Work Machine Motor-Generator Control for Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work machines lack efficient control systems to optimize the use of both engine power and electric power sources, leading to suboptimal performance and potential battery deterioration due to temperature and charge level variations.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a motor-generator, battery, power detector, temperature detector, and circuitry that controls the motor-generator based on charge level and temperature to switch between engine-driven and electric power generation, as well as rotational speed thresholds to determine power usage and generation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor-generator is controlled to generate electric power based on charge level and temperature, then battery life is prolonged and power sources are optimized, but device complexity increases due to additional detectors and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit proactively monitors battery temperature and charge level before critical thresholds are reached, and preemptively adjusts motor-generator operation to prevent battery deterioration. This preliminary action extends battery life by avoiding extreme conditions rather than reacting to damage after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously receives feedback from the temperature detector and charge level detector, dynamically adjusting the motor-generator's power generation or power consumption based on real-time battery status. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes battery longevity by adapting operation to current thermal and charge conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the motor-generator switches between power consumption and power generation modes, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to mode switching control
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator operates in dynamic mode switching between motor mode (power consumption) and generator mode (power generation) based on real-time comparisons of actual versus target engine rotational speed. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance across varying operational conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit automatically determines and executes mode switching decisions based on pre-set rotational speed thresholds and real-time sensor data, enabling the system to self-regulate its power management without external control. This self-service capability enhances operational flexibility while keeping the control logic relatively simple and rule-based.
3Use of energy by moving object
If rotational speed thresholds are used to control power generation, then power sources are optimized, but measurement precision requirements increase for rotational speed detection
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors changes in engine rotational speed parameters and uses pre-determined threshold values to trigger mode transitions. By focusing on threshold-based decision-making rather than continuous precise control, the system achieves effective power optimization with moderate measurement precision requirements, as long as the rotational speed sensor can reliably detect when thresholds are crossed.
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
This solution enables efficient use of both engine and electric power sources, prolongs battery life by maintaining charge levels within optimal ranges and preventing battery deterioration, and enhances operational flexibility by adapting to varying load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-generator (54) configured to move the work machine and to generate electric power
Implementation Method 2
a battery (56) configured to store the electric power generated by the motor-generator
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes an engine, a motor-generator, a battery, a power detector, a temperature detector, and circuitry. The engine is to move the work machine. The motor-generator is to move the work machine and to generate electric power. The battery is to store the electric power generated by the motor-generator. The power detector is to detect a charge level of the electric power stored in the battery. The temperature detector is to detect a temperature of the battery. The circuitry is configured to control the motor-generator in accordance with the charge level selectively to move the work machine or to generate electric power when the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature detector is within a temperature range.