Browse Topic: Magnetic clutches

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With the shift towards electrification, automakers are constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency of the electric vehicles (EVs). Whether through advanced materials, battery technology, powertrain optimization, software optimization, or reliability improvements, these strategies can help improve EV range, performance, and energy efficiency, making EVs a more attractive option for consumers. This paper focuses on powertrain optimization by utilizing a two-speed transmission instead of a conventional single-speed solution. Multi-speed transmissions offer faster acceleration, increased speed, better gradeability, and reduced energy consumption, which translates to increased vehicle range. Cost and space are critical factors in development and are considered when selecting architecture. The gear ratios are selected by solving an optimization problem to minimize the energy loss and maximize the dynamic performance. The vehicle system-level simulation is set up in the MATLAB/Simulink environment and comprises the electric plant, drivetrain subsystems, and associated control algorithms. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) iteratively searches for the optimal solution, ensuring the motor and the inverter operate in the most efficient region during the selected drive cycle. The present architecture considers a three-plane or 3-stage with a 2-speed design. Stages 1 & 3 incorporate compound offset gearing with the 3rd stage connecting to the differential. The shiftable 2nd stage is proposed as a planetary gearset with a sun connection to the 1st stage and carrier connection to the 3rd stage. The planetary ring member can be fixed or released in case of 1st speed or 2nd speed respectively. The ring member release can also support free-wheel conditions in the case of all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles in one-axle drive mode. Bi-stable electromagnetic clutches are used instead of conventional frictional clutches, making it a compact and efficient solution. Software control is used to optimize the handshake between clutches to facilitate the feel of a power shift. The initial findings suggest that by incorporating a multispeed transmission, the main motor in an electric vehicle can be downsized to half its power while maintaining two-thirds of its torque. Simulation suggests an increase of 52% in overall efficiency for such a configuration.
Saini, SandeepRodrigues, KeithJennings, JohnFinn, Dustin
In order to insure passengers’ comfort, automotive air conditioning compressors are designed to be operational in case of low battery voltage. However, the “minimum engagement voltage” of compressors is mostly driven by designers’ know-how and rely extensively on laboratory tests, which can lead to two issues: Costly design modifications if problems are detected too late in the validation phase and the necessity to perform several design iterations before reaching the desired target. This paper presents the benefit of predicting the minimum engagement voltage where both of these drawbacks can be avoided, leading to a more robust design process. The method was tested on an electromagnetic clutch whose purpose is to engage the compressor when the air conditioning is turned on by passengers. The magnetic field generated by the clutch was estimated using an electromagnetic simulation software. Coil design parameters, materials magnetic properties, clutch assembly geometry and air gaps were all taken into account using 3D modeling. Finally, experimental tests were conducted, and the tool predicted the minimum engagement voltage with an accuracy of ±0.3V.
Pluy, NicolasOhk, Changheon
Clutches are mechanisms used for coupling between shafts in order to transmit torque from one to the other. This coupling is made mechanically by friction between the parts with a high friction intermediate material. In this process, the slippage between the parts becomes a source of heat that makes the system temperature to raise up to high values. Under high temperature, the capacity of torque transmission of the clutch can be reduced by the variation of the effective contact diameter, once the contact region of friction change as the temperature is rising. This is caused by the thermal-displacement effect induced by the friction. The torque capacity also can be affected by the friction coefficient that varies with the temperature. Therefore, in order to design an optimized system, it is necessary an analysis of the parts and materials under the influence of temperature changing. This work proposes a simulation methodology for the evaluation of tensions and deformations influenced by the friction heat generation through a test of 15 uniform load cycles of energy by 30 kJ converted into thermal energy. The mechanical coupling dynamic is modeled in the Matlab software and the results are fed into the Abaqus, a Finite Element software, where the thermal dynamic is calculated to result the stresses and strains. The proposed methodology was applied in a generic magnetic clutch where the thermal distribution of the clutch is observed according to the load cycles. At the end of these steps it will be possible to improve the design of clutches aiming the optimization of the system.
Paes, Joed HenriqueGioria, Gustavo dos Santos
This paper describes the simulation, design, and testing of a mechanically supercharged 2.4L I-4 gasoline direct injection engine with Miller cycle late intake valve closing and high geometric compression ratio. Engine downspeeding is also achieved through modified transmission gear ratios. A 3.3L naturally-aspirated V6 engine was chosen as the benchmark for comparison. Intended vehicle application is a mid-size passenger car or small/mid-size CUV. The CAE tool GT-Power was used for component selection and air path development. The powertrain simulation model was then exercised to show both improved fuel economy and performance compared to the V6 baseline engine. The design of a bespoke integrated supercharger with magnetic clutch, charge air cooler, and intake manifold was made and procured. A large new software aggregate was ported into an existing production ECU with modified internal circuitry. Volumetric efficiency was calibrated using automated engine mapping techniques and software. Data reduction methods compiled the raw outputs into a point-slope format. A full factorial design of experiments yielded models for the most potent calibration areas. Engine dynamometer results show promising fuel economy improvement under simulated FTP drive cycles. Development for supercharger clutch control and in-vehicle testing is currently in progress.
Birckett, AaronEngineer, NayanArlauskas, PaulShirley, MarkNeuman, Paul
Air Conditioning System Utilizing Vehicle Waste Energy2009-01-05434/20/2009
This paper describes conceptual design modifications that can be made to conventional, non-hybrid passenger vehicles, to allow the air conditioning refrigerant compressor to be powered by vehicle waste kinetic energy occurring during those times when the driver’s foot is off the gas. Without affecting passenger comfort, such compressor engagements, using regenerated waste energy, directly offsets engine fuel otherwise consumed for equivalent engine driven engagements. This results in significant fuel savings when the air conditioning system is operating during traffic pattern conditions. In conventional system operation, a magnetic clutch mounted on an engine-driven drive pulley is electrically controlled to engage the compressor and restore refrigerant pressure each time its state of pressurization bleeds down to a predetermined minimum set-point. Vehicle waste energy generation, however, which allows the engine to be rotated via existing vehicle momentum during deceleration (overrunning), rather than via engine fuel, is controlled by the position of the driver’s foot on the gas in accordance with the state of traffic. By coordinating compressor operation with those times when the driver’s foot is off the gas, vehicle waste energy can be utilized to power the compressor. In order to show the conceptual viability of identifying and harnessing vehicle waste energy to power the compressor, road test data was compiled on two test vehicles operating under simulated traffic pattern conditions. The air conditioning systems of the test vehicles were modified, via external test circuits, to automatically engage the refrigerant compressor magnetic clutch every time the driver’s foot stepped off the gas, and disengage when the driver stepped back on. Analysis of the test data showed a significant percentage reduction of engine-driven refrigerant re-pressurization cycles, these having been replaced with equivalent vehicle waste energy-powered re-pressurization cycles during engine overrunning conditions. Although not directly measured in this study, any reduction of engine driven compressor operation likely translates into a degree of savings of the extra fuel normally consumed during air conditioner operation, as most of the extra engine fuel consumed when operating the air conditioner comes from the additional engine load of operating the compressor. With such testing establishing the ability to identify and harness vehicle waste kinetic energy to power the compressor, two concepts are presented that could be adapted to the air conditioning systems of OEM vehicles to allow vehicle waste kinetic energy to seamlessly power a very significant portion of air conditioning compressor engagements during traffic pattern driving conditions.
Harrison, Thomas D.
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) specifies pictographic symbols for ground support equipment. They have been compiled for the benefit of those who deal with such equipment like airlines, airport authorities, manufacturers etc. in order to facilitate fast and accurate identification of controls, indicators, and decals of powered and unpowered equipment. This document shall promote standardization of terms for controls, indicators etc. of ground support equipment and eliminate language problems. It is recommended to put these pictograms on all future equipment and to retrofit all existing equipment as far as possible.
AGE-3 Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Committee
AGE-3 Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Committee
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