Fuel Cell Work Vehicle PTO Power Limiting by Implement Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from work vehicles like tractors while ensuring they can effectively tow implements for agricultural tasks, which poses challenges different from those faced by passenger cars, and there are situations where motor output suppression is necessary, such as when fuel is low or the fuel cell module or motor is hot.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle equipped with a fuel cell module and a controller that can operate in multiple modes, including an output limitation mode, adjusts the upper limit of electric power supplied to the motor based on the type of implement and work being performed, allowing appropriate motor output limitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor output is suppressed when fuel level is low or temperature is high, then the reliability of the fuel cell module and motor is improved, but the productivity of the work vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the upper limit value of motor output based on real-time operating conditions (fuel cell module temperature, motor temperature, fuel level). The system transitions between different output limitation levels rather than using a fixed suppression threshold, allowing optimal balance between reliability protection and productivity maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the output parameter (motor power limit) based on temperature and fuel level parameters. When temperature exceeds thresholds or fuel level drops, the control device modifies the upper limit value of motor output, creating a variable parameter control strategy that adapts to changing operational conditions
2Device complexity
If a fixed upper limit value for motor output is used when suppression is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different implements and work types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically selects appropriate upper limit values from multiple predefined levels based on the combination of temperature conditions and detected implement types. When an implement is detected, the system adjusts the motor output limitation specifically suited for that implement's power requirements, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The control device detects the type of implement connected to the power take-off shaft and uses this feedback information to adjust the motor output upper limit. The system continuously monitors implement status and modifies power delivery accordingly, creating a closed-loop control strategy that adapts to different work configurations
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
Enables effective motor output suppression according to the type of implement and work, ensuring efficient operation even when fuel is low or the fuel cell module or motor is hot, thereby reducing emissions and maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell module (10) including a fuel cell stack (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a fuel cell module including a fuel cell stack, at least one fuel tank to store fuel to be supplied to the fuel cell stack, a motor connected to the fuel cell module, a power take-off shaft drivable by the motor and to which an implement is connectable, and a controller configured or programmed to be operable in various control modes including a normal mode and an output limitation mode in which an upper limit value of electric power supplied from the fuel cell module to the motor is smaller than in the normal mode. In the output limitation mode, the controller is configured or programmed to alter the upper limit value of the electric power supplied to the motor according to at least one of a type of the implement connected to the power take-off shaft and a type of work performed by the implement.