Refuse Vehicle E-PTO Layout for Accessible Hydraulic Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric refuse vehicles lack an efficient and accessible system to convert electrical power into hydraulic power for subsystems like compactors and lifting systems, which is essential for reliable operation and maintenance, especially considering varying chassis types and operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electric power take-off (E-PTO) system that includes an inverter, electric motor, and hydraulic pump, supported by a thermal management system, allowing for direct access and external washability, and compatibility with different chassis styles, including electric, hybrid, and diesel-powered vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric power take-off system is integrated into the refuse vehicle, then hydraulic power for subsystems can be efficiently converted and operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the addition of inverter, electric motor, and hydraulic pump components
Solution Approach 1:
The electric power take-off system is designed to serve multiple subsystems (compactor, lifting system, thermal management) through a single integrated configuration, allowing one system to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate power conversion systems for each subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter acts as an intermediary component that converts electrical power from the energy storage device into usable forms for both the prime mover and the hydraulic pump, mediating between the electrical and hydraulic systems to reduce overall system complexity
2Ease of repair
If the electric power take-off system is positioned on the body, then direct access for maintenance is improved, but the vehicle's capacity is reduced due to occupied space
Solution Approach 1:
The electric power take-off system is segmented into modular components (inverter, electric motor, hydraulic pump) that can be independently accessed and maintained, with each component positioned to allow service personnel to reach them without disassembling the entire body structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system components are positioned to utilize vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement within the body structure, allowing maintenance access from multiple directions (top, side, or rear) rather than requiring horizontal expansion that would reduce vehicle capacity
3Ease of operation
If the electric power take-off system is made externally washable, then ease of cleaning is improved and contaminants are removed, but device complexity increases due to sealed enclosure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A sealed but removable enclosure or cover is used to protect the electric power take-off system components while allowing easy access for washing and maintenance, creating a flexible barrier that can be opened and closed without complex sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The electric power take-off system components are extracted from a permanently enclosed configuration and positioned in a location where they can be externally accessed and washed, separating the protective function from the permanent enclosure structure
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
Enables efficient conversion of electrical power to hydraulic power for vehicle subsystems, ensuring operational reliability and ease of maintenance, while maintaining the vehicle's capacity and protecting the system from environmental contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
The inverter receives electrical power from the energy storage device and supplies electrical power to the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The electric motor drives the hydraulic pump to convert the electrical power into hydraulic power
Implementation Method 3
The electric motor drives the hydraulic pump to convert the electrical power into hydraulic power
Data Source
AI summary
A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a first energy storage device, a body, an electric power take-off system, and a subsystem coupled to the body and moveable using hydraulic power from the electric power take-off system. The first energy storage device (e.g., a battery) is supported by the chassis and is configured to provide electrical power to a prime mover. Activation of the prime mover selectively drives the refuse vehicle. The body is configured for storing refuse, and is supported by the chassis. The electric power take-off system is positioned on the body and includes an electric motor, a second energy storage device configured to provide electric power to the electric motor, and a hydraulic pump that is drive by the electric motor. The electric motor drives the hydraulic pump to convert the electrical power into hydraulic power.