Flywheel Hybrid Power System for Off-Road Transient Load Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road machines powered by diesel engines face inefficiencies in fuel usage and inadequate response to transient loads due to the need for larger engines for durability and smaller engines' inability to provide timely power for sudden demands.
Innovation Solution
A power system comprising a high-speed flywheel, battery, and motor-generator unit (MGU) connected to the engine, with a turbocharger, which provides supplemental or replacement power to the engine, enabling improved fuel efficiency and timely power response to transient loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full-sized diesel engine is used to ensure durability and transient response, then the machine can handle sudden power requirements, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to operating at partial load
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple components: a smaller diesel engine, an energy storage device (flywheel), and a motor-generator unit. The engine handles steady-state power requirements while the flywheel provides transient power bursts, allowing the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points without sacrificing transient response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel stores energy in advance during periods when the engine can provide excess power, so that when sudden transient loads occur, the pre-stored energy is immediately available to supplement engine power, eliminating the need for the engine to be oversized
2Use of energy by moving object
If a smaller diesel engine is used to improve fuel efficiency, then the engine operates at higher load and more efficient conditions, but the capability to respond to transient loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the smaller diesel engine with an energy storage device (flywheel) and motor-generator unit to create a hybrid power system. The flywheel's rapid energy discharge capability compensates for the smaller engine's limited transient power delivery, while the motor-generator provides additional power assistance during transient events
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-generator unit acts as an intermediary between the smaller engine and the load. During transient events, it converts electrical energy from the flywheel into mechanical power to supplement the engine output, enabling the smaller engine to deliver transient power equivalent to or exceeding that of a full-sized engine
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is shut down during idle periods to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the availability of power for sudden demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel continuously stores rotational energy even when the engine is idling or operating at low load, preparing energy reserves in advance so that when the engine shuts down during idle periods, the flywheel can immediately provide the necessary power for sudden demands without delay
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 system enhances fuel efficiency and energy recovery, allowing the engine to shut down during idle periods and providing power similar to full-sized diesel engines while reducing fuel consumption and improving responsiveness to transient loads.
Implementation Method 1
A power system includes a high-speed flywheel connected to an engine of a machine
Implementation Method 2
a motor-generator unit (MGU) connected to the engine and the battery
Implementation Method 3
a battery; a motor-generator unit (MGU) connected to the engine and the battery
Implementation Method 4
a turbocharger connected to the engine
Data Source
AI summary
A power system may include a high-speed flywheel connected to an engine of a machine; a battery; a motor-generator unit (MGU) connected to the engine and the battery; and a turbocharger connected to the engine. One or more of the high-speed flywheel, the battery and the MGU, or the turbocharger may be configured to provide supplemental power to power provided by the engine to operate the machine, or provide replacement power when no power is provided by the engine to operate the machine.