Shared Motor Propulsion Layout to Prevent EV Reverse Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Four-drive electric vehicles experience energy losses due to reverse drag phenomena in non-activated propulsion systems, and the installation of compressors and motors increases vehicle weight and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An automotive propulsion system where a compressor and a retarder are connected to a shared motor, with disconnectors allowing independent operation and preventing reverse drag by disconnecting the motor from the wheel when not in use, reducing energy losses and vehicle weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate motor is installed for the compressor, then the compressor can operate independently, but the vehicle weight increases and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the compressor during cooling operations and drive the first retarder during propulsion operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate compressor motor, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining independent operational capability through the second disconnector that selectively connects or disconnects the motor from different loads.
2Reliability
If the motor is always connected to the wheel, then propulsion is always available, but reverse drag causes energy losses when the propulsion system is not activated
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs the first disconnector to dynamically change the connection state between the motor and the retarder based on operational requirements. When propulsion is needed, the disconnector connects them; when propulsion is not needed, the disconnector disconnects them to prevent reverse drag. This dynamic switching mechanism maintains reliability when needed while eliminating energy losses when not needed.
3Weight of moving object
If the compressor and retarder share a common motor, then vehicle weight decreases, but the system complexity increases due to multiple disconnectors
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control functions by implementing two distinct disconnectors: the first disconnector manages the connection between the motor and the retarder, while the second disconnector manages the connection between the motor and the compressor. This segmentation allows independent control of each function, simplifying the overall control logic despite the presence of multiple disconnectors, and enables the weight reduction benefit of sharing a common motor.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides an automotive propulsion system and an automobile. Both a compressor and a first retarder in a first propulsion system are connected to a first motor, so that the compressor and the first retarder can share a same power source. This can reduce a weight and costs of the automobile, and improve use efficiency of the motor to save energy. In the first propulsion system, a first disconnector is disposed to implement a connection or disconnection between the first motor and the first retarder, and a second disconnector is disposed to implement a connection or disconnection between the first motor and the compressor. This can implement independent operation of the first retarder and the compressor. In addition, when a first propulsion system does not provide power, the first disconnector is opened, to prevent the first motor in the first propulsion system from being reversely dragged. This reduces an energy loss.