Vehicle Air Compressor Coasting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air compressor systems in vehicles inefficiently utilize engine power, especially during coasting, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and frequent stopping, as they operate based solely on air tank pressure levels without adjusting to the vehicle's operational state.

Innovation Solution

An air compressor system that can operate at a first and a second higher power rate, determined by whether the vehicle is coasting, using a gearbox or continuously variable transmission to adjust speed and power delivery based on vehicle operating parameters, ensuring efficient use of engine power and reducing fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the air compressor system operates based solely on air tank pressure levels, then the system structure is simple, but fuel consumption increases during coasting operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor operation mode adjustable based on vehicle operating conditions. The control system dynamically switches between pressure-based control (normal operation) and coasting-based control (energy recovery mode), allowing the system to adapt its behavior to maximize energy efficiency during coasting while maintaining simplicity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from solely pressure-based to a composite parameter that includes both pressure level and vehicle operating state (coasting detection). This parameter change enables the system to distinguish between normal operation and coasting operation, thereby optimizing fuel consumption by adjusting compressor operation accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the compressor is constantly driven by the engine, then pneumatic power is always available, but unnecessary fuel is consumed during coasting when no pneumatic power is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepneumatic power availabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by intermittently activating the compressor based on detected coasting events. During coasting periods, the compressor is activated to store energy in the air tank, while during normal operation it operates only when pneumatic power is needed. This periodic operation pattern ensures power availability while eliminating continuous fuel consumption during coasting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting coasting conditions in advance and pre-charging the air tank during these free-energy periods. This preliminary energy storage ensures that pneumatic power is available when needed later, while avoiding fuel consumption during the coasting period itself when the engine is not delivering useful work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If the compressor speed is increased to meet high air demand, then pneumatic power output increases, but fuel consumption increases proportionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepneumatic power outputVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by storing energy in the air tank during coasting periods before high-demand periods occur. This pre-stored energy allows the system to meet high air demand without immediately increasing compressor speed and fuel consumption, thereby decoupling power output from instantaneous fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by using the vehicle's own coasting kinetic energy to charge the air tank, rather than relying entirely on engine-driven compression. This self-charging mechanism reduces the burden on the engine during high-demand periods, allowing higher power output with proportionally lower fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system enhances the use of 'free' engine power during coasting, reducing fuel consumption and minimizing the need for conventional brakes by optimizing air tank replenishment and power delivery, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing friction brake usage.

Implementation Method 1

an air compressor system for supplying compressed air to an air consuming circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

using a gearbox or continuously variable transmission to adjust speed and power delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9688260B2Vehicle comprising an air compressor system and method for operating a vehicle air compressor system

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

A vehicle includes an air compressor system for supplying compressed air to an air consuming circuit, wherein the vehicle includes an arrangement for determining that the vehicle is coasting. The compressor system is controllable to deliver compressed air at a first power rate and at least at a second higher power rate, and it is controlled to deliver compressed air at the second higher power rate when it is determined that the vehicle is coasting. A method for operating an air compressor system for such a vehicle is also provided.