Electric Refuse Vehicle Power Distribution for Auxiliary Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric refuse vehicles face inefficiencies in power management and distribution, particularly in balancing the power requirements between the prime mover and auxiliary systems, leading to potential energy wastage and limited operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A refuse vehicle with an integrated power distribution unit (PDU) and controller that monitors and controls the supply of electrical power from the energy storage device to the electric motor and auxiliary systems, including an E-PTO system for hydraulic power, ensuring critical functions are prioritized and allowing decoupling of non-essential systems for energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power is supplied to both the prime mover and auxiliary systems from the energy storage device, then the vehicle can operate with full functionality, but energy consumption increases and operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into critical and non-critical loads. The controller divides auxiliary systems into categories that can be selectively powered on or off based on operational needs, allowing the vehicle to optimize energy consumption while maintaining essential functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system dynamically adjusts power allocation between the prime mover and auxiliary systems based on real-time operational conditions. The controller monitors energy levels and operational requirements to flexibly modify power distribution, enabling the vehicle to adapt to varying energy availability and operational demands.
2Productivity
If power is distributed to all vehicle subsystems simultaneously, then all functions operate at full capability, but power management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor power consumption of various subsystems and adjusts power distribution accordingly. By continuously monitoring energy usage and operational status, the system optimizes power allocation to maintain full functionality when needed while reducing energy waste during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of auxiliary systems based on power availability and operational priorities. The controller can adjust power delivery parameters to match the actual needs of each subsystem, enabling full capability when required while improving overall power management efficiency through dynamic parameter adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the energy storage device supplies power to both the prime mover and body assembly systems, then complete vehicle operation is enabled, but power distribution control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the energy storage device and various vehicle subsystems. It manages the complexity of power distribution by centralizing control logic, automatically making decisions about power allocation based on operational requirements, and presenting a simplified interface to operators while handling complex power management internally.
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 energy efficiency by optimizing power distribution, enabling flexible operation and reducing energy consumption, while allowing integration of hydraulic systems for improved responsiveness and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The chassis supports an inverter configured to convert DC electrical power received from the energy storage device into AC electrical power for use within the body assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, an energy storage device, a body assembly, a lifting system, and a can alignment sensor. The energy storage device is supported by the chassis and is configured to provide power to a prime mover. Activation of the prime mover selectively drives the refuse vehicle. The body assembly is supported by the chassis and includes a controller. The lifting system is configured to engage and lift a refuse can to deposit refuse from the refuse can into the body assembly. The can alignment sensor is in communication with the controller and is configured to monitor a position of the refuse can. The controller is configured to operate the prime mover in response to receiving an indication that the refuse can is outside of a target zone relative to the body assembly.