Compact Tractor Battery Pack Layout With Bus Bars and Low-Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric compact tractors face space constraints for battery modules, require protection against structural damage and easy maintenance, and need to prevent short circuits and overloads, especially with limited space for power cables and the need for a low voltage control circuit to utilize higher voltage lithium ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
A compact battery pack design with lithium ion battery modules connected to a battery management system via positive and negative electrical bus bars, incorporating a low voltage control circuit with a lead acid battery to manage power distribution and prevent overloads, and a unique bus bar configuration to ensure safe and efficient power flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery modules are installed to provide sufficient power, then the power output is improved, but the space requirements increase beyond available compact tractor space
Solution Approach 1:
The battery modules are nested vertically within a compact housing structure, with six modules arranged in a vertical column and one module positioned horizontally at the top, creating a space-efficient configuration that maximizes power density within limited tractor space
Solution Approach 2:
The battery arrangement transitions from a traditional horizontal layout to a vertical three-dimensional configuration, utilizing the vertical space within the tractor to accommodate multiple high-voltage battery modules without increasing the horizontal footprint
2Volume of moving object
If a compact battery housing is used to save space, then the volume is reduced, but the protection against structural damage and shock loads is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Shock-absorbing elements and protective structures are pre-installed within the battery housing to cushion and absorb impact forces before they can damage the battery modules, ensuring reliability in the compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The battery housing employs composite construction combining rigid structural components for strength with integrated shock-absorbing materials, achieving both compact dimensions and adequate protection against structural damage and shock loads
3Power
If thick power cables with 25-30 mm diameter are used for power flow requirements, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the space availability is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable system is replaced with rigid electrical bus bars that provide equivalent or superior power transmission capability while occupying significantly less space, eliminating the need for large-diameter flexible cables in the compact battery assembly
4Power
If higher voltage lithium ion batteries are used to reduce the number of modules, then the power density is improved, but the risk of short circuits and overloads increases
Solution Approach 1:
A battery management system with monitoring and control circuitry is implemented to continuously track voltage, current, and temperature parameters, providing feedback that prevents short circuits and overloads by disconnecting or regulating power flow when threshold limits are approached
Solution Approach 2:
A low voltage control circuit with a lead acid battery serves as an intermediary between the high voltage lithium ion batteries and the tractor's control systems, enabling safe operation by providing voltage conversion, isolation, and control functions that mitigate the risks of short circuits and overloads
Data Source
AI summary
An electric compact tractor powered by a plurality of lithium ion battery modules housed in a battery pack. A pair of electrical bus bars connect the plurality of lithium ion battery modules in the battery pack, and extend from the battery pack to electric motors for traction drive, implement drive and steering. A low voltage control circuit may be used for turning on the plurality of lithium ion battery modules in the battery pack.