Regenerative Lifting Column Motor Control for Energy Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for lifting and lowering heavy vehicles require significant energy due to frequent operations in workshops, leading to increased energy consumption and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a lifting column with a brushless motor that operates as a generator during descent, regenerating energy and minimizing the need for correction valves, combined with motor control for speed adjustment and synchronization of multiple lifting columns, and incorporating bio-degradable hydraulic oil and solar charging for increased sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If correction valves are used to control carrier speed, then speed control is achieved, but energy is lost as hydraulic oil returns to the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical correction valve system with an electrical control system. The motor control means manipulates power supply to the motor to control carrier speed, eliminating the need for mechanical valves that dissipate energy through hydraulic oil return to reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from hydraulic pressure/flow (valve-based) to electrical power supply parameters. By manipulating electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) to the motor, speed is controlled without energy-dissipating mechanical corrections.
2Productivity
If frequent lifting operations are performed, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the energy that would normally be wasted during descent (when hydraulic oil returns to reservoir) into useful electrical energy through regenerative braking. The motor acts as a generator during descent, converting gravitational potential energy back into electrical energy that can be stored or fed back to the grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers energy that would otherwise be discarded during the descent phase of lifting operations. Instead of letting hydraulic oil return to reservoir and dissipate energy, the system captures the potential energy through regenerative braking and stores or reuses it.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components like correction valves are added for speed control, then speed adjustment capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor control means multi-functional. The same control system that manages motor operation during ascent also controls carrier speed during descent by manipulating power supply, eliminating the need for separate correction valves and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the speed control function from the mechanical valve system and integrates it into the electrical motor control system. This removes unnecessary mechanical components while maintaining or improving speed adjustment capability.
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption by up to 25%, enhances operational efficiency, and improves reliability and flexibility by eliminating the need for additional components and reducing maintenance, while promoting sustainability through energy regeneration and bio-degradable materials.
Implementation Method 1
In the descent mode the pump means drive the motor. By driving the motor, this motor in fact operates as a generator, thereby generating energy. This means that potential energy is transferred into electrical energy.
Implementation Method 2
In the ascent mode hydraulic oil is pumped into the cylinder of the lifting column for moving the carrier. This pump is driven by a motor. When lifting a load, such as a vehicle, this power supplied in the form of electrical energy is transferred to potential energy of mainly the vehicle and carrier.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system, lifting column and method for an energy efficient lifting and lowering a load, such as a vehicle. The system according to the invention comprises: - a lifting column (4) comprising a frame (10,14) with a movable carrier (16) and a drive which acts on the carrier, wherein the drive comprises a power source (58) for power supply to a motor (44); - a pump (42) in an ascent mode driven by the motor and in a decent mode driving the motor as a generator for energy-recovery; and - motor control means (54,70) for control of the motor, the motor control means arranged such that the power supply to the motor is manipulated for speed control of the carrier in at least the ascent mode.