Supercapacitor Engine Restart Control for Reduced Idling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel-driven equipment, such as hydraulic pumping systems, experience significant idle time due to inefficiencies in engine shutdown and restart processes, leading to excessive fuel consumption, noise pollution, and equipment wear, with existing solutions being costly or complex.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a supercapacitor to store energy during engine operation or idle periods, allowing for automatic shutdown and restart, along with heating and pre-lubrication processes to optimize engine conditions, controlled by a processing unit that adjusts parameters for efficient idle reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual shutdown and restart procedures are used, then engine idle time can be reduced, but labor requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic engine shutdown and restart without manual intervention. The control system monitors engine parameters and operational conditions, automatically shutting down the engine when idle conditions are detected and restarting it when needed, making the system self-managing rather than requiring operator action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electronic control system. Sensors, microprocessors, and control algorithms monitor engine status and automatically execute shutdown and restart sequences, substituting human operator actions with automated electronic control mechanisms
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic accumulators are used for energy storage, then engine restart capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from complex hydraulic accumulator systems and implements it using simpler electrical energy storage devices such as capacitors or batteries. This separation allows the use of more straightforward electrical components to achieve the same functional outcome of storing energy for engine restart
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and type of energy storage from hydraulic pressure storage in accumulators to electrical energy storage in capacitors or batteries. This parameter change from hydraulic to electrical energy storage simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the capability to provide sufficient energy for engine restart
3Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used for energy storage, then engine restart is enabled, but battery life is reduced due to deep discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the energy storage device during engine operation, accumulating sufficient energy before shutdown. This advance energy accumulation ensures that when the engine needs to be restarted, the stored energy is adequate without requiring deep or rapid discharges that would harm battery longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging cycles during engine operation to replenish energy stores. By charging the energy storage device in regular intervals during normal operation rather than relying on single large discharges, the system maintains battery health while ensuring sufficient energy availability for restart operations
4Loss of energy
If engine shutdown is implemented, then fuel consumption is reduced, but restart requirements increase energy demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system accumulates energy during engine operation before shutdown occurs. By storing energy in advance while the engine is running, sufficient energy is available to meet the high power demands of engine restart without requiring the engine to remain idling, thus reducing fuel consumption while ensuring restart 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
Reduces fuel consumption, noise pollution, and equipment wear by efficiently capturing and storing energy for restarts, minimizing idle time and extending component life through automated and energy-efficient engine management.
Implementation Method 1
storing energy in an energy accumulator operatively associated with the engine and a starter. In various embodiments, the energy accumulator includes a supercapacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for reducing engine idling of fuel-driven equipment, for example found on a wellsite and/or including hydraulic pumping systems are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided for controlling the starting and shutdown of equipment powered by a fuel-driven engine, the system comprising of an energy accumulator comprising or consisting of one or more supercapacitors. The transmission, transmission fluid, or other components can be warmed to prolong time between engine restarts.