Preliminary analysis of eddy current and iron loss in magnetic gear in electric vehicle

The inclusion of a high energy density permanent magnet into magnetic gear improves the machine's torque density. However, it also contributes to eddy current loss, especially in a high-speed application such in electric vehicle. In this paper, the losses from eddy current and iron loss are investigated on concentric magnetic gear (CMG). Torque multiplier CMG is designed with 8/3 gear ratio for this study. Iron loss and eddy current loss are compared and discussed. Based on this study, eddy current loss contributes to almost 96% of the total loss. This finding is hoped to direct the researcher to focus more on reducing loss associated with eddy current loss.

Method of Selecting Energy-Efficient Parameters of an Electric Asynchronous Traction Motor for Diesel Shunting Locomotives—Case Study on the Example of a Locomotive Series ChME3 (ЧMЭ3, ČME3, ČKD S200)

One of the assumptions made during the modernization process of diesel shunting locomotives is the replacement of a diesel traction motor with a DC generator with an electric asynchronous traction motor. The article aimed to develop a method of selecting energy-efficient parameters of an asynchronous electric traction motor for diesel shunting locomotives, which will ensure that its operating energy efficiency will be as high as possible. The method was verified on the example of a locomotive series ChME3 (ЧMЭ3, ČME3, ČKD S200). It has been found that using a traction asynchronous electric drive on a ChME3 locomotive, its efficiency increases in comparison with DC electric motors by 3–5% under the long-term operation modes and by 7–10% during locomotive operation with traction at the adhesion limit. Using a new traction gearbox with a higher gear ratio expands the speed range in which the asynchronous traction drive operates with a high-efficiency factor. It is effective to use a traction asynchronous electric drive to modernize ChME3 diesel locomotives in case of their use under the modes requiring the implementation of maximum traction forces at low speeds. A further increase in the efficiency of the traction asynchronous electric drive is possible based on the optimal design of the wheel-motor unit and the asynchronous traction electric drive.

Application of the Latching Control System on the Power Performance of a Wave Energy Converter Characterized by Gearbox, Flywheel, and Electrical Generator

The latching control represents an attractive alternative to increase the power absorption of wave energy converters (WECs) by tuning the phase of oscillator velocity to the wave excitation phase. However, increasing the amplitude of motion of the floating body is not the only challenge to obtain a good performance of the WEC. It also depends on the efficiency of the power take-off system (PTO). This study aims to address the actual power performance and operation of a heaving point absorber with a direct mechanical drive PTO system controlled by latching. The PTO characteristics, such as the gear ratio, the flywheel inertia, and the electric generator, are analyzed in the WEC performance. Three cylindrical point absorbers are also considered in the present study. A wave-to-wire model is developed to simulate the coupled hydro-electro-mechanical system in regular waves. The wave energy converter (WEC) performance is analyzed using the potential linear theory but considering the viscous damping effect according to the Morison equation to avoid the overestimated responses of the linear theory near resonance when the latching control system is applied. The latching control system increases the mean power. However, the increase is not significant if the parameters that characterize the WEC provide a considerable mean power. The performance of the proposed mechanical power take-off depends on the gear ratio and flywheel. However, the gear ratio shows a more significant influence than the flywheel inertia. The operating range of the generator and the diameter/draft ratio of the buoy also influence the PTO performance.

INCREASING THE COMFORTABILITY OF THE VEHICLE DURING ACCELERATION BY IMPROVING THE DESIGN AND CONTROL METHODS OF THE MOTOR-TRANSMISSION UNIT

The derivative of acceleration with respect to time is used to evaluate and ensure driving comfort during acceleration and deceleration. Frequent and rapid changes in acceleration means frequent and rapid deformation, which can lead to the destruction of the load. The article proposes to minimize the amount of acceleration due to the rational choice of transmission ratios in intermediate gears and the law of changing the engine torque. The use of continuously variable transmissions allows you to solve the problem by choosing a rational law for changing the gear ratio of the transmission. The method of selection at the stage of car design of the maximum effective engine power and transmission ratio in top gear is proposed, taking into account the improved formula for calculating the aerodynamic resistance to motion. The required laws of change in the efficiency of the torque and engine power have been determined. The use of a continuously variable transmission allows the engine to operate at a constant high-speed mode and provides control over the acceleration of the car by changing the fuel supply. It is determined that the engine power expended on the movement with the adjustment of the acceleration of the car will be less than with unregulated acceleration if the exponent at the speed of the car, obtained experimentally, is less than one. Keywords: car; comfort; continuously variable transmission; motor-transmission unit; power; overclocking; aerodynamic resistance; gear ratio

Drive System Design for Small Autonomous Electric Vehicle: Topology Optimization and Simulation

High driving efficiency remains challenging in autonomous electric vehicles, especially in small electric vehicle subtype. Here, we reported investigation of the structure and requirements of the drive system for those vehicles, while the motor-drive axle combined integrated driving scheme has been chosen. In the study, the power matching of drive motor as well as transmission ratio has been calculated based on the performance of the small electric vehicles, and the total gear ratio of 8.124 was determined. For better comprehensive performance and efficiency, the two-stage retarder has been designed, in which elements including high-speed shaft, low-speed shaft, gears, and differential have been examined to ensure their proof strength when the motor outputs reached the maximum torque. Notably, by utilizing topology optimization, Gear 4, the transmission unit with the heaviest weight percentage has been modified in a lightweight way, achieving a 41% reduction of the mass in emulation analysis and turned up to the target of optimization eventually.

Load-dependent Variable Gearing Mechanism of Muscle-like Soft Actuator

Pennate muscle is characterized by muscle fibers that are oriented at a certain angle (pennation angle) relative to the muscle’s line of action and rotation during contraction. This fiber rotation amplifies the shortening velocity of muscle, to match loading conditions without any control system. This unique variable gearing mechanism, which characterized by Architecture Gear Ratio (AGR), is involves complex interaction among three key elements: muscle fibers, connective tissue, and the pennation angle. However, how three elements determine the AGR of muscle-like actuator is still unknown. This study introduces a Himisk actuator that arranges five contractile units at a certain pennation angle in a flexible matrix, the experiment and simulation results demonstrated that the proposed actuator could vary AGR automatically in response to variable loading conditions. Based on this actuator, we present a series of actuators by simulations with the varying pennation angle (P), elastic modulus of the flexible matrix (E), and number of contractile units (N) to analyze their effects on AGR, and their interaction by three-factor analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that P and N effect on the AGR significantly, while E effects on AGR slightly, which supported the idea that the P is the essential factor for the AGR, and N is also an important factor due to the capability of force generation. This provides a better understanding of mechanical behavior and an effective optimizing strategy to muscle-like soft actuator.

DETERMINATION OF FREIGHT WAGON PARAMETERS ACCORDING TO THE SPECIFIED CRITERIA OF THE TRAIN BRAKING EFFICIENCY (four-axle gondola cars, covered cars, platforms, dump cars)

The lack of normative values of the actual coefficients in the new rules of HOST 34434-2018 do not allow to implement and determine the optimal characte-ristics of the brake according to pre-accepted conditions of braking efficiency (braking distance), which causes uncertainty in solving this problem. The uncertainty is that the choice of characteristics of the braking system of the freight wagon has to be done by searching a large number of options. In this regard, the paper provides tools for determining the actual pressing force of the brake pads on the wheels, which complies with the specified braking performance of the freight train. As a tool, universal formulas are used in the form of a power relationship between the actual force of the brake pads and the braking distance of the freight train. The coefficients of universal formulas are obtained on the basis of computer modeling. Numerous examples show that the error in the use of universal formulas in calculation studies does not exceed 1% compared with the calculation method according to HOST 34434-2018. The values of the actual coefficients depending on the axial load of the wagon and the speed at which the braking distances of the freight train satisfy the normative minimum allowable values are given. It is shown that calculation studies performed according to the universal formulas in the EXCEL environment allows to fully automating the computational process. A method for determining the gear ratio of the brake lever of a freight wagon, according to which the specified braking efficiency is performed, is proposed. The proposed procedure allows you to perform a variety of studies to select the optimal parameters of the braking system of freight wagons that meet the specified requirements of braking efficiency, and greatly facilitates the calculation studies. Key words: аctual coefficient, braking distance, speed, axial load, power dependence, coefficients, gear ratio.

Integrated Physiological, Biomechanical, and Subjective Responses for the Selection of Assistive Level in Pedelec Cycling

In recent decade, pedelec has become one of the most popular transportation modes due to its effectiveness in reducing physical effort. The effects of using pedelec as an alternative mode of exercise were explored in previous studies. However, the effects of pedelec parameters were not quantified for the self-selected gear ratio, random riding speed, and varied road slopes, which restricted its application. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of gear ratio and assistive torque and to determine the optimum riding condition regarding physiological, biomechanical, and subjective responses of the rider. The riding tests consisted of simulated slope (1.0 vs. 2.5% grade), gear ratio (light vs. heavy), and assistive levels (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2), and the tests were conducted in a randomized order. A total of 19 non-athletes completed the riding tests to evaluate physiological [metabolic equivalent of task (MET), heart rate, and gross efficiency (GE)], biomechanical [muscle activity (expressed as reference voluntary contraction, RVC) and power output], and subjective responses [rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and sense of comfort (SC)]. The test conditions induced moderate to vigorous intensities (3.7–7.4 METs, 58.5–80.3% of maximal heart rate, 11.1–29.5% of RVC rectus femoris activity, and 9.4–14.2 RPEs). The effects of gear ratio and assistive level on the physiological responses were significant. Riding with the heavy gear ratio showed advantages in METs and GE. For the optimum assistive level selection, low GE and limited improvement in subjective responses suggested the impact of low-power output conditions. Overall, for the health pedelec commuters, riding with 0.75 W/kg power output with 50 rpm cadence is recommended to obtain the moderate intensity (4.7 METs) and the advantages in GE and subjective feelings. Moreover, the findings can be applied to exercise intensity control and save battery energy effectively in varying riding conditions.

Tunable stiffness in fish robotics: mechanisms and advantages

One of the emerging themes of fish-inspired robotics is flexibility. Adding flexibility to the body, joints, or fins of fish-inspired robots can significantly improve thrust and/or efficiency during locomotion. However, the optimal stiffness depends on variables such as swimming speed, so there is no one “best” stiffness that maximizes efficiency in all conditions. Fish are thought to solve this problem by using muscular activity to tune their body and fin stiffness in real-time. Inspired by fish, some recent robots sport polymer actuators, adjustable leaf springs, or artificial tendons that tune stiffness mechanically. Models and water channel tests are providing a theoretical framework for stiffness-tuning strategies that devices can implement. The strategies can be thought of as analogous to car transmissions, which allow users to improve efficiency by tuning gear ratio with driving speed. We provide an overview of the latest discoveries about 1) the propulsive benefits of flexibility, particularly tunable flexibility, and 2) the mechanisms and strategies that fish and fish-inspired robots use to tune stiffness while swimming.