Dynamic Energy Distribution in Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face inefficiencies in energy distribution, leading to reduced range due to energy loss in temperature control and the need for large, heavy range extenders, which compromise driving performance and increase costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
An energy distribution method for electric vehicles that utilizes a conditioning module with an internal combustion engine and electrical generator to optimize energy use based on journey information, allowing for dynamic allocation of power between the electrical energy store, drive motor, and air conditioning systems, ensuring efficient energy use and minimizing emergency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large battery is used to increase energy storage, then the range is improved, but the vehicle weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into two parts: a smaller main battery and a secondary energy source (fuel tank with generator or fuel cell). This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve extended range without requiring a single large battery, thereby reducing weight while maintaining operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary energy source serves multiple functions: it can generate electricity to extend range, provide thermal energy for heating/cooling, and potentially directly power the motor. This multi-functionality allows a compact system design that addresses range extension without proportionally increasing weight.
2Temperature
If comfort functions such as air conditioning are used to maintain optimal temperature, then battery temperature control is improved, but drive energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system merges battery temperature control with passenger compartment climate control into a single integrated system. Both the battery and passenger space share common thermal management resources (heat exchangers, coolant loops), allowing simultaneous optimization of both functions while minimizing total energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts waste heat from the battery and motor into a useful resource for heating the passenger compartment in winter. Similarly, cold battery air can be utilized for cooling the passenger space in summer. This approach transforms potential energy losses into beneficial thermal energy, reducing the overall energy burden on the drive system.
3Weight of moving object
If a small range extender is used to reduce weight and space, then vehicle weight is reduced, but driving performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different power sources and operating modes based on real-time conditions. The control system can transition between electric-only mode, hybrid mode with generator assistance, and fuel cell mode, optimizing power delivery and maintaining driving performance while minimizing weight through intelligent power management rather than brute-force hardware scaling.
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 enhances driving performance, increases the electric vehicle's range without additional batteries, reduces costs and weight, and minimizes the risk of breakdowns by optimizing energy distribution and usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conditioning module with which electrical energy can be generated from fuel
Implementation Method 2
an internal combustion engine and an electrical generator, the internal combustion engine driving the electrical generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for distributing energy in an electric vehicle comprising at least one electric energy store and at least one conditioning module, which can be used to generate electric energy from fuel, as energy sources, wherein driving-related information, or information about a state of the electric vehicle, is recorded before driving, or when beginning to drive, the electric vehicle and, while driving, energy is distributed in the vehicle on the basis of the information.