Hybrid Sweeper-Scrubber Control System for Emission Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning systems require separate sweepers and scrubbers, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance due to the need for manual sweeping before scrubbing, and lack of hybrid solutions that efficiently alternate between fuel and battery power modes.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid sweeper-scrubber system that operates in both fuel-powered and battery-powered modes, utilizing an internal combustion engine and electrical system battery pack to power cleaning functions, with a control method that monitors operational loads and adjusts engine speed and mode to optimize cleaning performance and reduce emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sweepers and scrubbers are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but productivity decreases due to the need for sequential operations and increased maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sweeping and scrubbing functions into a single hybrid vehicle unit, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate machines. The vehicle integrates a sweeper mechanism with a scrubber system, eliminating the need to switch between separate devices and improving overall cleaning productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid vehicle is designed to perform multiple cleaning functions (sweeping and scrubbing) within a single platform. This multi-functional design allows the vehicle to adapt to different cleaning requirements while maintaining optimized performance for each function, resolving the contradiction between functional optimization and productivity.
2Power
If fuel-powered mode is used, then power output and cleaning capability are improved, but emissions and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid vehicle dynamically switches between fuel-powered and battery-powered modes based on operational requirements. The control system monitors power demands and automatically selects the appropriate power source, allowing the vehicle to use fuel power when high cleaning capability is needed and battery power during normal operations to reduce emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the power source parameter dynamically, transitioning between two distinct power sources (fuel and battery). This parameter change allows the system to optimize between power output and emissions by selecting the appropriate power source based on real-time operational conditions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If battery-powered mode is used, then emissions are reduced and operational costs decrease, but power output and cleaning capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid vehicle employs dynamic power source selection, switching between battery and fuel power based on the cleaning task requirements. When high power is needed for tough cleaning situations, the system transitions to fuel-powered mode. For routine cleaning with lower power demands, it operates on battery power to minimize emissions and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power output parameter by switching between two power sources with different characteristics. The battery provides sufficient power for normal operations with zero emissions, while the fuel engine provides supplemental high power when needed, allowing the system to optimize both emissions and cleaning capability.
4Reliability
If hydraulic components are used in traditional designs, then cleaning functions are reliably powered, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid vehicle replaces traditional hydraulic power transmission systems with an electrical power distribution system. The fuel engine and battery pack connect to electrical generators that directly power the cleaning functions through electrical motors, eliminating complex hydraulic pumps, valves, and fluid management systems while maintaining reliable power delivery.
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 hybrid sweeper-scrubber system reduces material costs, maintenance, and emissions by eliminating hydraulic components, allowing for efficient 'dry' and 'wet' cleaning with reduced fuel consumption and extended battery operation, while providing a single unit for sweeping and scrubbing.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle can include an internal combustion engine and electrical system battery pack
Implementation Method 2
power can be provided, via an electrical system alternator, to at least one cleaning function
Implementation Method 3
A threshold charge can be maintained, via the electrical system alternator, of an electrical system battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for controlling an engine (552) in a sweeper-scrubber. An electrical system alternator (554) provides power to at least one cleaning function (576, 578, 580) of a self-propelled hybrid vehicle and to driven wheels. The operational load is monitored, and the running state of an internal combustion engine (552) is controlled based on the monitored operational load. A threshold charge, of an electrical system battery pack (556) is maintained.