EV Regenerative Braking During Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for towing electric vehicles (EVs) prevent the use of their regenerative braking systems, which are essential for charging the battery during towing, leading to a loss of the benefits provided by these vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a coupler, such as a tow bar, to connect the front of the towed EV to the rear of the towing vehicle, allowing the EV's regenerative braking system to generate electricity while being towed, with a controller managing the communication and coordination between vehicles to optimize energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional towing methods (tow trailers, tow dollies, tow bars) are used to tow EVs, then the EV can be transported, but the regenerative braking system cannot generate electrical power during towing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the regenerative braking engagement based on towing conditions, allowing the EV to switch between different operational states (coasting, regenerative braking, power assist) to optimize energy recovery while being towed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the regenerative braking system during towing, controlling the motor-generator to operate in generator mode to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy for battery charging
2Loss of energy
If the regenerative braking system is engaged during towing to charge the battery, then energy is recovered, but the towing system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator serves multiple functions: it acts as a braking system for the EV during towing, a generator for energy recovery, and can provide power assist when needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors towing conditions, battery state of charge, and vehicle dynamics, using this feedback to optimally control the regenerative braking system's engagement and disengagement during towing operations
3Power
If the EV's wheels rotate during towing to enable regenerative braking, then electrical power is generated, but control and coordination between towing and towed vehicles becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary system that coordinates between the towing vehicle and the EV being towed, managing the regenerative braking engagement and communicating operational status to ensure safe and efficient energy recovery
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 the EV's regenerative braking system to charge the battery during towing, enhancing the vehicle's range by converting kinetic and potential energy into electrical energy, thereby improving the towing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption of the towing vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The motor-generator is used to generate electrical power by harnessing the EV's momentum to rotate the rotor of the motor-generator
Implementation Method 2
a regenerative braking system that recharges the battery while the EV is coasting or braking, thereby harnessing the kinetic energy of the EV to charge its battery
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods are disclosed for engaging and disengaging a regenerative braking system of a first vehicle coupled to a second vehicle. In an embodiment, a coupler (e.g., a tow bar) connects the front of a first vehicle (e.g., a towed vehicle) to the rear of a second vehicle (e.g., towing vehicle). The regenerative braking systems includes a motor-generator coupled to a wheel set of the first vehicle and a battery for storing electrical power generated by the motor-generator. The motor-generator is used to apply an accelerating force to the driven wheel set when forward acceleration is needed. The motor-generator is also used to generate electrical power by harnessing the vehicles' momentum to turn the rotor of the motor-generator, which causes a decelerating torque to be applied to the driven wheel set.