Direct Electrical Connection Hybrid Drive Switch Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Series hybrid vehicle power trains experience energy losses due to inefficient energy conversion at multiple points, leading to increased fuel consumption and larger, more expensive components, necessitating a system that reduces these losses through direct electrical connections and optimizes the speed relationship between the engine and electric machine.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle system featuring an engine, two electrical machines, high voltage batteries, and a switch box that allows direct electrical connection between the machines, reducing energy losses by bypassing inverters and optimizing the power split arrangement, thereby improving efficiency and allowing for downsizing of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If energy is transmitted through multiple conversion points (engine to generator to motor to wheels), then power can be delivered to the wheels, but energy losses increase and component size must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate energy conversion components (generator and inverter) from the power transmission path. By using direct mechanical coupling between the engine and motor, the system removes the generator-inverter conversion chain, thereby eliminating the associated energy losses and reducing component size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical energy conversion system (generator-inverter) with a direct mechanical power transmission system. The engine mechanically drives the motor through direct coupling, substituting the electrical conversion path with a mechanical power delivery path that has fewer losses and smaller components.
2Power
If the engine, generator, and inverter are sized to handle peak engine power, then peak power demands can be met, but system cost and component size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the generator and inverter from the system, eliminating the need to size these components for peak power. The direct mechanical coupling allows the engine and motor to be directly sized for their respective peak requirements without the overhead of intermediate conversion components.
3Loss of energy
If direct electrical connection is implemented between electrical machines, then energy losses are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent actually implements direct mechanical substitution rather than direct electrical connection. The engine mechanically drives the motor through direct coupling, which is simpler than implementing complex electrical switching networks while achieving the same goal of eliminating intermediate conversion losses.
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 configuration enhances the operating efficiency of the electric machine, reduces fuel consumption, and enables a 10-20% reduction in engine power requirements, improving peak power delivery and system reliability while being scalable for various drive applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter; a second electrical machine coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a switch box disposed between the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine. The switch box having switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electrical machine to the second electrical machine
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a first inverter coupled to a second inverter; a first electrical machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter; a second electrical machine coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle; a high voltage battery coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter; and a switch box disposed between the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electrical machine to the second electrical machine.