Powered Trailer Propulsion for BEV Towing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-electric-vehicles (BEVs) face challenges in towing due to limited energy consumption and thermal loading, resulting in lower towing capacity and range compared to gasoline engine-powered trucks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a powered trailer with a propulsion unit, including a battery pack and electric motors, connected to the BEV to enhance launch and acceleration, and a trailer module for energy management, which communicates with the BEV to distribute torque and reduce thermal load, thereby increasing towing capacity and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a BEV performs a towing operation, then it achieves its intended purpose of towing a trailer, but the towing capacity is limited to approximately 5000 pounds due to increased energy consumption and thermal loading
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the towing function into two segments: the BEV provides steering, braking, and control functions, while a separate powered trailer provides propulsion through its own electric motor. This segmentation allows the BEV to tow heavier loads without bearing the full energy burden of propelling the entire combination, thereby increasing towing capacity while managing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered trailer acts as an intermediary between the BEV and the total towing load. It receives control signals from the BEV's driver interface and autonomously provides propulsion, effectively mediating the power delivery and reducing the thermal and energy burden on the BEV's propulsion system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a BEV performs a towing operation, then it achieves its intended purpose of towing a trailer, but the towing range is reduced compared to gasoline engine powered pickup trucks
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion function is segmented between the BEV and the powered trailer, each with their own energy management systems. The trailer's motor and battery system handles propulsion energy demands, allowing the BEV to operate more efficiently and extend the overall towing range of the combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy delivery parameters by introducing a second power source (the trailer's battery and motor). This allows for optimized energy distribution where the trailer's propulsion system handles variable load demands, reducing energy losses in the BEV's drivetrain and extending towing range.
3Force
If a BEV performs a towing operation, then it achieves its intended purpose of towing a trailer, but thermal loading increases which limits performance
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal load is segmented between two separate propulsion systems. The powered trailer's electric motor generates heat separately from the BEV's motor, allowing independent thermal management. This segmentation enables the system to deliver higher total towing force without concentrating all thermal loads in the BEV, thereby increasing towing capacity while managing thermal loading.
4Force
If a powered trailer with propulsion unit is added to the BEV system, then towing capacity and range are extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered trailer is designed with multi-functionality: it provides propulsion through its electric motor, serves as a cargo-carrying platform, and acts as a mobile energy storage unit with its own battery system. This universality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits beyond simple towing assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered trailer is equipped with its own propulsion system and control capabilities, allowing it to service itself in terms of power delivery and basic operations. The trailer's integrated motor and battery system provides autonomous propulsion assistance without requiring complex mechanical linkages to the BEV, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced towing capacity.
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
The system improves towing range and maneuverability by reducing thermal loading and power consumption, allowing BEVs to handle higher towing capacities while maintaining operational efficiency and extending their range.
Implementation Method 1
A propulsion unit is provided with the powered trailer and is in communication with the BEV, the propulsion unit enhancing launch of the BEV and providing an acceleration assist to the BEV. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the propulsion unit incorporates a battery pack, the battery pack providing energy to supplement an energy of the vehicle energy pack.
Implementation Method 2
the propulsion unit incorporates at least one electric motor, the at least one motor energized to provide a propulsion force to the powered trailer and to enhance propulsion of the BEV
Data Source
AI summary
A system to extend a towing range and maneuverability of an automobile vehicle during a towing operation includes a battery-electric-vehicle (BEV) having a vehicle energy pack providing operational energy to the BEV. A powered trailer is releasably connected to the BEV. A trailer module is provided with the powered trailer, the trailer module communicating between the powered trailer and the BEV. A propulsion unit is provided with the powered trailer and is in communication with trailer module and with the BEV using the trailer module. The propulsion unit enhances launch of the BEV and provides an acceleration assist to the BEV.