The invention refers to an integrated system composed of all powertrain components required to transform an internal combustion vehicle into an electric vehicle. The system is easy to install by authorized car mechanics and garages.
| Patent title | Method for converting a vehicle with an internal combustion engine into an electrical vehicle |
|---|---|
| Thematic area | Climate, Energy and Mobility |
| Ownership | ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA' DI BOLOGNA |
| Inventors | Claudio Rossi, Andrea Zucchelli, Luca Raimondi, Davide Pontara, Marco Bertoldi |
| Protection | Europe |
| Licensing status | Available for development agreements, option, license and other exploitation agreements |
| Keywords | Powertrain, electric vehicle, retrofit, environmental pollution, carbon footprint, sustainability , green economy |
| Filed on | 18 December 2017 |
The electric vehicles sector is in early stages of market development with modest manufacturing volumes and cyclical production trends. However, there is an increasing growth in the demand of electrical cars, driven strongly by both consumer and policy-related factors. In this context, innovation in automotive components, specifically retro-fitted parts, that convert traditional vehicles to electric-powered vehicles has significant market potential. In response, the CIRI-MAM and CIRI-ICT of the University of Bologna has conducted ongoing research for the development of a suitable technology/solution, that can also contribute to reducing environmental impact of vehicles. This research activity is founded on, and fueled by, a long-standing expertise in the development of the electric powertrain (e.g. on the components, subsystems; complete systems for electric road vehicles) and mechanical integration systems (e.g. new mechanical structures; use of both traditional metallic materials and composite materials).
The invention is composed of all powertrain components which are mechanically, electrically and functionally integrated:
1. Storage system and relative BMS, traction motor, drive inverter, battery charger, VMU, supervisor, control systems and power and signal connections;
2. Mechanical containment system of the entire powertrain (containing batteries and all technological components);
3. Interfacing system (HMI) for driver and passengers (and with Internet (VTI);)
4. Air conditioning system (HVAC) for vehicle occupants;
5. Protocols for mechanical, structural, electrical and functional integration between the systems and the vehicle
The entire integrated system is easy to install by authorized repair shops
Development of technologies complementary to traditional moto-vehicular industry. Currently, there are no registered technologies for the conversion of traditional-to-electric engines.
Principal innovative aspects/advantages of the invention:
• Low cost system
• Easy to install
• Increased perception of comfort and ease of driving through interactive user interfaces and elements of gamification;
• Reduced carbon footprint and increased environmental sustainability in a strategic sector •Reduced vehicle weight through the use of light-weight traditional materials (aluminum, steel) and composite materials;
• Reduced energy consumption of air-conditioning
• Maximized system’s storage energy