Wheel Axle Fluid Preconditioning Control for Cold Start Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle preconditioning systems do not effectively determine when to initiate conditioning procedures for wheel axle fluids, leading to potential operational issues due to cold fluid temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that determines whether to initiate a conditioning procedure based on information about propulsion assembly inactivity, expected operation start time, and wheel axle fluid temperature, using various methods to increase fluid temperature before operation, including circulation, heat exchangers, and transmission fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conditioning procedure is initiated to increase wheel axle fluid temperature, then energy losses are reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit initiates a conditioning procedure to heat the wheel axle fluid in advance before the vehicle is operated. By determining the expected operation start time and initiating heating beforehand, the system ensures the fluid reaches optimal temperature before operation begins, reducing energy losses during actual vehicle operation while managing the energy consumption through intelligent timing based on propulsion assembly inactivity periods.
2Temperature
If a conditioning procedure is initiated based on temperature alone, then fluid temperature is improved, but inappropriate conditioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines whether to initiate a conditioning procedure by evaluating multiple factors including the expected operation start time and current wheel axle fluid temperature. By assessing the time until operation begins and comparing it with the current temperature, the system intelligently decides whether heating is appropriate, avoiding unnecessary conditioning when operation is imminent or when temperature is already sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the wheel axle fluid temperature and the propulsion assembly status to determine whether a conditioning procedure should be initiated. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its decision-making based on real-time temperature data and operational context, ensuring conditioning is only performed when actually needed and avoiding inappropriate heating operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conditioning procedure is avoided when operation time is short, then energy consumption is reduced, but operational issues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines the expected operation start time and initiates a conditioning procedure in advance if sufficient time is available. By performing the heating action beforehand during periods when the propulsion assembly is inactive, the system ensures the wheel axle fluid reaches optimal temperature before operation begins, guaranteeing operational reliability while avoiding energy consumption during actual operation.
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
Reduces energy losses and inappropriate conditioning by optimizing the initiation of wheel axle fluid temperature adjustments, ensuring efficient vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature of the wheel axle fluid may be increased in a plurality of ways when circulating the same through the wheel axle fluid circuit. Purely by way of example, the temperature may be increased due to friction between the wheel axle fluid and the wheel axle fluid circuit.
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle comprises a wheel axle fluid heat exchanger. The wheel axle fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger such that wheel axle fluid passes through the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger when the wheel axle fluid is circulated through the wheel axle fluid circuit.
Implementation Method 3
the transmission converter being arranged in relation to the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger such that transmission fluid leaving the transmission converter can be used as a heat source for the wheel axle fluid heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control unit (20) for a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises a wheel axle fluid circuit (22) adapted to feed wheel axle fluid to one or more wheel axles (12, 14) of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a propulsion assembly (26) adapted to propel the vehicle (10). The control unit (20) is adapted to, on the basis of at least the following: - information indicative of the propulsion assembly (26) being inactive, - information indicative of an expected time range until an expected operation start time of the vehicle (10), and - information associated with a temperature of the wheel axle fluid, determine whether or not a conditioning procedure, during which the temperature of the wheel axle fluid is increased as compared to a present temperature of the wheel axle fluid, should be initiated for the wheel axle fluid.