Electric Trailer Torque Control for EV Towing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle trailers experience a significant reduction in range due to increased power requirements, especially when towing heavy loads or traveling uphill, and electric vehicles face longer charging times, which can compromise safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trailer equipped with an electric auxiliary drive system and a control unit that maintains a minimum towing force, allowing for torque adjustment based on longitudinal force measurements, enabling the trailer to assist the towing vehicle with power and braking, while also supporting the towing vehicle's range through energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electric vehicle tows a vehicle trailer, then the towing capability is improved, but the range is reduced by 30 to 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The towing system is segmented into two independent power sources: the towing vehicle's electric motor and the trailer's auxiliary electric drive system. Each has its own energy storage device, allowing the trailer to contribute power independently, thereby reducing the load on the towing vehicle's battery and preserving its range while maintaining towing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary drive system on the trailer is designed to perform multiple functions: providing additional towing power when needed, supporting braking through regenerative braking, and potentially charging the towing vehicle's battery. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain towing capability while managing energy resources efficiently to preserve range.
2Power
If high power requirements are met for towing, then the towing performance is improved, but the charging time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into two separate batteries: one in the towing vehicle and one in the trailer. This allows the towing power requirements to be met by combining both power sources, reducing the discharge rate required from each individual battery and thereby reducing charging time while maintaining high towing power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing vehicle's drive system and the trailer's auxiliary drive system are merged into a coordinated power delivery system. The control unit combines power from both energy storage devices to meet high power requirements during towing, reducing the burden on each individual battery and thereby reducing charging time while maintaining high towing power.
3Device complexity
If the towing vehicle provides all towing power, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the energy consumption of the towing vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer's auxiliary drive system is designed with multi-functionality: it can provide additional towing power to reduce the towing vehicle's energy consumption, support braking through regenerative braking, and potentially charge the towing vehicle's battery. This allows energy sharing that reduces overall consumption while adding manageable complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer's auxiliary drive system with its own energy storage device provides self-service capability, allowing the trailer to contribute to its own movement and braking needs. This reduces the energy burden on the towing vehicle without requiring complex centralized control, as each system manages its own energy resources independently.
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
The solution enhances the range and safety of the vehicle trailer by maintaining a consistent towing force, relieving the towing vehicle's traction power, supporting braking, and extending the overall range of the towing vehicle by providing additional energy when needed.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric auxiliary drive system that is coupled to the first wheel and to the at least second wheel for exerting a first torque on the first wheel and a second torque on the at least second wheel
Implementation Method 2
with at least one auxiliary energy storage device
Implementation Method 3
a longitudinal force measuring device is provided that is adapted to measure a longitudinal force signal as the longitudinal force exerted by the towing vehicle on the vehicle trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trailer for a towing vehicle has a first wheel and at least one second wheel. At least one electric auxiliary drive system is coupled to the first wheel and second wheels for exerting a first torque on the first wheel and a second torque on the second wheel(s). The auxiliary drive system is adapted as an electrical auxiliary drive system capable of recuperation with an auxiliary energy storage device. A force measuring device can measure a longitudinal force signal as the longitudinal force exerted by the towing vehicle on the vehicle trailer by means of a connection. A control unit is adapted to adjust the torque to the first and second wheels on the basis of the electric auxiliary drive system and as a function of the longitudinal force, while maintaining a minimum tractive force. The invention also relates to a vehicle train.