Wheel Axle Fluid Heating Control for Cold-Start Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved vehicle preconditioning systems that determine when to initiate a conditioning procedure for wheel axle fluids, such as lubricant or hydraulic brake fluids, to avoid adverse effects from cold temperatures and reduce energy losses.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that determines whether to initiate a conditioning procedure based on information about propulsion assembly inactivity, expected operation start time, and wheel axle fluid temperature, and controls components like pumps, heat exchangers, and fluid circuits to adjust fluid temperature before operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conditioning procedure is initiated to increase wheel axle fluid temperature, then energy losses are reduced and vehicle operation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption during the conditioning procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit initiates a conditioning procedure to heat the wheel axle fluid in advance before the vehicle operation starts. By performing the heating action preliminarily, the system ensures that the fluid reaches optimal temperature before operation, thereby reducing energy losses during actual vehicle operation while managing the energy consumption timing appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the temperature of the wheel axle fluid and uses this feedback information to determine when to initiate and when to terminate the conditioning procedure. This feedback mechanism ensures that heating is maintained only as long as necessary to reach the target temperature, optimizing the balance between reducing energy losses and managing energy consumption.
2Productivity
If a conditioning procedure is initiated for cold wheel axle fluid, then vehicle operation efficiency is improved, but the risk of inappropriate initiation increases when operation time is short
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates the expected operation duration and compares it with the time required to heat the wheel axle fluid to optimal temperature. By performing this preliminary assessment, the system determines whether initiating a conditioning procedure is appropriate, thereby improving vehicle operation efficiency when beneficial while avoiding inappropriate initiation when operation time is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the decision to initiate conditioning based on real-time information about expected operation duration and current fluid temperature. This dynamic evaluation allows the system to adapt its behavior to different operating scenarios, ensuring that conditioning is initiated only when it will contribute positively to overall vehicle operation efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If wheel axle fluid temperature is increased through conditioning, then energy losses are reduced, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit integrates multiple functions into a single device: it monitors wheel axle fluid temperature, calculates expected operation duration, determines optimal conditioning timing, and controls the conditioning procedure execution. By consolidating these functions, the system reduces energy losses through intelligent temperature management while minimizing the increase in control system complexity that would result from multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit autonomously monitors the wheel axle fluid temperature and automatically initiates and manages the conditioning procedure without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to optimize energy losses through temperature management while keeping the control system relatively simple, as the same control unit handles multiple tasks without requiring additional dedicated components.
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
Reduces energy losses by optimizing the initiation of conditioning procedures, ensuring efficient vehicle operation with appropriate fluid temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature of the wheel axle fluid may be increased in a plurality of ways when circulating the same through the wheel axle fluid circuit. Purely by way of example, the temperature may be increased due to friction between the wheel axle fluid and the wheel axle fluid circuit.
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle comprises a wheel axle fluid heat exchanger. The wheel axle fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger such that wheel axle fluid passes through the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger when the wheel axle fluid is circulated through the wheel axle fluid circuit.
Implementation Method 3
the transmission converter being arranged in relation to the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger such that transmission fluid leaving the transmission converter can be used as a heat source for the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control unit for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a wheel axle fluid circuit adapted to feed wheel axle fluid to one or more wheel axles of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a propulsion assembly adapted to propel the vehicle. The control unit is adapted to, on the basis of at least the following:information indicative of the propulsion assembly being inactive,information indicative of an expected time range until an expected operation start time of the vehicle, andinformation associated with a temperature of the wheel axle fluid,determine whether or not a conditioning procedure, during which the temperature of the wheel axle fluid is increased as compared to a present temperature of the wheel axle fluid, should be initiated for the wheel axle fluid.