Dual-Fuel Range Extender for EVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles equipped with range extension systems, the supply of fuel sources cannot be adjusted in real-time according to driving conditions, leading to unnecessary fuel and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A range extension system that includes a range extension assembly with two fuel input portions for different fuel sources, a fuel supply unit, and storage devices, allowing for real-time adjustment of fuel supply through control devices and auxiliary systems to optimize power output based on load and power needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single fuel source is supplied to the range extension assembly, then the system structure is simple, but the fuel supply cannot be adjusted in real-time according to driving conditions, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel supply system is segmented into multiple independent fuel sources (first fuel source and second fuel source) with separate control mechanisms. Each fuel source can be independently regulated through its own control device, allowing the system to select and adjust fuel supply based on driving conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel consumption while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel supply system transitions from a static single-source configuration to a dynamic multi-source system where the fuel supply amount can be adjusted in real-time. The control devices monitor driving conditions and dynamically regulate the fuel supply from either the first or second fuel source (or both simultaneously), enabling adaptive fuel management that optimizes consumption based on actual power demands.
2Power
If the fuel supply amount is fixed, then the system is simple to control, but the power output cannot be adjusted according to load demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control devices that monitor driving conditions and power output, creating a feedback loop that automatically adjusts the fuel supply amount. The control devices receive information about current power demands and driving conditions, then regulate the fuel flow from the first and/or second fuel sources accordingly, enabling automatic adaptation to load demands without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving variable power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel supply system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various driving conditions and power demands. The control devices can selectively draw fuel from the first fuel source, second fuel source, or both simultaneously depending on the required power output level. This universal fuel supply capability allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios (normal driving, high load, range extension modes) while maintaining a unified control architecture.
3Productivity
If multiple fuel sources are used with real-time control, then fuel consumption is optimized and power output is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple fuel sources (first fuel source and second fuel source) into a unified range extension assembly that processes both fuel types through a common electrochemical conversion mechanism. The control devices coordinate the mixing and supply of different fuel sources to the same stack, achieving synergistic effects that optimize system efficiency. This merging approach allows complex multi-fuel functionality to be achieved while maintaining a relatively simple core conversion system.
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 system enables efficient real-time fuel management, reducing unnecessary consumption and enhancing the electric vehicle's power output by adjusting fuel input according to driving conditions and load demands.
Implementation Method 1
The first fuel source and the second fuel source are mixed in the range extension assembly to generate an electrical output
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a range extension system including a range extension assembly, a fuel supply unit, and a second fuel storage device. The range extension assembly has a first fuel input portion and a second fuel input portion. The first fuel input portion is configured to receive a first fuel source. The second fuel input portion is configured to receive a second fuel source different from the first fuel source. The second fuel source and the first fuel source are mixed in the range extension assembly to generate an electrical output. The fuel supply unit is configured to provide the first fuel source to the first fuel input portion. The second fuel storage device is configured to store and provide the second fuel source to the second fuel input portion.