WO2024033578A1

WO2024033578A1 - Vehicle trailer comprising a turbogenerator as a range extender, and vehicle having such a trailer

Info

Publication number: WO2024033578A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/050899
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wissam Bou Nader; Clement Dumand; Thierry Jaine; Philippe Gilleron; Sebastien Houille; Clement DELPLANCQ
Original assignee: Stellantis Auto Sas
Priority date: 2022-08-11
Filing date: 2023-06-19
Publication date: 2024-02-15
Also published as: FR3138784A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer (R) configured to be temporarily attached to a motor vehicle of the electric or hybrid type equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a passenger compartment air circuit, the trailer (R) comprising: a mechanical coupling means (MC1) for attaching the trailer (R) to the motor vehicle; an incorporated turbogenerator (TG) comprising at least one turbocompressor equipped with a generator motor, and having an air circuit; a thermal coupling means configured to couple the air circuit of the turbogenerator to the air circuit of the motor vehicle; and an electrical coupling means configured to couple the generator motor to the electronic power circuit of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a trailer.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: TRAILER FOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A TURBOGENERATOR AS A RANGE EXTENDER, AND VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH A TRAILER

[001] The present invention claims the priority of French application No. 2208249 filed on 08/11/2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is here incorporated by reference.

[002] The invention relates to the field of gas turbine cycle type turbogenerator devices and systems, integrated into a vehicle. The invention relates more particularly to the coupling of this type of device to a trailer, used in particular as a range extender for electric vehicles.

[003] Gas turbine type energy converters are currently being widely studied as range extenders in production hybrid vehicles. This converter can operate in APU mode (for Auxiliary Power Unit) where its role is to recharge the batteries of an electric vehicle. It is thus mechanically decoupled from the traction chain and operates at its maximum efficiency point.

[004] Several cycles are currently being investigated, including simple recuperative cycles (RGT for recuperative gas turbine or “Recuperative Gas Turbine”), but also recuperative cycles with a cooler (IRGT) and cycles with a cooler, recuperator and reheat or “Intercooled Recuperative Reheat Gas Turbine” in English).

[005] The gas turbine cycle with cooler, recuperator and reheater (IRReGT) is a cycle with great potential for automotive applications. This cycle makes it possible to achieve high efficiency but also high power density (high specific net work).

[006] These advantages lead to a need for integration of the turbogenerator into an electric vehicle. However, electric vehicles represent:

- low autonomy (because of the energy density of the battery compared to the energy density of a fuel);

- too much vehicle mass (especially due to the mass of the battery).

[007] Thus, a first objective of the invention is to overcome the defects of an electric vehicle of this type, and in particular to propose a solution making it possible to increase the autonomy of the electric vehicle without increasing the need for battery components. , and without increasing the mass of the vehicle.

[008] Furthermore, the hybridization of a vehicle by an energy converter operating with a fuel with high energy density is a solution to overcome these problems.

[009] However, the integration of the machine into an electric vehicle presents the following problems:

- compared to mechanical integration: the front part of the vehicle is occupied by the electric machine and its power electronics; the rear part is occupied by the trunk, while a minimum storage volume must be kept; the lower part under the chassis is occupied by the battery;

- compared to thermal integration: the thermal converter requires thermal calories to be evacuated, and presents problems (addition of exchangers, other components, etc.);

- in relation to noise and noise pollution: the addition of a thermodynamic machine generates noise, which is annoying for the user of the electric vehicle;

- the turbogenerator can be used for 20% of the operating time (for an average user), and especially for long journeys; during 80% of the time of use, the user does not need the turbogenerator, and therefore does not need to take it into the vehicle.

[010] Thus, a second objective is to propose a solution with optimized mechanical and thermal integration, with little noise disturbance for the user, and which can be used transiently.

[011] To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a trailer configured to be attached transiently to an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a circuit cabin air, the trailer comprising: - a mechanical coupling means for fixing the trailer to the motor vehicle;

- an integrated turbogenerator comprising at least one turbocharger equipped with a generator motor, and having an air circuit;

- a thermal coupling means configured to couple the air circuit of the turbogenerator to the air circuit of the motor vehicle;

- an electrical coupling means configured to couple the generator motor to the electronic power circuit of the motor vehicle.

[012] By “motor generator” is meant an electric machine operating in both motor and generator mode, the motor serving for example to drive and start the system; and the generator used for example to recover energy.

[013] Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to limit the need for additional battery components without increasing the mass of the vehicle itself, by using a trailer as a transient range extender instead of adding battery components and weight permanently.

[014] Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to have mechanical and thermal integration optimized by the corresponding couplings. The external trailer limits noise for the user in the vehicle.

[015] In addition, the trailer, used transiently, can be coupled to the vehicle for long journeys, and stored for short journeys.

[016] According to a variant, the electrical coupling means is configured to carry out a coupling so that the turbogenerator forms an auxiliary power unit for the motor vehicle, to recharge the traction battery.

[017] This makes it possible to have a usual architecture of the electrical coupling, and to extend the autonomy by recharging the traction battery.

[018] According to a variant, the thermal coupling means and the turbogenerator are configured to heat the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[019] This makes it possible to limit heating energy costs and further improve the energy efficiency of the system.

[020] According to a variant, the generator engine operates using a fossil fuel, a biofuel or a fuel from renewable energy. That allows the use of eco-responsible fuels that respect the environment.

[021] According to a variant, where the trailer defines a mark with a front-rear direction corresponding to a rectilinear front-rear direction of movement of the trailer, and a lateral direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the mechanical coupling means is configured to secure the trailer to the front or rear of the motor vehicle.

[022] According to a variant, the mechanical coupling means comprises a ball joint system or a rigid coupling system for a chassis of the motor vehicle.

[023] According to a variant, the trailer has free wheels or movable wheels.

[024] According to a variant, the trailer includes a storage volume. This provides more storage space for the user, especially for long journeys.

[025] The invention relates to an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a cabin air circuit, characterized in that the vehicle is fixed transiently to a trailer according to the invention.

[026] Another object of the invention relates to a method of travel by means of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having an air circuit passenger compartment, the movement method comprising the following steps:

- coupling of the vehicle to a trailer according to the invention, in the event of a journey greater than the battery autonomy, and/or

- decoupling of the vehicle from the trailer when traveling a distance less than the battery range.

[027] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

- [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a spatial view of a trailer according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a view in space similar to that of the Figure 1 with more details of the interior of the trailer;

- [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a spatial view of a trailer according to a second embodiment, with details of an open storage volume;

- [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a view in space similar to that of Figure 3 with the storage volume closed;

- [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a view in space of a part of the trailer of Figures 3 and 4, with details of coupling means; And

- [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a spatial view of the front of the trailer in Figures 3 to 5, detailing a variant of wheels.

[028] TG turbogenerator technology is very promising for replacing the internal combustion engine in highly electrified powertrains, particularly for PHEV vehicles (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) with series hybrid architecture (Series Hybrid Electric Vehicles). ). The technology promises the following benefits:

- low level of emissions;

- low noise level;

- no vibrations;

- no maintenance (with the exception of oil filter changes);

- ability to operate with several types of fuels.

[029] Figure 1 illustrates a reference point in the three axes of space, that is to say:

- a front-rear direction X corresponding to a rectilinear front-rear direction of movement of the trailer R, the arrow representing the front;

- a lateral direction Y perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the arrow representing the right;

- a vertical direction Z perpendicular to the lateral and front-to-back directions, the arrow representing the top.

[030] The invention proposes to integrate a turbogenerator TG on a trailer R, in a first volume V1. The objective is to offer, for electric cars, a range extender for long distance journeys. The R trailer can be coupled to a low-range electric vehicle, especially during long-distance journeys. The R trailer is equipped with a TG turbogenerator with preferably an RC fuel tank. [031] The system allows:

- to increase the autonomy of the vehicle;

- to size a low capacity battery for daily journeys, the R trailer being used only for long distance journeys;

- to offer a non-intrusive system in that the mechanical and electrical architecture of the vehicle is not affected;

- to recharge the vehicle with electricity from a biofuel or a fuel with low environmental impact (e-fuel) in the trailer R;

- to produce thermal energy to heat the vehicle, if there is a need for hot energy such as during the winter season;

- to have a loading volume V2 for a maximum mass of 750 kg for example;

- to have a low level of perceptible noise in that the machine is integrated into the trailer;

- to reduce the mass of the vehicle by eliminating several kWh of battery which are not needed for more than 80% of the time the vehicle is used (for an average user).

[032] The storage volume V2 is preferably arranged above the volume V1 housing the turbogenerator TG.

[033] The invention can be applied to an energy converter such as a turbogenerator with a recuperative cycle (RGT) or a gas turbine cycle with cooler, recuperator and reheater (IRReGT). The invention relates mainly to the aspect of integration of the machine in the trailer R. The fact of integrating the TG turbogenerator reduces the intrusiveness of the system and makes it possible to gain volume, reduce complexity, but above all to increase the autonomy of an electric vehicle easily and efficiently: for example, we keep 20 kWh of battery (i.e. approximately 100 km per day) instead of 50 kWh. This saves 30 kWh. As the R trailer is used 20% of the annual time, the user can rent it at rest areas for example.

[034] The invention can be implemented on a vehicle with a SHEV type traction chain (series hybrid or “Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle”) or preferably as a range extender (or “Range Extender”), especially for low-range electric vehicles. [035] Figure 2 illustrates details of the machine, including a power electronics box EP, a junction box BJ, the fuel tank RC, a battery B, and the turbogenerator TG equipped with a generator motor .

[036] By “generator motor” is meant an electric machine operating in both motor and generator mode, the motor serving for example to drive and start the system; and the generator used for example to recover energy.

[037] The coupling to the vehicle is based on a thermal coupling means TC configured to couple an air circuit of the turbogenerator TG to an air circuit of the motor vehicle; and an electrical coupling means EC configured to couple the generator motor to the electronic power circuit of the motor vehicle. These coupling means may be those of the state of the art.

[038] The trailer can be mechanically coupled to the vehicle by a MC1 ball joint system (Figures 1 and 2) or by rigid MC2 coupling for the vehicle chassis (Figures 3 to 6). In the latter case, the system is coupled to the chassis preferably with at least two MC2 beams as illustrated in the above figures.

[039] Specific connectors (mechanical for coupling MC1, MC2, thermal TC for thermal energy and electrical EC to provide electrical energy) provide the interface between the trailer R and the vehicle. The interface is illustrated in Figure 5.

[040] The trailer R can be on a chassis with a point and two wheels RM, RL, as it can be on a wheel positioned in the middle, or on free wheels (illustrated in Figure 6).

[041] The TG turbogenerator can operate with a conventional fuel (i.e. fossil), a bio-fuel or a fuel from renewable energy (or e-fuel). It provides electricity to recharge the batteries of the electric vehicle. It also produces thermal energy for heating needs.

[042] In the second embodiment (Figures 3 to 6), the trailer R is equipped with an additional storage volume V2 making it possible to increase the total available volume. [043] The TG turbogenerator may have a structure and an arrangement such as those detailed in the applicant's requests, in particular those of co-pending application FR2101906.

[044] The invention proposes to reduce the size of the batteries which makes it possible to optimize the manufacture of electric or hybrid vehicles, to reduce the mass of the vehicle and the electrical consumption (by reducing the mass reducing the energy requirement) , as well as the environmental impact linked to the production of batteries.

[045] The invention makes it possible to increase the autonomy of the vehicle via a non-intrusive solution. Thermal energy is offered to heat the passenger compartment during the winter, which represents a significant energy requirement which limits the range of electric vehicles in winter.

[046] The volume occupied by the batteries and the vehicle's electrical machine is relatively high. With the proposed solution, we offer a larger passenger compartment volume due to the reduction in the size of the battery.

[047] We propose the use of an energy converter operating with a fuel with high energy density, therefore additional autonomy.

[048] We propose a design with a ball joint system or beams which are integrated into the vehicle chassis at the front or at the rear.

[049] The user can thus choose to obtain a small battery and the trailer for long journeys, which makes it possible to adapt the vehicle to the user's current needs.

[050] Compared to an electric vehicle with a battery, we propose a solution which makes it possible to increase the autonomy of the vehicle while limiting the need for additional battery components.

[051] The system makes it possible to provide electrical energy to recharge the batteries. The system can also provide thermal energy to heat the passenger compartment if necessary.

[052] The trailer R can be on a chassis with a point and two wheels RM, RL, as it can be on a wheel positioned in the middle, or on free wheels (illustrated in Figure 6).

Claims

1. Trailer (R) configured to be temporarily attached to an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a cabin air circuit, the trailer (R) comprising:

- a mechanical coupling means (MC1, MC2) for fixing the trailer (R) to the motor vehicle;

- an integrated turbogenerator (TG), comprising at least one turbocharger equipped with a generator motor, and having an air circuit;

- a thermal coupling means (TC) configured to couple the air circuit of the turbogenerator (TG) to the air circuit of the motor vehicle;

- an electrical coupling means (EC) configured to couple the generator motor to the electronic power circuit of the motor vehicle.

2. Trailer according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical coupling means (EC) is configured to carry out a coupling so that the turbogenerator (TG) forms an auxiliary power unit for the motor vehicle, to recharge the battery of traction.

3. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the thermal coupling means (TC) and the turbogenerator (TG) are configured to heat the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

4. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the generator engine operates using a fossil fuel, a biofuel or a fuel from renewable energy.

5. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, defining a mark with a front-rear direction (X) corresponding to a rectilinear front-rear direction of movement of the trailer (R), and a lateral direction (Y) perpendicular to the front-rear direction (X), characterized in that the mechanical coupling means (MC) is configured to fix the trailer (R) to the front or rear of the motor vehicle.

6. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mechanical coupling means (MC1, MC2) comprises a ball joint system (MC1) or a rigid coupling system (MC2) for a chassis of the vehicle automobile.

7. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises free wheels (RL) or movable wheels (RM).

8. Trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a storage volume (V2).

9. Motor vehicle of electric or hybrid type equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a cabin air circuit, characterized in that the vehicle is fixed transiently to a trailer (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Method of travel using an electric or hybrid type motor vehicle equipped with an electronic power circuit and a traction battery, and having a cabin air circuit, the method of travel comprising the following steps :

- coupling of the vehicle to a trailer (R) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the event of traveling a distance greater than the autonomy of the battery, and/or

- decoupling of the vehicle from the trailer (R) in the event of a journey of less than the battery range.