Harvester Multi-Engine Energy Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy control systems for multiple engine driven harvesters lack efficient management of energy distribution across various mechanical and electrical loads, leading to suboptimal engine performance and increased energy consumption during peak loads.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising multiple engines, electrical generators, load sensors, and an energy storage device, with a controller that directs energy from the storage device to loads and generators based on real-time power usage signals, allowing for dynamic load balancing and supplemental power distribution to optimize engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple engines are used to power the harvester, then the power availability and capability to handle peak loads are improved, but the energy management complexity and system control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages energy flow between multiple engines, generators, and loads. It coordinates the operation of multiple power sources and distributes energy efficiently, reducing the complexity of managing multiple engines by centralizing control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as engine load distribution, generator output, and energy storage charging/discharging rates based on real-time power demands. This allows flexible adaptation to varying load conditions while maintaining optimal efficiency.
2Reliability
If energy is stored in an energy storage device for later use, then the system can provide supplemental power during peak loads, but the response time and energy availability are reduced during transient high-demand conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is pre-charged during periods of low demand to prepare for future high-demand conditions. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures that supplemental power is available when needed, improving system reliability during peak loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by seamlessly transitioning between power sources. When the energy storage device discharges, it does so while the engines continue to operate, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and maintaining continuous useful action without interruption.
3Productivity
If the controller directs energy from the storage device to loads and generators based on real-time signals, then the energy distribution efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives real-time feedback signals from load sensors and engine controllers to monitor power consumption and generation. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts energy distribution from the storage device to loads and generators, optimizing energy efficiency while managing control complexity through closed-loop control.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and control devices are installed to monitor and manage power usage, then the measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors power usage from load sensors, manages energy storage charging/discharging, coordinates engine operation, and controls energy distribution to loads and generators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, lowering installation complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 solution enables efficient energy management, reducing engine load during peak conditions, improving overall system reliability, and maintaining high efficiency by stabilizing power delivery to electrical systems, thus enhancing the harvester's operational performance and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical energy storage device... The controller is configured to direct energy from the electrical energy storage device to the plurality of loads and/or the plurality of electrical generators
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural vehicle (10) includes a plurality of engines (22, 122), a plurality of electrical and mechanical loads (28, 128, 30, 130), a plurality of electrical generators (26, 126), at least one load sensor (32, 132, 34, 134, 36, 136, 38, 138), at least one electrical energy storage device (42), and a controller (40). The at least one load sensor (32, 132, 34, 134, 36, 136, 38, 138) is configured to produce a signal representative of power being used by the first engine (22) and the second engine (122) to drive the plurality of loads (28, 128, 30, 130). The controller (40) is configured to direct energy from the electrical energy storage device (42) to the plurality of loads (30, 130) and/or the plurality of electrical generators (26, 126) dependent upon the signal.