Compressed Air Control Device Adaptive Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air supply systems in vehicles face inefficiencies due to frequent and random changes in the operating states of compressors and air drying devices, leading to high energy consumption and inefficient energy use, especially during overrun phases and after regeneration processes.
Innovation Solution
A compressed air control device with an electrically actuatable supply control valve allows independent switching of the compressor's operating state from the system pressure, enabling flexible pressure build-up and reduction without the need for energy-intensive regeneration processes, and includes a pressure sensor for adaptive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor and air drying device operate with frequent random switching based on system pressure, then the system maintains basic functionality, but energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device predicts future compressed air requirements based on current vehicle operating conditions (engine state, climate control, suspension status) and proactively schedules compressor operation during high-efficiency periods, preventing frequent reactive switching and optimizing energy utilization before demand occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating schedule of the compressor and air drying device based on real-time vehicle conditions, transitioning from static pressure-based switching to adaptive scheduling that considers engine availability, climate control needs, and suspension requirements, thereby improving both energy efficiency and system productivity
2Reliability
If the compressor operates frequently to maintain system pressure, then compressed air availability is ensured, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions including engine state, climate control status, and suspension requirements to receive feedback on actual compressed air demand, enabling intelligent scheduling that maintains reliability while minimizing unnecessary compressor operation and associated fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic compressor operation scheduled during optimal periods when the vehicle is running and compressed air is needed, rather than continuous operation, thereby maintaining air availability while reducing fuel consumption through planned intermittent cycling
3Reliability
If the air drying device performs regeneration processes, then moisture removal is achieved, but system pressure must be rebuilt requiring additional compressor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control device schedules air drying device regeneration in advance during periods when the vehicle is running and compressed air demand is low, performing the moisture removal process before it would disrupt system pressure, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent pressure rebuild and avoiding time loss
4Use of energy by moving object
If overrun phases are utilized for compressor operation, then energy efficiency improves, but control flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adapts the compressor scheduling strategy based on real-time vehicle conditions, utilizing overrun phases when advantageous for energy efficiency while maintaining the ability to switch to alternative scheduling modes when vehicle conditions require different priorities, thereby preserving control flexibility alongside energy efficiency improvements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a compressed air control device (2) and to a compressed air control method for controlling respective operating states of a compressor (6) and of an air drying device (8) in a vehicle. The compressed air control device (2) has a compressor control outlet (36), by means of which the compressed air control device can be pneumatically connected to a control inlet of the compressor (6) in order to pneumatically switch the operating state of the compressor (6). The compressed air control device (2) further comprises a system pressure inlet (28), by means of which the compressed air control device can be pneumatically connected to a system pressure line (21), which conducts a system pressure produced by the compressor (6). The compressed air control device (2) further comprises a ventilation control outlet (36), by means of which the compressed air control device can be pneumatically connected to a control inlet of the air drying device (8) in order to pneumatically switch the operating state of the air drying device (8). Finally, the compressed air control device (2) also comprises a pneumatically operable ventilation control valve (14), by means of which the system pressure inlet (21) can be pneumatically connected to the ventilation control outlet (36) depending on the system pressure in order to switch the operating state of the air drying device (8). According to the invention, an electrically operable supply control valve (12) is provided in the compressed air control device (2). By means of the supply control valve, the system pressure inlet (28) can be pneumatically connected to the compressor control outlet (62) independently of the system pressure in order to switch the operating state of the compressor (6). Thus, energy-saving operation of a compressed air supply system (4) comprising the compressed air control device (2) and the air drying device (8) by means of a compressed air supply method containing the compressed air control method is possible.