Variable Transmission Fuel Efficiency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional milling machines face challenges in maintaining consistent rotor speed and optimizing fuel efficiency due to variations in engine speed and load, which affect performance and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A controller-implemented method and system that adjusts engine speed and gear ratio of a variable transmission to maintain desired rotor speed while optimizing fuel efficiency by using predefined efficiency points and algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If variable transmission is used to maintain constant rotor speed despite engine speed variations, then rotor speed stability is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the gear ratio of the variable transmission based on real-time engine load and rotor speed requirements. Rather than maintaining a fixed gear ratio, the transmission ratio is continuously optimized to keep the engine operating near its efficiency points while delivering the required rotor speed, thus resolving the contradiction between speed stability and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the engine by adjusting the gear ratio to maintain engine speed within an optimal range defined by efficiency points. This parameter adjustment allows the engine to operate more efficiently while the variable transmission compensates to maintain constant rotor speed, thereby improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing speed stability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine speed is adjusted to optimize fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is improved, but rotor speed consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable transmission acts as an intermediary between the engine and the rotor. It decouples the engine speed variations from the rotor speed, allowing the engine to operate at efficient speeds while the transmission compensates to maintain consistent rotor speed. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by absorbing the speed variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the actual rotor speed is continuously monitored and compared with the desired rotor speed. Based on this feedback, the variable transmission adjusts the gear ratio in real-time to maintain the desired rotor speed while the engine operates at fuel-efficient speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel consumption and speed consistency.
3Ease of operation
If manual or automatic rotor speed adjustment is used, then operator control is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to lack of engine load consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control that independently manages engine speed and transmission gear ratio based on pre-programmed efficiency points and real-time sensor data. This self-service capability allows the system to optimize fuel efficiency without requiring operator intervention, while still maintaining the ability for operators to set desired rotor speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and fuel efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller-implemented method of controlling a machine having a rotor coupled to an engine through a variable transmission is provided. The controller-implemented method may include receiving a desired rotor speed, determining an engine load of the engine, adjusting an engine speed of the engine based on the engine load and one or more predefined efficiency points, and adjusting a gear ratio of the variable transmission based on the engine speed and the desired rotor speed.