SUPPORTING ELECTRIC VEHICLE MARKET NEEDS

With range anxiety hindering sales growth for electric vehicles, manufacturers have sought to address range concerns with the creation of hybrid-electric vehicles.

By using a traditional piston engine to drive an electric generator, hybrid-electric models can charge a battery resulting in an increased range. However, the large size of piston engines vastly restricts space requirements of electric vehicles, increases the weight of the vehicle, as well as produce poor power-to-weight ratios and vibration; not an ideal match for consumers seeking the smooth operation and efficiencies of an electric vehicle.

To meet consumer needs and support vehicle manufacturers, an alternative solution is needed for a range extender that is not just reliable and compact, but delivers better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, minimal noise and low vibrations. Using unique CREEV technology (Compound Rotary Engine Range Extender for Electric Vehicles) AIE are able to develop a compact, lightweight range extender that delivers on market needs.

SOLVING RANGE ANXIETY USING CREEV

With the inherent advantages of the rotary engine providing high power to weight ratios in a much more compact and lightweight technology, rotary engines are ideal for use as range extenders.

Until now, rotary engines have been avoided due to concerns over high internal wear, noise, poor efficiency and high emissions. However, AIE’s CREEV technology addresses these issues so that they are no longer a disadvantage when using rotary engines as range extenders.

This is made possible by innovative technologies including a Single Lobe Exhaust Expander (SLEE) that increases expansion stroke, extends combustion time and reduces exhaust gas temperature leading to improved combustion efficiency, lower emissions and reduced noise.

In addition to SLEE technology, AIE also utilise patented SPARCS (Self-Pressurised Air Rotor Cooling System) within the range extender system that works by circulating pressurised gases within the engine to lower the core temperature. As a result of this superior heat rejection, tip wear is reduced and sealing is improved for greater efficiencies and lower emissions.

Rather than operating at a variety of power ranges like the piston engine, the rotary engine will only be used to drive the generator at a fixed rpm and so will operate at its highest efficiency level. Together, with its smooth running low vibration, simplified maintenance requirements and huge space saving advantages, the CREEV range extender for electric vehicles represents the perfect power plant.