Driveline PTO System for Efficient Vehicle Electrification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrification systems face inefficiencies due to two-way electric power conversion, high voltage requirements, and integration challenges, and struggle to integrate fully electric loads with internal combustion engines without redundancy and expense, while battery technologies are costly and require careful management.
Innovation Solution
A driveline PTO system that selectively provides power using driveline power and stored electrical power, applying gear ratios between a motor/generator and shared loads, enabling efficient energy use and reducing the need for redundant systems by integrating with the driveline to power accessories like HVAC and fuel pumps independently of engine speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fully electric systems are used to power loads, then control and utilization of wasted energy improve, but system complexity and cost increase due to two-way power conversion and high voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fully electric power conversion systems with a mechanical power take-off (PTO) system that directly couples the internal combustion engine to electrical generators. This mechanical coupling eliminates the need for two-way electric power conversion, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to utilize wasted engine energy for electrical power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The PTO system is designed to provide multiple functions: it can power electrical loads during engine operation, enable regenerative braking, and provide mechanical power take-off for auxiliary equipment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while improving energy utilization.
2Power
If high voltage systems are implemented to power loads, then power delivery capability improves, but safety requirements and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical PTO system acts as an intermediary between the internal combustion engine and electrical generators, enabling power transfer without requiring high voltage electrical systems. The mechanical coupling provides a safe, simple interface that avoids the complexities of high voltage connectors, isolation, and grounding systems while still delivering sufficient power for vehicle loads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If internal combustion engines are retained as prime movers, then existing vehicle systems remain compatible, but integration with electric loads requires redundancy and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The PTO system dynamically adapts to the internal combustion engine's operating conditions, allowing the engine to continue functioning as the primary power source while flexibly providing mechanical power to electrical generators when needed. This dynamic coupling enables seamless integration without requiring redundant systems, as the PTO can engage or disengage based on power demands.
4Quantity of substance
If advanced battery technologies are used for electrical storage, then energy storage capability improves, but cost and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PTO system enables the internal combustion engine to directly generate and supply electrical power during operation, reducing reliance on large battery storage systems. The engine essentially serves its own electrical power needs through the PTO-coupled generators, eliminating the need for complex battery management systems while maintaining adequate energy storage for when the engine is not running.
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 system reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves fuel economy, lowers ownership costs, and enhances energy efficiency by converting wasted energy into usable electricity, while supporting various load types and duty cycles with lower initial and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a motor/generator coupled to the PTO device and electrically coupled to an electrical energy storage system
Implementation Method 2
applying gear ratios between a motor/generator and a shared load, between the motor/generator and the driveline, and/or between the driveline and the shared load
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a PTO device that selectively couples to a driveline of a vehicle at each of two driveline coupling positions, and a motor/generator electrically coupled to an electrical power storage system. The system further includes a shared load selectively powered by the driveline or the motor/generator. The PTO device further includes a coupling actuator that couples the shared load to the motor/generator in a first position, and couples the shared load to the driveline in a second position.