Autonomous Machine Axle Orientation for Battery Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty electric working machines with separate electric systems for each axle often experience uneven battery discharge, leading to premature charging stops as the rear axle battery pack discharges faster than the front axle pack, resulting in reduced total battery range and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that determines the longitudinal gradient and charge levels of both electric energy storage systems, adjusting the working machine's orientation to balance charge levels by controlling which axle leads during uphill or downhill travel, ensuring that the axle with lower charge levels consumes or recovers less power accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate electric systems are provided for each axle, then each axle can be powered independently, but battery packs discharge unevenly causing premature charging stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of two separate electric systems into a unified control framework. The control system coordinates power distribution between the front and rear axle battery packs, allowing them to operate as an integrated energy network rather than independent isolated systems, thereby balancing discharge rates and extending operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts power distribution parameters based on real-time battery charge levels. When one battery pack reaches a threshold charge level, the system modifies power allocation to prioritize the other pack, changing operational parameters to achieve balanced discharge and prevent premature charging stops.
2Reliability
If separate electric systems are provided for each axle, then system redundancy is improved, but charge levels become unbalanced reducing total battery range
Solution Approach 1:
The control system creates a universal power management framework that can draw from and charge both battery packs interchangeably. Either battery pack can serve as the primary power source or be charged from the other, making the system flexible and multi-functional in terms of energy management, thereby maximizing total battery range while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite energy system where two separate battery packs function as a unified energy reservoir. By controlling power flow between the packs and allowing mutual charging, the system effectively combines the capacity of both batteries into a larger operational range, similar to how composite materials combine properties of constituent materials to achieve superior performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If battery packs are allowed to discharge at different rates, then operational flexibility is improved, but charge balance deteriorates requiring more frequent charging stops
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements dynamic power distribution that continuously adapts to the state of each battery pack. Power allocation is not fixed but changes in real-time based on charge levels, allowing the system to maintain flexibility in power distribution while actively managing charge balance through continuous adjustment of operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the charge levels of both battery packs and adjusting power distribution accordingly. When one pack's charge level deviates from the desired balance, the control system receives feedback and modifies power allocation to correct the imbalance, thereby maintaining charge balance while preserving operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and a method for control of an electric propulsion system of an autonomous working machine including a first axle and a second axle, the electric propulsion system including a first electric system configured to drive the first axle, including a first electric energy storage system, and a second electric system configured to drive the second axle, including a second electric energy storage system. The method includes determining a longitudinal gradient along an expected travelling path, determining charge levels of the first and second electric energy storage systems, respectively, and controlling the working machine to assume a first orientation or a second orientation to travel along the expected travelling path, wherein the orientation of the working machine is controlled in dependence on the determined longitudinal gradient and the determined charge levels.