Dynamic Tag e-Axle Control for Route-Based Energy Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicles face inefficiencies in energy consumption and emission management across varying terrain, particularly due to the limitations of traditional internal combustion engines, which result in increased emissions and reduced efficiency on different grades and road surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drivetrain system featuring a motor/generator, battery system, and a dynamic tag e-axle that can be raised or lowered, along with a control system to adjust the e-axle position based on route data and vehicle configuration, optimizing energy use and minimizing losses through regenerative braking and reduced rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional internal combustion engine is used to provide enough power for varying cargo weights and terrain, then the vehicle can operate across different conditions, but energy consumption increases and emissions are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The e-axle is designed to be dynamically configurable between engaged and disengaged states based on real-time operating conditions such as terrain grade, vehicle speed, and cargo weight. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize energy consumption by disengaging the e-axle during coasting opportunities while maintaining adaptability to provide electric propulsion when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the e-axle engagement state, motor/generator power output, and transmission gear selection based on route data and real-time conditions. These parameter changes enable the vehicle to transition between different operating modes (electric propulsion, engine braking, coasting) to minimize energy consumption while maintaining operational versatility.
2Speed
If the driver depresses the accelerator pedal greatly to accelerate quickly, then the vehicle accelerates faster, but the engine produces more emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical acceleration from the internal combustion engine with electric acceleration from the motor/generator coupled to the e-axle. This substitution allows for rapid acceleration without producing emissions, as the motor can deliver high torque instantly without combustion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between engine-powered acceleration and electric acceleration based on real-time conditions. When rapid acceleration is needed and the battery has sufficient charge, the motor/generator provides emission-free acceleration. When battery charge is low or conditions warrant engine operation, the system transitions to engine-powered acceleration.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the drive axle is disengaged from the engine to allow coasting, then emissions are minimal, but the vehicle cannot utilize regenerative braking or reduce rolling resistance dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The e-axle is designed with dynamic engagement and disengagement capability, allowing it to transition between connected and disconnected states from the drive axle. This dynamic configurability enables the system to disengage for coasting to minimize emissions while re-engaging to enable regenerative braking and electric propulsion when needed, providing both emission reduction and operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The e-axle serves multiple functions depending on its engagement state: when engaged, it enables electric propulsion and regenerative braking; when disengaged, it allows for emission-free coasting. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple operational requirements including emission reduction, energy recovery, and propulsion.
4Speed
If engine braking is used to decelerate quickly, then deceleration performance is improved, but the engine produces more emissions and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional engine braking with regenerative braking through the motor/generator. When the e-axle is engaged and the motor operates in generator mode, it converts kinetic energy into electrical energy while providing deceleration force, eliminating the need for engine braking and its associated emissions and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of kinetic energy that would normally be dissipated as heat through friction braking into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking. The motor/generator captures the energy during deceleration, storing it in the battery system while providing the required deceleration performance.
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 solution enhances the operational efficiency of large vehicles by reducing energy consumption, minimizing emissions, and extending vehicle service life by dynamically adjusting the drivetrain configuration and operating parameters based on route conditions, thereby improving overall performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a motor/generator configurable to supply rotational power to the e-axle or generate electric power from rotation of the e-axle
Implementation Method 2
a battery system configurable to supply electric power to the motor or store electric power generated by the motor/generator
Implementation Method 3
a dynamic tag e-axle that can be raised or lowered, minimizing losses through reduced rolling resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for adjusting a drivetrain comprising an e-axle on a vehicle comprises accessing route data and compressing the route data into a plurality of linearized segments. Each segment is determined by analyzing points along the route to determine when a set of route data points indicates an uphill, downhill, or flat segment. Using the segments, drivetrain configuration information for a vehicle and a weight of the vehicle, embodiments determine a performance plan that is tailored to the vehicle, including raising the e-axle to reduce rolling resistance on some segments and lowering the e-axle for some segments for increased power for acceleration, improved braking, or increased regenerative capabilities.