Electric Machine Pre-Conditioning Using Operator Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face reduced operational time and efficiency due to parasitic loads during start-up procedures, which involve heating or cooling components like batteries, motors, and cabs, delaying their operation and reducing available power.
Innovation Solution
A machine charging system with a user locator and control system that initiates pre-start or pre-conditioning procedures based on the proximity of an operator, using temperature control systems to warm or cool vehicle components before operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If start-up or conditioning procedures are performed before vehicle operation, then the vehicle components (batteries, motor, cab, hydraulic systems) are properly conditioned for operation, but the available power for the remainder of the operation is reduced and operational time is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs conditioning procedures (heating or cooling batteries, motor, cab, and hydraulic systems) in advance while the vehicle is connected to a charging unit. This preliminary action ensures components are properly conditioned before operation begins, eliminating the need for parasitic loads during actual operation and maximizing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses the charging unit's power to condition its own components during the charging phase. The temperature control system automatically activates to heat or cool components based on pre-set conditions, allowing the vehicle to service itself without external intervention or additional power consumption during operation.
2Reliability
If start-up or conditioning procedures are performed before vehicle operation, then components are properly conditioned, but the vehicle operation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured to automatically initiate conditioning procedures when specific conditions are met (vehicle connected to charging unit, temperature below threshold, or time before scheduled operation). This preliminary action occurs during the charging phase, so when the vehicle is unplugged, components are already conditioned and ready for immediate operation, eliminating start-up delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control system continuously monitors component temperatures and automatically activates conditioning when pre-set conditions are met. The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and timing information to determine when conditioning should begin, ensuring optimal timing that prevents delays while avoiding unnecessary conditioning.
3Reliability
If temperature control systems are activated during start-up procedures, then components are properly conditioned for operation, but parasitic loads increase drawing power from batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's temperature control system is designed to operate autonomously during the charging phase. When the vehicle is connected to a charging unit, the system automatically detects the connection and initiates conditioning procedures using power from the charging unit rather than drawing from the vehicle's batteries, thus avoiding parasitic loads during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all energy-intensive conditioning operations (heating or cooling components) in advance while external power is available. By completing these preliminary actions during charging, the batteries are preserved with full capacity for actual vehicle operation, eliminating parasitic load concerns during the operational phase.
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
Enhances operational readiness and efficiency by reducing parasitic loads during start-up, ensuring vehicles are ready for use upon operator arrival, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing delays.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more pre-start or pre-conditioning procedures may include warming the one or more batteries, a motor, a cab, and/or hydraulic system(s) (i.e., in cold climates), cooling the one or more batteries, a motor, a cab, and/or hydraulic system(s) (i.e., in hot climates)
Implementation Method 2
cooling the one or more batteries, a motor, a cab, and/or hydraulic system(s) (i.e., in hot climates)
Data Source
AI summary
A machine charging system includes a machine, a charging unit, at least one user locator, and a control system. The machine may include one or more batteries, a cab, and a temperature control system. The charging unit may be configured to be removably coupled to the machine via a cable. The control system may include a controller in communication with the at least one user locator and the cab temperature control system. When the controller detects that the at least one user locator is within a predetermined distance from the machine while the machine is coupled to the charging unit, the controller may initiate one or more pre-start or pre-conditioning procedures with the temperature control system to control a temperature of one or more components of the machine.