Regenerative Braking System for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements with on-board electrical systems face inefficiencies in charging their energy storage systems via hydraulically driven charging, which limits power availability for other system functions and results in wasted energy during braking.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative braking system is integrated into the agricultural implement, utilizing electric motors coupled to wheels to generate power during braking, which is stored in an energy storage system, and a controller manages this process to optimize energy recovery and supplement with hydraulic charging when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulically driven charging systems are used to charge the energy storage system, then the electrical system can be powered, but hydraulic power is limited and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful energy waste during braking (which normally dissipates as heat) into a beneficial resource by using the electric motors to generate electrical energy during deceleration. This regenerative braking process captures kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost and stores it in the energy storage system, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement's electrical system charges its own energy storage system using power generated from its own motion during braking, rather than relying entirely on external hydraulic charging from the towing vehicle. This self-charging capability reduces the burden on the towing vehicle's hydraulic system and optimizes the implement's own energy resources.
2Power
If hydraulic charging systems are used, then power can be supplied to the electrical system, but power availability for other system functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system charges itself during braking events using the implement's own kinetic energy, eliminating the need to draw power from the towing vehicle's hydraulic system. This self-sufficiency increases power availability for other implement functions without compromising the performance of the towing vehicle's hydraulic system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If regenerative braking is implemented, then energy recovery is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motors that normally provide propulsion to the implement's wheels are made multi-functional by enabling them to operate in reverse as generators during braking. This universal application of the same hardware for both motor and generator functions achieves energy recovery without requiring separate dedicated generator components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
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 regenerative braking system enhances energy efficiency by recharging the on-board electrical system and optimizing hydraulic power usage for other functions, improving overall energy management and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
The regenerative braking system includes multiple electric motors, wherein each electric motor of the multiple electric motors is coupled to a respective wheel of the agricultural implement... configured to cause the multiple motors to operate backwards to slow or stop the agricultural implement and to provide power to an energy storage system
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement is provided. The agricultural implement includes an energy storage system configured to provide power to an electrical system of the agricultural implement. The agricultural implement also includes a regenerative braking system configured to slow or stop the agricultural implement and to provide power to the energy storage system.