The Need

Environments prone to high impact events, such as explosions and large falls, often require durable vehicles for safe transportation. These work environments, including military operations, mining operations, and resource exploration, must utilize vehicles featuring terrain-resistant systems, such as all-wheel drive. Currently, such systems often trade their energy efficiency for durability. As a result, the need remains for an all-wheel drive system that improves efficiency, yet offers the same level of durability as existing platforms.

The Technology

Researchers at The Ohio State University, led by Dr. Codrin-Gruie Cantemir, in collaboration with US Army Tank Automotive Research have developed NeverStrand Drive Train (NSDT). This hybrid, all-wheel-drive system simply and efficiently marries two internal combustion engines (diesel or gasoline) with two electric motors and a battery system to maximize energy efficiency in both on-road and off-road situations. The NSDT also incorporates all-wheel-steering to maximize control in poor driving conditions. The integration of these systems leads to a reliable, compact system that provides limp home mode capability, even under multiple engine and/or motor failure scenarios.

Commercial Applications

• Military defense vehicles
• Mining and oil vehicles
• Automotive engineering

Benefits/Advantages

• Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) in island technology, providing protection to passengers
• Limp-home operation providing the ability for automated function while damaged
• Island technology minimizes fuel consumption and maximizes acceleration
• Off-road ability to travel rugged terrain
• Analyzes both combustion and electric motor operations to optimize fuel and battery usage