Electrified Drivetrain Merging HVAC Compressor and Traction Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face challenges in providing HVAC functions without coolant circulation systems and accessory belt drives, leading to increased complexity, weight, and cost due to the need for individual systems like stand-alone electric machines.
Innovation Solution
A creative arrangement of an electrified drivetrain that includes a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a clutch, and a controller, where the first electric machine is rotatably coupled to the geartrain via the clutch, allowing for efficient operation of the HVAC compressor and generation of tractive torque and thermal energy, optimizing system efficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual systems (stand-alone electric machine for HVAC compressor, electrically-powered radiant heat generator) are used to provide HVAC functions on electrified vehicles, then HVAC functions can be provided without coolant circulation systems and accessory belt drives, but device complexity, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the HVAC compressor drive function with the electric machine that provides tractive torque to the drivetrain. The single electric machine serves dual purposes: driving the compressor for HVAC functions and providing propulsion torque to the wheels, thereby reducing the number of separate systems and components required
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a traction motor for vehicle propulsion and a compressor driver for HVAC systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated motors for each function, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If individual systems (stand-alone electric machine for HVAC compressor, electrically-powered radiant heat generator) are used to provide HVAC functions on electrified vehicles, then HVAC functions can be provided without coolant circulation systems and accessory belt drives, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HVAC compressor drive mechanism with the electric machine providing tractive torque, eliminating the need for separate dedicated motors and their associated mounting structures, thereby reducing overall system weight
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the electric machine to serve dual purposes (traction and compression), the patent avoids the weight penalty of having separate motor systems for each function
3Reliability
If individual systems (stand-alone electric machine for HVAC compressor, electrically-powered radiant heat generator) are used to provide HVAC functions on electrified vehicles, then HVAC functions can be provided without coolant circulation systems and accessory belt drives, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the HVAC compressor drive function with the electric machine that provides tractive torque to the drivetrain. The single electric machine serves dual purposes: driving the compressor for HVAC functions and providing propulsion torque to the wheels, thereby reducing the number of separate systems and components required
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a traction motor for vehicle propulsion and a compressor driver for HVAC systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated motors for each function, reducing overall system complexity
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 improves vehicle operating range by effectively utilizing regenerative braking energy for heating and reduces complexity and weight by integrating HVAC and tractive functions within the electrified drivetrain, enhancing efficiency and range at various ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is operable to control the first electric machine to generate thermal energy that is recoverable by the coolant circuit
Implementation Method 2
the clutch is operative in a first state and a second state. The first electric machine is rotatably coupled to the geartrain when the clutch is controlled to the first state, and is decoupled from the geartrain when the clutch is controlled to the second state
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified drivetrain for a vehicle includes a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a clutch, an HVAC compressor, and a controller. The second electric machine is rotatably coupled to a geartrain, the first electric machine is rotatably coupled to the HVAC compressor, and is rotatably couplable to the geartrain via the clutch, and the clutch is operative in a first state and a second state. The first electric machine is rotatably coupled to the geartrain when the clutch is controlled to the first state, and is decoupled from the geartrain when the clutch is controlled to the second state. The controller is operatively connected to the first and second electric machines, the clutch, and the HVAC compressor to control operation of the electrified drivetrain. The first electric machine can be used as a heater element and to provide mechanical power to the drivetrain.