Work Subsystem Preconditioning for Electric Vehicle Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric work vehicles face challenges in conserving battery power due to the need to precondition work implement subsystems to optimal thermal conditions, which consumes power from the electric power source, impacting traction and work operations.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with a controller that uses predictive condition values from weather forecasts to precondition work component subsystems during the power-charging state, reducing power demands during the power-consuming state by optimizing thermal device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the work component subsystem is warmed or cooled to optimal thermal conditions at the work site, then the work implement performs well, but additional energy is consumed from the electric power source impacting traction or work operation power
Solution Approach 1:
The system preconditions the work component subsystem during off-hours when the vehicle is not in operation, using stored thermal energy in the battery or ambient conditions to warm or cool the subsystem before work begins. This eliminates the need to consume electric power during work operations for thermal management, as the subsystem is already at optimal temperature when needed.
2Reliability
If additional energy is input to the implement subsystem to ensure optimal thermal conditions, then the work implement performs well, but power available for vehicle traction or work operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system operates in advance during non-working periods to establish optimal thermal conditions in the work component subsystem. By performing this energy-intensive operation before work begins, the system ensures full power availability during actual work operations without compromising implement performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the thermal device operates to precondition the work component subsystem during power-charging state, then power demands during power-consuming state are reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the charge state of the electric power source and the thermal conditions of the work component subsystem, using this feedback to intelligently control the thermal device operation. The system adjusts thermal management actions based on real-time battery state of charge and temperature sensor data, optimizing energy usage while maintaining simple control logic through rule-based decision-making.
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 approach conserves electric power by preconditioning work component subsystems during charging, enhancing efficiency, reducing power consumption, and improving overall performance and longevity of the electric work vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal management system including a thermal device for affecting the temperature range of the work component subsystem
Implementation Method 2
a thermal management system including a thermal device for affecting the temperature range of the work component subsystem
Data Source
AI summary
An electric work vehicle includes an electric power source; an electric motor; a work component powered by the electric power source during the power-consuming state; a work component subsystem operating the work component and powered by the electric power source; a thermal management system including a thermal device for affecting the temperature range of the work component subsystem; and a controller. The controller receives a predictive condition value indicative of an environmental condition of the work location at the work time, the predictive condition value being received preceding the work time; based on the predictive condition value, sets an operational state of the thermal device; and operates the thermal device at the operational state set according to the predictive condition value to precondition the work component subsystem prior to work time to reduce power demands on the electric power source during the power-consuming state.