Refuse Vehicle Braking Mode Control for Regenerative Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack efficient operational modes for refuse collection and highway driving, particularly in fully electric configurations, leading to suboptimal energy usage and braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A fully electric refuse vehicle equipped with an electrified axle and control system that transitions between collection and highway modes based on speed and lift apparatus activation, utilizing regenerative braking and differentiated braking settings for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking is used in collection mode to charge the battery, then energy efficiency is improved, but braking control complexity increases due to mode-specific braking settings
Solution Approach 1:
The braking control system dynamically adjusts braking parameters based on the operational mode (collection mode vs. highway mode). In collection mode, the system enables regenerative braking with specific braking force characteristics, while in highway mode, it switches to different braking settings. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy efficiency in collection mode without compromising braking performance in highway mode, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency improvement and control complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle transitions between collection and highway modes based on speed and lift apparatus activation, then operational adaptability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors operational parameters including vehicle speed and lift apparatus activation state. Based on this feedback, the system automatically transitions between collection mode and highway mode. When the lift apparatus is activated or speed falls below a threshold, the system switches to collection mode with appropriate braking settings. This feedback-based automatic transition improves operational adaptability while keeping the control system manageable by using clear, rule-based decision logic.
3Reliability
If differentiated braking settings are used for collection and highway modes, then braking performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple braking relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The braking control system is segmented into distinct operational modes (collection mode and highway mode), each with its own optimized braking settings. In collection mode, the system applies a first braking relationship that may prioritize regenerative braking and different force characteristics. In highway mode, a second braking relationship is applied that is optimized for higher-speed stopping. This segmentation allows each mode to have specialized braking characteristics without requiring a completely complex unified system, as the control logic simply selects between predefined braking relationships based on the current mode.
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 energy efficiency by allowing regenerative braking and optimized braking performance in different operational modes, improving the vehicle's ability to manage energy consumption and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The electrified axle is configured to consume electrical energy from the battery and drive the tractive elements to transport the refuse vehicle
Implementation Method 2
when the refuse vehicle is in the collection mode of operation, responsive to depression of a brake pedal, the processing circuitry is configured to operate the electrified axle to perform regenerative braking for the plurality of tractive elements and generate electrical energy for charging of and storage in the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes control system that includes processing circuitry configured to obtain a speed of the refuse vehicle, or an indication of activation of a lift apparatus of the refuse vehicle. The processing circuitry is configured to transition the refuse vehicle between a collection mode of operation and a highway mode of operation based on at least one of the speed of the refuse vehicle or the indication of activation of the lift apparatus of the refuse vehicle. The processing circuitry is configured to operate the refuse vehicle according to the collection mode of operation or the highway mode of operation, wherein the collection mode of operation and the highway mode of operation each comprise different braking settings for the refuse vehicle.