Refuse Vehicle Accessory Power Split for Independent Hydraulics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles inefficiently utilize prime movers for both transportation and body functions, leading to oversizing and inefficiency in hydraulic systems for operations like lift arms and compaction.
Innovation Solution
An independent accessory system with a fuel storage tank and accessory prime mover that operates hydraulic functions independently of the prime mover, using a smaller engine sized for body functions, integrated with existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the prime mover is used to drive both tractive elements and hydraulic accessories, then the vehicle can operate with a single power source, but the prime mover becomes oversized and inefficient for accessory operations
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent parts: the prime mover for tractive functions and the accessory primary mover for hydraulic accessories. This segmentation allows each power source to be optimized for its specific function, preventing the prime mover from being oversized while maintaining operational simplicity through independent systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the prime mover is sized to handle peak accessory demands, then all hydraulic functions can be driven by the prime mover, but the system becomes inefficient during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory system serves itself by using the accessory primary mover to power hydraulic accessories during normal operation. The prime mover only engages when additional power is needed for tractive functions, eliminating energy waste from running an oversized prime mover at low load during routine accessory operations.
3Productivity
If the accessory primary mover operates independently with separate fuel storage, then hydraulic functions can be performed without prime mover operation, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory primary mover and its fuel storage system serve multiple purposes: powering hydraulic accessories during vehicle operation, providing backup power for critical hydraulic functions, and enabling accessory operations when the vehicle is stationary. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering significant productivity benefits through independent operation capability.
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
Enhances efficiency and versatility by allowing hydraulic operations to function independently, reducing the need for oversized prime movers and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
The accessory primary mover is configured to fluidly couple with the one or more storage tanks to receive the fuel from the one or more storage tanks and operate to pressurize a hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
operate to pressurize a hydraulic fluid to drive an accessory of the refuse vehicle. The accessory primary mover is configured to pressurize the hydraulic fluid to drive the accessory of the refuse vehicle independently of operation of the prime mover
Implementation Method 3
The independent CNG engine is configured to receive the CNG fuel from the multiple CNG storage tanks and generate mechanical energy using the CNG fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes multiple tractive elements, a prime mover, and an independent accessory system. The prime mover is configured to generate mechanical energy to drive one or more of the tractive elements. The independent accessory system includes one or more storage tanks configured to store a fuel, and an accessory primary mover. The accessory primary mover is configured to fluidly couple with the one or more storage tanks to receive the fuel from the one or more storage tanks and operate to pressurize a hydraulic fluid to drive an accessory of the refuse vehicle. The accessory primary mover is configured to pressurize the hydraulic fluid to drive the accessory of the refuse vehicle independently of operation of the prime mover.