Battery Trailer Power Supply for Extended-Range Electric Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric and hybrid electric tractor units face limitations in power capacity due to spatial constraints, limiting the distance they can travel without recharging, especially when carrying large loads, and there is a need for an alternative method to provide electrical power without modifying the complex and expensive tractor unit.
Innovation Solution
A trailer equipped with a trailer battery and a control system that manages power flow, allowing the trailer to supply power to the tractor unit's powertrain, with features like battery management, regenerative power, and modular battery systems to enhance power capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are provided on-board the tractor unit to power the traction motor, then the electric vehicle can travel without recharging, but the spatial constraints of the tractor unit chassis limit the size and capacity of the batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two separate locations: on-board batteries in the tractor unit and off-board batteries in the trailer. This segmentation allows the total battery capacity to be distributed across multiple locations, overcoming the spatial constraints of the tractor unit chassis while extending the travel distance without recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the battery system from a single-dimension constraint (tractor unit chassis space) to a multi-dimension configuration by utilizing the trailer as an additional spatial dimension. The off-board batteries in the trailer provide extended energy capacity without consuming valuable tractor unit chassis space.
2Power
If the tractor unit is modified to increase onboard power capacity, then the power requirements can be met, but the tractor unit is complex to manufacture and expensive to purchase and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The power capacity enhancement is extracted from the tractor unit and relocated to the trailer. By taking out the large capacity batteries from the tractor unit and placing them in the trailer, the solution meets the power requirements without modifying the complex and expensive tractor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer serves as an intermediary carrier for the battery system. Instead of directly modifying the tractor unit to increase power capacity, the trailer acts as a mediator that houses the additional batteries and connects to the tractor unit's electrical system, thereby providing enhanced power capacity without increasing tractor unit complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If large capacity batteries are installed in the tractor unit, then the power needs of heavy duty vehicles can be met, but the amount of on-board charge that can be carried is limited by the spatial constraints of the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The charge storage system is segmented between the tractor unit and trailer, allowing the total quantity of charge to be increased by utilizing the trailer's available space rather than being constrained by the tractor unit chassis area.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional constraint (tractor unit chassis area) to a three-dimensional solution by utilizing the trailer as an additional spatial dimension for battery placement, thereby increasing the total charge capacity without being limited by the tractor unit chassis area.
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
The solution enables electric or hybrid electric trucks to travel longer distances with large loads by utilizing the trailer's battery to supplement the tractor unit's power, reducing the need for frequent recharging and allowing operation in geo-fenced zones without relying on the tractor unit's power.
Implementation Method 1
the trailer comprises a trailer battery and the trailer battery is arranged to provide power to the powertrain
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer arranged to be coupled to tractor unit. The tractor unit comprising an electric or hybrid electric powertrain and a control system for controlling the powertrain, wherein the trailer comprises a trailer battery and the trailer battery is arranged to provide power to the powertrain under control of the control system. The control system comprising a control module arranged to provide signals for controlling the trailer battery. The trailer battery comprising a battery management system arranged to receive the control signals and to control the trailer battery in dependence thereon.