Hybrid Power Train for Tractor Scraper Regenerative Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractor scrapers face inefficiencies due to the need for dual engines, which increase fuel consumption without energy regeneration, and existing solutions like power-split systems are not feasible due to the articulated joint and hydraulic piping challenges.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power train system with a primary power source, generator, electric motors, inverter circuit, energy storage device, and controller that enables regenerative energy storage and reuse, allowing for efficient operation modes based on work cycle characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate engine is added to the rear scraper to drive the rear wheels, then productivity and flexibility are enhanced, but fuel consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate engines into a single engine configuration. The front tractor engine provides power to both the front wheels and the rear scraper through the articulated joint, eliminating the need for a separate rear engine while maintaining the ability to drive both wheel sets independently. This consolidation reduces fuel consumption and device complexity while preserving productivity enhancements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single front tractor engine is designed to perform multiple functions: driving the front wheels directly and transmitting power through the articulated joint to drive the rear scraper wheels. This multi-functional approach allows one engine to replace what would traditionally require two engines, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining the flexibility and productivity benefits of independent wheel drive.
2Loss of energy
If a power-split system is implemented to provide regenerative energy, then energy regeneration is achieved, but device complexity increases and the articulated joint cannot accommodate the rigid structures required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical power-split systems with a simpler electrical energy recovery system. Instead of using rigid mechanical structures that cannot accommodate the articulated joint, the system uses electrical generators and energy storage devices to capture and store regenerative energy. This substitution reduces device complexity while enabling energy regeneration compatible with the articulated joint configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical energy storage devices as intermediaries between the mechanical systems. The energy storage devices receive regenerative energy from the front tractor engine during braking or deceleration and can supply this stored energy to assist in driving the wheels, providing energy regeneration without requiring complex mechanical power-split arrangements that would be incompatible with the articulated joint.
3Power
If rigid structures are used to transfer mechanical power across the articulated joint, then power transmission is achieved, but the system becomes infeasible and costly due to the articulated nature of the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical power transmission structures with flexible electrical energy transmission systems. Instead of attempting to transmit mechanical power through rigid structures across the articulated joint, the system uses electrical generators and energy storage devices that can accommodate the flexibility and movement of the articulated joint while still achieving effective power transmission and energy recovery.
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
The system reduces fuel consumption by regenerating and reusing energy, improving the overall efficiency and performance of tractor scrapers while simplifying operator control.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (112) coupled to the primary power source (110)
Implementation Method 2
an inverter circuit (126) coupled to the generator (112) and the first electric motor (122)
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage device (128) coupled to the inverter circuit (126)
Implementation Method 4
a first electric motor (122) coupled to a second set of traction devices (118) of the tractor scraper
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid power train system for a tractor scraper is provided. The hybrid power train system may include a primary power source coupled to a first set of traction devices, a generator coupled to the primary power source, a first electric motor coupled to a second set of traction devices, an inverter circuit coupled to the generator and the first electric motor, an energy storage device coupled to the inverter circuit, and a controller operatively coupled to the inverter circuit. The controller may be configured to engage a first operation mode enabling electrical energy, supplied by the generator and the first electric motor, to be stored in the energy storage device, and engage a second operation mode enabling electrical energy, stored in the energy storage device, to be supplied to the first electric motor to drive the second set of traction devices.