Shared-Shaft Motor-Generator Assembly for EV Range Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face limitations in range due to the constraints of lithium-ion batteries, including lower energy storage capacity, weight, and recharging time, which is exacerbated in vehicles like aircraft where space and weight are critical, and there is a need to enhance range without increasing battery size.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion apparatus comprising a drive motor and generator connected via a shared shaft, allowing energy recovery from the vehicle's powertrain to extend range, integrated into a support structure with bearings to minimize complexity and failure risk, and compatible with existing vehicle drivetrains for retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery size is increased to extend vehicle range, then energy storage capacity is improved, but vehicle weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy recovery by capturing kinetic energy during vehicle deceleration and braking through the generator, converting it to electrical energy for storage in the battery. This recovers energy that would otherwise be wasted, effectively increasing the usable energy storage capacity without adding physical battery mass. The system discards the need for larger batteries by recovering energy that would be lost during normal vehicle operation.
2Quantity of substance
If battery size is increased to extend vehicle range, then energy storage capacity is improved, but vehicle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator system recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and braking, converting it to electrical energy that can be stored in the existing battery. This energy recovery mechanism extends vehicle range without requiring additional battery volume, as it utilizes the existing battery capacity more effectively by replenishing it during operation rather than requiring a larger battery to store all necessary energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy recovery system allows the vehicle to recharge its own battery during normal operation through kinetic energy capture during deceleration and braking. This self-service capability extends range by utilizing the vehicle's own motion to generate energy, eliminating the need for external infrastructure or larger battery packs.
3Quantity of substance
If alternative battery technology with higher energy density is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety and reliability concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The energy recovery system captures kinetic energy during deceleration and braking, converting it to electrical energy for storage in the battery. This reduces the demand on the battery's maximum energy storage capacity by replenishing it during operation, allowing the use of proven, safe battery technologies while still achieving extended range through operational energy recovery rather than relying on unproven high-density battery alternatives.
4Device complexity
If generator is integrated with drive motor on shared shaft, then device complexity is reduced, but bearing reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive motor and generator into a single integrated unit sharing a common shaft and housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, alignment mechanisms, and additional coupling components, thereby reducing overall system complexity. The integrated design allows both components to be driven by a single motor shaft, simplifying the powertrain architecture while maintaining the functional independence of each component through proper magnetic circuit design.
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 effectively recovers energy and extends vehicle range by integrating a generator to store power, reducing the reliance on larger batteries and enhancing the operational efficiency of electric vehicles, including those with size and weight constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the generator shaft is rotated, causing an electric current to be generated in the armature of the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion apparatus for an electric vehicle including both a drive motor and a generator configured to recover energy from the vehicle drivetrain. The invention also relates to an energy supply and storage system suitable for use with a propulsion apparatus having a drive motor and generator, and to an electric vehicle having a powertrain including such a propulsion apparatus.