Hydraulic Pump Speed Switching for Battery-Powered Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric work vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing the operating speed range of their hydraulic pumps to optimize energy consumption and ensure sufficient hydraulic output based on load demands, as they rely on battery-powered electric motors instead of internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a controller to monitor hydraulic fluid pressure and switch the pump between normal and energy-saving operating speed ranges based on pressure thresholds, adjusting the electric pump motor's operation to optimize energy use and hydraulic output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the pump operates at high speed continuously, then sufficient hydraulic output is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operating speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time hydraulic fluid pressure feedback. The controller continuously monitors pressure and adjusts the electric motor speed accordingly, switching between first and second operating speed ranges to match actual load demands, thereby ensuring sufficient hydraulic output while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on hydraulic fluid pressure to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to detect when pressure falls below the threshold and automatically adjust the pump speed, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy use while maintaining adequate hydraulic performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the pump operates at low speed, then energy consumption is reduced, but hydraulic output becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operating speed ranges based on actual hydraulic pressure conditions. When pressure is adequate, the pump operates at lower speed to save energy; when pressure drops below threshold, the system automatically increases speed to restore sufficient hydraulic output, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operating parameters (speed range) are changed based on hydraulic pressure conditions. The controller adjusts the electric motor speed parameter by switching between predetermined speed ranges, allowing the system to adapt its hydraulic output capability to match actual load requirements and minimize energy waste.
3Device complexity
If the pump operates without speed control, then system complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts pump speed based on pressure feedback, implementing a relatively simple two-range speed control strategy. This dynamic approach achieves good energy efficiency without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple operating modes, maintaining an appropriate balance between control system complexity and energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric work vehicle a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to a component of the electric work vehicle. Moreover, the electric work vehicle includes a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a pressure of the hydraulic fluid and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the controller is configured to monitor the pressure of the hydraulic fluid relative to a predetermined threshold pressure value based on the data captured the sensor. In addition, the controller is configured to control the operation of the pump such that the pump is switched from a first operating speed range to a second operating speed range when the monitored pressure of the hydraulic fluid falls below the predetermined threshold pressure value.