Hybrid Vehicle Alternator Voltage Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in fuel consumption, battery lifespan, and safety due to reliance on battery power when the thermal powertrain is stopped, leading to unstable voltage and increased costs with the addition of supercapacitors and voltage converters.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second powertrain coupled with an alternator that can operate independently to supply the on-board network, even when the first powertrain is off, using a disengageable coupling to allow the alternator to recharge the battery and maintain stable voltage, and enabling the alternator to participate in vehicle traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the first thermal powertrain is stopped and battery supplies electrical energy, then the vehicle can operate without thermal engine, but the voltage of on-board network becomes unstable and battery lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A second powertrain is introduced as an intermediary component to drive the alternator and stabilize the on-board network voltage when the first thermal powertrain is stopped. This mediator allows the system to maintain stable voltage without relying solely on the battery, thus resolving the contradiction between being able to stop the thermal engine and maintaining voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second powertrain serves multiple functions: it can drive the alternator to stabilize voltage, recharge the battery, and potentially provide auxiliary propulsion. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliable voltage stability while reducing battery stress and extending battery lifespan.
2Reliability
If a supercapacitor and voltage converter are added to stabilize voltage, then voltage stability improves, but the cost of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second powertrain drives the alternator to generate electrical energy that stabilizes the on-board network voltage and recharges the battery. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional expensive components like supercapacitors and voltage converters, achieving voltage stability without increasing vehicle cost.
3Reliability
If the battery supplies high currents for safety devices, then safety requirements are met, but the battery voltage decreases and this is prohibitive above certain speed
Solution Approach 1:
The second powertrain acts as a mediator by driving the alternator to supply high currents to the on-board network when safety devices require them. This prevents the battery voltage from decreasing excessively while still meeting safety requirements, allowing the vehicle to operate safely at higher speeds.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the first thermal powertrain is stopped to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the battery cycle becomes very important and lifespan becomes short
Solution Approach 1:
The second powertrain serves as a mediator that reduces the burden on the battery when the first thermal powertrain is stopped. By driving the alternator to generate electrical energy, it allows the vehicle to operate without the thermal engine while preventing excessive battery cycling, thus extending battery lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The second powertrain enables continuous operation of the vehicle without the first thermal powertrain by providing continuous electrical energy through the alternator. This continuous useful action reduces the need for frequent battery charging and discharging cycles, extending battery lifespan while maintaining fuel efficiency.
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 solution stabilizes the on-board network voltage, reduces battery stress, and extends battery life by allowing the alternator to supply high-power devices and recharge the battery, while reducing overall vehicle costs.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator coupled to the second powertrain, so that it will be driven by the latter
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Hybrid vehicle comprising a first, heat engine, propulsion unit (10) and a second propulsion unit (20) that uses a different form of energy, characterized in that the vehicle comprises at least one alternator (25) coupled to the second propulsion unit (20) and connected to an electrical network (60) of the vehicle.