Electric Excavator Battery Display for Travelable Return Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric construction machines face challenges in determining the optimal time to return to a charging location due to discrepancies in power consumption between traveling and working modes, leading to inefficient operation and potential inability to reach charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that calculates and displays both operable time and travelable time based on the energy storage amount and distinct power consumption rates for working and traveling modes, allowing operators to plan their return to a charging location effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If average power consumption is computed based on work mode consumption, then operable time can be displayed, but travelable time estimation becomes inaccurate leading to either insufficient charging planning or reduced work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments power consumption information into distinct categories: work mode power consumption and travel mode power consumption. The computing device separately computes operable time based on work mode consumption and travelable time based on travel mode consumption, providing accurate segmented information for different operational contexts rather than using a single averaged value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the display information by introducing travelable time as a separate metric from operable time. This dimensional expansion allows operators to plan both work duration and travel/charging duration independently, transforming the single-dimension operable time display into a multi-dimensional time management system.
2Reliability
If operator estimates travelable time conservatively, then charging location can be reached, but work efficiency deteriorates due to extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through the display device showing both operable time and travelable time based on current energy storage and historical power consumption data. This feedback enables operators to make informed decisions about when to return for charging, optimizing the balance between ensuring reliable charging arrival and minimizing work downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary computation of travelable time before the operator makes charging decisions. By pre-calculating the available travel time based on current energy storage and travel mode power consumption, the system enables proactive planning of charging schedules, allowing operators to return for charging at optimal moments rather than reacting to depleted batteries.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric construction machine is provided that can travel from a work location to a charging location, and can suppress deterioration of work efficiency.The electric hydraulic excavator includes: a battery device (19); an electric motor (28) that is driven by power of the battery device (19); a hydraulic pump (29) that is driven by the electric motor (28); a travelling hydraulic motor (7) and a work hydraulic actuator that are driven by a hydraulic fluid delivered from the hydraulic pump (29); a controller (37); and a display device (24). The controller (37) computes an operable time by dividing power storage amount of the battery device (19) by average power consumption per unit time during driving of the electric motor (28); computes a travelable time by dividing the power storage amount of the battery device (19) by average power consumption per unit time during driving of the electric motor (28) and the travelling hydraulic motor (7); and causes the computed operable time and the computed travelable time to be displayed on the display device (24).