Vehicle Idle Speed Control for Parasitic Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current propulsion systems for vehicles, such as diesel electric haul trucks, consume excessive fuel at idle speeds due to parasitic loads, which are not efficiently managed, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that monitors ambient and operational conditions to reduce idle speeds when parasitic loads are minimal, switching to a lower power mode and adjusting engine speed based on changing demands, utilizing machine learning to optimize engine performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the alternator operates at higher speeds to generate increased power, then power output is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts alternator speed based on real-time power demand conditions. When high power is needed, the alternator operates at higher speeds; when power demand decreases, the alternator speed is reduced accordingly. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching power output to actual needs, avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption at high speeds when full power is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (speed, voltage, current) of the alternator based on monitored conditions. By manipulating the electric field and adjusting voltage/current output while varying speed, the system optimizes the balance between power delivery and fuel consumption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high power output and reducing energy use.
2Reliability
If the alternator operates at idle speed to stay activated, then system availability is improved, but useful work output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator operates dynamically between idle and higher speeds based on power demand. At idle, it maintains system availability and powers auxiliary loads. When power demand increases, the system transitions to higher speed operation to deliver useful work. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by allowing the alternator to maintain readiness at idle while capturing useful work output when conditions require it.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the idle speed is reduced to decrease fuel consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to meet auxiliary load demands may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors power demand from auxiliary loads and provides feedback to adjust alternator speed accordingly. When auxiliary loads require power, the system increases idle speed to meet the demand. When loads are minimal, the system reduces speed to decrease fuel consumption. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by ensuring auxiliary load capability is maintained when needed while optimizing fuel efficiency when demands are low.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes monitoring one or more of an ambient condition or an operational condition of a vehicle system while the vehicle system is stationary and a propulsion system of the vehicle system is operating at an idle speed, determining whether the one or more of the ambient condition or the operational condition satisfy one or more reduced auxiliary or parasitic load criteria, reducing one or more of an auxiliary load or a parasitic load responsive to determining that the one or more ambient condition or the operational condition satisfy the one or more reduced auxiliary or parasitic load criteria, and subsequently reducing the idle speed at which the propulsion system is operating to a slower speed following reducing the one or more of the auxiliary load or the parasitic load.