Electric Power Distribution for Agricultural Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural harvesters, such as sugar cane harvesters, rely on inefficient hydraulic power systems, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A system that supplies electric power to harvester components using a power storage device, high and low voltage buses, and a converter to efficiently distribute power across different voltage requirements, allowing a single power source to power both high and low voltage components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic power systems are used to power agricultural harvester components, then the components can be powered, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power system (mechanical fluid power) with an electrical power system. Instead of using hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, and pressurized fluid lines, the invention uses electric motors connected to an internal combustion engine generator, thereby eliminating the complexity of hydraulic components while maintaining the ability to power harvester components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal electrical power system that can serve multiple functions and components through a single integrated architecture. The electrical system with multiple voltage buses can power various harvester components (cutters, choppers, conveyors, etc.) simultaneously, replacing the need for separate hydraulic systems for each component
2Reliability
If hydraulic power systems are used to power agricultural harvester components, then the components can be powered, but the overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive hydraulic components (pumps, motors, valves, fluid lines) with more cost-effective electrical components (electric motors, electrical connectors, control systems). This substitution reduces the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable power supply to harvester components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single integrated electrical power system. By combining the generator, power storage device, and multiple voltage buses into one system, the patent eliminates the need for separate hydraulic systems, thereby reducing overall system cost
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
This system enhances efficiency and reduces complexity by providing electric power to agricultural harvester components at appropriate voltages, maximizing harvester performance.
Implementation Method 1
a converter electrically coupled between the first and the second bus, with the converter configured to reduce the first voltage supplied through the first bus to allow electric power to be supplied to the second agricultural harvester component at the second voltage via the second bus
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supplying electric power to components of an agricultural harvester may include a power storage device and a first agricultural harvester component. The system may also include a first bus electrically coupled to the power storage device and configured to supply electric power at a first voltage to the first agricultural harvester component. Furthermore, the system may include a second agricultural harvester component and a second bus configured to supply the electric power at a second voltage to second agricultural harvester component, the second voltage being less than the first voltage. Additionally, the system may include a converter electrically coupled between the first and the second bus, with the converter configured to reduce the first voltage supplied through the first bus to allow electric power to be supplied to the second agricultural harvester component at the second voltage via the second bus.