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Results for “Power Train”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Multiport Converter based Auxiliary Power Supply for Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Power Train

This paper presents a multiport converter (MPC) based power supply to charge the 12 V and 24 V auxiliary batteries in heavy duty (HD) fuel cell (FC) electric vehicle (EV) power train. Compared to conventional auxiliary power supply architectures, the proposed architecture shares the power electronic components of the main power train yet preserves the isolation and all other desirable features of auxiliary power supplies. The proposed auxiliary power supply architecture reduces the requirements of the devices, gate drivers and thermal requirements thereby having potential benefits towards improving the power density, cost and weight of the overall power train. The topology, design parameters and control methodology are discussed, and results are presented to validate the proposed architecture.

Mukherjee, Subho↗
NASA NTRS1978

Preliminary power train design for a state-of-the-art electric vehicle

Power train designs which can be implemented within the current state-of-the-art were identified by means of a review of existing electric vehicles and suitable off-the-shelf components. The affect of various motor/transmission combinations on vehicle range over the SAE J227a schedule D cycle was evaluated. The selected, state-of-the-art power train employs a dc series wound motor, SCR controller, variable speed transmission, regenerative braking, drum brakes and radial ply tires. Vehicle range over the SAE cycle can be extended by approximately 20% by the further development of separately excited, shunt wound DC motors and electrical controllers. Approaches which could improve overall power train efficiency, such as AC motor systems, are identified. However, future emphasis should remain on batteries, tires and lightweight structures if substantial range improvements are to be achieved.

Mighdoll, P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Power Train for Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Power train of hybrid electric vehicle enables internal-combustion engine and electric motor to operate near same constant speed except when off or idling.

Vivian, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A Preliminary Study of Solar Powered Aircraft and Associated Power Trains

The feasibility of regeneratively powered solar high altitude powered platform (HAPP) remotely piloted vehicles was assessed. Those technologies which must be pursued to make long duration solar HAPPs feasible are recommended. A methodology which involved characterization and parametric analysis of roughly two dozen variables to determine vehicles capable of fulfilling the primary mission are defined. One of these vehicles was then conceptually designed. Variations of each major design parameter were investigated along with state-of-the-art changes in power train component capabilities. The midlatitude mission studied would be attainable by a solar HAPP if fuel cell, electrolyzer and photovoltaic technologies are pursued. Vehicles will be very large and have very lightweight structures in order to attain the combinations of altitude and duration required by the primary mission.

Hall, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Preliminary power train design for a state-of-the-art electric vehicle

The state-of-the-art (SOTA) of electric vehicles built since 1965 was reviewed to establish a base for the preliminary design of a power train for a SOTA electric vehicle. The performance of existing electric vehicles were evaluated to establish preliminary specifications for a power train design using state-of-the-art technology and commercially available components. Power train components were evaluated and selected using a computer simulation of the SAE J227a Schedule D driving cycle. Predicted range was determined for a number of motor and controller combinations in conjunction with the mechanical elements of power trains and a battery pack of sixteen lead-acid batteries - 471.7 kg at 0.093 MJ/Kg (1040 lbs. at 11.7 Whr/lb). On the basis of maximum range and overall system efficiency using the Schedule D cycle, an induction motor and 3 phase inverter/controller was selected as the optimum combination when used with a two-speed transaxle and steel belted radial tires. The predicted Schedule D range is 90.4 km (56.2 mi). Four near term improvements to the SOTA were identified, evaluated, and predicted to increase range approximately 7%.

Ross, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Preliminary power train design for a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (executive summary)

The preliminary design of a state-of-the-art electric power train is part of a national effort to reap the potential benefit of useful urban electric passenger vehicles. Outlined in a detailed presentation are: (1) assessment of the state-of-the-art in electric vehicle technology; (2) state-of-the-art power train design; (3) improved power train; and (4) summary and recommendations.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrated On-Board Charger for Dual Motor Based Electric Vehicle Power Train

This paper presents an integrated on-board charger for dual motor based electric vehicle (EV) power train with silicon carbide semiconductor switch-based traction inverters. The proposed charger architecture reconfigures the traction inverters to be used in the battery charging mode, thereby eliminating several high frequency switches and their accessories. The motor windings are reused as line inductors for the power factor correction (PFC) rectifier stage in the charging mode thereby reducing the requirements of magnetic components. The architectures reduce the cost, weight, and volume of the EV power train. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the working principle of the proposed architecture.

Mukherjee, Subho [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000672297925)↗
NASA NTRS1984

A system-level mathematical model for evaluation of power train performance of load-leveled electric-vehicles

The power train performance of load leveled electric vehicles can be compared with that of nonload leveled systems by use of a simple mathematical model. This method of measurement involves a number of parameters including the degree of load leveling and regeneration, the flywheel mechanical to electrical energy fraction, and efficiencies of the motor, generator, flywheel, and transmission. Basic efficiency terms are defined and representative comparisons of a variety of systems are presented. Results of the study indicate that mechanical transfer of energy into and out of the flywheel is more advantageous than electrical transfer. An optimum degree of load leveling may be achieved in terms of the driving cycle, battery characteristics, mode of mechanization, and the efficiency of the components. For state of the art mechanically coupled flyheel systems, load leveling losses can be held to a reasonable 10%; electrically coupled systems can have losses that are up to six times larger. Propulsion system efficiencies for mechanically coupled flywheel systems are predicted to be approximately the 60% achieved on conventional nonload leveled systems.

Purohit, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Power train analysis for the DOE/NASA 100-kW wind turbine generator

Progress in explaining variations of power experienced in the on-line operation of a 100 kW experimental wind turbine-generator is reported. Data are presented that show the oscillations tend to be characteristic of a wind-driven synchronous generator because of low torsional damping in the power train, resonances of its large structure, and excitation by unsteady and nonuniform wind flow. The report includes dynamic analysis of the drive-train torsion, the generator, passive driveline damping, and active pitch control as well as correlation with experimental recordings. The analysis assumes one machine on an infinite bus with constant generator-field excitation.

Seidel, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Use of blade pitch control to provide power train damping for the Mod-2, 2.5-mW wind turbine

The Control System for the Mod-2 wind turbine system is required to provide not only for startup, RPM regulation, maximizing or regulating power, and stopping the rotor, but also for load limiting, especially in the power train. Early operations with above-rated winds revealed an instability which was caused primarily by coupling between the quill shaft and the rotor air loads. This instability caused the first of several major Mod-2 Control System changes which are reviewed in the paper.

Blissell, W. A., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Flux-Switching Machine Based All-Electric Power Train for Future Aircraft

This research investigates a flux-switching motor with superconducting and cryogenically cooled windings, aimed at achieving exceptionally high power densities. In addition to the motor’s topology and superconducting windings, it was found that power density could be further enhanced by incorporating superconducting shields on the rotor at the interpole locations. The resulting publications and patented technology outline the design process. A motor power density of 64 kW/kg—including housing materials—was achieved for a 1 MW design, surpassing the performance of existing motors. An electronic drive was also developed, achieving a power density of 47 kW/kg. This includes the mechanical structure of the drivetrain, for which a detailed CAD model was created, resulting in an overall drivetrain power density of 27 kW/kg.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1977

Baseline tests of the power-train electric delivery van

Vehicle maximum speed, range at constant speed, range over stop-and-go driving schedules, maximum acceleration, gradeability, gradeability limit, road energy consumption, road power, indicated energy consumption, braking capability, battery charger efficiency, and battery characteristics were determined for a modified utility van powered by sixteen 6-volt batteries connected in series. A chopper controller actuated by a foot accelerator pedal changes the voltage applied to the 22-kilowatt (30-hp) series-wound drive motor. In addition to the conventional hydraulic braking system, the vehicle has hydraulic regenerative braking. Cycle tests and acceleration tests were conducted with and without hydraulic regeneration.

Lumannick, S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electric vehicle power train instrumentation: Some constraints and considerations

The application of pulse modulation control (choppers) to dc motors creates unique instrumentation problems. In particular, the high harmonic components contained in the current waveforms require frequency response accommodations not normally considered in dc instrumentation. In addition to current sensing, accurate power measurement requires not only adequate frequency response but must also address phase errors caused by the finite bandwidths and component characteristics involved. The implications of these problems are assessed.

Triner, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electric vehicle power train instrumentation - Some constraints and considerations

The application of pulse modulation control (choppers) to dc motors creates unique instrumentation problems. In particular, the high-harmonic components contained in the current waveforms require frequency-response accommodations not normally considered in dc instrumentation. In addition to current sensing, accurate power measurement not only requires adequate frequency response but also must address phase errors caused by the finite bandwidths and component characteristics involved. This paper discusses the implications of these problems and reports on the degree to which they have been solved at Lewis Research Center.

Triner, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) power-train system development

Technical work on the design and component testing of a 74.5 kW (100 hp) advanced automotive gas turbine is described. Selected component ceramic component design, and procurement were tested. Compressor tests of a modified rotor showed high speed performance improvement over previous rotor designs; efficiency improved by 2.5%, corrected flow by 4.6%, and pressure ratio by 11.6% at 100% speed. The aerodynamic design is completed for both the gasifier and power turbines. Ceramic (silicon carbide) gasifier rotors were spin tested to failure. Improving strengths is indicated by burst speeds and the group of five rotors failed at speeds between 104% and 116% of engine rated speed. The emission results from combustor testing showed NOx levels to be nearly one order of magnitude lower than with previous designs. A one piece ceramic exhaust duct/regenerator seal platform is designed with acceptable low stress levels.

Helms, H. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT): Power-train system development

Technical work on the design and effort leading to the testing of a 74.5 kW (100 hp) automotive gas turbine is described. The general effort was concentrated on building an engine for test starting in July. The buildup progressed with only routine problems and the engine was delivered to the test stand 9 July. In addition to the engine build effort, work continued in selected component areas. Ceramic turbine parts were built and tested. Burst tests of ceramic rotors show strengths are approaching that achieved in test bars; proof testing is required for acceptable strength ceramic vanes. Over 25 hours was accumulated on the combustor rig in three test modes: pilot nozzle only, start nozzle, and main nozzle operation. Satisfactory ignition was achieved for a wide range of starting speeds and the lean blowout limit was as low as 0.06 kg/b (0.14 lb/hr). Lean blowout was more a function of nozzle atomization than fuel/air ratio. A variety of cycle points were tested. Transition from start nozzle flow to main nozzle flow was done manually without difficulty. Regenerator parts were qualification tested without incident and the parts were assembled on schedule. Rig based performance matched first build requirements. Repeated failures in the harmonic drive gearbox during rig testing resulted in that concept being abandoned for an alternate scheme.

Helms, H. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Compact Hybrid Automotive Propulsion System

Power train proposed for experimental vehicle powered by internal combustion engine and electric motor. Intended for front-wheel drive automobile, power train mass produced using existing technology. System includes internal-combustion engine, electric motor, continuously variable transmission, torque converter, differential, and control and adjustment systems for electric motor and transmission. Continuously variable transmission integrated into hydraulic system that also handles power steering and power brakes. Batteries for electric motor mounted elsewhere in vehicle.

Lupo, G.↗