Working Machine Auxiliary Power Plant via Electromechanical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical power transmission chains in working machines, such as tractors and excavators, face challenges in reducing operating costs and enhancing reliability and capacity of power supply, particularly when connected to electrical power networks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a combustion engine, an electromechanical power transmission chain, an electrical connector system, and an electronic power converter that allows the machine to draw power from both the combustion engine and an external electrical power network, with a controller managing power transfer and storage to optimize energy use and provide auxiliary power when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the working machine uses the combustion engine to generate electrical power, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the fuel costs and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The working machine is equipped with an electrical connector system that enables it to perform multiple functions: operating independently using the combustion engine for power generation, or connecting to external electrical power networks when available. This multi-functionality allows the machine to switch between power sources based on availability and cost-effectiveness, thereby improving power supply reliability while reducing fuel costs by utilizing external electricity when possible.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the working machine connects to external electrical power networks, then the operating costs are reduced, but the power supply capacity and reliability may be limited by network availability
Solution Approach 1:
The working machine incorporates a controller that dynamically manages power source selection based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors the availability of external electrical power networks and automatically switches between external power and combustion engine-generated power. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the machine operates at minimum cost when external power is available while maintaining sufficient power supply capacity and reliability by switching to the combustion engine when external power is unavailable or insufficient.
3Power
If the working machine is configured to operate as an auxiliary power plant, then the power supply capacity for external devices is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working machine is designed with universal functionality that enables it to operate in multiple modes: as a self-powered mobile working machine using its combustion engine, or as an auxiliary power plant connecting to external electrical power networks to provide additional power capacity for other devices. The electrical connector system and controller facilitate this dual functionality without requiring fundamentally different system architectures, thereby increasing power supply capacity while limiting the increase in device complexity through integrated design.
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 configuration enables cost-effective operation by utilizing external power when available, enhances power supply reliability and capacity, and allows the machine to act as a reactive power compensator, thereby reducing fuel costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic power converter for transferring electrical energy from the electromechanical power transmission chain through the electrical cable to the external electrical power network and from the external electrical power network through the electrical cable to the electromechanical power transmission chain
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a combustion engine (101), an electromechanical power transmission chain (102) between the combustion engine and one or more actuators (109) of the working machine, an electrical connector system (103) for connecting to an external electrical power network (110), and an electronic power converter (104) for transferring electrical energy from the electromechanical power transmission chain to the external electrical power network and from the external electrical power network to the electromechanical power transmission chain. The working machine can be used as an auxiliary power plant for increasing reliability and capacity of power supply. On the other hand, the working machine can be energized merely by the external electrical power network when the capacity of the electrical power network is sufficient and when it is more cost-effective to use the electrical power network than to use the combustion engine.