Variable Slip Transmission Clutch Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage and recovery systems face challenges in smoothly transmitting torque between energy storage devices and sinks due to difficulties in controlling torque fluctuations and maintaining efficient transmission ratios, particularly when using continuously variable transmissions with slipping clutches.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable slip transmission system with multiple clutches in parallel or series, where the clutch slip speed is controlled to maintain a predetermined torque level or range, and the transmission ratio is adjusted to minimize energy loss and isolate the energy source/sink from torque fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a continuously variable transmission with slipping clutch is used to accommodate large range of speed differences, then adaptability is improved, but torque fluctuations and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system dynamically adjusts the clutch slip speed based on operating conditions. The clutch is permitted to slip during transmission ratio changes, and the slip speed is controlled to minimize energy loss while maintaining the ability to accommodate large speed differences between energy storage device and source/sink.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the clutch slip speed parameter during operation. The clutch slip speed is controlled to maintain a predetermined torque level, allowing the transmission ratio to be adjusted smoothly while minimizing frictional heat generation by optimizing the slip speed at different operating points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clutch slip speed is increased to maintain predetermined torque level during transmission ratio change, then torque transmission smoothness is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch slip speed is controlled based on feedback from torque measurements. The system monitors the torque being transmitted and adjusts the clutch slip speed to maintain a predetermined torque level, ensuring smooth torque transmission while minimizing energy loss through optimized slip control.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch is permitted to slip partially during transmission ratio changes rather than maintaining zero slip. This partial slipping action allows the system to maintain stable torque transmission while accommodating the necessary transmission ratio adjustments, balancing torque smoothness with energy efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If transmission ratio is adjusted continuously to maintain efficient energy transfer, then energy efficiency is improved, but torque fluctuations at energy source/sink increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slipping clutch acts as an intermediary between the energy storage device and the source/sink. By permitting controlled clutch slip during transmission ratio adjustments, the system mediates the torque fluctuations that would otherwise be transmitted to the energy source/sink, protecting the drivetrain while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system dynamically adjusts the transmission ratio continuously while using clutch slip to isolate torque fluctuations. The clutch slip speed is controlled to maintain stable torque at the energy source/sink, allowing efficient energy transfer without transmitting harmful torque variations.
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 approach allows for smooth torque transmission and efficient energy recovery by controlling clutch forces and slip speeds, reducing energy loss and minimizing torque fluctuations at the energy source/sink, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the energy storage and recovery system.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch and a transmission ratio adjuster (such as a variable slip transmission) between the clutch and the energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission for an energy storage and recovery system is disclosed. A variable slip transmission and a clutch arranged to transmit drive while slipping. The level of torque transmitted through the slipping clutch is dependent on the clutch force but is independent of the clutch slip speed. Preferably the clutch is provided by a plurality of clutches connected in parallel in a range extender. When drive is transferred between clutches in parallel, the clutch forces of both clutches are controlled to maintain the total torque transmitted by the clutches. This reduces torque fluctuations at the energy source/sink during clutch transfer. Where there are two slipping clutches in series, one clutch is controlled to provide the required torque and the other clutch is controlled in response to a clutch slip speed. This helps to control the speed of rotation of the mass between the clutches.