Electric Utility Vehicle Power Modes for Runtime and Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact utility vehicles with electric motors face challenges in energy efficiency and power consumption, leading to undesirable delays due to battery recharge times, limiting their use in environments where internal combustion engine emissions are a concern.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a controller and processor that manages multiple power states and modes, including energy conservation and normal modes, to optimize electric motor power consumption based on user inputs and attachment configurations, reducing waste and extending runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric motors are used in utility vehicles, then energy efficiency is improved, but runtime is reduced due to lower energy density of batteries compared to internal combustion engines
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor power output based on real-time monitoring of battery state of charge and operational demands. The controller modulates power delivery to match actual workload requirements, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate runtime between charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by implementing multiple power modes (e.g., eco-mode, normal-mode, power-mode) that adjust motor current limits and operational characteristics. This allows optimization of the balance between power output and energy consumption based on task requirements and battery status.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power modes are implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors battery state of charge, operational conditions, and power consumption patterns to autonomously select and switch between appropriate power modes. This self-managing approach eliminates the need for complex manual intervention while maintaining energy efficiency through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operational parameters and battery status, using this feedback to dynamically adjust power mode selections. This closed-loop control optimizes energy efficiency by responding to real-time conditions without requiring overly complex pre-programmed decision trees.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system and method of controlling a utility vehicle. The system may include a controller, an energy mode input associated with a user input request to select one of at least two power modes, an implement control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of an implement, a drive control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of a drive system to propel the utility vehicle, and an attachment type input to further refine the allowed operating power states. The controller is adapted to determine a change between the plurality of operating power states in response to user input requests to automatically optimize machine performance and efficiency. Each of the plurality of operating power states includes a maximum electric current output and a maximum speed output of the electric motor.