Motor Winding Resistance Control for Electric Vehicle Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alternative fuel vehicles face inefficiencies in electrical systems, particularly in electric motors, due to the need for transmission mechanisms and high power demands, which can be addressed by optimizing dynamic reconfiguration-switching of motor windings to reduce resistance and enhance mechanical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a motor control switching circuit that dynamically reconfigures motor windings by selectively lowering resistance, allowing for optimal switching between winding configurations to maximize angular velocity and torque, thereby reducing the need for conventional transmission systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional transmission mechanisms are used to transfer power from engine to wheels, then power transmission is achieved, but mechanical efficiency is reduced and component weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional transmission mechanism from the powertrain system, extracting the power transmission function and relocating it directly to the wheel motors. This eliminates the intermediate transmission components (gearbox, driveshaft, differential) that cause mechanical efficiency losses, while maintaining the necessary power delivery capability through direct wheel motor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical transmission system with an electrical control system. Instead of using mechanical gears and shafts to manage power delivery, the system uses electric motors with controllable winding configurations to achieve gear-like functionality through electrical means, thereby eliminating mechanical transmission losses.
2Speed
If motor windings are dynamically reconfigured to optimize angular velocity, then speed performance is improved, but resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of motor windings that can change their connection topology (series/parallel) in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic switching allows the motor to optimize its electrical characteristics for different speed ranges, achieving high angular velocity when needed while managing resistance through appropriate winding configuration selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the motor windings by altering their connection configuration. By switching between series and parallel winding arrangements, the system modifies the effective resistance and back-EMF characteristics of the motor, enabling optimization of both speed performance and energy efficiency across different operating regimes.
3Device complexity
If wheel motor system integrates gear and braking functionality, then number of components is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wheel motor system universal by integrating multiple functions (propulsion, gear shifting, braking) into a single integrated system. The motor controller performs multiple roles: it controls motor speed and torque for propulsion, dynamically reconfigures windings for gear-like speed ratios, and manages regenerative or mechanical braking. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while consolidating control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions (transmission control, motor control, braking control) into a single integrated wheel motor system. The gear functionality is merged with the motor winding configuration, and braking is merged with motor control through regenerative braking or direct motor reversal, thereby reducing component count and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 approach increases mechanical efficiency, reduces the number of components, and saves weight and energy by enabling integrated gear and braking functionality within the wheel motor system, optimizing energy use and reducing the need for transmission.
Implementation Method 1
While the motors rotate, a back electromotive force ('BEMF') is produced by the electric motors. This BEMF voltage is produced because the electric motors generate an opposing voltage while rotating.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic reconfiguration-switching of motor windings in a motor is optimized between winding-configurations by selectively lowering resistance of a constantly used portion of one of the motor windings. Acceleration is traded off in favor of higher velocity upon detecting the electric motor in the electric vehicle is at an optimal angular-velocity for switching to an optimal lower torque constant and voltage constant. The total back electromotive force (BEMF) is prohibited from inhibiting further acceleration to a higher angular-velocity.