Construction Machine Capacitor Power Control for Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic stop control systems for construction machines do not effectively suppress capacitor degradation, particularly with lead batteries, as the charge state varies with engine operation and is difficult to manage compared to lithium-ion batteries, leading to battery depletion and degradation.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine with an engine, generator, capacitor, and controller that estimates the charge and discharge amounts during automatic stop control, stopping power supply when the discharge exceeds the charge, thereby preventing capacitor degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If automatic stop control is implemented to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the capacitor may be over-discharged and degraded due to continuous power supply to electric facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the charge amount of the capacitor and the power consumption of electric facilities in real-time, and adjusts the power supply accordingly. When the capacitor charge amount becomes insufficient relative to the discharge amount, the controller stops power supply to prevent over-discharge and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power supply parameter (on/off state) based on the capacitor's charge amount and the electric facility's power consumption. This parameter adjustment ensures the capacitor operates within safe discharge limits while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits.
2Ease of operation
If power supply to electric facilities is continuously maintained during automatic stop, then operational readiness is improved, but capacitor charge depletes leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system transitions from a static continuous supply mode to a dynamic controlled mode. The controller adjusts the power supply state (on/off) based on real-time capacitor charge levels and power consumption patterns, optimizing both operational readiness and charge preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller predicts potential over-discharge conditions by monitoring the relationship between capacitor charge amount and power consumption rate, and proactively stops power supply before the capacitor becomes over-discharged, preventing degradation before it occurs.
3Device complexity
If voltage monitoring is used to track capacitor charge state, then measurement simplicity is improved, but accurate charge amount management is insufficient for lead batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that integrates voltage monitoring data with power consumption information to calculate and determine the capacitor's charge amount. This intermediary processing layer translates simple voltage measurements into accurate charge state assessment for lead batteries.
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 reliably suppresses capacitor degradation during automatic stop control by accurately managing power supply based on charge and discharge estimates, ensuring the capacitor's longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (41) driven by the engine (9), a capacitor (40) storing power generated by the generator (41)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A main controller 28 performs automatic stop control to stop an engine in a case where a preset automatic stop condition is satisfied, and includes a power source control processing section 283 controlling power supplied from a capacitor to an electric or electronic facility 70. The power source control processing section 283 estimates a charge amount by which the capacitor 40 is charged by the alternator 41 while an engine 9 is in operation, estimates an electric discharge amount corresponding to power supplied from the capacitor 40 to the electric or electronic facility 70 while the engine 9 is stopped under the automatic stop control, and stops supply of power from the capacitor 40 to the electric or electronic facility 70 when the electric discharge amount is determined to be larger than the charge amount while the engine 9 is stopped under the automatic stop control. This allows reliable suppression of degradation of the capacitor while the engine is under the automatic stop control.