Nexxtdrive Limited

Integral Powertrain Limited

Luke Barker

A method of and apparatus for operating a supercharger for an automotive engine is disclosed. The supercharger has: an input shaft for coupling to an engine crankshaft, and coupled to the rotor of a first electrical machine and a first component of an epicyclic gear train; and an output shaft connected to a compressor and a second component of the epicyclic gear train; wherein the third component of the epicyclic gear train is connected to the rotor of a second electrical machine. The first electrical machine is selectively operable to supply electrical energy to the second electrical machine. The method includes the steps of: (a) calculating a required speed of the second electrical machine that would give rise to a required pressure at an outlet of the compressor; and (b) setting the speed of the second electrical machine to the calculated required speed.

Method of and apparatus for operating a supercharger

An automotive air blower includes an air pump () connected to the output shaft of a transmission system, whose input shaft is connected, in use, to the engine () of a motor vehicle. The input and output shafts are connected to the ring gear () and sun gear (), respectively, of a three-branch epicyclic differential gearset. The planet carrier () of the gearset is connected to the rotor () of an electric motor/generator and the input shaft is connected to the rotor of an electrical machine (), which constitutes at least a generator. The electrical connections of the stators of the two machines are connected together via a controller arranged to control the flow of electrical power between them. A selectively engageable mechanical connection () is provided between two of the branches of the gearset and arranged to connect the two branches together such that the gearset will rotate as a single unit.

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Maidford, United Kingdom

Luke Barker