Selective Stator Electric Machine for Compact EV Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of packaging a large capacity battery in compact motor vehicles, such as two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles, due to limited storage space, results in compromised utility space and range anxiety, while existing electric machines face inefficiencies and high power consumption, leading to poor performance and frequent charging needs.
Innovation Solution
An electric machine unit with a rotor assembly and stator assembly, utilizing a mode selector to operate one or more stator members based on vehicle parameters, reducing the need for multiple control units, and optimizing power consumption by selectively engaging stator members, thereby minimizing copper and core losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large capacity battery is packaged in compact motor vehicles, then the vehicle's range is extended, but the utility space is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine is divided into multiple independent motor modules (first, second, third motor modules), each with its own stator and rotor assemblies. This segmentation allows the system to operate with fewer modules engaged at any given time, reducing the overall space and power requirements, thereby preserving utility space while maintaining extended range capability through selective module operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and engages specific motor modules based on real-time vehicle operating conditions (speed, load, acceleration requirements). The controller activates only the necessary number of modules, allowing the electric machine to adapt its effective size and power output, thus optimizing the balance between range capability and utility space availability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple control units are used to control each stator member, then the power consumption is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions for different motor modules are merged into a single controller. The controller is designed to manage and switch between multiple stator assemblies and motor modules using one unified control unit, thereby reducing the total number of control units while maintaining optimized power consumption through selective module engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to control multiple motor modules and stator assemblies. It can dynamically allocate power and control signals to different modules based on operating conditions, making one control unit perform the functions that would traditionally require multiple separate control units.
3Power
If all stator members are operated continuously, then the power delivery is maximized, but the copper losses and core losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating all stator members continuously, the system employs partial action by selectively engaging only the necessary number of motor modules based on instantaneous power requirements. During low-load conditions, fewer modules are activated, reducing copper losses and core losses while still meeting the power delivery needs. The controller monitors load demands and activates additional modules only when higher power is required.
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 solution provides a compact, low-cost, and efficient electric machine unit that delivers high torque when needed, reduces power consumption, and extends the vehicle's range by optimizing power usage, minimizing heat generation, and eliminating the need for bulky controllers.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the rotor members (201R, 202R, 203R) comprises a plurality of magnetic members. Each of the stator members (201S, 202S, 203S) comprises a plurality of teeth and slots. Electrical conductors are wound about the plurality of teeth
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine unit for a motorized device, said electric machine unit includes: a rotor assembly including rotor members, and a rotor shaft configured to support said rotor assembly, with said rotor assembly being capable of rotating along with said rotor shaft; and a stator assembly including stator members, with each stator member being configured to work in conjunction with a corresponding rotor member of the rotor members, and a mode selector configured to enable operation of one or more of said stator members to rotate said rotor shaft depending one or more parameters of said motorized device.