Tracked Vehicle Charging Control for Continuous Battery Preconditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric or electric tracked vehicles face issues with battery charging at harsh climates and inconsistent charging station control units, leading to battery discharge and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A control method and charging system that maintains electrical connection to the charging station, allowing continuous power to utilities like heating or cooling the battery and cabin, ensuring the vehicle remains ready for use even at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging station disconnects after battery charge reaches 100%, then the charging process is completed, but the vehicle cannot power utilities (heating/cooling) and the battery may not be maintained at optimal temperature in harsh climates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the electrical connection and continuing to supply power to utilities (heating/cooling) after the battery charge reaches 100%. This ensures the battery and cabin are pre-conditioned to optimal temperatures before the vehicle needs to operate, preventing cold starts in harsh climates.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging connection is maintained continuously rather than being disconnected after battery charging completes. This continuous connection allows utilities to remain powered, ensuring the battery temperature is maintained within optimal ranges and the cabin is conditioned, thereby ensuring vehicle readiness even during prolonged stops.
2Productivity
If the vehicle disconnects from the charging station after battery charging, then the charging station can be used by other vehicles, but the vehicle utilities cannot remain powered and the battery may discharge or cool down in cold environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by maintaining the electrical connection and supplying minimal continuous power to utilities even after the battery is fully charged. This excessive action (beyond what's needed for battery charging alone) ensures the battery and cabin remain at optimal temperatures without requiring the vehicle to stay connected for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameters from intermittent charging to continuous low-power supply. By adjusting the power delivery mode to maintain a continuous connection with reduced current, the battery temperature and cabin temperature are maintained within optimal ranges while still allowing charging station utilization.
3Loss of energy
If utilities are powered cyclically (ON-OFF) during charging, then energy is saved, but the battery and cabin may not reach optimal temperature and the vehicle may not be ready to start immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates cyclic ON-OFF power supply to utilities and instead maintains continuous power supply during the charging period. This continuous action ensures that heating or cooling operates without interruption, rapidly bringing the battery and cabin to optimal temperatures and ensuring vehicle readiness immediately after charging stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary conditioning of the battery and cabin during the entire charging period by continuously powering utilities. This preliminary action ensures that all systems are ready for operation before the vehicle leaves the charging station, eliminating delays associated with post-charging temperature adjustments.
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 vehicle is kept in optimal operating condition, ready to start immediately after a prolonged stop, with battery and cabin maintained within desired temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
power the utilities, preferably to heat or cool the battery and/or the cabin and/or an oil of at least one of the hydraulic circuits
Implementation Method 2
power the utilities, preferably to heat or cool the battery and/or the cabin and/or an oil of at least one of the hydraulic circuits
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for controlling electric or hybrid plug-in electric tracked vehicle, preferably a snow groomer; the method comprises the step of operating in a first operating mode when the rechargeable battery assembly (14) is not fully charged and, in said first operating mode, the tracked vehicle (1) requests and receives current and supplies it to the rechargeable battery assembly (14); the method comprises the step of operating in a second operating mode when the rechargeable battery assembly (14) is fully charged and, in said second operating mode, the tracked vehicle (1) requests and receives current and is controlled so as to consume at least a minimum current value greater than a given current threshold continuously and without interruptions, supplying it to the heater assembly (30) so that it consumes said minimum current value.