Hybrid Construction Machine Speed Command Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hybrid construction machines face challenges in precise control of acceleration and deceleration, leading to operator fatigue and safety issues during low-speed operations, and inefficient energy regeneration due to fixed braking forces.

Innovation Solution

A sensibility control system that maps acceleration pedal commands to speed commands for electric motors, allowing for precise control of acceleration and deceleration, and adjusts braking forces to maximize regenerative energy generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a conventional hybrid system generates regenerative energy using a fixed braking force, then the system structure is simple, but the amount of regenerative energy generated is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative energyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking force is changed from fixed to dynamically adjustable based on operating conditions. The controller varies the braking force according to the acceleration pedal command and vehicle state, enabling optimal regenerative energy generation across different operating scenarios rather than being limited to a predetermined fixed braking force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The braking force parameter is made variable instead of fixed. The system adjusts the braking force parameter in real-time based on the acceleration pedal command and vehicle operating conditions, allowing the regenerative braking system to adapt to different situations and maximize energy recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the acceleration pedal directly controls the electric motor without mapping, then the control system is simple, but the sensibility during acceleration/deceleration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedaling feelingVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A mapping function is introduced as an intermediary between the acceleration pedal command and the electric motor speed command. This mapping layer translates the operator's pedal input into appropriate motor responses, providing fine-grained control and natural pedaling feeling while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a traditional mechanical brake is used for deceleration, then the braking operation is reliable, but the kinetic energy is consumed as heat, deteriorating energy consumption efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking operation reliabilityVSAvoidkinetic energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the previously wasted kinetic energy (which was dissipated as heat in mechanical brakes) into useful regenerative energy. By using the electric motor as a generator during deceleration, the kinetic energy that would have been lost is instead converted into electrical energy stored in the energy storage system, transforming an energy loss into an energy recovery opportunity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enhances operator convenience and safety during low-speed operations while maximizing regenerative energy efficiency by allowing for precise control of electric motor acceleration and deceleration and optimizing braking forces.

Implementation Method 1

the electric generator 20 that is driven by an engine 10 and generates electric energy to drive the electric motor 40

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an energy storage system (ESS) that stores the electric energy generated by the electric generator 20 or regenerative energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

the electric motor 40, which is driven by at least one of an electric generator 20 that is driven by an engine 10 and an energy storage system 50

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3680139B1Method for controlling a hybrid construction machine
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP3680139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680139B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3680139B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hybrid construction machine in which an electric motor (40a) is driven by at least one among a power generator (20) driven by an engine (10) and an energy storage system (50) for storing regenerative energy, and comprising: a motor drive (30a) for driving the electric motor; an acceleration sensor (70) for sensing an accelerator pedal command; and a control unit (60) for mapping the accelerator pedal command to a speed command during a low speed travelling operation and controlling a travelling unit (80) through the motor drive, wherein the control unit controls the acceleration and deceleration of the electric motor according to the mapped speed command and generates regenerative energy according to the deceleration of the electric motor.