formulation is provided, comprising an additive and a base oil selected from the group consisting of American Petroleum Institute (API) Group II oil, API Group II+ oil, API Group III oil, API Group III+ oil, API Group IV oil, API Group V oil, and combinations thereof, wherein the base oil comprises a primary base oil and a secondary base oil having a lower weight percentage than the primary base oil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid formulations. More specifically, the present invention relates to highly efficient and low friction fluid formulations. Exemplary uses include gearboxes (gears, bearings, etc.), mechanical applications with metal-to-metal contact, and automotive applications (e.g., electric vehicle drive units and automotive drivelines).

Background Art

[0002] Automotive technology includes a wide range of systems and components designed to improve vehicle performance, efficiency, and durability. These technologies include the development of fluid formulations for electric vehicle drive units consisting of electric motors and gearboxes. In components such as electric vehicle drive units, specific fluids may be utilized to reduce friction, manage heat, and ensure long-term reliability. The applications of these technologies extend to various types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and special electric vehicles such as robot taxis and semi-trucks.

[0003] However, existing fluid formulations cannot balance the gearbox requirements for gear and bearing protection, the requirements of continuous power motors, and the efficiency requirements without sacrificing system efficiency and / or durability. Therefore, there is currently a need for fluid formulations that simultaneously provide or achieve high drive unit efficiency, extended fluid life, and motor cooling.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For the purpose of summarizing the benefits achieved beyond this disclosure and the prior art, specific purposes and benefits of this disclosure are described herein. Not all such purposes or benefits can be achieved in any particular embodiment. Therefore, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be embodied or implemented to achieve or optimize one benefit or set of benefits taught herein, without necessarily achieving other purposes or benefits that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0005] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations comprising an additive and a base oil selected from the group consisting of American Petroleum Institute (API) Group II oils, API Group II+ oils, API Group III oils, API Group III+ oils, API Group IV oils, API Group V oils, and combinations thereof.

[0006] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which the base oil is selected from the group consisting of paraffin, poly-alpha-olefin (PAO), monoester, diester, alkylated naphthalene, polyol ester, and combinations thereof.

[0007] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which paraffin is selected from the group consisting of iso-paraffins, linear paraffins, cycloparaffins, and combinations thereof.

[0008] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations comprising dimers, trimers, and tetramers formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, or C16 monomers by oligomerization assisted by a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, a Lewis acid, or a combination thereof, but selected from the group not comprising C10 trimers.

[0009] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which poly-alpha-olefins are selected from the group consisting of oligomerizations formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, or C16 monomers using metallocene compound catalysts, Ziegler-Natta catalysts, Lewis acids, or combinations thereof, wherein the number of carbon atoms in a single molecule of the oligomerization is greater than 80 and less than 300.

[0010] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which a monoester is composed of a monobasic acid and an alcohol in a 1:1 ratio, wherein the monobasic acid is selected from the group consisting of octanoic acid, iso-octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, iso-nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, iso-decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, iso-dodecanoic acid, myristic acid, iso-myristic acid, palmitic acid, iso-palmitic acid, stearic acid, iso-stearic acid, oleic acid and their isomers, and the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol and their isomers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which a diester is composed of a diacid and an alcohol in a 1:2 ratio, the diacid being selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanediic acid and their isomers, and the alcohol being selected from the group consisting of iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol and their isomers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which a polyol ester is composed of a polyol and a monobasic acid, the polyol being selected from the group consisting of neopentyl glycol and pentaerythritol, and the monobasic acid being selected from the group consisting of pentanoic acid, isopentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, isohexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, isoheptanoic acid, octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isonanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid and their isomers.

[0013] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which the additives are selected from the group consisting of anti-friction additives, anti-wear additives, extreme pressure additives, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, yellow metal deactivators, dispersants, detergents, defoamers, seal swelling agents, solvent boosters, dyes, and combinations thereof.

[0014] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a fluid formulation comprising 0 to 15% by weight of an additive, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of HiTEC 3491K, HiTEC 5769, HiTEC 35750, HiTEC 2571, HiTEC 4780, other equivalent additives, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations further comprising viscosity index improvers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations comprising 0 to 6% by weight of a viscosity index improver.

[0017] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which the viscosity index improver has a viscosity of 100 to 2000 cSt at 100°C.

[0018] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to fluid formulations further comprising a high-viscosity base oil.

[0019] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations comprising 0 to 40% by weight of a high-viscosity base oil, wherein the high-viscosity base oil is selected from the group consisting of oligomers of C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 monomers, and / or composite esters.

[0020] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations in which the high-viscosity base oil has a viscosity of 40 to 1200 cSt at 100°C.

[0021] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to fluid formulations comprising a sulfur content of 0 to 2000 ppm by mass, a phosphorus content of 0 to 300 ppm by mass, a calcium content of 0 to 150 ppm by mass, a boron content of 0 to 100 ppm by mass, a silicon content of 0 to 20 ppm by mass, and a nitrogen content of 0 to 1200 ppm by mass.

[0022] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle drive unit comprising a motor, a motor fluid system in fluid communication with the motor, a gearbox, and a gearbox fluid system in fluid communication with the gearbox, wherein the gearbox fluid system comprises a fluid compound.

[0023] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle drive unit in which the gearbox fluid system is configured to pump fluid at a flow rate of 1 to 20 LPM via a mechanical or electric oil pump.

[0024] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle drive unit in which the motor fluid system is in fluid communication with the gearbox fluid system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle drive unit in which the motor fluid system includes a low-viscosity motor fluid.

[0026] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle drive unit in which the motor fluid system includes a fluid formulation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a drive unit in which the motor is an electric motor.

[0028] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle that includes a vehicle drive unit.

[0029] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle that further includes a secondary vehicle drive unit that includes a secondary high-pressure viscosity coefficient fluid.

[0030] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. These and other embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the invention is not limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1A] FIG. is a schematic diagram of a dual-fluid path system design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 1B] FIG. is a schematic diagram of a single-fluid path system design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 2A] FIG. shows a comparison of fluid friction between various fluid formulations and a baseline fluid formulation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 2B]The drive unit efficiency percentages of fluid formulations under various motor operating conditions are shown according to several embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 2C] The driving unit efficiency percentages of fluid formulations under various motor operating conditions based on dynamometer test data are shown according to several embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 3A] This graph shows the drive unit efficiency of fluid formulations under various motor operating conditions according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 3B] This graph shows the drive unit efficiency of fluid formulations under various motor operating conditions according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 4] This figure shows a comparison of fluid friction between various fluid formulations under various draw speeds according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 5A] This disclosure shows the difference in normalized gearbox efficiency between various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5B] This disclosure shows the difference in normalized gearbox efficiency between various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5C] This disclosure shows the difference in normalized gearbox efficiency between various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5D] This disclosure shows the difference in normalized gearbox efficiency between various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 6A] The normalized output mesh lambda ratios of various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 6B] The normalized output mesh lambda ratios of various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 6C] The normalized output mesh lambda ratios of various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 6D] The normalized output mesh lambda ratios of various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of this disclosure are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] This disclosure can be understood by referring to the following detailed description. For the purpose of clarifying the description, it should be noted that certain elements in the various drawings may not be drawn to scale, may be represented schematically or conceptually, and may not otherwise precisely correspond to the specific physical configuration of the embodiment.

[0042] As generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to fluid formulations for vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles), or more specifically, vehicle drive units (e.g., electric motors, gearboxes, and drive inverters). In some embodiments, the fluid formulation is a low-friction and low-traction fluid achieved by molecular structure design, viscosity control, denser molecular weight distribution, and / or fluid formulation control. For example, low fluid friction and traction are achieved by a low-traction molecular design combined with polar, high-viscosity secondary molecules specifically designed for boundary and mixed lubrication regime friction reduction (flattening Stribeck curve).

[0043] Advantageously, the fluid formulations of this disclosure can result in higher drive unit efficiency and lower friction (e.g., a reduction of approximately 15% to 30% in gearbox losses in certain embodiments) throughout the entire drive cycle. Thus, the fluid formulations can extend the driving range. The reduction in friction can be advantageously achieved by improvements in molecular design and viscosity measurement to balance parasitic losses and torque-dependent losses, thereby achieving a higher level of lubrication. Improvements in fluid viscosity allow the drive unit to meet the requirements of geartrain protection and motor cooling while operating under improved or maximized drive unit efficiency. Furthermore, the fluid discharge interval can be extended by extending the fluid life, which can be beneficial in meeting various requirements (e.g., environmental, mileage, energy consumption) associated with various types of vehicles (e.g., semi-trucks, robotaxis, light passenger cars, light trucks, etc.).

[0044] In the field of drive units, achieving higher efficiency and extending driving range remains a challenging task. For example, while friction and traction can be reduced using several fluid formulations for electric vehicle drive units, state-of-the-art low-traction gear oil products often suffer from issues such as low-pressure viscosity coefficient, hygroscopicity, hydrolysis stability, and compatibility. These issues can render fluid formulations unsuitable for lubrication and cooling applications in electric vehicle drive units. Furthermore, balancing the need for gear and bearing protection with meeting stringent requirements for motor cooling and drive unit efficiency can be difficult.

[0045] To address many of the above challenges, several embodiments of this disclosure disclose fluid formulations such as low-traction fluids, low-viscosity motor fluids, and / or high-viscosity fluid formulations for vehicle drive units. In some embodiments, the fluid formulation comprises a base oil selected from API group II, II+, III, III+, IV, V oils and combinations thereof, and additives. The base oil may include paraffins, poly-alpha-olefins, monoesters, diesters, alkylated naphthalenes, and polyol esters. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the formulation may utilize Ziegler-Natta catalysts, Lewis acids, and / or more advanced oligomerization to produce molecules having specific molecular weights and structures. The formulations can be used in electric vehicle drive units to enhance drive unit efficiency and provide robust lubrication under high-load conditions. The electric vehicle drive unit may include a motor, a gearbox, and a drive inverter, and the fluid system is in fluid communication with the motor and gearbox.

[0046] In some embodiments, the disclosed fluid formulation may include a primary base oil and a secondary base oil. The primary base oil may constitute the majority of the fluid formulation (e.g., about 50–85% by weight) and may exhibit beneficial lubrication properties with respect to the drive unit. The primary base oil can be selected from a range of base oils, including paraffins, poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs), monoesters, diesters, alkylated naphthalenes, and polyol esters, considering lubrication properties, thermal stability, and / or other properties. The molecules associated with the primary base oil may be designed to achieve low friction and traction, as well as controlled viscosity, to ensure adequate lubrication over a wide range of operating temperatures and conditions. The primary base oil may be formulated to be compatible with various additives that enhance its performance, such as anti-wear agents, antioxidants, and friction modifiers.

[0047] In some embodiments, the secondary base oil is a lower weight percentage compared to the primary base oil. The secondary base oil can help enhance certain performance characteristics of the fluid formulation. For example, the secondary base oil may have a higher viscosity compared to the primary base oil. Thus, the secondary base oil can provide robust lubrication under high-load conditions, thereby ensuring the durability and lifespan of drive unit components. Exemplary secondary base oils may include higher viscosity Group IV PAOs, Group V chemicals, and Group V complex esters derived from acids, including polyols and diacids. Higher viscosity Group V complex esters may offer superior lubrication properties and thermal stability, making them suitable for demanding applications.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more additives may be included in the fluid formulation containing the base oil. The additives can be selected from a group of various functional additives, such as anti-friction additives (e.g., to reduce friction between moving parts), anti-wear additives (e.g., to provide a protective layer on surfaces to minimize wear and extend the life of components), extreme pressure additives (e.g., to enhance the ability of the fluid formulation to withstand high-pressure conditions, prevent metal-to-metal contact, and reduce the risk of scuffing and pitting), antioxidants (e.g., to prevent oxidation of the fluid formulation, thereby extending its life and maintaining its performance characteristics over time), corrosion inhibitors (e.g., to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and ensure the life and reliability of drive unit components), and / or dyes (e.g., to add color to the fluid formulation for identification and leak detection purposes).

[0049] In some embodiments, the fluid formulation may contain about 0–15% by weight (e.g., 0–15% by weight) of additives, thereby allowing flexibility in adjusting the fluid formulation to meet specific performance requirements. Exemplary additives that can be used in the fluid formulation may include HiTEC 3491K, HiTEC 5769, HiTEC 35750, HiTEC 2571, HiTEC 4780, other equivalent additives, and combinations thereof. Base oil

[0050] In some embodiments, the fluid formulation (e.g., a low-traction fluid and / or a high-viscosity fluid) may comprise at least one base oil and additives. In some embodiments, the base oil is selected from the group consisting of American Petroleum Institute (API) Group II ("GII") oils, API Group II+ ("GII+") oils, API Group III ("GIII") oils, API Group III+ ("GIII+") oils, API Group IV ("GIV") oils, API Group V ("GV") oils, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the base oil is selected from the group consisting of paraffins, poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs), monoesters, diesters, alkylated naphthalenes, polyol esters, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the paraffin may be selected from the group consisting of isoparaffins, linear paraffins, cycloparaffins, and combinations thereof in any ratio.

[0051] In some embodiments, poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs) are selected from the group consisting of dimers, trimers, and tetramers formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, or C16 monomers by oligomerization assisted by a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, a Lewis acid, or a combination thereof. This group may not consist of or contain a C10 trimer. A Ziegler-Natta catalyst can be a classification of catalysts used for the polymerization of olefins to produce polymers having specific molecular weights and structures. In relation to PAOs, a Ziegler-Natta catalyst can be advantageous in controlling the degree of oligomerization and the resulting molecular structure. A Lewis acid can be a compound capable of accepting electron pairs. In the oligomerization process, a Lewis acid can act as a co-catalyst, enhancing the activity of other catalysts and improving the efficiency of the reaction.

[0052] In some embodiments, poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs) are selected from the group consisting of oligomers formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, or C16 monomers using metallocene compound catalysts, Ziegler-Natta catalysts, Lewis acids, or combinations thereof. The number of carbon atoms in a single molecule of the oligomer can be greater than 80 and less than 300. Higher degrees of oligomerization (e.g., 80–300 carbon atoms) can result in larger, more complex molecules with improved lubricity and thermal stability. Metallocene compound catalysts can be a type of catalyst containing metal centers bonded to organic ligands to precisely control the molecular weight distribution and structure for polymer production. In relation to PAOs, metallocene compound catalysts can enable the synthesis of high molecular weight oligomers with specific friction, viscosity, and / or thermal properties.

[0053] In some embodiments, the monoester may consist of a monobasic acid and an alcohol in a 1:1 ratio. The monobasic acid may be selected from the group consisting of octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isononanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, and isomers of octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isononanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, and oleic acid. The alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol, and isomers of iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, and iso-tridecyl alcohol.

[0054] In some embodiments, the diester may consist of a dibasic acid and an alcohol in a 1:2 ratio. The diacid may be selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedionic acid, and isomers of adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedionic acid. The alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol, and iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, and iso-tridecyl alcohol.

[0055] In some embodiments, the polyol ester may be composed of a polyol and a monobasic acid. The polyol may be selected from the group consisting of neopentyl glycol and pentaerythritol. The monobasic acid may be selected from the group consisting of pentanoic acid, isopentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, isohexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, isoheptanoic acid, octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isononanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, as well as isomers of pentanoic acid, isopentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, isohexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, isoheptanoic acid, octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isononanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, and oleic acid.

[0056] In some embodiments, the additives are selected from the group consisting of anti-friction additives, anti-wear additives, extreme pressure additives, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, yellow metal deactivators, dispersants, detergents, defoamers, seal swelling agents, solvent boosters, dyes, and combinations thereof.

[0057] In some embodiments, the fluid formulation may include a primary base oil and a secondary base oil. Compared to the secondary base oil, the primary base oil may correspond to a higher weight percentage (e.g., 70%) of the fluid formulation. In some embodiments, the primary base oil may be a low-traction and / or low-friction fluid, and the secondary base oil may be a high-viscosity fluid. Exemplary base oils (e.g., primary base oils) are shown in Table A below, along with their corresponding properties and performance metrics. [Table A-1] [Table A-2]

[0058] Table A shows the properties associated with six exemplary base oils. For example, the row for "KV100, cSt, ASTM D445" represents the kinematic viscosity at 100°C, evaluating the fluid's resistance to flow at 100°C and indicating its thickness and flow characteristics at this temperature. In specific embodiments, the corresponding values ​​range from 1.6 to 5.6 centistokes (cSt) across the exemplary base oils.

[0059] In some embodiments, the line “KV40, cSt, ASTM D445” represents the kinematic viscosity at 40°C, measured in centistokes (cSt). This characteristic indicates the fluid’s resistance to flow at 40 degrees Celsius and provides insight into its performance at higher temperatures. In certain embodiments, the value ranges from 4.8 to 20.4 cSt.

[0060] In some embodiments, the line “VI, ASTM D2270” represents a viscosity index indicating the change in viscosity with temperature. Higher values ​​represent a more stable viscosity over a certain temperature range. In certain embodiments, the minimum value starts at 90 for all formulations.

[0061] In some embodiments, the row “Pour Point, °C, ASTM D97” represents the lowest temperature at which the fluid remains injectable, indicating its low-temperature performance. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is in the range of -36°C to 10°C.

[0062] In some embodiments, the row “Flash point, °C, ASTM D92” represents the temperature at which the fluid can vaporize to form a flammable mixture in air, indicating its safety and volatility characteristics. In certain embodiments, the minimum value starts at 160 °C for all formulations.

[0063] In some embodiments, the row "Brookfield viscosity, cP, ASTM D2983 at -20°C" evaluates the viscosity of the fluid at -20 degrees Celsius and indicates its performance under low-temperature conditions. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 600 cP for most formulations.

[0064] In some embodiments, the line “Novack volatility at 180°C for 2 hours, wt%, ASTM D5800” evaluates the tendency of the fluid to evaporate at high temperatures and indicates its stability and lifetime. In certain embodiments, the maximum value starts at 6% for all formulations.

[0065] In some embodiments, the row “Acid Value, mg KOH / g, ASTM D974” evaluates the amount of acidic component in the fluid and indicates its potential to cause corrosion. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is less than 0.03 mg KOH / g for all formulations.

[0066] In some embodiments, the row "Hydroxyl value, mg KOH / g, ISO 4326" evaluates the amount of hydroxyl groups in the fluid and indicates the potential for hydrolysis stability. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is less than 1 mg KOH / g for all formulations.

[0067] In some embodiments, the base oil of the disclosed fluid formulation may include poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs), paraffins, monoesters, diesters, and / or polyol esters. PAOs are synthetic hydrocarbons formed by oligomerization of alpha-olefins. Exemplary PAOs in the fluid formulation may include dimers, trimers, and tetramers formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 monomers, but may not include C10 trimers. These oligomers can be synthesized using Ziegler-Natta catalysts and Lewis acids, as well as combinations thereof in any ratio. The PAOs of the examples may exhibit excellent lubrication properties, high viscosity index, and thermal stability.

[0068] In some embodiments, paraffins may include normal paraffins, isoparaffins, and cycloparaffins. Normal paraffins, isoparaffins, and cycloparaffins can be different types of hydrocarbons used as base oils. Normal paraffins are straight-chain hydrocarbons, isoparaffins are branched-chain hydrocarbons, and cycloparaffins are cyclic hydrocarbons. Each type of paraffin may offer different properties that contribute to the overall performance of the lubricant.

[0069] In some embodiments, the monoester is composed of a monobasic acid and an alcohol. The monobasic acid can be selected from a variety of options including octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isononanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, and their isomers. The alcohol can be selected from isooctyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, isononyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, isodecyl alcohol, isotridecyl alcohol, and their isomers. The monoester can enhance the lubricity and thermal stability of the base oil.

[0070] In some embodiments, the diester is composed of a diacid and an alcohol. The diacid can be selected from adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanediic acid, and their isomers. The alcohol can be selected from iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol, and their isomers. The diester provides additional protection against abrasion and extreme pressure conditions.

[0071] In some embodiments, polyol esters are composed of a polyol and an acid. The monobasic acid can be selected from pentanoic acid, isopentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, isohexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, isoheptanoic acid, octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isononanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, and their isomers. The polyol can be selected from neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol, and the like. Polyol esters provide excellent lubrication properties and thermal stability. Exemplary molecular structures of base oils (e.g., primary base oils) are shown in Table B below. [Table B-1] [Table B-2]

[0072] In some embodiments, the fluid formulation may include a high-viscosity base oil (e.g., a secondary base oil) used in the fluid formulation for the electric vehicle drive unit. The high-viscosity base oil can provide robust lubrication under high-load conditions and ensure the durability and lifespan of the drive unit components. Examples of high-viscosity base oils are shown in Table C below. [Table C]

[0073] As shown in Table C, in some embodiments, high-viscosity base oils can be synthesized from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 monomers. These monomers undergo polymerization to form oligomers with higher viscosity, which is essential for maintaining sufficient lubricity in demanding applications. The number of carbon atoms in a single molecule of these oligomers is greater than 80 but less than 300. As described above, the oligomers may include isomers and are synthesized using advanced catalytic processes such as Ziegler-Natta catalysts and / or metallocene compound catalysts and Lewis acids. These advanced catalytic processes allow for precise control of the molecular structure and properties of the base oil, resulting in high-performance lubricants. In some embodiments, high-viscosity base oils may include esters (e.g., complex esters of high-viscosity group V) derived from polyols and diacids. Complex esters of high-viscosity group V can be synthesized to provide at least excellent lubrication properties and thermal stability. Finished lubricant formulation

[0074] In some embodiments, the finished lubricant formulations may be prepared based on the various base oils described above. By combining various base oils, additives, and / or other components, formulations can achieve specific performance characteristics. Exemplary finished lubricant formulations, along with their corresponding performance characteristics or metrics, are shown in Table D below. [Table D-1] [Table D-2]

[0075] Table D lists six exemplary finished lubricant formulations. Each of the exemplary finished lubricant formulations may be characterized by specific attributes and components. As shown in Table D, each formulation may contain different proportions of base oils #1 to #6. In certain embodiments, the proportion of base oil in the formulation ranges from 0% to 98% by weight.

[0076] In some embodiments, the formulation includes various additives such as HITEC 3491K, HITEC 35750, and other additives. These additives enhance the protective properties of the lubricant, including wear resistance, oxidation prevention, friction modification, and corrosion prevention capabilities. In certain embodiments, the proportion of additives in the formulation ranges from 0% to 12% by weight.

[0077] In some embodiments, the formulation may include high-viscosity base oils synthesized from oligomers of C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 monomers. These high-viscosity base oils provide robust lubrication under high-load conditions. In certain embodiments, the proportion of high-viscosity base oils in the formulation ranges from 0% to 40% by weight.

[0078] In some embodiments, the formulation may include a viscosity index improver (VII) that helps maintain optimal viscosity over different operating temperatures. In certain embodiments, the proportion of the viscosity index improver in the formulation is in the range of 0% to 6% by weight.

[0079] In some embodiments, the formulation may include an antifoaming agent that helps reduce foam formation and ensure consistent lubrication performance. In certain embodiments, the proportion of the antifoaming agent in the formulation is in the range of 0% to 0.1% by weight.

[0080] In some embodiments, some properties of the exemplary finished lubricant formulation may include kinematic viscosity at 40°C (represented by the line “KV40, cSt, ASTM D445”), kinematic viscosity at 100°C (represented by the line “KV100, cSt, ASTM D445”), viscosity index (represented by the line “VI, ASTM D2270”), pour point, flash point, Brookfield viscosity at -20°C, Novack volatility at 180°C for 2 hours, appearance, water content, elastomer compatibility, hydrolysis stability, verification of scuffing and pitting wear, and coefficient of friction.

[0081] In some embodiments, the kinematic viscosity at 40°C evaluates the fluid's resistance to flow at 40 degrees Celsius and indicates its thickness and flow characteristics at this temperature. In certain embodiments, the value ranges from 16.0 to 100.0 cSt.

[0082] In some embodiments, the kinematic viscosity at 100°C evaluates the fluid's resistance to flow at 100°C and provides insight into its performance at higher temperatures. In certain embodiments, the value ranges from 4.0 to 16.0 cSt.

[0083] In some embodiments, the viscosity index indicates the change in viscosity with temperature, with higher values ​​representing a more stable viscosity across the entire temperature range. In certain embodiments, the minimum value is 120 for all formulations.

[0084] In some embodiments, the pour point is the lowest temperature at which the fluid remains flowable, and it indicates its low-temperature performance. In certain embodiments, the value is in the range of -30°C to -10°C.

[0085] In some embodiments, the flash point is the temperature at which the fluid can vaporize to form a flammable mixture in air, and it indicates its safety and volatility. In certain embodiments, the minimum value is 180°C for all formulations.

[0086] In some embodiments, Brookfield viscosity at -20°C evaluates the viscosity of a fluid at -20 degrees Celsius and indicates its performance under low-temperature conditions. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 2000 cP.

[0087] In some embodiments, Novack volatility at 180°C for 2 hours evaluates the tendency of a fluid to evaporate at high temperatures and indicates its stability and lifetime. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 20% for all formulations.

[0088] In some embodiments, the appearance represents visual clarity and the absence of haze in the fluid. Thus, the exemplary formulation is clear in appearance and haze-free.

[0089] In some embodiments, the water content evaluates the amount of water in the fluid and indicates the potential for hydrolysis stability. In certain embodiments, the maximum value is 1000 ppm for all exemplary formulations.

[0090] In some embodiments, elastomer compatibility evaluates the fluid's compatibility with the elastomer material and indicates the potential for swelling or decomposition.

[0091] In some embodiments, hydrolysis stability evaluates the stability of a fluid in the presence of water and indicates its resistance to hydrolysis.

[0092] In some embodiments, scuffing and pitting abrasion verification tests evaluate the ability to protect the fluid from scuffing and pitting abrasion and demonstrate its protective properties. Values ​​are specified for all exemplary formulations as no scuffing and as the minimum value for 90 hours for pitting abrasion verification.

[0093] In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction evaluates the fluid's ability to reduce friction and indicates its lubrication performance. In certain embodiments, its value is less than 0.012 for all exemplary formulations and less than 0.01 for most formulations. Drive unit, vehicle and use

[0094] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of a dual fluid path system 100 comprising a gearbox fluid path 102 and a motor fluid path 122 according to several embodiments. The gearbox fluid path 102 includes a gear sump 104 containing gear fluid, which is in fluid communication with a gear pump 106, and the gear pump passes the gear fluid through a gearbox filter 108 to a heat exchanger 136 (e.g., pump-transported). The gear fluid from the heat exchanger 136 is then sent to a gear system 110, which returns the gear fluid to the gear sump 104. The gear system 110 is mechanically connected to the axle 112 of the vehicle. The motor fluid path 122 includes a motor sump 124 containing motor fluid, which is in fluid communication with a motor pump 126, and the motor pump delivers the motor fluid through a motor filter 128 to the heat exchanger 136. Next, the motor fluid from the heat exchanger 136 is sent to a motor system 130, which includes a stator 131 and a rotor 132 that returns the motor fluid to the motor sump 124. The motor system 130 is mechanically connected to the gear system 110 via a connector 134. The heat exchanger 136 includes a coolant fluid path 138 configured to flow through the heat exchanger 136 and exchange heat with the gear fluid and motor fluid.

[0095] In some embodiments, at least one of the gear fluid and motor fluid includes a fluid formulation (i.e., a low-traction fluid and / or a high-viscosity fluid). In some embodiments, the gear fluid includes a first fluid formulation (i.e., a low-traction fluid or a high-viscosity fluid), and the motor fluid includes a second fluid formulation (i.e., a low-traction fluid or a high-viscosity fluid). In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are different fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are different low-traction fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are different high-viscosity fluid formulations. In some embodiments, one of the gear fluid and motor fluid is a low-traction fluid formulation, and the other is a high-viscosity fluid formulation. A dual-oil system is not required to enable low-traction fluid or high-viscosity fluid designs, but in some embodiments, a dual-oil system may provide additional advantages to fluid systems utilizing low-traction fluid and / or high-viscosity fluids.

[0096] Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of a single-fluid path system or single-fluid system 150 according to several embodiments, including a single-fluid path 164. The single-fluid path 164 includes an oil sump 152 containing fluid in fluid communication with an oil pump 154, which sends the fluid through an oil filter 156 to a heat exchanger 162. The fluid from the heat exchanger 162 is then sent to a gearbox 158, which returns the fluid to the oil sump 152. In the single-fluid path 164, the fluid from the heat exchanger 162 is also sent to a motor 160, which returns the fluid to the oil sump 152. The gearbox 158 is mechanically connected to the axle of the vehicle. The motor 160 is mechanically connected to the gearbox 158 via a connector. The heat exchanger 162 may include a coolant fluid path configured to flow through the heat exchanger 162 and exchange fluid and heat.

[0097] In some embodiments, the gear fluid and / or motor fluid are fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the motor fluid is a low-viscosity oil for cooling and / or lubrication and is different from the fluid formulation. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are the same fluid. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are low-traction fluids. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are the same low-traction fluid formulation or different low-traction fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are high-viscosity fluids. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are the same high-viscosity fluid formulation or different high-viscosity fluid formulations. In some embodiments, the gear fluid and motor fluid are different fluids. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a low-traction fluid and the motor fluid is a different fluid. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a low-traction fluid and the motor fluid is a different low-traction fluid, high-viscosity fluid, or low-viscosity oil. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a high-viscosity fluid and the motor fluid is a different fluid. In some embodiments, the gear fluid is a high-viscosity fluid, and the motor fluid is a different high-viscosity fluid, a low-traction fluid, or a low-viscosity oil. In some embodiments, the fluid in a single-fluid path system is either a low-traction fluid or a high-viscosity fluid.

[0098] In some embodiments, the gearbox fluid system and / or single fluid system is configured to pump fluid at a rate of approximately, or at least, 0.01 liters / minute (LPM), 0.03 LPM, 0.05 LPM, 0.1 LPM, 0.15 LPM, 0.2 LPM, 0.3 LPM, 0.5 LPM, 1 LPM, 2 LPM, 3 LPM, 4 LPM, 5 LPM, 6 LPM, 7 LPM, 8 LPM, 9 LPM, 10 LPM, 12 LPM, 15 LPM, 18 LPM, 20 LPM, 22 LPM, 25 LPM, 27 LPM, 29 LPM, or 30 LPM, or any range of values ​​in between.

[0099] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a fluid path system (e.g., a single or dual fluid path system). In some embodiments, the vehicle includes an electric motor. In some embodiments, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit. Performance and Results

[0100] Illustrative performance and results obtained (e.g., through measurement or simulation) based on the fluid formulations described above are shown in Figures 2A to 6D. Illustrative performance and results were obtained by experiment and / or simulation based on the application of finished lubricant formulations #1 to #6 in Table D, and / or other fluid formulations formulated based on the illustrative base oils in Tables A and C.

[0101] Figure 2A shows a comparison of fluid friction between fluid formulations (e.g., finished lubricant formulations #1 to #6 in Table D) and baseline fluid formulations. The horizontal axis represents the retraction speed measured in millimeters per second (mm / s) on a logarithmic scale ranging from 1 mm / s to 10,000 mm / s. The vertical axis represents the coefficient of friction ranging from 0.000 to 0.120. As shown in Figure 2A, fluid formulations #1 to #5 and the baseline fluid formulation show a decrease in the coefficient of friction as the retraction speed increases. At lower retraction speeds (approximately 10 mm / s), the coefficient of friction is higher for all formulations, indicating higher friction losses. As the retraction speed increases to approximately 100 mm / s, the coefficient of friction decreases significantly for all formulations and plateaus at higher speeds.

[0102] Figure 2A shows that the finished lubricant formulations #1 to #6 in Table D generally exhibit lower coefficients of friction compared to the baseline fluid formulation, demonstrating the excellent friction reduction characteristics of the finished lubricant formulations #1 to #6.

[0103] Figure 2B shows the drive unit (DU) efficiency based on a fluid formulation (e.g., finished lubricant formulation #3 in Table D). More specifically, Figure 2B shows the drive unit (DU) efficiency percentage for finished lubricant formulation #3 in Table D under various motor operating conditions based on simulation results. The horizontal axis represents motor speed measured in thousands of revolutions per minute (krpm) in the range of 0 to 12 krpm. The vertical axis represents motor torque measured in Newton meters (Nm) in the range of -200 Nm to 200 Nm. The gradient axis, represented by a color gradient, shows the drive unit efficiency percentage.

[0104] As shown in Figure 2B, the color gradient ranges from red to green, with red indicating lower efficiency and green indicating higher efficiency. Efficiency values ​​are annotated on the surface plot and range from approximately 0.1% to 1.1%. Although efficiency values ​​vary across various motor torques and / or motor speeds, Figure 2B nevertheless demonstrates the effectiveness of finished lubricant formulation #3 in Table D in improving drive unit efficiency across a wide range of motor operating conditions (e.g., there are no efficiency values ​​from -0.1% to 0%). Therefore, the simulation results in Figure 2B show that finished lubricant formulation #3 results in a significant efficiency improvement, particularly in the intermediate range of motor speed and torque.

[0105] Figure 2C shows the drive unit (DU) efficiency percentages of fluid formulations (e.g., finished lubricant formulation #3 in Table D) under various motor operating conditions based on dyno test data. The horizontal axis represents motor speed measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) in the range of 0 to 15,000 rpm. The vertical axis represents motor torque measured in Newton meters (Nm) in the range of -200 Nm to 300 Nm. The color gradient on the plot represents the drive unit efficiency percentage, with a scale of approximately -0.5% to 0.5%. Overall, Figure 2C demonstrates the effectiveness of finished lubricant formulation #3 in Table D in improving drive unit efficiency across a wide range of motor operating conditions, based on dyno test data.

[0106] Figure 3A is a graph showing the drive unit (DU) efficiency percentage of a fluid formulation (e.g., finished lubricant formulation #1) under various motor operating conditions. Figure 3A visually illustrates how the drive unit efficiency changes with changes in motor speed and motor torque. The horizontal axis represents motor speed measured in thousands of revolutions per minute (krpm) in the range of 0 to 16 krpm. The vertical axis represents motor torque measured in Newton meters (Nm) in the range of -200 Nm to 400 Nm. The color gradient represents the drive unit efficiency percentage, with a scale ranging from -0.6% to 0.4%.

[0107] As shown in Figure 3A, the color gradient ranges from red to green, with red indicating lower efficiency and green indicating higher efficiency. Efficiency values ​​are annotated on the contour lines, providing specific efficiency percentages for various motor speed and torque combinations. Overall, Figure 3A shows that the formulation provides a significant efficiency improvement (e.g., no efficiency percentages from -0.6% to 0%), demonstrating the effectiveness of the fluid formulation in increasing drive unit efficiency across a wide range of motor operating conditions.

[0108] Figure 3B is a graph showing the drive unit (DU) efficiency percentages of fluid formulations (e.g., finished lubricant formulation #2) under various motor operating conditions. Similar to Figure 3A, Figure 3B shows that the formulations provide a significant efficiency improvement (e.g., no efficiency percentages between -0.6% and 0%), demonstrating the effectiveness of the fluid formulations in increasing drive unit efficiency across a wide range of motor operating conditions.

[0109] Figure 4 shows a comparison of fluid friction (e.g., coefficient of friction (CoF)) between various fluid formulations at different draw speeds. In Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents the draw speed measured in millimeters per second (mm / s) on a logarithmic scale ranging from 1 mm / s to 10,000 mm / s. The vertical axis represents the coefficient of friction in the range of 0.000 to 0.120. More specifically, Figure 4 compares the coefficient of friction between a baseline formulation, a fluid formulation (e.g., finished lubricant formulation #3 in Table D), and fluid formulations from four original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

[0110] As shown in Figure 4, all fluid formulations exhibit a decreasing coefficient of friction as the draw speed increases. At lower draw speeds (e.g., approximately 10 mm / s), the coefficient of friction is higher for all formulations, indicating higher friction losses. As the draw speed increases to approximately 100 mm / s, the coefficient of friction decreases for all formulations, reaching a low plateau at higher speeds (e.g., above 1,000 mm / s). The fluid formulation exhibits the lowest coefficient of friction across the draw speed range, demonstrating superior friction reduction characteristics compared to the four OEM fluid formulations and the baseline formulation.

[0111] Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D show the difference in normalized gearbox efficiency between various fluid formulations according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, the horizontal axis represents normalized motor speed in the range of 0.1 to 1.0. The vertical axis represents normalized motor torque in the range of 0.1 to 1.0. The color gradient represents the difference in normalized efficiency as a percentage (△, %), with a scale ranging from negative values ​​(red) to positive values ​​(green). More specifically, Figure 5A shows the difference in normalized gearbox (GB) efficiency between a baseline formulation and a fluid formulation (e.g., one of the finished lubricant formulations in Table D). Figure 5B shows the difference in normalized gearbox (GB) efficiency between a fourth OEM fluid formulation and a fluid formulation. Figure 5C shows the difference in normalized gearbox (GB) efficiency between a first OEM fluid formulation and a fluid formulation. Figure 5D shows the difference in normalized gearbox (GB) efficiency between the second OEM fluid formulation and the fluid formulation.

[0112] Overall, Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D show that the fluid formulations have higher normalized gearbox efficiencies than the baseline and OEM fluid formulations, demonstrating efficiency increases associated with the fluid formulations. Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D also suggest that the baseline fluid formulations have higher normalized gearbox efficiencies than the OEM fluid formulations.

[0113] Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D show the normalized power mesh lambda ratios of various fluid formulations under various motor operating conditions according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The lambda ratio is a measure of the thickness of the lubricating film relative to the surface roughness, with higher values ​​indicating better lubrication and protection. The horizontal axis represents the normalized motor speed in the range of 0.1 to 1.0. The vertical axis represents the normalized motor torque in the range of 0.1 to 1.0. The color gradient represents the normalized lambda ratio, with a scale ranging from red (lower lambda ratio) to green (higher lambda ratio).

[0114] Figure 6A shows the normalized power mesh lambda ratio of a fluid formulation (e.g., one of the finished lubricant formulations in Table D). Figure 6A is primarily shaded in green, indicating that the fluid formulation generally yields a higher lambda ratio across a wide range of motor operating conditions, suggesting superior lubrication and protection. The green areas may also suggest that the fluid formulation maintains a thicker lubricating film, reducing surface contact and wear.

[0115] Figures 6B–6D show the normalized power mesh lambda ratio for various OEM fluid formulations. Compared to Figure 6A, Figures 6B–6D are shaded more heavily in red, indicating that the OEM fluid formulations generally result in lower lambda ratios compared to the fluid formulations. Thus, the OEM fluid formulations may maintain a thinner lubrication film, increasing surface contact and wear. Overall, Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D demonstrate that the fluid formulations generally result in higher normalized power mesh lambda ratios compared to various OEM fluid formulations across a wide range of motor operating conditions, indicating that the fluid formulations provide better lubrication and protection. conclusion

[0116] While specific embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications of the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to encompass forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0117] Any feature, material, property, or group described in relation to a particular aspect, embodiment, or example should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described in this section or other sections of this Spec. All of the features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all of the steps of any method or process disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except for any combination in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not limited to the details of any of the aforementioned embodiments. The protection extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel step or any novel combination of any method or process disclosed herein.

[0118] Furthermore, certain features described in this disclosure in relation to separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in relation to a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable partial combination. Furthermore, features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, but one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be removed from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a partial combination or a variation of a partial combination.

[0119] Furthermore, while operations may be shown in the drawings or described herein in a specific order, such operations do not need to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or not all operations need to be performed, in order to achieve the desired result. Other operations not shown or described may be incorporated into exemplary methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or in between any of the described operations. Furthermore, operations may be rearranged or reordered in other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the actual steps performed in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the drawings. Depending on the embodiment, certain steps among the above steps may be omitted, or other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the particular embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and the described components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged in multiple products. For example, any component of the energy storage system described herein may be provided separately or integrated (e.g., packaged together or mounted together) to form the energy storage system.

[0120] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not all such advantages can necessarily be achieved according to any particular embodiment. Therefore, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure may be embodied or implemented to achieve one advantage or set of advantages taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages that can be taught or suggested herein.

[0121] Conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may" is generally intended to convey that a particular embodiment includes certain features, elements, and / or steps, but other embodiments do not, unless otherwise specified or understood in the context in which they are used. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are required in some form in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps should be included or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0122] Conjunctions such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are generally understood in contexts where they are commonly used to convey that an item, term, etc., could be any of X, Y, or Z, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, such conjunctions are generally not intended to imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0123] The terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" as used herein represent values, quantities, or characteristics close to the stated values, quantities, or characteristics that still perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" may refer to quantities less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated quantity, depending on the desired function or desired result.

[0124] The scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by any specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or other sections of this Spec, and may be defined by the claims as presented in this section or other sections of this Spec, or as presented in the future. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly on the basis of the language used in the claims, and should not be limited to the examples described herein or during the examination of the application, and the examples should be interpreted as non-exclusive.

[0125] The headings provided herein, where present, are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the devices and methods disclosed herein.

Claims

1. Additives and, Base oils selected from the group consisting of American Petroleum Institute (API) Group II oils, API Group II+ oils, API Group III oils, API Group III+ oils, API Group IV oils, API Group V oils, and combinations thereof. A fluid formulation containing, A fluid formulation wherein the base oil comprises a primary base oil and a secondary base oil having a lower weight percentage than the primary base oil.

2. The fluid formulation according to claim 1, wherein the base oil is selected from the group consisting of paraffin, poly-alpha-olefin (PAO), monoester, diester, alkylated naphthalene, polyol ester, and combinations thereof.

3. The fluid compound according to claim 2, wherein the paraffin is selected from the group consisting of isoparaffins, linear paraffins, cycloparaffins, and combinations thereof.

4. The fluid formulation according to claim 2, wherein the poly-alpha-olefin is selected from the group that consists of dimers, trimers, and tetramers formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, or C16 monomers by oligomerization assisted by a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, a Lewis acid, or a combination thereof, but does not include a C10 trimer.

5. The fluid formulation according to claim 2, wherein the poly-alpha-olefin is selected from the group consisting of oligomerizations formed from C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, or C16 monomers using a metallocene compound catalyst, a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, a Lewis acid, or a combination thereof, wherein the number of carbon atoms in one molecule of the oligomer is greater than 80 and less than 300.

6. The fluid compound according to claim 2, wherein the monoester is composed of a monobasic acid and an alcohol in a 1:1 ratio, the monobasic acid is selected from the group consisting of octanoic acid, iso-octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, iso-nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, iso-decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, iso-dodecanoic acid, myristic acid, iso-myristic acid, palmitic acid, iso-palmitic acid, stearic acid, iso-stearic acid, oleic acid and corresponding isomers, and the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol and corresponding isomers.

7. The fluid compound according to claim 2, wherein the diester is composed of a diacid and an alcohol in a 1:2 ratio, the diacid is selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanediic acid and the corresponding isomers, and the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of iso-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, iso-nonyl alcohol, 2-propylheptyl alcohol, iso-decyl alcohol, iso-tridecyl alcohol and the corresponding isomers.

8. The fluid compound according to claim 2, wherein the polyol ester is composed of a polyol and a monobasic acid, the polyol is selected from the group consisting of neopentyl glycol and pentaerythritol, and the monobasic acid is selected from the group consisting of pentanoic acid, isopentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, isohexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, isoheptanoic acid, octanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, nonanoic acid, isononanoic acid, decanoic acid, isodecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, myristic acid, isomyristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid and the corresponding isomers.

9. The fluid compound according to claim 1, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of friction-preventing additives, wear-resistant additives, extreme pressure additives, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, yellow metal deactivators, dispersants, detergents, defoamers, seal swelling agents, solvent boosters, dyes, and combinations thereof.

10. The fluid formulation according to claim 1, wherein the fluid formulation comprises 0 to 15% by weight of the additive, and the additive is selected from the group consisting of HiTEC 3491K, HiTEC 5769, HiTEC 35750, HiTEC 2571, HiTEC 4780, other equivalent additives, and combinations thereof.

11. The fluid formulation according to claim 1, further comprising a viscosity index improver.

12. The fluid formulation according to claim 11, wherein the fluid formulation contains 0 to 6% by weight of the viscosity index improver.

13. The fluid compound according to claim 11, wherein the viscosity index improver has a viscosity of 100 to 2000 cSt at 100°C.

14. The fluid formulation according to claim 1, further comprising a high-viscosity base oil.

15. The fluid formulation according to claim 14, wherein the fluid formulation comprises 0 to 40% by weight of the high viscosity base oil, and the high viscosity base oil is selected from the group consisting of oligomers of C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 monomers, and / or composite esters.

16. The fluid compound according to claim 14, wherein the high-viscosity base oil has a viscosity of 40 to 1200 cSt at 100°C.

17. The fluid composition according to claim 1, wherein the fluid composition contains a sulfur content of 0 to 2000 ppm by mass, a phosphorus content of 0 to 300 ppm by mass, a calcium content of 0 to 150 ppm by mass, a boron content of 0 to 100 ppm by mass, a silicon content of 0 to 20 ppm by mass, and a nitrogen content of 0 to 1200 ppm by mass.

18. The fluid compound according to claim 1, wherein the secondary base oil has a higher viscosity coefficient compared to the primary base oil.

19. Motor and, A motor fluid system that is in fluid communication with the motor, The gearbox and The gearbox fluid system is in fluid communication with the gearbox. A vehicle drive unit comprising the gearbox fluid system comprising the fluid compound described in claim 1.

20. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 19, wherein the gearbox fluid system is configured to pump fluid at a speed of 1 to 20 LPM via a mechanical or electric oil pump.

21. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 19, wherein the motor fluid system is in fluid communication with the gearbox fluid system.

22. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 19, wherein the motor fluid system includes a low-viscosity motor fluid.

23. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 19, wherein the motor fluid system includes the fluid compound.

24. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 19, wherein the motor is an electric motor.

25. A vehicle comprising the vehicle drive unit described in claim 19.

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