Energy Management via Mechanical Coupling in Dual-Axle EVs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy management systems for electric vehicles with multiple axles driven by electric motors incur high costs due to the need for DC-DC converters and high-voltage lines to connect separate power networks, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes the natural mechanical coupling of the vehicle's axles via the road to transfer energy between power networks, allowing electrical machines to operate as both motors and generators to balance energy states without direct electrical coupling, thereby eliminating the need for DC-DC converters and high-voltage lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DC-DC converters and high-voltage lines are used to connect separate power networks, then energy transfer between power networks is enabled, but component costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the DC-DC converter and high-voltage lines from the system by utilizing the mechanical coupling through the road as an alternative energy transfer path. This removes unnecessary components while maintaining the essential function of energy transfer between power networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The road serves as an intermediary medium that enables energy transfer between the drive axles. Instead of direct electrical coupling through converters and cables, the mechanical interaction through the road surface acts as a mediator to transfer kinetic energy between the electrical machines.
2Reliability
If DC-DC converters and high-voltage lines are installed to connect power systems, then energy regulation between systems is achieved, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive DC-DC converter and high-voltage line infrastructure by leveraging the existing mechanical coupling through the road. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces manufacturing costs while preserving energy regulation functionality through the electrical machines' motor-generator operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its own mechanical coupling with the road to perform energy transfer and regulation functions. The electrical machines themselves serve dual purposes as both motors and generators, enabling the system to self-regulate energy distribution without requiring additional expensive components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate independent power networks are provided for each drive system, then system independence is achieved, but energy balancing becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The road acts as a natural intermediary that enables energy exchange between independent power networks. Each drive system maintains its independence with separate power networks, but the mechanical coupling through the road provides a simple pathway for energy balancing without requiring complex control systems or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using electrical components to transfer energy between independent power networks, the patent inverts the approach by using mechanical coupling through the road. The electrical machines operate in reverse modes (motor vs. generator) to achieve energy transfer, simplifying the energy management architecture while maintaining system independence.
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 approach reduces costs and enhances energy management efficiency by allowing energy transfer between power networks using mechanical coupling, balancing energy states while maintaining independent power networks, suitable for hybrid or electric vehicles like articulated trains and buses.
Implementation Method 1
The first and the second electrical machine can be operated independently of one another both as an electric motor and as a generator. In electric motor operation, the associated energy store can make electrical energy available and, in generator operation, can absorb at least part of the electrical energy that is generated.
Implementation Method 2
use a mechanical coupling of the first and second electrical machines via a road on which the motor vehicle is currently moving, to transfer energy from the first to the second energy store
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for energy management in a motor vehicle with at least two electrically driven vehicle axles, wherein the motor vehicle (20) comprises a first electric machine (3) which is driven by a first vehicle axle (2), a first energy storage device (4) for electrical energy which is provided for supplying the first electric machine (3), a second electric machine (6) which is driven by a second vehicle axle (5), and a second energy storage device (7) for electrical energy which is provided for supplying the second electric machine (6).Upon fulfillment of a first activation condition, in particular to activate an energy transfer between the first and second energy storage devices, an electromotive operation of the first electric machine and a simultaneous generator operation of the second electric machine, or vice versa, is started in order to transfer energy from the first (4) to the second (7) energy storage device, or vice versa, by utilizing a mechanical coupling of the first and the second electric machine (3, 6) via a road (11) on which the motor vehicle (20) is currently moving.