Search Results

The University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has completed the successful design, integration and testing of a hybrid electric power and propulsion system incorporating a flywheel energy storage device. During testing, the improved drive train was shown to double acceleration rates while simultaneously reducing prime power usage in excess of 25% when compared to the same vehicle without the flywheel energy storage system. While the system was designed for and demonstrated on a transit bus, the technology described herein is applicable to a wide variety of applications, including additional mobile and marine power and propulsion systems. This paper (1) describes the drive train design with an overview of the critical components and (2) presents results from system-level testing of the transit bus with the integrated drive train.

The University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has been developing active suspension technology for off-road and on-road vehicles since 1993. The UT-CEM approach employs fully controlled electromechanical (EM) actuators to control vehicle dynamics and passive springs to efficiently support vehicle static weight. The program has completed three phases (full scale proof-of-principle demonstration on a quarter-car test rig; algorithm development on a four-corner test rig; and advanced EM linear actuator development) and is engaged in a full vehicle demonstration phase. Two full vehicle demonstrations are in progress: an off-road demonstration on a high mobility multiwheeled vehicle (HMMWV) and an on-road demonstration on a transit bus. HMMWV test results are indicating significant reductions in vehicle sprung mass accelerations with simultaneous increases in cross-country speed when compared to conventional passive suspension systems.

Through the support of the United States Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM), The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has developed a prototype electromagnetic (EM) linear actuator suitable for vehicle active suspensions. The prototype actuator built was designed to be used in conjunction with a supplemental air spring. It is capable of producing 8,896 N (2,000 lb) of force with a 12.7 cm (5 in.) stroke and up to 1 m/s (40 in./s) velocity. The actuator was designed as a retrofit for military high mobility multi-wheeled vehicles (HMMWV). The design also focused on capability of being retrofit on a 18.1 kg (20-ton) metropolitan advanced technology transit bus (ATTB).