Hydraulic Fluid Preheating During EV Work Machine Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cold weather conditions, hydraulic systems on work machines, particularly those powered electrically, face inefficiencies and reduced responsiveness due to cold hydraulic oil, which requires higher energy inputs for operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid heating system for electric work machines, comprising a fluid heater and a control module that manages power distribution from a battery charging unit to prioritize battery charging before heating the hydraulic fluid, ensuring efficient energy use and optimal operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid heater is operated to heat hydraulic fluid in cold weather, then the responsiveness and efficiency of hydraulic systems is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of hydraulic fluid during periods when the battery is being charged, before the hydraulic system needs to operate. The control module monitors battery charge state and activates the heater when sufficient charge is available, preparing the hydraulic fluid in advance to ensure optimal performance when needed without compromising operational responsiveness.
2Temperature
If battery power is used to heat hydraulic fluid, then the hydraulic system operates efficiently in cold conditions, but the battery charge state decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors the battery charge state and uses this feedback to determine when to activate the heater. The system only operates the heater when the charge state exceeds a predetermined threshold, ensuring that heating operations are performed only when sufficient battery charge is available, thus maintaining both hydraulic fluid temperature and adequate battery charge levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system operates dynamically based on real-time battery charge conditions rather than continuously or at fixed intervals. The control module adjusts heater operation according to the current charge state, enabling the system to adapt to varying battery conditions and optimize the balance between heating requirements and charge availability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the hydraulic system operates in cold conditions without heating, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system responsiveness and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of hydraulic fluid during periods when the battery is being charged, before the hydraulic system needs to operate. The control module monitors battery charge state and activates the heater when sufficient charge is available, preparing the hydraulic fluid in advance to ensure optimal performance when needed without compromising operational responsiveness.
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 effectively heats hydraulic fluid before use, enhancing the responsiveness and efficiency of hydraulic systems while optimizing energy usage, ensuring the work machine operates effectively in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid heater arranged and configured to heat fluid on the work machine
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid heating system for an electric work machine powered by a battery may include a fluid heater arranged and configured to heat fluid on the work machine and a control module configured to control fluid heating operations by controlling power to the fluid heater based on active operation of a battery charging unit.