Harvester Engine Speed Control for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural self-propelled harvesters face inefficiencies in fuel consumption due to constant engine speed during varying crop loads and operations, leading to unnecessary fuel usage and operator fatigue from frequent speed adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system that adjusts the speed of the internal combustion engine based on the harvesting machine's operational mode, optimizing engine speed to match a local minimum of specific fuel consumption by utilizing the characteristic curves of the engine, allowing for efficient fuel use and operator override options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the speed of the internal combustion engine is kept constant at maximum power during harvesting, then the power output is sufficient to handle dense crops and high throughput, but fuel consumption increases unnecessarily during low-load operations such as turning or standing still
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the engine speed variable rather than constant. The control device continuously adjusts the engine speed based on real-time detection of crop throughput and load conditions. During high-load harvesting operations, the engine operates at maximum power to handle dense crops, while during low-load operations such as turning or standing still, the engine speed is automatically reduced, optimizing fuel consumption without compromising power availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual crop throughput and load conditions on the harvesting machine, then using this information to automatically adjust the engine speed. The control device receives feedback from sensors monitoring the harvesting process and modifies the engine operating parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both power output and fuel consumption based on actual operational requirements.
2Productivity
If the operator manually adjusts the advance speed frequently to maintain suitable speed during crop density variations, then the harvesting efficiency is maintained, but operator fatigue increases due to continuous attention required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the harvesting machine to automatically monitor and adjust its own operating parameters. The control device detects crop throughput and load conditions independently and automatically adjusts the engine speed and advance rate without requiring continuous operator intervention. This allows the machine to maintain optimal harvesting efficiency while freeing the operator from frequent manual adjustments, significantly reducing operator fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an electronic control system. Instead of the operator continuously adjusting mechanical controls based on visual assessment of crop conditions, electronic sensors detect throughput and load parameters, and an electronic control device automatically adjusts engine and transmission parameters, substituting electronic automation for manual mechanical operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine speed is reduced during low-load operations to optimize fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the risk of engine stalling increases under high-load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor load conditions and adjust engine speed accordingly. When load increases beyond a threshold indicating high-density crops or excessive advance speed, the control device automatically increases engine speed to prevent stalling. This feedback mechanism ensures the engine maintains sufficient speed under high-load conditions while optimizing fuel efficiency during normal and low-load operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The harvester (10) has an electronic control device (70) coupled with internal combustion engines (32, 34) e.g. diesel engines, and providing speed of the internal combustion engines. The electronic control device is loaded with information whether the harvester is provided in a street driving mode or in a harvesting mode. The control device is operated in the harvesting mode. The speed of the internal combustion engines is provided depending on the harvesting mode of the harvester automatically detected by the control device, in an automatic operating mode.