Engine-Generator Clutch Control for Efficient Stop-Time Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for generating electric power during a vehicle stop experience various losses, necessitating improvements in power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system incorporating an engine, electric generator, power transmission device, clutch, and power generation controller, which switches the clutch to a disengaged state when the driver intends to stop the vehicle for a predetermined period, allowing the electric generator to generate power without transmitting engine power to the driving wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the clutch is engaged to transmit engine power to the driving wheel, then the vehicle can move, but energy losses occur in the power transmission system during vehicle stops
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch is dynamically switched between engaged and disengaged states based on vehicle operation conditions. During stops longer than a predetermined period, the clutch is disengaged to eliminate power transmission losses. When restart is needed, the clutch is re-engaged. This dynamic state change allows the system to optimize between energy efficiency and operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively disengages the clutch before significant energy losses can occur during anticipated vehicle stops. By detecting stop conditions and disengaging the clutch in advance, the system prevents energy waste in the power transmission system while maintaining the ability to quickly re-engage for restart.
2Productivity
If the clutch is disengaged to improve power generation efficiency, then energy losses are reduced, but the vehicle cannot be restarted immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch state is dynamically adjusted based on the duration of vehicle stop and power generation needs. During extended stops where quick restart is not critical, the clutch remains disengaged to maximize power generation efficiency. When restart is required, the clutch is re-engaged, balancing the trade-off between efficiency and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the clutch based on predetermined stop duration thresholds. For stops exceeding the threshold, the clutch is disengaged to improve power generation efficiency. This parameter-based control allows optimization of efficiency while maintaining acceptable restart capabilities within defined operational boundaries.
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 configuration enhances power generation efficiency by reducing energy losses in the power transmission system, particularly during vehicle stops, while maintaining quick restart capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator coupled to the engine... cause the electric generator to generate electric power by using the driving power of the engine
Implementation Method 2
The clutch is provided in the power transmission device and switchable between an engaged state in which the driving power of the engine is transmitted to the driving wheel and a disengaged state in which the driving power of the engine is not transmitted to the driving wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an engine, an electric generator, a power transmission device, a clutch, and a power generation controller. The electric generator is coupled to the engine. The power transmission device is configured to transmit driving power of the engine to a vehicle's driving wheel. The clutch is provided in the power transmission device and switchable between an engaged state in which the driving power of the engine is transmitted to the driving wheel and a disengaged state in which the driving power of the engine is not transmitted to the driving wheel. The power generation controller is configured to drive the engine and cause the electric generator to generate electric power by using the driving power of the engine. The clutch is switched to the disengaged state when a driver who drives the vehicle is determined to intend to stop the vehicle for a predetermined period or longer.