Reserve Power Control for Electric Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric work machines, such as pavers and excavators, often run out of power before reaching charging stations, leading to costly downtime and operational losses due to the lack of efficient power reserve management systems.
Innovation Solution
A reserve power control system for work machines that includes a reserve power component capable of automatically determining or receiving a reserve power amount, comparing it to the available power, and issuing alerts or controlling operations to ensure the machine can reach a charging station or transport trailer, using GPS and power consumption monitoring to optimize power reserve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electric work machines operate without reserve power management, then power consumption is maximized for work performance, but the machine risks running out of power before reaching charging stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring power levels and calculating reserve power requirements before the machine runs out of power. The reserve power component determines the minimum power needed to reach charging stations and alerts operators in advance, allowing them to plan recharging stops before power depletion occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring available power levels and comparing them against calculated reserve power requirements. The reserve power component provides real-time feedback to operators through alerts and notifications, enabling dynamic adjustment of operations to maintain adequate power reserves.
2Reliability
If the machine carries large power packs or generators to ensure sufficient power supply, then power availability is improved, but the machine weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by using the machine's existing power infrastructure and intelligence to manage power reserves. Rather than adding external power sources, the reserve power component utilizes onboard sensors, GPS, and computational resources to monitor power levels, calculate reserves, and guide operators to charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical power storage solutions (large power packs or generators) with an electronic/software-based reserve power management system. This substitution uses sensors, processors, and communication systems to achieve power supply reliability without the weight and complexity of additional mechanical power sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually monitor power levels and plan recharging stops, then power management flexibility is maintained, but time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback on power levels, reserve power status, and recommended actions to operators. This real-time information enables operators to make informed decisions about when and where to recharge, optimizing the balance between maintaining power reserves and minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The reserve power component performs automated calculations of power reserves, monitoring of charging station locations, and generation of recommendations, reducing the manual effort and time required for power management while preserving operator decision-making authority.
4Reliability
If the machine reduces power consumption to maintain reserve power, then power availability for reaching charging stations is improved, but work output and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic power management by continuously adjusting reserve power requirements based on changing conditions such as remaining work tasks, distance to charging stations, terrain, and machine load. This dynamic approach allows the machine to optimize the balance between maintaining adequate power reserves and maximizing productivity during each operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The reserve power component changes operational parameters by adjusting power allocation between work functions and reserve power based on real-time conditions. The system modifies power distribution dynamically, allowing full power for work when reserves are adequate and reducing power consumption for work when reserves are low, thereby adapting productivity levels to power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine may include a source of electrical power, a ground engaging traction system, and an implement for performing work. The work machine may also include one or more motors operable to use the electrical power from the power source to operate the ground engaging traction system to cause the work machine to travel along the ground and operable to use the electrical power from the power source to operate the implement. The work machine may also include a reserve power component configured to receive a reserve power amount from a user or automatically determine the reserve power amount, compare an available power amount to the reserve power amount to establish a comparison, and issue alerts or impart controls on operation of the work machine based on the comparison.