Electric Trailer Axle Torque Assist and Regeneration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty transport vehicles face challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to limited range and recharging time of electric vehicles, high costs and weight of electricity-recovering systems, and expensive alternative fuels, which hinder efficient torque generation and fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system with an electric drive that provides additional torque, regenerates electricity, and adjusts operational modes based on road conditions and torque requests, integrated with a computing system to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electricity-recovering systems are implemented to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, then energy efficiency is improved, but weight and device complexity increase due to batteries and electric motors
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity-recovering system is segmented into separate functional components: the towing unit contains the combustion engine and primary battery, while the trailer contains a secondary battery and electric drive. This segmentation allows the trailer to contribute to energy recovery without adding significant weight to the towing unit, resolving the contradiction between fuel economy improvement and weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer's electric drive system serves dual purposes: it can propel the trailer using electricity from the trailer battery, and it can also function as a generator during regenerative braking to charge the trailer battery. This self-service capability allows the system to improve fuel economy without requiring a large battery capacity in the towing unit, thus avoiding excessive weight.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electric vehicles are used to reduce emissions, then environmental impact is reduced, but range is limited and recharging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges a combustion engine (providing unlimited range and quick refueling) with an electric drive system (providing zero emissions operation). The towing unit's combustion engine can operate independently for long-range travel, while the trailer's electric drive can operate in electric mode for shorter trips, effectively combining the advantages of both power sources to overcome the limited range and recharging time of pure electric vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer's electric drive is designed with multi-functionality: it can provide propulsion using electricity from the trailer battery, it can generate electricity through regenerative braking, and it can operate in a passive mode where the towing unit's engine provides all propulsion. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions, effectively extending the practical range while reducing emissions when electric operation is feasible.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If alternative fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen are used to reduce emissions, then environmental impact is reduced, but cost increases and availability is stagnant
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of investing in expensive alternative fuel infrastructure (hydrogen production, biofuel processing facilities), the system uses conventional diesel fuel that is readily available and inexpensive. The 'disposable' aspect refers to using the existing, well-established fuel infrastructure rather than developing new, expensive fuel systems. This approach reduces emissions through electric operation when feasible while avoiding the high costs and availability issues of alternative fuels.
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 reduces fuel consumption, improves traction, extends motor lifespan, and enhances overall truck performance and safety by optimizing torque distribution and energy regeneration, leading to cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an electric drive arranged to selectively provide a second amount of torque to an assisting axle
Implementation Method 2
the electric drive is arranged to regenerate electricity from the assisting axle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for controlling a truck (100, 200, 400), wherein the truck comprises a towing unit (104, 204) couplable to a trailer (102, 202), the method comprising: receiving a torque request to output a first amount of torque to a drive axle (106) from a first engine (108, 208); obtaining a resulting first amount of torque; selecting, as operational mode for an electric drive (112, 212), one of: (A) providing a second amount of torque to an assisting axle (110, 312), wherein the second amount of torque is determined based on a difference between the torque request and the resulting first amount of torque; (B) regenerating electricity from the assisting axle; or (C) setting the electric drive to an idle mode, wherein the electric drive is arranged to regenerate electricity from the assisting axle in at least one of following modes: uphill preparation mode (318, 410), downhill mode (408), coasting mode (406), and wherein start of the at least one of the modes is adjusted according to a coefficient of friction (µ) of a road. The invention also concerns a trailer.