Powertrain Thermal Coupling for Low-Friction Transmission Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for operating motor vehicle drive trains do not efficiently manage heat transfer to reduce energy consumption and fuel usage, particularly during startup when internal friction is high.
Innovation Solution
A method where predictive data is used to target heat transfer from the drive motor to the transmission, utilizing waste heat and thermal coupling to preheat the transmission before startup, thereby reducing energy consumption and internal friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the transmission is preheated before startup, then energy consumption and internal friction are reduced, but additional thermal management complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive motor cooling function with the transmission heating function by integrating a heat exchanger that transfers thermal energy from the drive motor to the transmission. This merging of functions allows waste heat from the drive motor to be utilized for preheating the transmission, reducing energy consumption without requiring a separate heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat generated by the drive motor into a beneficial resource by using it to preheat the transmission before startup. This transforms what would otherwise be lost thermal energy into a useful function that reduces internal friction and energy consumption during cold startup conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat from the drive motor is used to heat the transmission, then fuel consumption is reduced, but thermal management control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that monitors the thermal states of both the drive motor and transmission, and dynamically adjusts the heat exchanger operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal thermal management by transferring heat only when the drive motor has sufficient excess thermal energy and the transmission requires heating, thereby reducing fuel consumption without requiring overly complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the drive motor to serve dual purposes: generating mechanical power and providing thermal energy for transmission heating. The waste heat from the drive motor automatically becomes available for transmission preheating through the integrated heat exchanger, reducing the need for external heating systems and minimizing control complexity.
3Productivity
If the transmission is heated during drive motor operation, then startup efficiency is improved, but heat transfer system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it cools the drive motor when thermal energy needs to be removed, heats the transmission when preheating is required, and can operate in different modes depending on the thermal states of the connected components. This multi-functionality improves startup efficiency without requiring separate dedicated heating and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary thermal coupling between the drive motor and transmission, enabling controlled heat transfer between these two components. This intermediary device facilitates efficient thermal energy transfer while maintaining operational independence of the drive motor and transmission systems, thereby improving startup efficiency without excessive complexity.
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 ensures a high transmission temperature at startup, minimizing energy loss and maintaining low energy consumption by utilizing waste heat and optimizing the thermal management of the drive train.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred from the drive motor to the transmission, which heats the transmission in a targeted manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a powertrain (10), having at least one drive motor (12) and at least one gearbox (20), of a motor vehicle which can be driven by the drive motor (12) via the gearbox (20), in which method heat is transferred from the drive motor (12) to the gearbox (20) in a targeted manner, as a result of which the gearbox (20) is heated in a targeted manner, wherein the heat is transferred from the drive motor (12) to the gearbox (20) in a targeted manner on the basis of predictive data which characterise at least one future state of the motor vehicle.