Crane Multi-Source Charging for Low-Emission Off-Grid Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction and/or material handling machines face challenges in achieving CO2-free and energy self-sufficient operations at construction sites without sufficient power grid, leading to increased noise pollution and emissions due to reliance on diesel power units.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent charging structure with multiple charging interfaces allows the energy store to be connected to various power supplies, including internal generators and external power sources, enabling efficient energy management and reducing noise and emissions by optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a diesel power unit is used to generate power at construction sites without sufficient power grid, then the machine can operate independently, but CO2 emissions and noise pollution increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidCO2 emissions and noise pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power generation function is segmented into multiple independent energy storage modules (battery packs) that can be charged from various sources. Each module can operate independently or in combination, allowing the system to switch between different power sources based on availability and environmental requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device is designed with multiple charging interfaces that can accept power from different sources (external power supply, internal combustion engine generator, recuperative power harvesting). This multi-functional charging system enables the machine to adapt to different construction site conditions while maintaining emission-free operation when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If an electric energy storage system is used to cushion load peaks, then CO2-free operation is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 emissionsVSAvoidelectrified system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically manages power flow between multiple energy storage modules and power sources based on real-time conditions. The control system automatically adjusts charging and discharging operations to optimize performance while simplifying user interaction through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device automatically selects and manages different power sources without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates power distribution, monitors charge states, and manages multiple interfaces autonomously, reducing operational complexity despite the multi-component architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging interfaces are provided for various power supplies, then adaptability to different construction sites is improved, but the charging device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply compatibilityVSAvoidcharging device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device integrates multiple charging interfaces (first, second, and third charging interfaces) that support different power sources including external power supplies, internal combustion engine generators, and recuperative power harvesting systems. Each interface is designed to handle specific power sources while the overall system manages them through a unified control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary that manages power flow between multiple charging interfaces and the energy storage system. It coordinates charging operations from different sources, monitors system state, and makes automated decisions to optimize power utilization while shielding the user from the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution enables CO2-free and low-emission operation by efficiently utilizing available power sources, minimizing noise pollution, and ensuring uninterrupted machine operation through intelligent charging strategies.

Implementation Method 1

an electric energy store (10) for supplying the electric drives (7) with power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

at least one further charging interface (12b) for charging the energy store (10) from the machine-integrated generator (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The charge control device (16) is configured to operate the internal combustion engine (15) for a limited time in a rated power range or in a limited window around the rated power range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS20250250147A1Electrified construction and/or material handling machine, in particular crane
Publication Date: 2025.08.07 LIEBHERR WERK BIBERACH GMBH
  • US20250250147A1 patent drawing
  • US20250250147A1 patent drawing
  • US20250250147A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention comprises an electrified construction and/or material handling machine, in particular a crane, with electric drives for driving working assemblies, an electric energy store for supplying the electric drives with power, and a charging device for recharging the energy store, wherein the charging device has various charging interfaces for charging the energy store from various power supplies comprising at least one machine-integrated power generator and an external power supply.