Hybrid Electric Drive System for Mining Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with stringent emissions and ventilation regulations, such as mining shafts, the use of internal combustion engines is often prohibited or limited, restricting the number of vehicles that can operate simultaneously, and existing electric drive systems do not effectively reduce the need for combustion engines in these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric drive system for vehicles that includes a motor, a hermetically sealed energy storage device, and an external power source via a catenary line, allowing the system to be controlled based on operating modes to minimize the use of internal combustion engines by using energy from the storage device, external power, or a combination of both.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If internal combustion engines are used to power vehicles, then vehicles can operate independently without external power sources, but emissions increase and ventilation requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into multiple components: an energy storage device (battery) for independent operation and an external power source (catenary line) for charged operation. The vehicle controller selectively engages either power source based on operating conditions, allowing the system to segment the harmful emissions problem by eliminating combustion engine operation in restricted zones while maintaining operational independence through the battery component.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the number of vehicles operating in restricted zones is limited, then emissions and ventilation loads are reduced, but vehicle availability and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle dynamically switches between two power source configurations based on real-time operating conditions. The vehicle controller monitors zone restrictions and selectively engages the external power source when entering restricted zones, allowing unlimited vehicle deployment while maintaining compliance with emissions regulations. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need to limit the number of vehicles operating in restricted areas.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electric drive systems are implemented without external power sources, then emissions are reduced, but operating duration and range are limited by energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed with universal power source compatibility, capable of operating from multiple power sources: the on-board energy storage device for independent operation and the external catenary power source for extended duration charged operation. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to achieve unlimited operating duration by switching to external power in restricted zones while maintaining the emission reduction benefits of electric drive operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid electric drive systems with multiple power sources are used, then operating flexibility and range are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controller automatically manages the complexity of the hybrid power source configuration through self-service operation. It continuously monitors operating conditions, zone restrictions, and power source availability, then autonomously selects the appropriate power source without requiring manual intervention or complex operator decision-making. This automation reduces the effective complexity experienced by users while maintaining the operational flexibility benefits.
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 configuration reduces the need for internal combustion engines, enhancing the usability of vehicles in ventilation-limited environments by providing power for propulsion and mining operations using energy from the storage device or external source, and allowing for boosted power when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a hermetically sealed energy storage device including one or more battery modules
Data Source
AI summary
An electric drive system is provided for use in a vehicle that is operated in environments with stringent emissions and ventilation regulations. In one embodiment, the electric drive system comprises a motor capable of propelling the vehicle and an energy storage device coupled to the motor, and selectively couplable to a catenary line, wherein the catenary line is capable of supplying electrical power to the vehicle and to the energy storage device. Additionally, the vehicle includes a mining device that is operable to be powered by energy from one or more of the catenary line and the energy storage device.