SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AUXILIARY SYSTEM OF WORK MACHINE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a work machine, and more particularly, to a system and a method for controlling an auxiliary system of the work machine.

BACKGROUND

An electric powered work machine, such as an electric wheel loader or an electric mining truck, includes a battery system that supplies electric power to one or more auxiliary systems of the work machine in order to perform work operations at a worksite. Such auxiliary systems include parasitic components that receive electrical power from the battery system for operation. The work machine includes various auxiliary systems that are designed and optimized to provide performance over a wide range of operating conditions. This design intent, during normal operation, allows each auxiliary system to be controlled with a goal of prioritizing a performance and an overall efficiency of the work machine.

In some cases, during operation of the work machine, the battery system may provide more discharge power than the work machine needs, due to a size of the battery system being tied to energy capacity instead of the discharge power of the battery system. Further, the work machines can experience limitations in available power for various reasons. Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to, battery state of charge, battery cell temperature, battery state of health, and/or battery fault status. One or more of these conditions can limit an amount of discharge power that the battery system can provide to the work machine or limit an amount of onboard energy that the work machine has access to. In such cases, the auxiliary systems may operate at full capacity and consume battery power that may not be available or needed based upon a discharge capacity of the battery system. Further, operating the auxiliary system at their full capacity may consume a limited amount of power/energy that the battery system has, which may limit a range of operation and/or travel of the work machine.

CN115675126A describes a control method and device of an extended-range vehicle, electronic equipment and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of automobile control. The method comprises the following steps: in response to running of an extended-range vehicle on a target running route, querying a first working condition of a power battery according to a preset battery state query period through a BMS (Battery Management System); then, when it is determined that the first working condition meets a preset range extender starting condition, the range extender is started based on battery limitation information returned by the BMS; and finally, if the second working condition of the power battery is detected through the BMS in the process that the range extender is in the opening state, and the preset range extender closing condition is met, the range extender is closed based on battery unlimited information returned by the BMS. By the adoption of the mode, the technical defect that in the prior art, the range extender cannot be reasonably controlled according to the real-time running condition of the range extending type vehicle is overcome, and therefore the control accuracy of the range extender is improved.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling an auxiliary system of a work machine is provided. The auxiliary system receives a supply of operating power from a battery system of the work machine. The system includes a controller including at least one memory and at least one processor in communication with the at least one memory. The at least one processor is configured to determine a current amount of power available at the battery system. The at least one processor is also configured to determine a requested power consumption of the auxiliary system. The at least one processor is further configured to determine an expected power consumption of the auxiliary system. The at least one processor is configured to compare each of the current amount of power available with a threshold amount of power for the battery system, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. The threshold amount of power is prestored in the at least one memory. The at least one processor is also configured to adjust, if the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power for the battery system, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, an operating parameter of one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system from the battery system. The auxiliary system includes a thermal management system, a power conversion system, a traction system, and/or a hydraulic system.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a work machine is provided. The work machine includes a battery system. The work machine also includes an auxiliary system that operates based on receipt of a supply of operating power from the battery system. The auxiliary system includes a thermal management system, a power conversion system, a traction system, and/or a hydraulic system. The work machine further includes a system for controlling an auxiliary system of a work machine. The auxiliary system receives a supply of operating power from a battery system of the work machine. The system includes a controller including at least one memory and at least one processor in communication with the at least one memory. The at least one processor is configured to determine a current amount of power available at the battery system. The at least one processor is also configured to determine a requested power consumption of the auxiliary system. The at least one processor is further configured to determine an expected power consumption of the auxiliary system. The at least one processor is configured to compare each of the current amount of power available with a threshold amount of power for the battery system, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. The threshold amount of power is prestored in the at least one memory. The at least one processor is also configured to adjust, if the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power for the battery system, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, an operating parameter of one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system from the battery system. The auxiliary system includes a thermal management system, a power conversion system, a traction system, and/or a hydraulic system.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an auxiliary system of a work machine is provided. The auxiliary system receives a supply of operating power from a battery system of the work machine. The method includes determining, by at least one processor of a controller, a current amount of power available at the battery system. The method also includes determining, by the at least one processor, a requested power consumption of the auxiliary system. The method further includes determining, by the at least one processor, an expected power consumption of the auxiliary system. The method includes comparing, by the at least one processor, each of the current amount of power available with a threshold amount of power for the battery system, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. The threshold amount of power is prestored in at least one memory of the controller. The method also includes adjusting, by the at least one processor, an operating parameter of one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system from the battery system if the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power for the battery system, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available. The auxiliary system includes a thermal management system, a power conversion system, a traction system, and/or a hydraulic system.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary work machine;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system for controlling an auxiliary system of the work machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a process of controlling a thermal management system of the work machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for a process of controlling a hydraulic system of the work machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a process of controlling a traction system of the work machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the auxiliary system of the work machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic side view of a work machine 100 is illustrated. The work machine 100 is embodied as a wheel loader herein. Alternatively, the work machine 100 may be a hydraulic excavator, a dozer, a mining truck, a dump truck, a track-type tractor, a motor grader, etc. that may be used for various purposes, such as, digging, construction, landscaping, and the like in various industries. It should be noted that the work machine 100 may include any other stationary or movable work machine known in the art. The work machine 100 may be manual, autonomous, or semi-autonomous.

The work machine 100 includes a frame 102. The frame 102 supports a pair of front wheels 104 and a pair of rear wheels 106 of the work machine 100. The work machine 100 also includes an enclosure 108 and an operator cabin 110 mounted to the frame 102. The work machine 100 further includes a battery system 116. The battery system 116 includes multiple battery modules 136 (see FIG. 2). Each battery module 136 includes a number of battery cells. The enclosure 108 may house the battery system 116. The battery system 116 provides power to various components of the work machine 100 for operational and mobility requirements.

Further, the work machine 100 includes an implement assembly 112. The implement assembly 112 includes an implement 114. The implement 114 is a bucket herein. The implement assembly 112 also includes one or more linkages 115 and one or more hydraulic actuators 117 to move the implement 114 and the linkages 115 relative to the frame 102.

The work machine 100 includes an auxiliary system 118 (see FIG. 2) that receives an operating power supply from the battery system 116 of the work machine 100. The auxiliary system 118 operates based on receipt of the operating power supply from the battery system 116. The auxiliary system 118 includes a thermal management system 120 (see FIG. 2), a power management system 122 (see FIG. 2), a traction system 124 (see FIG. 2), and/or a hydraulic system 126 (see FIG. 2). The work machine 100 of the present disclosure includes each of the thermal management system 120, the power management system 122, the traction system 124, and the hydraulic system 126. The auxiliary system 118 also includes a braking system 128 (see FIG. 2) and a steering system 130 (see FIG. 2). It should be noted that the work machine 100 may include multiple auxiliary systems in order to realize various operations via the work machine 100. The present disclosure is not limited by a type of the auxiliary systems associated with the work machine 100 or a number of the auxiliary systems associated with the work machine 100.

It should be noted that the auxiliary system 118 is used to operate or control various characteristics associated with one or more machine components of the work machine 100 based on desired requirements. The one or more machine components may include, for example, the battery system 116, the operator cabin 110, the wheels 104, 106, the implement assembly 112, and the like. In some examples, the traction system 124 may include one or more traction motors that receives the electrical energy from the battery system 116 to provide necessary torque to propel the work machine 100. The traction motors are operatively coupled to the wheels 104, 106 of the work machine 100. The traction system 124 may facilitate adjustment in a speed of the traction motors to provide the necessary torque to propel the work machine 100.

In some examples, the thermal management system 120 may include one or more motors, one or more pumps, one or more blowers, and the like. The thermal management system 120 may be used to maintain a temperature of various components of the work machine 100 within an acceptable range. In an example, the thermal management system 120 may be used to maintain a temperature of the battery system 116, a temperature of the operator cabin 110, a temperature of the power management system 122, a temperature of power electronic components of the work machine 100, a temperature of the components of the hydraulic system 126, such as, cooling of hydraulic oil used in the hydraulic system 126, a temperature of the components of the traction system 124, such as cooling of the traction motors, a temperature of the braking system 128 of the work machine 100, and the like. It should be noted that the thermal management system 120 may allow control of heating setpoints, cooling setpoints, a speed and/or an orientation of the blowers, a speed of the pumps, a speed of the motors, pressures at an outlet of the pumps, and the like to facilitate an operation of the machine components linked with the thermal management system 120 in a desired manner.

In some examples, the power management system 122 may include one or more converters, one or more voltage conversion devices, one or more inverters, one or more on-board chargers (OBC), and the like that may allow conversion of electric power to operate the machine components of the work machine 100, as per their configuration. The power management system 122 may supply/distribute the operating power from the battery system 116 to various machine components of the work machine 100.

In some examples, the hydraulic system 126 may include one or more pumps, one or more motors, one or more hydraulic actuators 117 (one of which is shown in FIG. 1), a lubrication system for a gearbox of the work machine 100, one or more accumulators, and the like that may assist the work machine 100 to perform one or more work operations. It should be noted that a speed of the pumps, a speed of the motors, pressures at an outlet of the pumps, and the like may be controlled to facilitate an operation of the machine components linked with the hydraulic system 126 in a desired manner.

The hydraulic system 126 may operate in conjunction with the braking system 128, the steering system 130, the implement assembly 112, the traction system 124, and the like. For example, the hydraulic system 126 may control the hydraulic actuators 117 to cause the implement 114 or the linkages 115 to move relative to the frame 102 in order to perform a work operation.

In some examples, the braking system 128 may include components that allow braking of the work machine 100 as per requirements. In some examples, the steering system 130 may include components that allow steering of the work machine 100 while the work machine 100 is moving from one place to another.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram of a system 200 for controlling the auxiliary system 118 of the work machine 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. Particularly, the work machine 100 includes the system 200. The system 200 includes a controller 202 including one or more memories 206 and one or more processors 204 in communication with the one or more memories 206.

The one or more memories 206 may include any means of storing information, including a hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), or other computer-readable memory media.

It should be noted that the one or more processors 204 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving various input signals and generating output signals. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may perform the functions of the processors 204. The one or more processors 204 may further include a general processor, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a microcontroller, any other type of processor, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors 204 may include one or more components that may be operable to execute computer executable instructions or computer code that may be stored and retrieved from the one or more memories 206.

The one or more processors 204 determine a current amount of power available at the battery system 116. The current amount of power available may be determined based on a state of charge of the battery system 116, current power delivery capability, and the like. In an example, the one or more processors 204 determine the current amount of power available at the battery system 116 based on a signal I1 received from a battery management controller 132 of the battery system 116. The signal I1 may indicate one or more of the current state of charge, the current power delivery capability, and the like that may assist in determining how much power can be delivered by the battery system 116. The battery management controller 132 is operably coupled to the battery modules 136. The battery management controller 132 of the battery system 116 may include any known type of controller associated with the battery system 116 that determines various battery system parameters, such as, the current amount of power available, current temperatures of battery cells of the battery system 116, a state of health of the battery system 116, and a fault status of the battery system 116. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by a technique that is used to determine the current amount of power available at the battery system 116. Any other technique and/or sensing devices may be used to determine the current amount of power available at the battery system 116.

The one or more processors 204 also determine a requested power consumption of the auxiliary system 118. In one example, the one or more processors 204 determine the requested power consumption of the auxiliary system 118 based on a current operating value of the machine component that is being operated by the auxiliary system 118. The current operating value may include a temperature value, a speed value, a pressure value, and the like. In order to determine the requested power consumption of the auxiliary system 118, the system includes one or more sensors 208 associated with the machine component of the work machine 100. It should be noted that the machine component is operated by the auxiliary system 118. The one or more sensors 208 generate an input signal I2 indicative of the current operating value of the machine component that is being operated by the auxiliary system 118. The one or more sensors 208 are in communication with the one or more processors 204.

The one or more processors 204 receive the input signal I2 to determine the requested power consumption of the one or more auxiliary components. The one or more sensors 208 include a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a speed sensor, and/or a position sensor. In some examples, the one or more sensors 208 may include an accumulator pressure sensor, a battery cell temperature sensor, a power electronic component temperature sensor, a traction motor temperature sensor, an operator cab temperature sensor, a hydraulic temperature sensor, a braking system temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a wheel speed sensor, a machine coolant temperature sensor, a final drive lubricant temperature sensor, a motor temperature sensor, a hoist lever position sensor, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and/or a throttle position sensor, without any limitations. It should be noted that the one or more sensors 208 may include any other sensor apart from those mentioned herein.

In an example, for the thermal management system 120, the processors 204 may receive the temperature of the battery cells from the battery cell temperature sensor. Based on the temperature of the battery cells, the processors 204 may determine an amount of power that is being consumed to maintain the battery cells within a desired temperature range. If the temperature of the battery cells is higher, more amount of power may be needed by the thermal management system 120 to maintain the battery cells within the desired temperature range, and thus the requested power consumption of the thermal management system 120 will be higher. Further, if the temperature of the battery cells is lower, lesser amount of power may be needed by the thermal management system 120 to maintain the battery cells within the desired temperature range, and thus the requested power consumption of the thermal management system 120 will be less.

The processors 204 also determine an expected power consumption by the auxiliary system 118. The term “expected power consumption” as used herein is indicative of a value of power that is expected to be consumed by the auxiliary system 118 for a certain work operation or a certain time period. For example, the one or more processors 204 may determine the expected power consumption based on work operations assigned to the work machine 100, a work route to be completed by the work machine 100, etc. In some examples, the processors 204 may determine the expected power consumption based on inputs received from a fleet management system 134 associated with the work machine 100. The fleet management system 134 may provide information related to various work machines (not shown) operating at a worksite (not shown). The fleet management system 134 may be used for asset management and for providing an interface for controlling or accessing information related to an operation of a fleet of the work machines, including the work machine 100. The fleet management system 134 may identify location and direction of movement of each work machine in the fleet in real-time and a status of predetermined events/work operations in which each work machine is engaged.

The expected power consumption may also be calculated based on inputs from a machine controller associated with the work machine 100. For example, if the work machine 100 is of the autonomous or semi-autonomous type, a work plan may be prestored in the machine controller associated with the work machine 100. The machine controller may be present onboard the work machine 100. The processors 204 may be in communication with the machine controller to determine the expected power consumption based on the prestored work plan. The processors 204 may receive the expected power consumption from the machine controller.

Further, the one or more processors 204 compare each of the current amount of power available with a threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. The threshold amount of power T1 is prestored in the one or more memories 206. The term “threshold amount of power T1” as used herein is indicative of a minimal energy level below which the battery system 116 may not be able to provide electric power supply.

The one or more processors 204 adjust, if the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, an operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system 118 from the battery system 116. Specifically, if the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the battery system 116 may not be able to provide the electric power supply to the auxiliary system 118, and hence, the components of the auxiliary system 118 may not be able to operate. Furthermore, if the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, the battery system 116 may not be able to provide the electric power supply to the auxiliary system 118, and hence, the components of the auxiliary system 118 may not be able to operate. Moreover, if the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, the battery system 116 may not be able to provide the electric power supply to the auxiliary system 118, and hence, the components of the auxiliary system 118 may not be able to operate.

Adjustment of the operating parameter may reduce a power consumption by the auxiliary system 118 while maintaining the auxiliary system 118 in an operating state. In some examples, the adjustment of the operating parameter of the auxiliary system 118 may cause one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 to be operated at a lower/adjusted speed so as to reduce power consumption.

In some examples, the processors 204 may adjust the operating parameter of the auxiliary system 118 such that one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 are turned-off. In another example, the processors 204 may adjust the operating parameter of the auxiliary system 118 such that one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 are operated in an adjusted/augmented operating range. The auxiliary system 118 of the work machine 100 is operated in an off-state or in an adjusted operating range. The adjusted operating range may vary based on different operational considerations. In some examples, the adjusted operating range for each auxiliary system 118 may be prestored within the memories 206.

In an example, the decision to operate the auxiliary system 118 in the off-state or in the adjusted operating range may based on a recovery time of the auxiliary system 118. In an example, if the recovery time of the auxiliary system 118 is longer, the auxiliary system 118 of the work machine 100 is operated in the adjusted operating range. For example, the recovery time of the thermal management system 120 is generally higher as it might take some time to achieve a desired temperature value. Moreover, if the thermal management system 120 is kept off when the work machine 100 is in a key-ON state, there may be a possibility of overheating of one or more machine components. Thus, the thermal management system 120 may be operated in the adjusted operating range to allow a full capability of the thermal management system 120 to be maintained without excessive power consumption of the electric power supply. As an example, when the thermal management system 120 is used to maintain the temperature of the battery system 116, if the desired temperature range for the battery system 116 is between 15º C and 25º C, then the processors 204 may cause the thermal management system 120 to operate in the adjusted operating range so that a temperature range for the battery system 116 is maintained between 20º C and 25º C i.e., at a higher side, to reduce power consumption by the thermal management system 120 while still providing cooling.

In some examples, if the recovery time of the auxiliary system 118 is shorter, the auxiliary system 118 of the work machine 100 is operated in the off-state.

In some examples, when the auxiliary system 118 includes the thermal management system 120, the operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components includes a minimum temperature setpoint as provided by the thermal management system 120, a maximum temperature setpoint as provided by the thermal management system 120, a speed range of one or more blowers of the thermal management system 120, a speed range of one or more motors of the thermal management system 120, and/or a speed range of one or more pumps of the thermal management system 120. In some examples, the processors 204 may control one or more components of the thermal management system 120 so as to retain the temperature of the battery cells at a higher end of the desired operating range in order to save battery charge.

In some examples, when the auxiliary system 118 includes the thermal management system 120, the one or more processors 204 activate a passive cooling technique to cool one or more machine components of the work machine 100 if the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available.

In some examples, when the auxiliary system 118 includes the traction system 124, the operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components includes a speed range of a traction motor of the traction system 124. In an example, the processors 204 may cause the traction motors to operate at slower speeds to reduce power consumption, which in turn causes the work machine 100 to slow down.

In some examples, when the auxiliary system 118 includes the hydraulic system 126, the operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components includes a pressure range of the one or more hydraulic actuators 117 of the hydraulic system 126, a speed range of the one or more motors of the hydraulic system 126, and/or a speed range of the one or more pumps of the hydraulic system 126. In an example, when the hydraulic system 126 is associated with a brake and hoist cylinder hydraulic circuit, the processors 204 may derate the pump or allow for hoist at a slower speed. Further, when the auxiliary system 118 is the braking system 128, the processors 204 may allow a higher service brake temperature to allow for less energy to be drained from the battery system 116.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a process (or an algorithm) 300 of controlling the thermal management system 120 of FIG. 2. The process 300 is implemented by the controller 202 illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the process 300 may be stored in the one or more memories 206 of the controller 202 and retrieved for execution by the one or more processors 204 of the controller 202. The process 300 starts at a block 302. Further, at a block 304, the processors 204 determine the current amount of power available at the battery system 116. From the block 302, the process 300 also moves to a block 306 at which the processors 204 receive the input signal I2 from the sensors 208. Further, the process 300 moves to a block 308 at which the processors 204 determine the requested power consumption of the auxiliary system 118 and the expected power consumption of the auxiliary system 118. From the blocks 304, 308, the process 300 moves to a block 310 at which the processors 204 compare each of the current amount of power available with the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. At the block 310, if the processors 204 determine that the current amount of power available is greater than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is lesser than the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption is lesser than the current amount of power available, the process 300 moves to a block 312 at which the process 300 ends operation.

However, at the block 310, if the processors 204 determine that the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, the process 300 moves to a block 314. At the block 314, the processors 204 adjust the operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system 118 from the battery system 116. More particularly, at the block 314, the processors 204 may adjust the heating setpoints, the cooling setpoints, the speed and the orientation of the blowers, the speed of the pumps, the speed of the motors, the pressures at the outlet of the pumps, employ the passive cooling technique, and the like. From the block 314, the process 300 then moves to the block 312 at which the process 300 ends operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for a process (or an algorithm) 400 of controlling a hydraulic system 126 of FIG. 2. The process 400 is implemented by the controller 202 illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the process 400 may be stored in the one or more memories 206 of the controller 202 and retrieved for execution by the one or more processors 204 of the controller 202. The process 400 starts at a block 402. Further, at a block 404, the processors 204 determine the current amount of power available at the battery system 116. From the block 402, the process 400 also moves to a block 406 at which the processors 204 receive the input signal I2 from the sensors 208. Further, the process 400 moves to a block 408 at which the processors 204 determine the requested power consumption of the auxiliary system 118 and the expected power consumption of the auxiliary system 118. From the blocks 404, 408, the process 400 moves to a block 410 at which the processors 204 compare each of the current amount of power available with the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. At the block 410, if the processors 204 determine that the current amount of power available is greater than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is lesser than the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption is lesser than the current amount of power available, the process 400 moves to a block 412 at which the process 400 ends operation.

However, at the block 410, if the processors 204 determine that the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, the process 400 moves to a block 414. At the block 414, the processors 204 adjust the operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system 118 from the battery system 116. More particularly, at the block 414, the processors 204 may adjust the pressure range of the one or more hydraulic actuators 117 of the hydraulic system 126, the speed range of the one or more motors of the hydraulic system 126, and/or the speed range of the one or more pumps of the hydraulic system 126. From the block 414, the process 400 then moves to the block 412 at which the process 400 ends operation

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a process (or an algorithm) 500 of controlling a traction system 124 of FIG. 2. The process 500 is implemented by the controller 202 illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the process 500 may be stored in the one or more memories 206 of the controller 202 and retrieved for execution by the one or more processors 204 of the controller 202. The process 500 starts at a block 502. Further, at a block 504, the processors 204 determine the current amount of power available at the battery system 116. From the block 502, the process 500 also moves to a block 506 at which the processors 204 receive the input signal I2 from the sensors 208. Further, the process 500 moves to a block 508 at which the processors 204 determine the requested power consumption of the auxiliary system 118 and the expected power consumption of the auxiliary system 118. From the blocks 504, 508, the process 500 moves to a block 510 at which the processors 204 compare each of the current amount of power available with the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. At the block 510, if the processors 204 determine that the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, the process 500 moves to a block 512 at which the process 500 ends operation.

However, at the block 510, if the processors 204 determine that the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, the process 500 moves to a block 514. At the block 514, the processors 204 adjust the operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system 118 from the battery system 116. More particularly, at the block 514, the processors 204 may adjust the speed of the traction motors to operate the work machine 100 at slower speeds. From the block 514, the process 500 then moves to the block 512 at which the process 500 ends operation

It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to the system 200 for controlling various auxiliary systems 118 of the work machine 100. The system 200 reduces power draw by the auxiliary system 118 from the battery system 116such that the auxiliary system 118 may operate in the adjusted operating range, if any one of the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available. In other words, the system 200 may allow the auxiliary systems 118 to operate while consuming less or minimal power when the energy level in the battery system 116 is low. Thus, the system 200 may improve energy efficiency and may save battery charge so that the work machine 100 may complete expected work operations or an expected route. The system 200 does not require operator intervention as the processors 204 enable the operation of the auxiliary system 118 in the adjusted operating range automatically. Further, when the battery system 116 has adequate amount of power available, the processors 204 may restore the operation of the auxiliary system 118 to their full performance setpoints.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 for controlling the auxiliary system 118 of the work machine 100. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the auxiliary system 118 receives the operating power supply from the battery system 116 of the work machine 100. At step 602, the one or more processors 204 of the controller 202 determine the current amount of power available at the battery system 116.

At step 604, the one or more processors 204 determine the requested power consumption of the auxiliary system 118. At step 606, the one or more processors 204 determine the expected power consumption of the auxiliary system 118. At step 608, the one or more processors 204 compare each of the current amount of power available with the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption with the current amount of power available, and the expected power consumption with the current amount of power available. The threshold amount of power T1 is prestored in the one or more memories 206 of the controller 202. The one or more memories 206 are in communication with the one or more processors 204.

At step 610, the one or more processors 204 adjust the operating parameter of the one or more auxiliary components of the auxiliary system 118 to reduce power draw by the auxiliary system 118 from the battery system 116if the current amount of power available is lesser than the threshold amount of power T1 for the battery system 116, the requested power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available, and/or the expected power consumption is greater than the current amount of power available. The auxiliary system 118 includes the thermal management system 120, the power conversion system, the traction system 124, and/or the hydraulic system 126.

When the auxiliary system 118 includes the thermal management system 120, the step 610 further includes adjusting the minimum temperature setpoint as provided by the thermal management system 120, the maximum temperature setpoint as provided by the thermal management system 120, the speed range of the one or more blowers of the thermal management system 120, the speed range of the one or more motors of the thermal management system 120, and/or the speed range of the one or more pumps of the thermal management system 120.

When the auxiliary system 118 includes the thermal management system 120, the step 610 further includes activating the passive cooling technique to cool the one or more machine components of the work machine 100.

When the auxiliary system 118 includes the traction system 124, the step 610 further includes adjusting the speed range of the traction motor of the traction system 124.

When the auxiliary system 118 includes the hydraulic system 126, the step 610 further includes adjusting the pressure range of the one or more hydraulic actuators 117 of the hydraulic system 126, the speed range of the one or more motors of the hydraulic system 126, and/or the speed range of the one or more pumps of the hydraulic system 126.

In some examples, the method 600 also includes a step at which the one or more sensors 208 associated with the machine component of the work machine 100 generate the input signal I2 indicative of the current operating value of the machine component that is being operated by the auxiliary system 118. The one or more sensors 208 are in communication with the one or more processors 204. The machine component is operated by the auxiliary system 118. The method 600 also includes a step at which the one or more processors 204 receive the input signal I2 to determine the requested power consumption of the one or more auxiliary components.

It should be noted that one or more steps of the method 600 may be performed in a manner different from that illustrated and explained in relation to FIG. 6. Further, various steps may be performed together.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed work machine, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.