Controller for Autonomous Machine Charging Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paving systems lack efficient coordination for refueling and recharging of machines, leading to work stoppages and reduced efficiency at construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A control system that generates a worksite plan based on a paving plan and site perimeter, determining return paths and power requirements for machines to optimize their operation and minimize refueling/recharging stops, using a network of controllers and location sensors to manage machine movement and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refueling and recharging of machines is coordinated without a control system, then device complexity is reduced, but work stoppages increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system enables machines to autonomously monitor their own energy levels and automatically navigate to charging zones without manual intervention. The system self-coordinates refueling and recharging operations, eliminating the need for human operators to manually manage these tasks while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously receives feedback from machines regarding their energy levels, location, and operational status. Based on this real-time feedback, the system dynamically adjusts routing and charging schedules to optimize workflow and prevent work stoppages, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
2Productivity
If machines operate continuously without returning to charging zones, then productivity is maintained, but energy depletion occurs and work stoppages increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system calculates and plans charging stops in advance based on predicted energy consumption patterns and machine locations. By scheduling charging operations beforehand and integrating them into the overall work plan, the system minimizes disruptions and ensures that machines are recharged at optimal moments without causing work stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive operation by coordinating multiple machines across different charging zones and work areas. When one machine is charging, others continue working, ensuring that the overall system productivity remains high and that charging operations do not create bottlenecks or interruptions in the workflow.
3Reliability
If machines traverse longer paths to reach charging zones, then energy requirements increase, but charging coordination improves
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts machine routing and charging schedules based on real-time conditions such as energy levels, location, and work priorities. Rather than following fixed predetermined paths, machines receive dynamic routing instructions that optimize the balance between reaching charging zones and minimizing energy consumption, adapting to changing operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as charging timing, routing paths, and machine deployment configurations to optimize the trade-off between charging coordination reliability and energy consumption. By adjusting these parameters based on system state and priorities, the system ensures adequate charging coordination while minimizing the energy cost of traversal.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes causing, with a controller, operation of a first compaction machine at a worksite based at least in part on a worksite plan. The method also includes determining, with the controller, a return path extending from a current location of the first machine to a charging zone located at the worksite, and determining, with the controller, a return power required for the first machine to traverse the return path. The method further includes causing, with the controller, the first machine to traverse the return path, from the current location to the charging zone, based on at least one of the return power and an amount of available power stored in an energy storage device of the first machine.