Adaptive Compressed Air Charging Control for Heavy Duty Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air charging systems for vehicles divert engine power away from vehicle operation when charging the air storage tank, especially during conditions requiring maximum power, such as climbing a grade, due to the compressor's continuous operation, leading to reduced power availability for the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller-controlled compressed air charging system that monitors vehicle engine load and pneumatic system pressure to initiate and stop charging cycles based on available excess engine power, setting specific pressure limits to optimize charging during periods when full engine power is not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor charges the storage tank continuously to maintain adequate compressed air supply, then the compressed air availability is improved, but the engine power available for vehicle operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging system adaptive rather than static. The microcontroller continuously monitors engine load and pneumatic system pressure, dynamically adjusting the charging decision based on real-time conditions. This allows the system to charge when engine power is abundant and skip charging when power is critical, resolving the contradiction between reliable air supply and power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed pressure thresholds to dynamic pressure thresholds that vary with engine load conditions. The microcontroller adjusts the charging behavior based on engine load parameters, transforming the system from a simple pressure-based governor to an intelligent control system that optimizes both air availability and power consumption
2Productivity
If the compressor operates at full capacity to quickly recharge the storage tank, then the charging speed is improved, but the engine power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the charging process to be incomplete or deferred based on engine load conditions. Rather than always charging to maximum capacity, the microcontroller may choose to charge partially or delay charging until conditions are favorable, optimizing the balance between charging speed and power consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures that the compressed air storage tank is maintained within optimal pressure ranges while minimizing the diversion of engine power, allowing for greater vehicle performance by charging the tank only when excess power is available, thus enhancing vehicle efficiency and power availability.
Implementation Method 1
A microcontroller-controlled compressed air charging system that monitors vehicle engine load and pneumatic system pressure
Implementation Method 2
atmospheric air is compressed by a compressor and stored in one or more compressed air storage tanks
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging a compressed air storage tank for a vehicle increases the pressure in the storage tank from a first pressure to a second pressure. The method includes determining the first pressure according to a first detected vehicle engine load, and starting the charge cycle when the pressure detected in the storage tank is at least as low as the first pressure. The method further includes determining the second pressure according to a second detected vehicle engine load, and stopping the charge cycle when the pressure detected in the storage tank is at least as high as the second pressure.