Integrated Flywheel Starter-Alternator for Hybrid Power Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid vehicle power systems are bulky, heavy, and unreliable due to separate components for starting, alternator functions, and regenerative braking, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated flywheel starter/alternator/hybrid-drive/regenerative-braking (ISAHDRB) system is integrated with the internal combustion engine, combining functions like radiator cooling, engine starting, battery recharging, and regenerative braking into a single device, utilizing the flywheel's inertial mass for additional purposes and eliminating drive belts, with a single battery bank for all power functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate starter motor and alternator components are used in conventional hybrid power systems, then each component can perform its dedicated function, but the overall system becomes bulky, heavy, and complex with increased maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the starter motor and alternator functions into a single integrated electromagnetic device that serves both purposes. The device includes a stator with windings and a rotor with permanent magnets, which can operate in motor mode for starting and in generator mode for alternator functions, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the hybrid power system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electromagnetic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a starter motor to crank the engine, as an alternator to charge the battery, and as a hybrid drive motor to provide auxiliary propulsion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing system complexity and weight
2Reliability
If conventional belt-driven alternator and separate starter motor are used, then battery recharging and engine starting functions are provided, but maintenance costs increase and reliability decreases due to additional components and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the starter motor and alternator into a single integrated device with common mounting and shared electromagnetic components, the patent eliminates the need for separate maintenance schedules and reduces the number of potential failure points. The integrated design allows for unified manufacturing and simplified servicing procedures
3Weight of moving object
If the integrated flywheel starter/alternator/hybrid-drive/regenerative-braking system is used, then size, weight, and complexity are reduced, but the integration of multiple functions into a single device increases manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flywheel, starter motor, alternator, hybrid drive, and regenerative braking functions into a single compact electromagnetic device with common mounting, thereby significantly reducing the overall weight of the hybrid power source while maintaining all necessary functions through unified design and manufacturing
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 reduces size, weight, and complexity, enhances reliability, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating separate starter and alternator components, while improving cooling and accessibility, and allowing for easier upgrades in battery or ultra-capacitor technology.
Implementation Method 1
An integrated flywheel starter/alternator/hybrid-drive/regenerative-braking (ISAHDRB) system mounted on an air-cooled or water-cooled internal combustion engine generates electrical power when the engine is operating or the vehicle is braking
Implementation Method 2
The engine's flywheel uses inertia to reduce shaft speed fluctuations that are created by the cyclical torque impulses of reciprocating machines
Data Source
AI summary
A compact and lightweight hybrid vehicle power source employs an integrated engine hybrid electric boost power design that operates on a single battery bank for all electrical functions. An integrated flywheel, cooling fan and a single hybrid electric motor drive, engine starter, electromagnetic regenerative braking device and battery charging alternator are combined. The flywheel alternator/starter/hybrid-drive configuration generates electrical power for battery recharging and parasitic loads, rotates the engine for starting, provides boost power for faster vehicle accelerations, provides regenerative braking for faster decelerations, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, and provides pressurized air for forced convection cooling.