Aerodynamic Lifting Current Collector for EV Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of electric vehicle technology include the low energy density of batteries leading to weight disadvantages, inefficient energy storage, and the need for numerous charging stations, which results in unstable power grids and high costs, particularly due to the short service life of fast-charging infrastructure and the ballast of large batteries.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system for motor vehicles that utilizes a lifting device with a flying device for aerodynamic lifting of a current collector to enable detachable coupling to an energy supply system, such as overhead lines, allowing for energy transfer while driving, reducing the need for charging interruptions and stabilizing the power grid through controlled power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If batteries with higher energy density are used to extend range, then the radius of action increases, but the weight of the energy storage system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two energy supply methods: battery power and overhead line power. The vehicle uses both energy sources in a hybrid manner, merging the advantages of portable energy storage (battery) and continuous external power supply (overhead line) to extend range without proportionally increasing battery weight
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead line system acts as an intermediary energy supply source between charging stations. Instead of relying solely on battery capacity or frequent stops at charging stations, the overhead line provides continuous power transmission during operation, effectively extending the vehicle's operational range without requiring larger batteries
2Speed
If fast-charging stations are deployed to reduce charging time, then charging speed increases, but the stability of the power grid deteriorates due to peak loads
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle draws power continuously at a steady rate from the overhead line during operation, rather than requiring intense periodic charging bursts. This periodic energy transfer during normal driving distributes the power demand over time, avoiding the peak loads that destabilize grids during fast-charging events
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead line provides continuous power supply throughout the vehicle's operation, eliminating the discontinuous charging cycles required by battery-only vehicles. This continuous energy transfer allows the power grid to operate at stable, predictable load levels rather than experiencing sudden high-demand spikes during charging sessions
3Use of energy by moving object
If overhead lines are used for energy supply, then energy transmission efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to the lifting device and flying device
Solution Approach 1:
The flying device is designed to be automatically deployed and retracted by the vehicle itself without external assistance. The system uses the vehicle's own mechanical systems to manage the complex coupling operations, making the complexity self-contained and eliminating the need for additional external infrastructure or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system transitions from a static connection to a dynamic, movable connection. The flying device can extend and retract, and the pantograph can move vertically to maintain contact with the overhead line, allowing the system to adapt to changing vehicle positions and road conditions while managing complexity through controlled motion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution extends the range of electric vehicles, reduces energy storage weight, and stabilizes the power grid by enabling energy transfer during long distances, such as motorways, while minimizing the need for charging interruptions and reducing the number of charging stations required.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting device being a flying device comprises, wherein the flight device for the aerodynamic lifting of the pantograph for the energy-transmitting, detachable coupling to the energy supply system is designed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling system for coupling an energy storage device (110) of a motor vehicle (100) with an energy supply system (200), the coupling system (10) comprising a lifting device (20), a current collector (30), a connecting line (14) and a motor vehicle interface (40), wherein the current collector (30) is configured for energy-transferring, detachable coupling with the energy supply system (200), wherein the motor vehicle interface (40) is configured for mechanical coupling and for electrically conductive coupling with the motor vehicle (100), wherein the connecting line (14) is electrically conductively connected to the motor vehicle interface (40) and the current collector (30), and wherein the lifting device (20) is configured for raising the current collector (30), the lifting device (20) comprising a flying device (22).wherein the flight device (22) is designed for the aerodynamic lifting of the current collector (30) for the energy-transferring, detachable coupling with the energy supply system (200). Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle (100) comprising an energy storage device (110) and a coupling system.