Multi-Motor Propulsion Drive with Selective Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for coupled machines face inefficiencies and space constraints due to the need for high drive power, which is often achieved with large electric motors, and lack effective mechanisms for managing partial load operations and reducing friction losses.
Innovation Solution
A drive system comprising multiple electrical machine units with transmission gears and switching devices that allow for dynamic operation modes, including motor and generator states, where units can be temporarily decoupled or short-circuited to manage torque and energy supply, optimizing power usage and reducing friction losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large electric motors are used to achieve high drive power, then the required power output is met, but the device size and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into multiple independent machine units (first machine unit with first electrical machine, second machine unit with second electrical machine, and further machine units), each capable of operating independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high drive power through parallel operation of multiple smaller electrical machines rather than using a single large motor, thereby reducing installation space while meeting power requirements.
2Power
If multiple electrical machines operate continuously to meet variable power demands, then power availability is ensured, but friction losses and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic switching devices (first switching device, second switching device, and further switching devices) that enable real-time reconfiguration of the machine units. These switching devices can temporarily decouple individual machine units from the output based on current power demands, allowing the system to adapt its operational configuration dynamically. This reduces friction losses by minimizing the operation of unnecessary machine units while ensuring power availability when needed.
3Reliability
If electrical machines are left connected during partial load operation, then system readiness is maintained, but energy waste and friction losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The switching devices enable dynamic reconfiguration of the machine units based on operational demands. During partial load operation, the system can temporarily decouple unnecessary machine units from the output while maintaining their electrical connections ready for rapid reengagement. This dynamic approach maintains system readiness for full-load operations while minimizing energy waste and friction losses during reduced-demand periods.
4Power
If all machine units are permanently connected to the output, then maximum power delivery is ensured, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the drive into independent machine units with individual switching devices, allowing selective engagement and disengagement of units based on power requirements. This modular architecture simplifies control by enabling independent management of each unit rather than controlling a permanently connected complex system, while still ensuring maximum power delivery when all units are engaged.
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 enables the use of smaller, more efficient electrical machines, reduces friction losses, and enhances safety by allowing for active short-circuiting of unused machines, thereby improving the overall efficiency and compactness of the drive system.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical machine and a second electrical machine, wherein the first electrical machine drives the output shaft or is used for this purpose and the second electrical machine drives the output shaft or is used for this purpose
Implementation Method 2
a first transmission gear which is at least temporarily driven by the first electrical machine and/or the first electrical machine at least temporarily drives
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 3~2
AI summary
A drive system for driving a coupled machine (70) comprises an output (51, 52) for driving the coupled machine, a first machine unit with at least one electric machine (10), and a second machine unit with at least one electric machine (20). The first machine unit has a transmission (11), and the drive system has a first switching device (12) configured such that, in a first operating state of the first switching device, the transmission of the first machine unit and the output are operatively connected for torque transmission, and in a second operating state of the first switching device, this operative connection is interrupted.Additionally or alternatively, the drive system has a first switching device (14) which is configured such that, in a first operating state of the first switching device, the electrical machine (10; 20) of the first or second machine unit and an energy supply and/or energy storage device (80) are electrically connected by it, and in a second operating state of the first switching device, this connection is disconnected and an active short circuit of this electrical machine (10; 20) is effected.