Modular Electric Drive Assemblies for Braking-Based Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric energy transport systems that rely solely on battery-powered electric motors face challenges in efficiently transferring electrical energy between modules without the need for power connections or complex converter systems, leading to reduced modularity and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electric energy transport system comprising mechanically connected bearing assemblies with separate electric drive assemblies, each with a bidirectional voltage converter and an electrical energy storage module, where energy is transferred through braking-generated charging current and voltage balancing sequences managed by processing and management means, eliminating the need for power connections between modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power connections and converter means are used to transfer electrical energy between modules, then energy transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the motor itself to generate charging current during braking, eliminating the need for external power connections or converter systems between modules. Each module serves itself by converting kinetic energy to electrical energy through regenerative braking, and this energy is used to charge the battery and balance cell voltages within the same module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power connection infrastructure between modules, removing converters and inter-module electrical links. The solution takes out the complex energy transfer means and replaces them with independent module operation where each module manages its own energy needs through braking-generated current.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power connections are implemented between modules, then energy transfer is enabled, but modularity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modules, each with its own bearing assembly and electric drive assembly. The electrical energy storage module of each drive assembly has no electrical power connection with other modules, allowing each module to function independently while maintaining overall system operation through mechanical connections only.
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage balancing sequences are implemented during operation, then energy efficiency is improved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage balancing sequence is executed continuously during system operation rather than requiring system shutdown. The processing and management means controls the converter to perform voltage balancing while the system remains operational, ensuring continuous useful action without interruption.
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 enables efficient energy transfer and voltage balancing of electrical energy storage modules within the transport system without power connections, enhancing modularity and reducing system downtime, while maintaining operational availability.
Implementation Method 1
Each electric drive assembly comprises at least one electric motor intended to drive wheels of the vehicle, a converter for controlling the electric motor and an electrical energy storage module for supplying the motor with electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
At least one bidirectional voltage converter arranged to control a transfer of electrical energy between said electrical energy storage module and said electric motor in a motor mode or a transfer of energy from the electric motor to the energy storage module electrical energy in a generator mode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7A
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrically powered transport system (1) comprising: - at least two rolling assemblies (Ri_X); - at least two electrical driving assemblies (Ei_X), called first electrical driving assembly and second electrical driving assembly, that are each associated with a separate rolling assembly; o managing and processing means that include means for determining a sequence to be applied to the electrical energy storage module (Mi_1) of the first electrical driving assembly (Ei_1) according to a defined management function, said sequence comprising at least one phase (Ph_ch) of charging by injecting into the cells of the module (Mi_1) of the first electric driving assembly (Ei_1) a charging current, which is generated when the first electrical driving assembly is braking, and at least one phase of maintaining a nonzero setpoint speed of the transport system during braking, said speed being applied to the second electrical driving assembly (Ei_2).