Refuse Vehicle Range Extension Through Accessory Power Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refuse vehicles face limitations in extending their transportation range due to the consumption of electrical energy by accessories, which depletes the battery charge, necessitating a solution to optimize energy use and extend operational capability.
Innovation Solution
A range extension system for refuse vehicles that includes a battery and a controller to monitor the state of charge, limiting accessory operations when necessary and activating a supplemental energy source when energy is low, ensuring efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If accessories operate continuously to perform functions, then operational capability is improved, but battery charge depletes faster reducing transportation range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts accessory operation based on real-time battery state of charge levels. The controller monitors battery charge and automatically limits or disables accessories when charge falls below thresholds, creating a dynamic balance between operational capability and energy conservation throughout the vehicle's operation cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of accessories based on battery state of charge. When charge levels drop, the controller modifies accessory behavior from full operation to limited or disabled operation, effectively using parameter changes to extend transportation range while maintaining essential functions
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then transportation range is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing battery capacity more efficiently through intelligent management. By monitoring state of charge and dynamically limiting accessories, the system extracts maximum transportation range from the current battery without requiring additional capacity, avoiding the weight penalty of larger batteries
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing physical battery capacity, the system changes operational parameters to extend effective range. By adjusting accessory operation levels based on charge state, the system achieves extended transportation duration through efficient energy utilization rather than increased energy storage
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 extends the transportation range of refuse vehicles by conserving battery energy and providing supplemental power when needed, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The battery is configured to provide electrical energy for the accessories
Implementation Method 2
The controller is configured to obtain a state of charge of the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A range extension system for a refuse vehicle includes a battery, and a controller. The battery is configured to provide electrical energy for accessories of the refuse vehicle. The controller is configured to obtain a state of charge of the battery and limit operation of at least one of the accessories in response to the state of charge of the battery to extend a transportation range of the refuse vehicle.