Hybrid Engine Flywheel Direct Coupling for Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flywheel systems in hybrid engines face inefficiencies in energy transfer due to the significant speed difference between flywheels and engines, often requiring elaborate interfaces like CVTs, which decrease energy transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A direct mechanical coupling, such as a set of gears, is used to connect the flywheel energy storage assembly directly to the engine, allowing for efficient energy transfer and enabling operation modes like engine restart and auxiliary power without engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or elaborate mechanical assembly is used to interface between the flywheel and engine, then the speed difference between flywheel and engine is accommodated, but the efficiency of energy transfer is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
A supplemental shaft is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element between the engine crankshaft and flywheel. This supplemental shaft rotates at engine speed and is mechanically coupled to the crankshaft, while the flywheel couples to it through a flywheel clutch. This intermediary shaft enables speed accommodation without requiring complex CVT mechanisms, thereby maintaining high energy transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The powertrain is segmented into distinct rotational speed domains: the engine crankshaft operates at one speed, the supplemental shaft at another, and the flywheel at a third. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal speed while the supplemental shaft acts as a speed-matching intermediary, eliminating the need for continuous variable transmission and reducing energy losses.
2Loss of energy
If a direct mechanical coupling is used to connect the flywheel to the engine, then the energy transfer efficiency is improved, but the speed difference between flywheel and engine cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental shaft serves as a speed-matching intermediary that enables direct mechanical coupling between the engine and flywheel while accommodating speed differences. The shaft is mechanically coupled to the crankshaft and the flywheel couples to it through a clutch, allowing efficient energy transfer without requiring complex transmission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to speed differences through the flywheel clutch, which can selectively engage or disengage the flywheel from the supplemental shaft. This dynamic coupling allows the system to maintain efficient direct mechanical connection when needed while providing flexibility to accommodate varying speed requirements between engine and flywheel.
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 enhances energy transfer efficiency, reduces fuel consumption by allowing the flywheel to rotate the crankshaft before engine startup and power auxiliary devices, thereby improving overall fuel efficiency and simplifying the mechanical connection.
Implementation Method 1
Flywheels are generally known in the art for storing energy... The higher rotational speeds increase the storage capacity of the flywheel
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid engine assembly may include an engine having a crankshaft, a supplemental shaft mechanically coupled to the crankshaft, a flywheel energy storage assembly, and an auxiliary device. A flywheel clutch may selectively couple the flywheel assembly to the crankshaft. The assembly may be selectively operated in an engine restart mode by directly coupling the flywheel energy storage assembly to the crankshaft prior to starting the engine, and in an auxiliary power mode by directly coupling the flywheel energy storage assembly to the auxiliary device.