Transmission-Driven Generator for Electric Vehicle Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited battery life and charging capabilities in electric vehicles restrict the range of the vehicle between charging operations, as existing systems only recharge the battery when the accelerator is released or during braking.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor in an electric vehicle is coupled through a controllable clutch to a generator, allowing the transmission to drive the generator and recharge the battery continuously while in operation, using a recharger control circuit to manage the charging process, including an alternate charging source when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the electric motor is used as a generator only when the accelerator is released or during braking, then the system complexity is reduced, but the battery charging time is limited and the vehicle range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor and generator functions into a single electric motor unit that can operate in both modes. The motor drives the transmission during acceleration, and the same motor generates electricity during deceleration and can be coupled to the transmission via a clutch to generate power during steady-state operation, eliminating the need for separate motor and generator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between motor-driven and generator-driven modes based on operating conditions. A controllable clutch dynamically engages or disengages the connection between the transmission and generator, allowing the system to adapt to different driving scenarios and maximize charging opportunities without permanent structural changes.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a controllable clutch is added to couple the transmission to a generator for continuous charging, then the battery charging time is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable clutch serves multiple functions: it engages the generator during steady-state cruising to enable continuous regenerative charging, disengages during acceleration to allow motor-driven operation, and can be controlled to optimize charging based on battery state and driving conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing versatile control over the power flow.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the transmission is continuously coupled to the generator, then the battery charging is maximized, but the power loss during motor-driven operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable clutch dynamically adjusts the coupling between transmission and generator based on real-time operating conditions. During acceleration or high-power demands, the clutch disengages to eliminate generator drag and allow full motor power delivery. During steady-state cruising or deceleration, the clutch engages to enable regenerative charging. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between charging efficiency and power delivery.
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 solution extends the battery charging time during vehicle operation, thereby increasing the vehicle's operating range by enabling continuous recharging through the motor's regenerative capabilities and supplemental charging from external sources when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a generator actuated by the transmission to generate a first charging output when the electric motor is driving the transmission
Data Source
AI summary
An electric motor in an electric vehicle is powered by a battery and drives a transmission which, in turn, drives ground engaging elements of the vehicle. The transmission is also coupled through a controllable clutch to a generator which generates an output that is used to recharge the battery, as the transmission is rotating.