Vehicle-Trailer Torque Coordination for EV Towing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face reduced driving range and thermal management challenges when towing a trailer due to the extra weight and increased powertrain demands.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle and trailer system with integrated electric machines and batteries, controlled by a computing platform, balances energy distribution and thermal management by coordinating propulsive and regenerative torques to maintain vehicle speed and optimize battery charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the electric vehicle tows a trailer, then the cargo carrying capacity is improved, but the driving range decreases due to extra weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the powertrain into two independent electric machines: one in the vehicle and one in the trailer. Each has its own battery and control system, allowing independent operation and energy management. This segmentation enables the trailer to contribute its own propulsive power, reducing the burden on the vehicle's battery and extending driving range when towing.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle and trailer powertrains are merged into a coordinated system through wireless communication and synchronized control. The controllers exchange data about route, terrain, and battery state of charge to optimize energy distribution. This merging allows the system to function as a unified propulsive unit, maximizing efficiency and range.
2Quantity of substance
If the electric vehicle tows a trailer, then the cargo carrying capacity is improved, but thermal management challenges increase due to increased powertrain demands
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is segmented into two independent units: one for the vehicle powertrain and one for the trailer powertrain. Each controller monitors its own motor and battery temperatures and can independently adjust operation to prevent overheating. This segmentation distributes thermal loads and simplifies cooling requirements compared to a single high-power system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllers continuously monitor temperature data from both powertrains and use this feedback to optimize energy distribution and operational parameters. When thermal limits are approached, the system can adjust torque demand, battery discharge rates, and motor operating points to maintain safe temperatures while still meeting propulsion requirements.
3Device complexity
If the vehicle battery has limited storage capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the driving range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into two separate batteries: one in the vehicle and one in the trailer. Each battery has its own state of charge and can be managed independently. This allows the system to effectively double its total energy capacity without requiring a single large, complex battery system in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer battery is charged in advance during periods when the vehicle is not towing or when excess vehicle battery capacity is available. The controllers coordinate to transfer energy from the vehicle battery to the trailer battery when advantageous, preparing energy reserves before they are needed for extended towing operations.
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
Enhances the driving range and thermal efficiency of electric vehicles towing trailers by optimizing energy use and reducing motor and battery overheating.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine, a traction battery, and a controller that commands the electric machine to produce propulsive torque with energy from the traction battery
Implementation Method 2
commands an electric machine of a trailer coupled with the vehicle to produce regenerative torque
Data Source
AI summary
A controller commands an electric machine of a vehicle to produce propulsive torque with energy from a traction battery of the vehicle and, at a same time, commands an electric machine of a trailer coupled with the vehicle to produce regenerative torque such that a speed of the vehicle does not change.