Adaptive Alternator Load Reduction for Truck Idling Fuel Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large over-the-road trucks require idling diesel engines to power heating and air conditioning systems in the cab, leading to excessive fuel consumption due to oversized auxiliary engines that continue to operate components even when they are not needed.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive alternator system that adjusts power consumption based on the operating state of the cab air conditioning system, allowing a smaller auxiliary engine to be used by reducing the alternator's load on the engine when the air conditioning is engaged, thereby offsetting the increased load and conserving fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an auxiliary engine is used to power the cab air conditioning system, then the truck's diesel engine does not need to idle, but the auxiliary engine is oversized and uses more fuel than needed when components are not actively powered
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator's power output is dynamically adjusted based on the operating state of the air conditioning system. When the AC is disengaged, the alternator reduces its power generation, allowing the auxiliary engine to operate at a lower power level and consume less fuel, while still meeting the power needs when the AC is actively cooling the cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the alternator based on the AC system state. By monitoring whether the AC compressor is engaged or disengaged, the control system adjusts the alternator's electrical load and power output accordingly, enabling the auxiliary engine to operate more efficiently across different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the alternator produces full power continuously, then the battery is adequately charged, but the engine experiences excessive load when the air conditioning is disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator's power output is dynamically adjusted based on the operating state of the air conditioning system. When the AC is disengaged, the alternator reduces its power generation, allowing the auxiliary engine to operate at a lower power level and consume less fuel, while still meeting the power needs when the AC is actively cooling the cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the AC system's operating state to control the alternator's power output. The control module monitors the AC compressor status and adjusts the alternator's electrical load accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes engine load while ensuring adequate battery charging when needed.
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
The adaptive alternator system achieves fuel savings with minimal impact on driver comfort by optimizing power usage, enabling the use of a smaller engine while maintaining efficient operation of the air conditioning and battery charging systems.
Implementation Method 1
The adaptive alternator receives the signal from the driven load and generates a first amount of power
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reducing an alternator's load on an engine when the engine drives a second load. The system includes an alternator, a battery, a resistor, and a switch. The alternator includes a stator, a voltage regulator, a rectifier, and a field coil. The battery has a first terminal coupled to the alternator and a second terminal coupled to the alternator. The resistor has a first lead coupled to the first terminal and a second lead coupled to the field coil. The switch is coupled in parallel across the resistor, and is open when the engine drives the second load and closed when the engine is not driving the second load.