Hybrid PTO Control via CAN Remote Power Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid-electric powertrains face challenges in accurately controlling the transition between internal combustion engine and electric motor/generator power for PTO operations, particularly in low power demand situations, leading to inefficiencies and parasitic losses, and issues with data link module accuracy and architectural problems.

Innovation Solution

A controller area network and data link based remote power module system that generates body demand signals for initiating hybrid electric powertrain operation, allowing for programmable control of PTO operations using chassis and operator inputs, and monitoring torque delivery from both the internal combustion engine and electric motor/generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the internal combustion engine is used to power the PTO, then sufficient power is available for high power demand applications, but parasitic losses increase and efficiency decreases during low power demand operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePTO power outputVSAvoidparasitic losses
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two power sources (internal combustion engine and electric motor/generator) based on real-time power demand conditions. The controller monitors PTO power requirements and automatically selects the optimal power source, transitioning from engine-only operation at high demand to generator-motor operation at low demand, thereby minimizing parasitic losses while maintaining sufficient power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters by switching the power source based on power demand thresholds. When power demand exceeds a predetermined threshold, the internal combustion engine is activated; when demand falls below the threshold, the system transitions to electric motor/generator operation powered by the generator, thus adapting to varying load conditions and optimizing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the internal combustion engine is used to power the PTO, then reliable power is available for intermittent operation, but idling losses occur when power demand is intermittent

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePTO power availabilityVSAvoididling losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically determines whether to idle the internal combustion engine or switch to electric motor/generator operation based on predicted and actual power demand. When power demand is forecast to remain below the threshold for an extended period, the system shuts down the engine to eliminate idling losses, relying on the generator-motor system to provide reliable power during intermittent operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of power demand patterns to decide whether to maintain engine operation or shut it down. By evaluating forecasted power requirements before making the decision, the system可以避免 unnecessary idling while ensuring reliable power availability when needed, thus reducing idling losses without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the data link module is used to control PTO operation, then operator input is received, but programming problems and architectural issues reduce control accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator controlVSAvoidpower demand signaling accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the data link module and the powertrain systems. It receives operator inputs through the data link module, processes the power demand signals with improved accuracy, and generates appropriate control commands for the internal combustion engine and electric motor/generator. This intermediary processing layer compensates for programming and architectural limitations of the data link module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors actual power demand, power source performance, and system state, then adjusts control signals accordingly. This closed-loop control improves the accuracy of power demand signaling by comparing actual conditions with expected conditions and making real-time corrections, overcoming the limitations of the data link module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient switching between power sources for PTO operations, reducing parasitic losses and ensuring accurate power demand signaling, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of hybrid-electric powertrain systems.

Implementation Method 1

a PTO driven hydraulic pump pressurizing a flow of hydraulic fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8489254B2Control system for equipment on a vehicle with a hybrid-electric powertrain
Publication Date: 2013.07.16 INT TRUCK INTPROP CO LLC
  • US8489254B2 patent drawing
  • US8489254B2 patent drawing
  • US8489254B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle equipped for power take off operation using direct application of power from a hybrid electric powertrain. A body computer connects to the controller area network to receive chassis input signals. A controller area network has an electronic control module, a transmission control module, and a hybrid control module. The electronic control module electrically connects to the transmission control module and the hybrid control module. A data link based remote power module is installed on the vehicle for generating body demand signals for initiating operation of the vehicle hybrid electric powertrain for a power take off operation. A plurality of PTO request switches are electrically connected to the controller area network. The body computer is programmable to accept a signal from at least one of the PTO request switches to change an operating state of the power take off operation.