Decentralized Power Control for Underground Electric Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated civil engineering machines face inefficiencies in energy management due to centralized control systems, which struggle to quickly respond to sudden changes in energy demand and excess energy generation, leading to potential overloading and reduced battery lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized power control system with independent control components for the electric motor, battery unit, and supply device, utilizing an intermediate circuit with voltage-controlled power management, allowing for rapid adaptation to energy demand changes and efficient distribution of energy between storage, consumption, and external sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a centralized control system is used to manage energy distribution, then energy supply can be coordinated, but the system responds slowly to sudden changes in energy demand and cannot quickly adapt to load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control system is segmented into multiple independent control components, each assigned to specific devices (electric motor, battery unit, supply device). These decentralized control components can independently make decisions based on local conditions, enabling faster response to energy demand changes without the bottleneck of centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from a static centralized architecture to a dynamic decentralized architecture where control components can adapt their behavior based on real-time voltage levels and energy conditions. Each control component dynamically adjusts its operations based on the intermediate circuit voltage, enabling rapid response to load changes.
2Reliability
If a centralized control system manages energy distribution, then energy coordination is achieved, but the system cannot quickly respond to sudden energy demand increases, potentially causing overloading
Solution Approach 1:
Each control component continuously monitors the intermediate circuit voltage and uses this feedback to adjust its operations. When voltage drops indicate high demand or potential overloading, control components automatically adjust their behavior (e.g., limiting power draw, prioritizing critical loads), enabling rapid response to maintain system reliability without centralized intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Control components are self-sufficient and autonomous, making independent decisions based on local voltage conditions without requiring commands from a central controller. This self-service capability allows each device to immediately respond to changing conditions, preventing overloading and maintaining reliability during sudden load changes.
3Loss of energy
If recuperative energy generation is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but the system cannot quickly utilize the generated energy due to centralized control delays
Solution Approach 1:
Control components are pre-programmed with decision logic that enables immediate action when specific voltage conditions are detected. When recuperative energy is generated and voltage rises, control components automatically and instantly direct this energy to appropriate consumers or storage without waiting for centralized analysis and decision-making, eliminating time delays in energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables devices to self-manage energy flows based on real-time conditions. When energy is recuperated, the system automatically detects the voltage change and redirects energy flows without external intervention, minimizing the time between energy generation and utilization while maximizing energy efficiency.
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
Enables quick reaction to load changes, efficient use of recuperatively generated energy, and prevention of overloading, thereby improving the overall economical and environmental performance of the civil engineering machine.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric motor which is designed both to drive an actuating unit in a drive mode and to generate electrical energy in a recuperation mode
Implementation Method 2
at least one internal rechargeable battery unit for storing electrical energy and for supplying the at least one electric motor with electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrically operated underground construction machine with a mobile carrier device, at least one underground construction tool, at least one electric motor which is designed both to drive an actuating unit in a drive mode and to generate electrical energy in a recuperation mode, at least one internal rechargeable battery unit for storing electrical energy and for supplying the at least one electric motor with electrical energy, a supply device for supplying electrical energy from an external energy source for electrically operating the underground construction machine and a circuit arrangement by which the at least one electric motor, the at least one battery unit and the supply device are interconnected by a circuit.According to the invention, the circuit arrangement has an intermediate circuit with voltage-controlled power regulation and the power regulation is decentralized, with each of the at least one electric motor, the at least one battery unit and the supply device having its own independent control component, which in each case regulates a supply or output of electrical energy from or into the intermediate circuit depending on a voltage in the intermediate circuit.