Shown below is the 75hp proof of concept CATRE coupled to an equally sized generator. From this image it is blatantly apparent that the engine's auxiliary components are now larger & more massive than the engine itself. Thus the CATRE I & IO were born.
CATRE vs CATRE-I, how we integrated an engine, a turbocharger, an electric machine and a radiator (along with the power electronics and ancillary devices...)
The CATRE-I and CATRE-IO expand upon the fundamental co-axial architecture of the CATRE, by additionally co-axially locating an electric machine and heat exchanger (radiator). The electric machine is coupled to the eccentric shaft via a gear train. The stator of the electric machine is pressed over the outside of the CATRE's cylindrical "engine block assembly", and they share the water jacket internal to the block assembly. The electric machines rotor rotates due to the CATRE's powertrain, thus generating electricity. The e-machine's rotor is also used as a fan, drawing air through the heat exchanger, which cools the engine oil & coolant. These sorts of advanced integration efforts are numerous and what enable the CATRE-I & IO to be so much smaller and lighter than their competition.
The cross section above shows the basic architecture of the CATRE-IO
Above is an original hand drawing of the CATRE-I concept intended for electrical power generation only. This concept is unmatched for size, scalability, smoothness of operation and most importantly power density.
The CATRE-I and the CATRE-IO differ in that the CATRE-IO expands beyond the coaxial turbo, engine, and electric machine, and adds a triple clutch transmission, allowing for the transfer of mechanical power both in and out of the device. The CATRE-IO therefore becomes a micro-hybrid power-plant that is unrivaled in power density and simplicity.
The CATRE-I, and CATRE-IO 1.5Kw Micro-Generator & Micro-Hybrid Power-plants: Consider these the "Integrated Circuit Boards of liquid fueled electrical power generation, and micro-hybrid devices.
CATRE-IO: Exploded view showing the major assemblies from left to right: Nacel, Rotor (e-machine), Stator (e-machine), Engine Housing Assembly, Rotating Combustion & Power Transmission Assembly, Rotating Turbo-Machinary Assembly
CATRE-IO: Cold Side
CATRE-IO: Hot side
Although numerous versions of CATRE architecture are possible, we have chosen to start with two that most benefit from the CATRE's unique architecture. (Other layouts can be seen on the "Gallery" page of this site)