Cooling Fan Power Control Under Generator Current Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in securing adequate cooling capacity for cooling fans when driven by electric power generated by a generator, necessitating control methods to ensure sufficient cooling capacity.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a power feeding device, sensors to detect consumption current, and a controller that manages the cooling fans to prevent exceeding the output current of the power feeding device, allowing for efficient operation and cooling capacity maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling fan is driven at high speed to secure cooling capacity, then the cooling performance is improved, but the power consumption increases and may exceed the power supply capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the consumption current of both the cooling fan and electric devices, and adjusts the cooling fan rotation speed based on real-time power supply status. When the sum of currents approaches the power feeding device's output capacity, the controller reduces fan speed to maintain power balance while preserving adequate cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fan rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on varying power supply conditions and electric device consumption patterns. The system transitions from static high-speed operation to adaptive speed control, optimizing the balance between cooling performance and power consumption according to real-time operational demands.
2Productivity
If multiple electric devices are operated simultaneously, then the functionality and productivity are improved, but the total power consumption increases and may exceed the power feeding device capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides real-time feedback on the consumption current of each electric device and the cooling fan. The controller uses this feedback to monitor the total power consumption and dynamically adjusts the cooling fan speed to ensure the sum of all current draws remains within the power feeding device's output capacity, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple devices without exceeding power limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system serves multiple functions: it monitors consumption current of various electric devices, controls the cooling fan speed, prevents power overload, and maintains system stability. This multi-functional approach allows the system to efficiently manage power distribution across multiple devices while preserving cooling capacity.
3Power
If the power feeding device output current is increased to support more devices, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the power feeding device's output current capacity, the system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting the cooling fan rotation speed. This parameter adjustment allows the existing power supply to support multiple electric devices and cooling requirements without upgrading the power feeding device, thereby avoiding increased system complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a work machine capable of realizing control for securing cooling capacity of a cooling fan. The work machine includes a power feeding device, a plurality of electric devices driven by power supply from the power feeding device, a sensor that detects consumption current of the electric devices, a cooling fan that is driven by power supply from the power feeding device and generates a flow of air, and a controller that controls the cooling fan. The electric device includes a first device provided with the sensor. The controller determines whether a sum of a consumption current of the electric device including a consumption current of the first device detected by the sensor and a consumption current of the cooling fan exceeds an output current of the power feeding device.