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Rotrex Develops Electrically-Driven Fully Variable Supercharger
2 July 2008
Rotrex has developed an electrically-driven fully variable supercharger for automotive and transportation markets. In addition to its first application on a fuel cell hybrid, the product is also targeted for mild- and full-hybrid systems.
Due to the design of the Rotrex traction drive which can achieve speeds up to 300,000 rpm, high-speed and efficient low-inertia impellers can be applied. The electric motor only needs to turn up to 20,000 rpm—response time to reach 90% boost is lower than 300 milliseconds.
The Rotrex traction drive uses an elastic annulus with a small pre-span to secure contact between the roller planets and the sun shaft with a reasonable force. The patented “ramp effect” increases efficiency and reliability in the transmission by regulating the torque transfer capability on demand through self-adjusting planet geometry.
To enhance performance, the Rotrex traction drive uses a new family of synthetic hydrocarbon oils and greases. Developed specially for use in Rotrex superchargers, the fluid momentarily increases viscosity under high surface pressure, enhancing the traction drive performance by securing the optimum friction between rolling elements while cooling and protecting the system.
The fuel cell hybrid system is being is developed together with a German customer for a 25kW system based on a PEM fuel cell in combination with a battery and a supercapacitor.
July 2, 2008 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: Herm | July 02, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Just as forced induction increases the specific power of an ICE it also increases the specific power of a fuel cell.
Posted by: GreenPlease | July 02, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Mohawk (MITI) has developed air-bearing compressors-recovery-turbines as well for this very market. These are somewhat related to the air bearing Capstone turbine generators. Oil free process air compressors are now in commercial production.
Mass produced electric-superchargers-turbines combined with diesel engines in hybrid vehicles can get the highest efficiency and power density. The hyper-clean diesel fuel with particulate filters and catalytic converters will eliminate any advantage of gasoline cars. Diesel fuel is easier and cheaper to produce and the current higher price is a marketing ploy.
It is doubtfull that fuel cells will ever reach the power or energy density of diesel engines that already have a well to wheels efficiency higher than that of fuel cells at far lower cost. Combined cycle heat recovery, invented a hundred years ago, can be used to improve the compression engine efficiency further. Kitson-Still type locomotives would yet be running if they had been invented by Southern Pacific.
Dimethylether can and is being made from natural gas and coal and can be stored as a liquid in standard propane tanks. It works better than diesel in diesel engines and can be made also from any biomass of any kind even from landfill or sewage methane and will burn in standard propane (or other) gas stoves. Dimethylether is far less likely to contaminate ground water, but the simple molecule is biodegradeable. It is usually made from methanol which can be stored in large volumes in non pressurized tanks and transported in ordinary tankers.
Engines running on diesel or dimethylether can get most of their energy from compressed natural gas or other fuel gas simply mixed into the intake air, but it is best injected after the exhaust valve or port is closed. This subsitute use of CNG is especially an option for local deliveries, and liquid propane-butane mixes (LPG) for long distances.
Very high speed drives can simplify and improve the efficiency of energy using devices. Thanks to Rotrex.. ...HG...
Posted by: Henry Gibson | July 03, 2008 at 09:41 AM
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why are they using a supercharger on a fuel cell hybrid?.. is there an ICE somewhere?
These electric superchargers in combination with small engines are very promising.. hopefully lower cost than a turbo and more reliable.