Hybrid Vehicle Power Management for External Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work machines face challenges in meeting increased performance and fuel economy demands while reducing emissions, as large, heavy, and expensive industrial engines are required to handle higher power demands, and existing hybrid electric-IC engine technologies are limited by the size and cost of batteries needed for sustained power boosts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that combines a power unit with an internal combustion engine mechanically coupled to a generator and electrical storage devices, allowing for the selective coupling of external loads with electrical processing circuits to manage charging and power distribution, enabling sustained power capability for external loads without overloading the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If very large, heavy and expensive industrial engines are used to meet higher power demands, then power capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent components: a base internal combustion engine and separate electric power units (generators with electrical storage devices). This allows the engine to operate at optimal levels while electric units provide supplemental power, avoiding the need for a single oversized complex engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines traditional internal combustion engine power with electric power generation in a hybrid architecture. The engine and electric power units work together through a coordinated control system to deliver combined power output, achieving high power capability without requiring a single large complex engine.
2Power
If electrical storage devices are used to provide sustained power boosts, then power capability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical storage devices are pre-charged by the generator during periods when the engine is running at optimal efficiency. This preliminary charging action allows the stored electrical energy to be available on-demand for power boosts without requiring oversized heavy batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator continuously or periodically recharges the electrical storage devices during engine operation, maintaining the electrical energy reservoir. This continuous action ensures sustained power capability is achieved through efficient energy management rather than oversized storage capacity.
3Power
If the engine operates at high load to meet peak power demands, then power capability is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode between engine-only, electric-only, and hybrid operation based on real-time power demands. The engine operates in optimal efficiency ranges during normal conditions, while electric power units handle peak demands, optimizing overall fuel economy through dynamic load management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters by switching between different power sources and adjusting their output levels. The engine operating point is adjusted to remain in efficient ranges, while electric power units provide variable supplemental power, achieving peak power capability without sustained high engine load.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If emissions reduction devices are implemented, then environmental performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling of large engines with electrical power transmission through generators and electrical storage devices. This substitution allows for more precise control of power delivery and enables the base engine to operate in cleaner, more efficient regimes, reducing emissions without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 provides increased power and fuel efficiency for work machines by allowing external loads to be powered electrically, reducing the need for large batteries and minimizing engine load spikes, while meeting stringent emissions requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A generator is mechanically couplable with the power unit and electrically couplable with the at least one electrical storage device. The generator has an electrical charging output to the at least one electrical storage device.
Implementation Method 2
At least one electrical storage device has an electrical output which is couplable with at least one external load over a drive period of time.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a power unit mechanically couplable with one or more primary loads, including a propulsion load. At least one electrical storage device has an electrical output which is couplable with at least one external load over a drive period of time. Each external load is distinct from the one or more primary loads. A generator is mechanically couplable with the power unit and electrically couplable with the at least one electrical storage device. The generator has an electrical charging output to the at least one electrical storage device. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for selectively coupling the at least one electrical storage device with one or more external loads. The at least one electrical processing circuit is also configured for selectively coupling the generator with the at least one electrical storage device over a charging period of time. The charging output and the charging period of time are dependent upon the electrical output from the at least one electrical storage device and the drive period of time.