Work Vehicle Fuel Efficiency via Parasitic Loss Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for work vehicles fail to optimize fuel efficiency by not accounting for parasitic power losses from components like fans and alternators, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption even when operating in automatic efficiency modes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize computing devices to identify optimal transmission/engine settings by estimating parasitic power losses from fans and alternators, analyzing fuel efficiency data, and adjusting engine and transmission operations to minimize fuel consumption while maintaining desired ground speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional control algorithms focus solely on engine speed control based on vehicle loads, then engine operation can be optimized for efficiency at low loads, but the overall vehicle fuel efficiency cannot be maximized because parasitic power losses from fans and alternators are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the power loss analysis by separately estimating parasitic power losses from the fan and alternator, rather than treating the engine as a single integrated system. This allows each component's efficiency to be optimized independently based on its specific operating characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary estimation of parasitic power losses from fans and alternators before finalizing engine speed control decisions. By calculating these losses in advance using lookup tables or mathematical models, the control algorithm can proactively adjust engine settings to avoid suboptimal fuel consumption
2Loss of energy
If the control system accounts for parasitic power losses from fans and alternators to optimize fuel efficiency, then overall vehicle fuel consumption is reduced, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores parasitic power loss data in lookup tables during the design phase, covering various operating conditions. During actual vehicle operation, the controller simply retrieves the appropriate loss values from these pre-computed tables based on current operating parameters, avoiding complex real-time calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mathematical models and lookup tables that replicate the complex physical relationships between engine operating conditions and parasitic power losses. These pre-computed models serve as simplified copies of the actual physical systems, enabling fast estimation without direct measurement of each component's power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system and method allow for various pairs of candidate gear ratios and engine speeds to be identified for achieving a desired ground speed of a work vehicle. The individual operating efficiency of the vehicle's fan and/or alternator may then be analyzed for each pair of transmission/engine settings to estimate the associated parasitic power loss(es) for such component(s). Based on the parasitic power loss(es) determined for each transmission/engine setting, a net engine power or torque requirement can be calculated and used as an input for determining the fuel efficiency of the work vehicle at each candidate setting. The gear ratio and corresponding engine speed of the candidate setting associated with the lowest fuel consumption may then be set as the target or desired transmission/engine setting for maintaining the work vehicle at the desired ground speed.