Vehicle Electrical Machine Arrangement with Coupling Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric machine arrangements for motor vehicles with dual energy stores and electric machines require additional installation space and incur switching losses due to the use of DC/DC converters for charge balancing.
Innovation Solution
A two-pole coupling element is integrated into the intermediate circuit between the energy stores, allowing energy to be transmitted from the second energy store to the first, thereby replacing the need for a DC/DC converter and reducing installation space and switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DC/DC converter is used to balance charge between energy stores, then charge balance is ensured, but installation space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC/DC converter from the system by using a coupling element with diode that allows direct energy transfer from the second energy store to the first energy store through the intermediate circuit, eliminating the need for a separate DC/DC converter while maintaining charge balance functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it enables energy transfer between energy stores, provides charge balance, and maintains intermediate circuit voltage, replacing the specialized DC/DC converter with a multi-functional component that reduces overall system complexity and weight
2Reliability
If a DC/DC converter is used for charge balancing, then energy transmission is enabled, but switching losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the DC/DC converter that causes switching losses and replaces it with a coupling element that enables direct energy transfer through the intermediate circuit, eliminating the source of switching losses while maintaining charge balancing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate circuit acts as an intermediary that enables direct energy transfer between energy stores through the coupling element, avoiding the need for active switching components and thereby eliminating switching losses while still achieving charge balance
3Weight of stationary object
If a two-pole coupling element is used instead of DC/DC converter, then installation space and weight are reduced, but energy transmission capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed to perform multiple functions including energy transfer, charge balance, and intermediate circuit voltage maintenance, ensuring that the simplified component structure does not compromise energy transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate circuit serves as a mediator that enables the two-pole coupling element to transmit energy effectively between energy stores with different voltage levels, maintaining full energy transmission capability despite the simplified component 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
This configuration maintains propulsion advantages for a longer duration by ensuring the first energy store is always adequately charged, reducing costs and minimizing weight, while maximizing power and acceleration by maintaining the intermediate circuit voltage at its highest level.
Implementation Method 1
The second energy store 34 is connected to the first energy store 24 by way of an intermediate circuit 39. A two-pole coupling element 42, 44 is connected into the intermediate circuit 39, which coupling element 42, 44 permits energy to be transmitted from the second energy store 34 to the first energy store 24
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical machine arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a first electrical machine, a first energy store, which is connected to the first electrical machine for supplying power to the electrical machine, a second electrical machine, a second energy store, which is connected to the second electrical machine, for supplying power to the second electrical machine and which is connected to the first energy store by use of an intermediate circuit, and a coupling element. This coupling element is connected into the intermediate circuit and permits energy to be transmitted from the second energy store to the first energy store and can prevent energy transmission from the first energy store to the second energy store.