Refuse Vehicle Pump Control With E-PTO Power Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric refuse vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing energy consumption and hydraulic power systems, particularly when subsystems like the lift system and compactor are not in use, leading to unnecessary power draw and maintenance complexities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a manual power disconnect between the energy storage device and the E-PTO system, allowing selective decoupling of secondary vehicle systems, along with a controller to manage electrical power transfer and a helical gear pump for hydraulic power, enabling efficient energy conservation and maintenance isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the E-PTO system remains connected to the energy storage device, then hydraulic power is continuously available to subsystems, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily when subsystems are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power system into separable segments by introducing a manual disconnect between the energy storage device and the E-PTO system. This allows the hydraulic power system to be independently controlled from the main power source, enabling energy conservation when subsystems are not in use while maintaining the capability to provide hydraulic power when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the E-PTO system from continuous connection to the energy storage device by implementing a manual disconnect mechanism. This separation allows the E-PTO system to be isolated from the power source when not in use, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while preserving the ability to reconnect when hydraulic power is required.
2Ease of repair
If the E-PTO system is continuously powered, then hydraulic subsystems remain operational, but maintenance complexity increases due to inability to isolate systems
Solution Approach 1:
The manual disconnect creates a separable boundary in the power system, allowing maintenance personnel to isolate the E-PTO system and hydraulic subsystems from the main power source. This segmentation enables safe maintenance operations by ensuring that hydraulic components can be serviced independently without risk of unexpected power activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual disconnect acts as an intermediary component between the energy storage device and the E-PTO system. This intermediary provides a controlled interface that enables both operational flexibility and maintenance isolation, allowing the system to transition between powered and isolated states as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the manual disconnect is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced and maintenance is facilitated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual disconnect extracts the power connection control from the automated system architecture, providing a simple, direct mechanical or electrical isolation mechanism. This approach adds minimal complexity while delivering significant operational benefits by allowing users to manually control power flow to the E-PTO system based on operational needs.
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 solution allows for reduced energy consumption, maintains vehicle functionality during low power modes, and facilitates safe maintenance by isolating hydraulic subsystems, enhancing the operational efficiency and durability of electric refuse vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a helical gear pump for hydraulic power
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body, a lift system, and a controller. The lift system includes a lift arm actuator, a pump, and an electric motor. The pump is configured to power the lift arm actuator and is driven by the electric motor. The controller is configured to receive a user input that specifies a position of the lift arm actuator within a movement range, determine a flow demand required to move the lift arm actuator to the position, determine a motor speed that satisfies the flow demand, and communicate the motor speed to the electric motor.