Trolley Power Scheduling for Zero-Emission Work Machine Fleets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fleet management systems for zero-emission work machines fail to consider power consumption, scheduling, efficiency, and productivity, as they are primarily designed for diesel-electric vehicles and do not account for the unique logistical needs of zero-emission vehicles that require both power distribution for driving and recharging.
Innovation Solution
A fleet and trolley system comprising a trolley network connected to zero-emission work machines, equipped with a controller that manages power draw and distribution between charging the battery and driving the tractive device, based on monitored states of the machines and network, optimizing for energy efficiency, productivity, and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a trolley network is used to provide supplementary electric power to diesel-electric vehicles, then the vehicles can draw power from the trolley line while traveling, but the system does not account for concurrent charging and driving power needs of zero-emission vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system dynamically adjusts the allocation of trolley power between driving the tractive device and charging the battery based on real-time vehicle states, battery charge levels, and operational requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power usage for zero-emission vehicles that require both propulsion and charging simultaneously.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If zero-emission vehicles use battery power alone, then they eliminate greenhouse gases, but they are limited in range by energy storage capacity and require longer refuel times
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley network enables continuous power supply to zero-emission vehicles during operation, eliminating the need for periodic stopping to recharge batteries. This continuous power delivery extends the vehicle's operational range and uptime without compromising the zero-emission benefit, thereby maintaining fleet productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a power management system is designed for diesel-electric vehicles, then it can manage power consumption, but it fails to provide adequate management for zero-emission vehicles with unique logistical considerations
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both traditional diesel-electric vehicles and zero-emission vehicles. It can manage power distribution for propulsion, coordinate battery charging schedules, and optimize the use of trolley network power, making it adaptable to different vehicle types and their unique operational requirements.
4Speed
If the trolley network allocates power primarily for driving, then vehicle movement is ensured, but battery charging is insufficient, extending refuel times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by allocating trolley power to charge vehicle batteries during periods when full power is not needed for propulsion. This advance charging reduces or eliminates the need for lengthy refuel stops later, thereby reducing downtime and extending operational continuity without compromising vehicle movement 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
The system enhances the productivity, energy efficiency, and longevity of individual and fleet-level operations by optimizing power usage, reducing downtime, and improving battery health through strategic power allocation and scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
the work machine including a frame, a rechargeable battery, one or more propulsion motors, a tractive device
Implementation Method 2
one or more propulsion motors, a tractive device
Data Source
AI summary
A fleet and trolley system, a first method of charging a work machine, and a second method of charging a fleet of work machines are disclosed. The fleet and trolley system includes a trolley network, at least one zero-emission work machine, and a controller. The controller manages a scheduled usage of the trolley network, a power draw, and a distribution of the power draw by the work machine. The first method includes monitoring states of the work machine, scheduling a usage of the trolley network, and supplying electric power to the work machine. The second method includes monitoring states of a fleet, monitoring states of the trolley network, scheduling usages of the trolley network, and supplying electric power to one or more machines of the fleet. Advantageously, the disclosed system and methods may improve an efficiency, productivity, and longevity of a fleet of zero-emission work machines.