Variable Speed Auxiliary Engine Control for Winter Gritting Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for controlling attachments on winter service gritting vehicles operate with a constant speed auxiliary engine, leading to inefficient hydraulic power usage, potential overheating, increased noise, and higher fuel consumption, as well as unnecessary wear on the motor.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically adjusts the speed of the auxiliary motor based on relevant operating parameters such as spreading width, salt and brine density, and vehicle speed, ensuring only the required hydraulic power is used, reducing noise and fuel consumption, and incorporating a safety margin for power peaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the auxiliary engine runs at constant speed to provide sufficient hydraulic power, then the hydraulic system can meet peak power demands, but energy consumption increases and the engine operates inefficiently during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary engine speed is made variable rather than constant. The control system dynamically adjusts the engine speed based on actual hydraulic power demand, allowing the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points while still meeting peak power requirements when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the auxiliary engine by adjusting its rotational speed. The control unit modifies the engine speed parameter in response to varying hydraulic power demands, optimizing the balance between power availability and energy consumption.
2Power
If the hydraulic pump operates at full capacity to ensure sufficient power delivery, then attachments can operate at maximum performance, but hydraulic oil overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump's operating speed is dynamically adjusted to match actual power demands. By reducing pump speed during low-demand periods, the system minimizes hydraulic oil circulation and heat generation, thereby reducing overheating risk while maintaining adequate power delivery when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of excessive hydraulic power delivery into a benefit by intentionally limiting pump output to match actual needs. This prevents overheating while the control system ensures adequate power is available for actual operational requirements.
3Stress or pressure
If the auxiliary engine runs at high speed continuously to maintain hydraulic pressure, then sufficient pressure is always available for attachments, but noise levels increase especially when vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary engine speed is dynamically controlled based on actual hydraulic pressure demands. During stationary periods with low demand, the engine operates at reduced speeds, significantly lowering noise emissions while the control system maintains adequate pressure for operational needs.
4Speed
If the auxiliary engine operates at constant high speed to ensure immediate power availability, then attachments can start and operate without delay, but wear on the auxiliary motor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary engine speed is dynamically adjusted based on actual operational demands and the operational state of attachments. The control system monitors attachment status and accelerates the engine when attachments require power, reducing unnecessary high-speed operation and thereby decreasing wear while maintaining responsive performance.
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 solution reduces the risk of hydraulic oil overheating, minimizes noise, especially when stationary, lowers operating costs, and extends the life of the auxiliary motor by running at lower speeds, while maintaining sufficient hydraulic pressure for attachments.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic motor is connected to a hydraulic pump via pressure lines, is driven by hydraulic oil delivered by the hydraulic pump and converts the energy of the hydraulic oil into mechanical (kinetic) energy
Implementation Method 2
A hydraulic motor is connected to a hydraulic pump via pressure lines, is driven by hydraulic oil delivered by the hydraulic pump and converts the energy of the hydraulic oil into mechanical (kinetic) energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The system has an auxiliary engine (1), a hydraulic pump (3) propelled by the auxiliary engine and the hydraulic engines (4,5,6). The system is arranged to automatically detect a speed of the auxiliary engine depending on an operating parameter for the operation of one of the accessory devices (18,19). The operating parameter has one or more parameters such as scatter range, spreading density or salt, spreading density of brine, brine portion and speed of the winter gritting vehicle. An independent claim is included for a method for controlling an accessory device for a winter gritting vehicle.