Working Machine Power Efficiency Control via Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Working machines, such as construction equipment, face inefficiencies due to the need for manual switching between heavy and light work modes, leading to suboptimal fuel usage and power output, as they often alternate between demanding tasks, resulting in either excessive fuel consumption or insufficient power during task changes.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines the power requirements of a working machine, optimizing prime mover speed and torque for energy efficiency, and utilizes an energy storage unit to store excess power for later use or augment power during demand surges, allowing for automatic adjustment of power delivery through clutches and an auxiliary power unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If manual switching between heavy work mode and light work mode is implemented, then power output can be adjusted to match workload, but operator burden increases and fuel savings are not fully realized due to delayed mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically determines the required power and selects the appropriate work mode without operator intervention. The system monitors power demands and autonomously switches between heavy work mode and light work mode, eliminating the need for manual operation while optimizing fuel consumption.
2Power
If the changeover switch is maintained in heavy work mode to ensure sufficient power during demanding tasks, then power availability is improved, but fuel consumption increases during light work periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the work mode based on real-time power demands. The controller continuously monitors the required power and automatically transitions between heavy work mode and light work mode, ensuring power availability when needed while optimizing fuel consumption during light work periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from power demand monitoring to automatically select the appropriate work mode. By continuously assessing the required power and comparing it with the capabilities of each mode, the system makes real-time adjustments to maintain optimal fuel efficiency while ensuring sufficient power availability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If automatic determination of power requirements is implemented, then fuel efficiency is optimized through appropriate mode selection, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions including monitoring power demands, determining required power, selecting appropriate work modes, and controlling power delivery. By consolidating these functions into a single control system, the patent manages complexity while achieving optimized fuel efficiency through automatic mode selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a working machine that includes a power consumer (14) includes a prime mover (12), an energy storage unit (24) for storing energy, an auxiliary power unit (20) for generating power or consuming power, the auxiliary power unit (20) having a first connection (20a) coupled to the prime mover (12) and a second connection couplable to the energy storage unit (24). A controller (18) operatively coupled to the prime mover (12) and operatively couplable to the power consumer (14) is configured to estimate a required power of the power consumer (14), and to command the prime mover (14) to operate at an optimal operating point that produces the estimated required power. Based on a relationship between power output capability of the prime mover and power consumption of the power consumer, the controller (18) is configured to at least one of command that excess power capacity from the prime mover be provided to the auxiliary power unit for storage in the energy storage unit, or command that energy stored in the energy storage unit be provided to the auxiliary power unit to drive the power consumer.