Group for Integrity of Mechanical Structures and Development of Independently Controlled Gear Drives

group leader

prof. dr. sc. Srdjan Podrug

associates

dr. sc. Milan Perkušić
mag. ing. Vjekoslav Tvrdić, asistent

Research Topics

  1. Fatigue
  2. Fracture Mechancics
  3. Mechanical Power Transmissions

Description of Laboratory and equipment

  1. Machine Elements Laboratory (C809) with machine element models

project title

Power transmissions with independently controlled output speed (ICT)

Project research activities

Global trends in energy sustainability and environmental protection in the development of mechanical structures have stimulated research in new models of power transmission with independently controllable output speed (ICT). These are transmissions that are primarily used in motor vehicles and wind turbines, they can also be used in all other areas where optimization of energy sources is required. Therefore, the aim of the proposed research is to develop new models of energy transmission and conversion systems that have higher efficiency than existing systems, their application in motor vehicles ensures lower greenhouse gas emissions, while their simple design lowers their production costs.

 

Research in new models of energy transmission and conversion systems is being conducted in two directions. One is the development of self-shifting transmissions, which are the combination of classic gearboxes (fixed-axis gear- boxes) and planetary gearboxes. Of primary importance is to determine the kinematic equations of joint operation of classic and planetary gears within the model of a new gearbox with independently controlled output speed.

 

The second direction relates to the development of simple control transmissions. Used in vehicles that have two energy sources (hybrid electric vehicles), they ensure a continuous change of the vehicle speed regardless of the speed of the internal combustion engine. Such transmissions consist of mechanical and electrical components whose operation is coordinated by a simple control system. In addition to independent vehicle speed control, the new transmissions also ensure the optimization of the vehicle energy system through a new energy management strategy for the hybrid electric vehicle. It ensures that the drive motor operates in the area of minimum fuel consumption or maximum efficiency, while the battery delivers the optimal amount of electricity to the system, which increases the overall degree of efficiency of transmission and conversion of energy.