Electric Motor Supplemental Torque for Engine Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines in industrial and agricultural applications face challenges in rapidly responding to sudden increases in engine load due to material lag associated with turbo-charging or super-charging, which limits effective torque boosting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an engine speed detector, torque sensor, and data processor that activates an electric motor to provide supplemental torque in synchronization with engine speed, using a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve that intercepts the baseline torque curve at specific speed points to enhance torque output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If turbo-charging or super-charging is used to increase torque, then torque output is improved, but response time deteriorates due to material lag
Solution Approach 1:
An electric motor is introduced as an intermediary device to provide supplemental torque to the internal combustion engine. The electric motor responds instantaneously to load changes, mediating the torque delivery and eliminating the response delay inherent in turbo-charging or super-charging systems while maintaining increased torque output.
2Loss of time
If electric motor is activated to provide supplemental torque, then torque boosting response is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides supplemental torque during transient load increases, acts as a generator during braking or downhill conditions, and can serve as a starting motor for the internal combustion engine. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering rapid torque response while providing additional system benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors engine load, speed, and torque requirements, and automatically activates the electric motor when supplemental torque is needed. This feedback-based control simplifies operation by eliminating manual intervention while ensuring the electric motor is engaged only when necessary, optimizing the balance between performance and 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
Enables rapid and responsive torque boosting, reducing thermal and mechanical stress by aligning engine and motor speeds and torques, thus effectively addressing the limitations of traditional turbo-charging or super-charging methods.
Implementation Method 1
A motor controller activates an electric motor to rotate substantially synchronously with a corresponding engine speed associated with the detected engine torque in an electric propulsion mode
Data Source
AI summary
An engine speed detector detects an engine speed of an engine having a baseline torque versus engine speed curve. A torque sensor detects an engine torque of the engine. A data processor determines if the detected engine speed is within a first speed range and if the detected engine torque is within a first torque range. A motor controller activates an electric motor to rotate substantially synchronously with a corresponding engine speed associated with the detected engine torque in an electric propulsion mode in accordance with a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve if the detected engine speed is within the first speed range and if the detected engine torque is within the first torque range. The supplemental torque versus engine speed curve intercepts the baseline torque versus engine speed curve at a lower speed point and a higher speed point.