Parallel Semiconductor Switching for Road Paver Screed Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road paver systems face challenges with high energy consumption and overheating issues due to continuously operating electric heating elements in the paving screed, leading to inefficient energy use and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A road paver system utilizing an electric switching assembly with two semiconductor switching devices connected in parallel, allowing alternating current flow to reduce the need for high-rated switching devices and prevent overheating by alternating the power supply between the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a single high-rated switching device is used to supply continuous power to the heating device, then the heating device can operate continuously, but the switching device overheats and has reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching between two switching devices in alternating intervals. Each switching device operates for a predetermined time period (e.g., 30 seconds) and then is switched off while the other takes over. This periodic switching allows each device to cool down during its off period while maintaining continuous heating through the other device, thereby resolving the overheating issue of single continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single switching device function into two separate switching devices operating in parallel. Instead of one device handling the entire continuous load, the load is divided and shared between two devices through time-based segmentation. This segmentation reduces the thermal burden on each individual device, preventing overheating while maintaining continuous power supply to the heating element.
2Reliability
If high-rated switching devices are used to handle full power continuously, then reliable power supply is ensured, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic switching between two devices, the system maintains reliable power supply to the heating element at all times while allowing each switching device to operate at lower ratings. The control unit manages the switching sequence to ensure continuous power delivery, achieving reliability without requiring individually high-rated switching devices that would increase cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the switching devices by transitioning from continuous high-power operation to intermittent lower-power operation. Each switching device operates at reduced power levels for predetermined intervals, which allows the use of lower-rated, less expensive components while maintaining overall system reliability through the alternating operation of two devices.
3Temperature
If electric heating elements operate at full power continuously, then heating effectiveness is maximized, but energy consumption increases and generator is stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic switching of heating elements between different screed halves allows the system to maintain effective heating temperatures while reducing continuous energy consumption. By alternating which half is heated, the system achieves thermal effectiveness over time without requiring both halves to be heated simultaneously at full power, thereby reducing the continuous load on the generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by heating only one half of the screed at a time rather than the entire screed continuously. This partial heating approach is sufficient to prevent material sticking in the active zone while reducing overall energy consumption and generator stress, as not the full heating capacity is required at every moment.
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
This solution reduces energy consumption and extends the lifespan of switching devices by allowing smaller, less expensive components and preventing overheating, resulting in a more economical and low-maintenance power supply for the electric screed heating system.
Implementation Method 1
Due to heat generation in the power controllers during operation, it must be ensured that the power controllers are designed for the rated power of the heating devices
Data Source
AI summary
A road paver comprises a tractor vehicle with a material hopper for receiving paving material and a paving screed for compacting paving material. The paving screed comprises at least one electric heating device for heating the paving screed. The road paver comprises at least one electric switching assembly configured to switch an electric power supply of the electric heating device. The electric switching assembly comprises an electric parallel circuit of two switching devices, wherein the electric parallel circuit of the two switching devices forms a series electric circuit with the electric heating device.