Power losses in power-split CVTs: A fast black-box approximate method

2018

Abstract This paper addresses the mechanical losses of planetary transmissions, with particular attention to power-split CVTs in their hybrid electric versions. It provides unified layout-independent analytical relationships, which can be used for both analysis, design and control purposes, and a simplified approach; the latter overcomes the necessity to segment the operating range of the power-split CVT in order to keep its loss model physically consistent. An example of application to a real hybrid electric PS-CVT is performed to show the simplicity, accuracy and generality of the proposed method.

Split-Way CVTs: Parametric Analysis and Design

The thesis provides a parametric analytical method for the analysis and design of power-split continuously variable transmissions, which represent the state of the art for heavy-duty vehicles and hybrid electric cars. The functioning of any driveline is described by mean of a simple set of kinematic parameters, regardless of the constructive scheme. The calculation of the control torques remains straightforward even when both inertial effects and mechanical losses are taken into account. A simple design procedure is described and generalized in order to address any order of driveline, including multimode transmissions. The final layout is generated additively, without the need to analyze hu…

Hybrid electric vehicle powertrain design: Construction of topologies and initial design schemes

2018

This paper introduces the generic representation and construction methods for the architectures of the four-wheel-drive hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain, which achieve the unified rules to represent and construct all types of HEV powertrains. To map the architecture into numerical variables and add it into optimization, the kinematic matrix of the HEV powertrain is extracted corresponding to the topological structure. Based on the torque distribution requirement of four-wheel-drive HEV, the initial design schemes (architecture and parameters) are created by charge-under-go feasibility inspection.

Functional design of power-split CVTs: An uncoupled hierarchical optimized model

2017

Abstract This paper provides a new model for the preliminary design of compound power-split CVTs. Unlike the existing models, the presented method allows the engineers to prioritize functionality and efficiency of the transmission, while delaying the choice of the involved gear sets’ layout as long as possible. The design approach follows a specific priority order, and each step deals with one particular issue, without mutual interference. A smart design-chart eases the assessment and the comparison of the only eligible alternatives, and eventually leads to a final feasible constructive scheme, which can be an excellent concept for further optimization and implementation. Moreover, the mode…

Direct analysis of power-split CVTs: A unified method

2018

Abstract This paper provides a fast kinematic analysis method for compound power-split CVTs, which consents to identify their functional parameters. Such parameters permit the assessment of power flows, torques and efficiency, and the design of equivalent transmissions by the use of a recently published mathematical model. The same method can easily address either simpler or more complex transmissions by mean of kinematic equivalent parameters, without the need to arrange separate systems of equations. As a case study, we performed the kinematic analysis of the “Voltec” multi-mode GM transmission.

A simple method for the design of hybrid electric power-split cvts: A case study

2018

A brief parametric method for the preliminary design of hybrid electric Power-Split CVTs is performed. The desired torque-speed characteristic is obtained, and general control and optimization criteria are introduced in order to minimize the size of the required electric machines. The optimization is performed by mean of scheme-independent functional parameters, while a specific constructive design is proposed only later, along with possible full electric operations.