Hybrid Refuse Vehicle Power Split for Lower Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles rely on diesel engines for propulsion and hydraulic actuation of body systems, lacking efficient integration of electric and hydraulic power systems for improved performance and reduced emissions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid refuse vehicle design incorporating both electrically and hydraulically actuated body systems, with a power module to provide rotary power to a hydraulic pump and a generator to charge batteries, controlled by a power management system to optimize energy use and prevent engine overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a diesel engine is used for both propulsion and hydraulic actuation, then the vehicle can perform all functions, but the engine becomes overloaded and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power delivery system into two separate pathways: an electric powertrain for propulsion and a hydraulic power take-off (PTO) for body system actuation. This segmentation allows the diesel engine to operate in its optimal power range while reducing peak load demands, thereby lowering emissions without compromising functional capability.
2Device complexity
If all body systems are hydraulically actuated, then the system is simple, but the number of hydraulic components increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hydraulic actuators with an electrically actuated body lift system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex hydraulic piping, valves, and reservoirs associated with body lift operations, reducing both component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the required lifting function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a hybrid electric system is implemented, then emissions are reduced, but the battery system becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-use electrical architecture where the battery system serves multiple functions: providing auxiliary power to electric body systems during operation, regenerating energy during vehicle deceleration through the electric motor-generator, and reducing peak demand on the diesel engine. This multi-functionality allows for a smaller, more cost-effective battery system compared to dedicated electric vehicle applications.
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
Reduces the number of hydraulic components, allows for smaller and less expensive battery systems, and balances hydraulic and electric demand to avoid engine overload, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to charge a battery when rotationally coupled with the transmission
Implementation Method 2
provide rotary power to a hydraulic pump that is in turn configured to provide hydraulic power to the hydraulically powered body system
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a vehicle body on a chassis having a frame, an internal combustion engine (ICE), and a transmission coupling the ICE with a plurality of tractive elements. The vehicle body includes an electrically powered body system and a hydraulically powered body system. A first power module is coupled with the ICE and is configured to provide rotary power to a hydraulic pump that is configured to provide hydraulic power to the hydraulically powered body system. A second power module is coupled with the transmission and configured to rotationally couple and decouple an electrical generator with the transmission. The generator is configured to charge at least one battery when rotationally coupled with the transmission. The battery is configured to provide electrical power to the electrically powered body system.