Excavator Slip Ring Power Transfer for Decentralized Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully electric mobile work machines have not been viable due to high and energy-intensive demands, requiring a solution that reduces primary energy requirements and optimizes energy storage while maintaining mobility and emission-free operation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile work machine with a decentralized energy supply network and slip ring for energy transfer between the superstructure and undercarriage, allowing for distributed energy storage and reduced transfer losses, along with modular and scalable energy storage units and power stores like supercaps for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If energy stores are arranged only in the superstructure, then the drive systems in the superstructure can be supplied with energy, but the drive systems in the undercarriage cannot be integrated into the energy supply network
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply network is segmented into multiple independent energy storage units distributed across both the superstructure and undercarriage. Each segment can operate independently or in coordination, allowing flexible integration of drive systems at different locations without requiring a centralized complex network configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy supply architecture transitions from a single-location (superstructure-only) arrangement to a multi-location distributed arrangement across both superstructure and undercarriage. This spatial dimensionality change enables comprehensive energy supply to all drive systems while maintaining network simplicity through modular units.
2Productivity
If decentralized energy stores are distributed over superstructure and undercarriage, then energy can be supplied to various components and drive systems, but line resistance balancing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for varying line resistances by dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as connection configurations and current distribution. This allows the network to maintain optimal performance across decentralized energy storage units without requiring precise manual balancing of all line resistances.
Solution Approach 2:
The decentralized energy storage units are designed to autonomously manage their own electrical connections and resistance characteristics. Each unit independently adapts to its position in the network, eliminating the need for complex centralized resistance balancing and enabling scalable expansion.
3Power
If high power peaks are buffered in a short time, then energy demand fluctuations can be managed, but large energy storage capacity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple modular units distributed across the superstructure and undercarriage. These segmented units collectively provide the necessary storage capacity for power peak buffering, with each unit contributing to the overall capability without requiring a single large centralized storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The decentralized energy storage units operate continuously to buffer power peaks as they occur, providing ongoing power management throughout operation. This continuous action allows the system to handle fluctuating power demands efficiently using the distributed capacity of multiple smaller units rather than requiring excessive total storage.
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 configuration reduces primary energy requirements, minimizes transfer losses, and enhances energy storage capacity, enabling fully electric mobile work machines to meet demanding tasks while maintaining mobility and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a slip ring for transferring electrical energy between the superstructure and the undercarriage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mobile work machine, in particular to an excavator, that comprises an undercarriage having a tracked chassis, a rail mounting, or a wheeled chassis, a superstructure having an attachment fastened thereto, and a slewing ring that rotatably connects the undercarriage and the superstructure to one another. The work machine is characterized by a decentralized energy supply and/or by a decentralized supply network, preferably a DC supply network, and a slip ring for transferring electrical energy between the superstructure and the undercarriage.