Analysis of power flow in a counter-rotating epicyclic gearing for electrical propulsion system

摘要

A novel compound epicyclic gearing that combines a planetary gear train with a differential gear train is designed for an electrical propulsion system of underwater unmanned vehicles. This epicyclic gearing can transform a single input into two counter-rotating outputs with equal torque amplitudes and speeds. Based on the analysis method of power flow in the differential gear train, the character of the power flow of the compound epicyclic gearing was determined. After comparing with the power distribution of input flow, the condition of this mechanism without power recirculation was investigated. Because the reactive torque of the motor stator is balanced by the torque on ring gear of planetary gear train, no net torque acts on the vessel being propelled.