US20150063968A1 - Flywheel excavator - Google Patents
Flywheel excavator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150063968A1 US20150063968A1 US14/019,005 US201314019005A US2015063968A1 US 20150063968 A1 US20150063968 A1 US 20150063968A1 US 201314019005 A US201314019005 A US 201314019005A US 2015063968 A1 US2015063968 A1 US 2015063968A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- flywheel
- prime mover
- swing
- pump
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/08—Superstructures; Supports for superstructures
- E02F9/10—Supports for movable superstructures mounted on travelling or walking gears or on other superstructures
- E02F9/12—Slewing or traversing gears
- E02F9/121—Turntables, i.e. structure rotatable about 360°
- E02F9/123—Drives or control devices specially adapted therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/20—Drives; Control devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
- B60K6/08—Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means
- B60K6/10—Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means by means of a chargeable mechanical accumulator, e.g. flywheel
- B60K6/105—Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means by means of a chargeable mechanical accumulator, e.g. flywheel the accumulator being a flywheel
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/30—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with a dipper-arm pivoted on a cantilever beam, i.e. boom
- E02F3/32—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with a dipper-arm pivoted on a cantilever beam, i.e. boom working downwardly and towards the machine, e.g. with backhoes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/20—Drives; Control devices
- E02F9/2058—Electric or electro-mechanical or mechanical control devices of vehicle sub-units
- E02F9/2095—Control of electric, electro-mechanical or mechanical equipment not otherwise provided for, e.g. ventilators, electro-driven fans
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/20—Drives; Control devices
- E02F9/22—Hydraulic or pneumatic drives
- E02F9/2217—Hydraulic or pneumatic drives with energy recovery arrangements, e.g. using accumulators, flywheels
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/62—Hybrid vehicles
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to a hybrid construction machine and in particular to a hybrid excavator having a swing structure operated by a flywheel.
- a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator uses engine as a prime mover to drive hydraulic actuators.
- the engine drives a hydraulic pump that in turn drives the hydraulic actuators such as hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders, steering motor, and wheel motors.
- hydraulic actuator such as hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders, steering motor, and wheel motors.
- hydraulic actuator as used herein, generically refers to any device, such as a cylinder-piston arrangement or a rotational motor for example, that converts hydraulic fluid flow into mechanical motion.
- pressurized fluid from the pump is usually applied by a valve assembly to one cylinder chamber and the fluid exhausting from the other cylinder chamber flows through the valve assembly into a return conduit that leads to the system tank.
- high pressure fluid from the pump can be applied at a bottom chamber (cap end) of a hydraulic cylinder.
- the fluid from the upper chamber (rod end) can simultaneously exit to the tank.
- an external load or force acting on the machine enables extension or retraction of the cylinder assembly without significant fluid pressure from the pump. This is often referred to as an overrunning load.
- the boom can be lowered by the force of gravity alone.
- This external load drives fluid out of one chamber, say bottom chamber, of the boom's hydraulic cylinder, through the valve assembly, and into the tank. At the same time, an amount of fluid is also drawn from the pump through the valve assembly into the upper chamber which is expanding simultaneously. However because the incoming fluid is not driving the piston, it does not have to be maintained at a significant pressure for the boom motion to occur. In this. situation, the fluid is exhausted from the bottom chamber under relatively high pressure, thereby containing energy that normally is lost when the pressure is metered through the valve assembly.
- Some existing hydraulic systems store exhausting fluid in an accumulator, where it can be stored under pressure for later use in powering the machine.
- Other methods of recovering the energy are to drive a hydraulic motor via return fluid which will in turn drive an electric motor/generator.
- the electric energy thus generated can be stored in a battery for use in electrical system or driving an electric swing motor of an electric hybrid excavator.
- the electric and hydraulic storage and reuse systems are costly and are generally less efficient.
- the present disclosure presents a solution to one or more of the problems set forth above.
- a hybrid construction machine in one aspect, includes a prime mover. Further, the hybrid construction machine includes at least one fluid pump configured to be driven by the prime mover. The hybrid construction machine also includes at least one fluid actuator driven by the at least one fluid pump. Furthermore, the hybrid construction machine includes a swing motor driven by a return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator. Moreover, a first flywheel is included in the hybrid construction machine. The first flywheel can be configured for driving a swing structure. The first flywheel is driven by the swing motor. Additional, the hybrid construction machine includes a second flywheel. The second flywheel is coupled with the prime mover. The second flywheel is configured to store the energy when the prime mover is driven by the at least one fluid pump via the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator.
- a hybrid construction machine having a swing structure, a lower travel structure, and an implement system having at least one work tool.
- the swing structure can rotate with respect to the lower travel structure to rotate the work tool from a first position to a second position.
- the hybrid construction machine includes a prime mover. Further, the hybrid construction machine includes at least one fluid pump. The fluid pump is driven by the prime mover. Furthermore, the hybrid construction machine includes at least one fluid actuator. The fluid actuator is driven by the fluid pump. Moreover, the hybrid construction machine includes a swing motor. The swing motor is driven by a return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator. Further, the hybrid construction machine includes a first flywheel for driving a swing structure. The first flywheel is driven by the swing motor.
- the first flywheel is coupled with the swing motor via a clutch.
- the hybrid construction machine includes, a second flywheel coupled with the prime mover.
- the second flywheel is configured to store the energy when the prime mover is driven by the fluid pump via the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator. Also, the second flywheel is configured to assist the prime mover during cold start and/or anti-idle.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary hybrid construction machine
- FIG. 2 illustrates is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary powertrain that may be used in conjunction with the hybrid construction machine of FIG. 1
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary hybrid construction machine 100 having multiple systems and components that cooperate to accomplish a task.
- the hybrid construction machine 100 may embody a fixed or mobile machine that performs various operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or another industry known in the art.
- the hybrid construction machine 100 may be an earth moving machine such as an excavator (shown in FIG. 1 ), a shovel, a backhoe, or another earth moving or construction machine.
- the hybrid construction machine 100 may include a swing structure 102 , a lower travel structure 104 , and an implement system 106 .
- the swing structure 102 may include a swing frame 108 , a prime mover 110 mounted on the swing frame 108 , and an operator station 112 .
- the operator station 112 is configured for control of the implement system 106 , the prime mover 110 , the swing structure 102 , and the lower travel structure 104 .
- the swing structure 102 can be configured to rotate about a vertical axis X-X with respect to the lower travel structure 104 .
- the lower travel structure 104 includes a pair of tracks 114 L and 114 R.
- the track 114 L may be driven by a travel motor 116 L and the track 114 R may be driven by a travel motor 116 R.
- the lower travel structure 104 may include wheels, belts etc.
- the implement system 106 may include a linkage structure acted upon by a plurality of fluid actuators 122 , 126 , 128 to operate a work tool 118 .
- the implement system 106 includes a boom 120 configured to be pivoted about an axis by a boom cylinder 122 .
- the implement system includes a stick 124 configured to be pivoted about an axis by a stick cylinder 126 .
- the implement system includes a work tool cylinder 128 configured to pivot the work tool 118 .
- Work tool 118 may include any device used to perform a particular task such as, for example, a bucket (shown in FIG. 1 ), a fork arrangement, a blade, a shovel, a ripper, a broom, a propelling device, a cutting device, a grasping device, or any other task-performing device known in the art.
- a bucket shown in FIG. 1
- a fork arrangement a blade, a shovel, a ripper, a broom, a propelling device, a cutting device, a grasping device, or any other task-performing device known in the art.
- the prime mover 110 may include an engine such as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, a dual fuel engine, or another type of combustion engine known in the art.
- the prime mover 110 can produce mechanical output that may then be converted to fluid power for fluid actuators (such as the aforementioned the travel fluid motors 116 L and 116 R, the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 and the work tool cylinder 128 ) of the implement system 106 .
- fluid actuators such as the aforementioned the travel fluid motors 116 L and 116 R, the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 and the work tool cylinder 128 .
- the operator station 112 may include devices that receive input from a machine operator indicative of desired maneuvering of the hybrid construction machine 100 .
- the operator station 112 may include one or more operator interface devices for example a joystick, a steering wheel, or a pedal etc (none of which are shown but are well known in the industry).
- Operator interface devices may initiate movement of hybrid construction machine 100 , for example travel and/or tool movement, swing structure movement by producing displacement signals that are indicative of desired maneuvering.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary powertrain 200 that may be used in conjunction with the hybrid construction machine 100 .
- the powertrain 200 includes the prime mover 110 , at least one fluid pump 204 , a set of control valves 206 , the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 , and the work tool cylinder 128 .
- the prime mover 110 can serve as a driving unit for the at least one fluid pump 204 . It can be contemplated that one or more fluid pumps can be driven by the prime mover 110 . It should be understood that the fluid pump 204 can operate as both a pump and a motor as will be further described.
- the at least one fluid pump 204 is powered by the prime mover 110 for pressurizing fluid to be supplied to one or more of the plurality of fluid actuators 122 , 126 , 128 .
- the at least one fluid pump 204 can be driven by pressurized fluid returning from one or more of the plurality of fluid actuators 122 , 126 , 128 to generate mechanical motion.
- the at least one fluid pump 204 can simply be referred to as the pump motor 204 .
- the at least one fluid pump 204 can be a variable displacement pump motor or a fixed displacement pump motor.
- the pressurized fluid, from the at least one fluid pump 204 is directed to the at least one fluid actuator through the control valves 206 .
- the control valves 206 can be configured to control the quantity and the direction of fluid to the one or more actuators, such as the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 , and the work tool cylinder 128 .
- the operator may command to lower or raise the boom 120 of the hybrid construction machine 100 .
- the control valves 206 accordingly, control the flow of pressurized fluid to the boom cylinder 122 .
- the control valves 206 may also control the quantity and direction of the fluid to the travel motors 116 L and 116 R.
- control valves 206 can also be used for controlling the at least one fluid actuators (such as the aforementioned the travel motors 116 L and 116 R, the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 and the work tool cylinder 128 ). It may be appreciated that there may be one control valve corresponding to each fluid actuator for controlling the quantity and direction of flow of fluid.
- Each of the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 , and the work tool cylinder 128 includes a rod end chamber and a head end chamber.
- Pressurized fluid can be supplied from the at least one fluid pump 204 , through a fluid path 208 to the cap end chamber 122 a to extend the boom cylinder 122 .
- the pressurized fluid causes a piston ‘P’ of the boom cylinder 122 to move towards the rod end chamber 122 b of the boom cylinder 122 , hence exhausting the fluid from the rod end chamber 122 b through the fluid path 210 .
- the fluid can be exhausted from the head end chamber 122 a through the path 208 .
- This exhausted fluid from the rod end chamber 122 b or the cap end chamber 122 a can be referred to as returning fluid or drained fluid, or discharge fluid.
- an external force may cause the exhausting fluid to exit at a pressure.
- the boom cylinder 122 can be considered to be in an extended state and the work tool 118 of the machine 100 can be assumed be filled with heavy material.
- the load in the work tool 118 can cause the exhausting of the fluid from the cap end chamber 122 a through the fluid path 208 .
- the returning fluid from the cap end chamber 122 a can be exhausted in a pressurized state because of effect of gravity due to the load in the work tool 118 .
- the returning fluid or the drained fluid can be directed towards the at least one fluid pump 204 though fluid path 210 or fluid path 208 .
- the at least one fluid pump 204 can act as a motor and the returning fluid can be used to drive the pump motor.
- stick cylinder 126 and the work tool cylinder 128 can also function in a similar manner and the returning fluid from the fluid actuator can be directed to drive the fluid pump 204 .
- the powertrain 200 further includes a swing motor 212 .
- the swing motor 212 can be a fluid motor which can be driven by pressurized fluid supplied through the fluid path 214 .
- the swing motor 212 can be a hydraulic motor configured to be driven by high pressure hydraulic fluid similar to pump motor. In other words, the exhausting fluid or returning fluid can be directed towards the swing motor 212 , through the fluid path 214 .
- the swing motor 212 can also be configured to be driven by drained or returned fluid from at least one fluid actuator such as the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 , and the work tool cylinder 128 .
- the swing motor 212 can be coupled to a first flywheel 218 via a clutch 220 .
- the clutch 220 can be configured to selectively engage or disengage the first flywheel 218 with the swing motor 212 .
- the first flywheel 218 can be configured to drive the swing structure 102 .
- the swing motor 212 can be driven by the returning fluid from the one or more fluid actuators, such as the boom cylinder 122 .
- the swing motor 212 in turn rotates the first flywheel 218 .
- the first flywheel 218 can further rotate the swing structure 102 , when engaged through clutch 220 .
- the energy from the returning fluid can be conserved in the first flywheel 218 to drive the swing structure 102 .
- a clutch-able flywheel transmission 222 can also be disposed between the swing structure 102 and the first flywheel 218 .
- the clutch-able flywheel transmission (CFT) 222 can be configured to vary the speed of the swing structure 102 .
- the swing structure 102 can be rotated in clockwise and anticlockwise direction during operation. The direction of rotation of the swing structure 102 is changed by controlling the CFT 222 .
- a reverser 224 can also be positioned between the CFT 222 and the swing structure 102 .
- the reverser 224 can be configured to change the direction of rotation of the swing structure 102 .
- the reverser 224 can be a gearbox.
- the powertrain 200 is also shown to include a second flywheel 226 .
- the second flywheel 226 can be coupled with the prime mover 110 .
- the second flywheel 226 can be coupled with the prime mover 110 via a gearing 228 for example a gearbox, a clutch, a mechanical coupling, a fluid coupling etc.
- the second flywheel 226 stores energy as kinetic energy when the prime mover 110 is driven by the at least one fluid pump 204 via the returning fluid from the at least one fluid actuator, such as the boom cylinder 122 , the stick cylinder 126 , and the work tool cylinder 128 .
- the returning fluid from the fluid actuators can drive the fluid pump 204 .
- the fluid pump 204 acts as a motor thereby driving the prime mover 110 .
- the fluid discharged from the boom cylinder 122 may have a pressure elevated above an output pressure of the at least one fluid pump 204 .
- the elevated pressure of the return fluid can be directed through the at least one fluid pump 204 and may be used to drive the fluid pump 204 .
- the fluid pump 204 drives the prime mover 110 which in turn may drive the second flywheel 226 through the gearing 228 .
- the second flywheel 226 stores the pressure energy of the return fluid of the boom cylinder 122 as kinetic energy.
- a speed up or reduction gear box 230 may be connected to the second flywheel 226 .
- the gear box 230 may also be connected to a motor generator 232 .
- the gear box 230 may rotate the motor generator 232 producing electrical energy that can be stored in a battery (not shown) or used to power electrical components of the hybrid construction machine 100 .
- the motor generator 232 can be used to start the prime mover 110 , to reducing idling of the prime mover 110 after low use time periods, or for cold starting.
- the at least one fluid pump 204 can be connected to the swing motor 212 through a fluid path 216 .
- the at least one fluid pump 204 can be used to drive the swing motor 212 for the first swing.
- the swing motor 212 can be driven by the at least one fluid pump 204 to start the rotation of the first flywheel 218 .
- the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator such as the boom cylinder 122 , the work tool cylinder 128 , and the stick cylinder 126 , can be conserved as kinetic energy in the first flywheel 218 and/or the second flywheel 226 .
- the energy stored in the first flywheel 218 can be used to drive the swing structure 102 .
- the energy from the returning fluid can be stored in the second flywheel 226 via the at least one fluid pump 204 , and further used to drive the prime mover 110 during cold start or managing excessive load.
- the at least one fluid pump 204 can be directly connected to the swing motor 212 to drive the first flywheel 218 .
- the first flywheel 218 can also be configured to store energy as the swing structure 102 slows down during each working cycle.
- the working cycle may be referred as a load dump cycle.
- the hybrid construction machine 100 lifts earth in the work tool 118 and the swing structure 102 is rotated to dump the material in a dump truck.
- the brakes need to be applied to slow and eventually stop the swing structure 102 at a position over the dump truck.
- This braking energy may be stored in the first flywheel 218 as kinetic energy.
- the clutch 220 de-clutching
- the first flywheel 218 from the swing motor 212 the braking energy can be stored in the first flywheel 218 .
- the energy stored in the first flywheel 218 can be used to accelerate the swing structure 102 in the next working cycle. Further, the swing motor 212 can be coupled with the first flywheel 218 to provide extra energy to the first flywheel 218 due to losses occurring in the working cycle. This may help in reducing the size of the swing motor 212 .
- the present disclosure applies generally to hybrid construction machine 100 .
- the hybrid construction machine 100 is configured to perform a digging, loading and unloading during a typical work cycle.
- the hybrid construction machine 100 includes various actuators to execute their work.
- the hybrid construction machine 100 can be excavator lifting earth in the bucket.
- the operator of the hybrid construction machine 100 can actuate a boom to lift the bucket.
- the boom can be actuated by a boom cylinder such as boom cylinder 122 .
- the prime mover 110 of the hybrid construction machine 100 provides power to a fluid pump such as the at least one fluid pump 204 .
- the pressurized fluid from the fluid pump 204 can be direct to the boom cylinder 122 to lift the work tool 118 .
- the pressurized fluid from the boom cylinder 122 can be direct to a swing motor 212 .
- the returning fluid from the boom cylinder 122 can drive the swing motor 212 to rotate the swing structure 102 through the first flywheel 218 .
- the returning fluid from the boom cylinder 122 can be directed to the fluid pump 204 .
- the fluid pump 204 can act as motor and convert the energy from the returning fluid to rotate the prime mover 110 .
- the prime mover 110 in turn can rotate the second flywheel 226 .
- the energy from the returning fluid can be also conserved in the second flywheel 226 .
- the conserved energy can be used at a later stage to cold start the prime mover 110 or anti idle situation. Also the conserved energy help drive the swing structure 102 thus requiring less energy from the prime mover 110 .
- the flywheel 226 is configured to primarily support the functions of prime mover 110 hence a smaller prime mover 110 can be utilized. Since energy flow paths exist between all system components, the first flywheel 218 and the second flywheel 226 can be used in concert in a variety of ways.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Operation Control Of Excavators (AREA)
Abstract
A hybrid construction machine is provided. The machine includes a prime mover, at least one fluid pump, at least one fluid actuator, a swing motor, a first flywheel, and a second flywheel. The prime mover drives the at least one fluid pump. The fluid pump provides pressurized fluid to drive the at least one fluid actuator. The returning fluid from the at least one fluid actuator can be used to drive a swing motor, which in turn drives a swing structure. Further, the second flywheel is also coupled with the prime mover. The second flywheel can be configured to store the energy when the prime mover is driven by the at least one fluid pump. The at least one fluid pump is driven by the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator.
Description
- The present disclosure relates generally to a hybrid construction machine and in particular to a hybrid excavator having a swing structure operated by a flywheel.
- A construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator uses engine as a prime mover to drive hydraulic actuators. Typically, the engine drives a hydraulic pump that in turn drives the hydraulic actuators such as hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders, steering motor, and wheel motors. The term “hydraulic actuator”, as used herein, generically refers to any device, such as a cylinder-piston arrangement or a rotational motor for example, that converts hydraulic fluid flow into mechanical motion.
- During extension and retraction of a hydraulic cylinder assembly, pressurized fluid from the pump is usually applied by a valve assembly to one cylinder chamber and the fluid exhausting from the other cylinder chamber flows through the valve assembly into a return conduit that leads to the system tank. For example, high pressure fluid from the pump can be applied at a bottom chamber (cap end) of a hydraulic cylinder. Hence, the fluid from the upper chamber (rod end) can simultaneously exit to the tank. Under certain conditions, an external load or force acting on the machine enables extension or retraction of the cylinder assembly without significant fluid pressure from the pump. This is often referred to as an overrunning load. In an excavator for example, when the bucket is filled with heavy material, the boom can be lowered by the force of gravity alone. This external load drives fluid out of one chamber, say bottom chamber, of the boom's hydraulic cylinder, through the valve assembly, and into the tank. At the same time, an amount of fluid is also drawn from the pump through the valve assembly into the upper chamber which is expanding simultaneously. However because the incoming fluid is not driving the piston, it does not have to be maintained at a significant pressure for the boom motion to occur. In this. situation, the fluid is exhausted from the bottom chamber under relatively high pressure, thereby containing energy that normally is lost when the pressure is metered through the valve assembly.
- To optimize efficiency and economical operation of the machine, it is desirable to recover the energy of the exhausting fluid. Some existing hydraulic systems store exhausting fluid in an accumulator, where it can be stored under pressure for later use in powering the machine. Other methods of recovering the energy are to drive a hydraulic motor via return fluid which will in turn drive an electric motor/generator. The electric energy thus generated can be stored in a battery for use in electrical system or driving an electric swing motor of an electric hybrid excavator. However, the electric and hydraulic storage and reuse systems are costly and are generally less efficient.
- The present disclosure presents a solution to one or more of the problems set forth above.
- In one aspect, a hybrid construction machine is provided. The hybrid construction machine includes a prime mover. Further, the hybrid construction machine includes at least one fluid pump configured to be driven by the prime mover. The hybrid construction machine also includes at least one fluid actuator driven by the at least one fluid pump. Furthermore, the hybrid construction machine includes a swing motor driven by a return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator. Moreover, a first flywheel is included in the hybrid construction machine. The first flywheel can be configured for driving a swing structure. The first flywheel is driven by the swing motor. Additional, the hybrid construction machine includes a second flywheel. The second flywheel is coupled with the prime mover. The second flywheel is configured to store the energy when the prime mover is driven by the at least one fluid pump via the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator.
- In another embodiment, a hybrid construction machine having a swing structure, a lower travel structure, and an implement system having at least one work tool is provided. The swing structure can rotate with respect to the lower travel structure to rotate the work tool from a first position to a second position. The hybrid construction machine includes a prime mover. Further, the hybrid construction machine includes at least one fluid pump. The fluid pump is driven by the prime mover. Furthermore, the hybrid construction machine includes at least one fluid actuator. The fluid actuator is driven by the fluid pump. Moreover, the hybrid construction machine includes a swing motor. The swing motor is driven by a return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator. Further, the hybrid construction machine includes a first flywheel for driving a swing structure. The first flywheel is driven by the swing motor. Further, the first flywheel is coupled with the swing motor via a clutch. Additionally, the hybrid construction machine includes, a second flywheel coupled with the prime mover. The second flywheel is configured to store the energy when the prime mover is driven by the fluid pump via the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator. Also, the second flywheel is configured to assist the prime mover during cold start and/or anti-idle.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary hybrid construction machine; and -
FIG. 2 illustrates is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary powertrain that may be used in conjunction with the hybrid construction machine ofFIG. 1 -
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplaryhybrid construction machine 100 having multiple systems and components that cooperate to accomplish a task. Thehybrid construction machine 100 may embody a fixed or mobile machine that performs various operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or another industry known in the art. For example, thehybrid construction machine 100 may be an earth moving machine such as an excavator (shown inFIG. 1 ), a shovel, a backhoe, or another earth moving or construction machine. - The
hybrid construction machine 100 may include aswing structure 102, alower travel structure 104, and animplement system 106. Theswing structure 102 may include aswing frame 108, aprime mover 110 mounted on theswing frame 108, and anoperator station 112. Theoperator station 112 is configured for control of theimplement system 106, theprime mover 110, theswing structure 102, and thelower travel structure 104. Theswing structure 102 can be configured to rotate about a vertical axis X-X with respect to thelower travel structure 104. - The
lower travel structure 104 includes a pair oftracks 114L and 114R. Thetrack 114L may be driven by atravel motor 116L and the track 114R may be driven by atravel motor 116R. In an alternative embodiment, thelower travel structure 104 may include wheels, belts etc. - The
implement system 106 may include a linkage structure acted upon by a plurality offluid actuators work tool 118. The implementsystem 106 includes aboom 120 configured to be pivoted about an axis by aboom cylinder 122. Further, the implement system includes astick 124 configured to be pivoted about an axis by astick cylinder 126. Further, the implement system includes awork tool cylinder 128 configured to pivot thework tool 118. - Numerous
different work tools 118 may be attached to a singlehybrid construction machine 100 and can be operator controllable.Work tool 118 may include any device used to perform a particular task such as, for example, a bucket (shown inFIG. 1 ), a fork arrangement, a blade, a shovel, a ripper, a broom, a propelling device, a cutting device, a grasping device, or any other task-performing device known in the art. - The
prime mover 110 may include an engine such as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, a dual fuel engine, or another type of combustion engine known in the art. Theprime mover 110 can produce mechanical output that may then be converted to fluid power for fluid actuators (such as the aforementioned thetravel fluid motors boom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126 and the work tool cylinder 128) of the implementsystem 106. - The
operator station 112 may include devices that receive input from a machine operator indicative of desired maneuvering of thehybrid construction machine 100. Specifically, theoperator station 112 may include one or more operator interface devices for example a joystick, a steering wheel, or a pedal etc (none of which are shown but are well known in the industry). Operator interface devices may initiate movement ofhybrid construction machine 100, for example travel and/or tool movement, swing structure movement by producing displacement signals that are indicative of desired maneuvering. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of anexemplary powertrain 200 that may be used in conjunction with thehybrid construction machine 100. As shown inFIG. 2 , thepowertrain 200 includes theprime mover 110, at least onefluid pump 204, a set ofcontrol valves 206, theboom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126, and thework tool cylinder 128. Theprime mover 110 can serve as a driving unit for the at least onefluid pump 204. It can be contemplated that one or more fluid pumps can be driven by theprime mover 110. It should be understood that thefluid pump 204 can operate as both a pump and a motor as will be further described. In one mode of operation, the at least onefluid pump 204 is powered by theprime mover 110 for pressurizing fluid to be supplied to one or more of the plurality offluid actuators fluid pump 204 can be driven by pressurized fluid returning from one or more of the plurality offluid actuators fluid pump 204 can simply be referred to as thepump motor 204. The at least onefluid pump 204 can be a variable displacement pump motor or a fixed displacement pump motor. The pressurized fluid, from the at least onefluid pump 204 is directed to the at least one fluid actuator through thecontrol valves 206. Thecontrol valves 206 can be configured to control the quantity and the direction of fluid to the one or more actuators, such as theboom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126, and thework tool cylinder 128. For example, the operator may command to lower or raise theboom 120 of thehybrid construction machine 100. Thecontrol valves 206, accordingly, control the flow of pressurized fluid to theboom cylinder 122. Thecontrol valves 206 may also control the quantity and direction of the fluid to thetravel motors control valves 206 can also be used for controlling the at least one fluid actuators (such as the aforementioned thetravel motors boom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126 and the work tool cylinder 128). It may be appreciated that there may be one control valve corresponding to each fluid actuator for controlling the quantity and direction of flow of fluid. - Each of the
boom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126, and thework tool cylinder 128 includes a rod end chamber and a head end chamber. Consider theboom cylinder 122, for example, having acap end chamber 122 a and arod end chamber 122 b. Pressurized fluid can be supplied from the at least onefluid pump 204, through afluid path 208 to thecap end chamber 122 a to extend theboom cylinder 122. The pressurized fluid causes a piston ‘P’ of theboom cylinder 122 to move towards therod end chamber 122 b of theboom cylinder 122, hence exhausting the fluid from therod end chamber 122 b through thefluid path 210. Similarly, while retracting theboom cylinder 122, the fluid can be exhausted from thehead end chamber 122 a through thepath 208. This exhausted fluid from therod end chamber 122 b or thecap end chamber 122 a can be referred to as returning fluid or drained fluid, or discharge fluid. - In one embodiment, an external force may cause the exhausting fluid to exit at a pressure. In this embodiment, the
boom cylinder 122 can be considered to be in an extended state and thework tool 118 of themachine 100 can be assumed be filled with heavy material. Hence, while lowering theboom 120, the load in thework tool 118 can cause the exhausting of the fluid from thecap end chamber 122 a through thefluid path 208. In such a scenario, the returning fluid from thecap end chamber 122 a can be exhausted in a pressurized state because of effect of gravity due to the load in thework tool 118. - In an embodiment the returning fluid or the drained fluid can be directed towards the at least one
fluid pump 204 thoughfluid path 210 orfluid path 208. In this embodiment, the at least onefluid pump 204 can act as a motor and the returning fluid can be used to drive the pump motor. - It can be contemplated that
stick cylinder 126 and thework tool cylinder 128, or any other fluid actuator, can also function in a similar manner and the returning fluid from the fluid actuator can be directed to drive thefluid pump 204. - The
powertrain 200 further includes aswing motor 212. Theswing motor 212 can be a fluid motor which can be driven by pressurized fluid supplied through thefluid path 214. In one embodiment, theswing motor 212 can be a hydraulic motor configured to be driven by high pressure hydraulic fluid similar to pump motor. In other words, the exhausting fluid or returning fluid can be directed towards theswing motor 212, through thefluid path 214. In one embodiment, theswing motor 212 can also be configured to be driven by drained or returned fluid from at least one fluid actuator such as theboom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126, and thework tool cylinder 128. - Further, the
swing motor 212 can be coupled to afirst flywheel 218 via a clutch 220. The clutch 220 can be configured to selectively engage or disengage thefirst flywheel 218 with theswing motor 212. Further, thefirst flywheel 218 can be configured to drive theswing structure 102. In other words, theswing motor 212 can be driven by the returning fluid from the one or more fluid actuators, such as theboom cylinder 122. Theswing motor 212 in turn rotates thefirst flywheel 218. Thefirst flywheel 218 can further rotate theswing structure 102, when engaged throughclutch 220. Thus, the energy from the returning fluid can be conserved in thefirst flywheel 218 to drive theswing structure 102. In an embodiment, a clutch-able flywheel transmission 222 can also be disposed between theswing structure 102 and thefirst flywheel 218. The clutch-able flywheel transmission (CFT) 222 can be configured to vary the speed of theswing structure 102. Also, theswing structure 102 can be rotated in clockwise and anticlockwise direction during operation. The direction of rotation of theswing structure 102 is changed by controlling theCFT 222. In an embodiment, areverser 224 can also be positioned between theCFT 222 and theswing structure 102. Thereverser 224 can be configured to change the direction of rotation of theswing structure 102. In an exemplary embodiment, thereverser 224 can be a gearbox. - The
powertrain 200 is also shown to include asecond flywheel 226. Thesecond flywheel 226 can be coupled with theprime mover 110. Thesecond flywheel 226 can be coupled with theprime mover 110 via agearing 228 for example a gearbox, a clutch, a mechanical coupling, a fluid coupling etc. Thesecond flywheel 226 stores energy as kinetic energy when theprime mover 110 is driven by the at least onefluid pump 204 via the returning fluid from the at least one fluid actuator, such as theboom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126, and thework tool cylinder 128. In other words, the returning fluid from the fluid actuators (theboom cylinder 122, thestick cylinder 126, and the work tool cylinder 128) can drive thefluid pump 204. Thefluid pump 204 acts as a motor thereby driving theprime mover 110. In an embodiment, when theboom cylinder 122 is operating in an overrunning load condition, the fluid discharged from theboom cylinder 122 may have a pressure elevated above an output pressure of the at least onefluid pump 204. In this situation, the elevated pressure of the return fluid can be directed through the at least onefluid pump 204 and may be used to drive thefluid pump 204. In this scenario, thefluid pump 204 drives theprime mover 110 which in turn may drive thesecond flywheel 226 through thegearing 228. Thereby, thesecond flywheel 226 stores the pressure energy of the return fluid of theboom cylinder 122 as kinetic energy. In addition, a speed up orreduction gear box 230 may be connected to thesecond flywheel 226. Thegear box 230 may also be connected to amotor generator 232. When thesecond flywheel 226 is either driven by theprime mover 110 or by the overrunning load condition, thegear box 230 may rotate themotor generator 232 producing electrical energy that can be stored in a battery (not shown) or used to power electrical components of thehybrid construction machine 100. Alternatively, themotor generator 232 can be used to start theprime mover 110, to reducing idling of theprime mover 110 after low use time periods, or for cold starting. - Further, in an embodiment, the at least one
fluid pump 204 can be connected to theswing motor 212 through afluid path 216. In this embodiment, the at least onefluid pump 204 can be used to drive theswing motor 212 for the first swing. For example, theswing motor 212 can be driven by the at least onefluid pump 204 to start the rotation of thefirst flywheel 218. - Hence, the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator, such as the
boom cylinder 122, thework tool cylinder 128, and thestick cylinder 126, can be conserved as kinetic energy in thefirst flywheel 218 and/or thesecond flywheel 226. The energy stored in thefirst flywheel 218 can be used to drive theswing structure 102. On the other hand, the energy from the returning fluid can be stored in thesecond flywheel 226 via the at least onefluid pump 204, and further used to drive theprime mover 110 during cold start or managing excessive load. Also the at least onefluid pump 204 can be directly connected to theswing motor 212 to drive thefirst flywheel 218. - Further, the
first flywheel 218 can also be configured to store energy as theswing structure 102 slows down during each working cycle. In an embodiment, the working cycle may be referred as a load dump cycle. For example, thehybrid construction machine 100 lifts earth in thework tool 118 and theswing structure 102 is rotated to dump the material in a dump truck. Now as theswing structure 102 is rotated, the brakes need to be applied to slow and eventually stop theswing structure 102 at a position over the dump truck. This braking energy may be stored in thefirst flywheel 218 as kinetic energy. Hence by operating the clutch 220 (de-clutching) thefirst flywheel 218 from theswing motor 212 the braking energy can be stored in thefirst flywheel 218. The energy stored in thefirst flywheel 218 can be used to accelerate theswing structure 102 in the next working cycle. Further, theswing motor 212 can be coupled with thefirst flywheel 218 to provide extra energy to thefirst flywheel 218 due to losses occurring in the working cycle. This may help in reducing the size of theswing motor 212. - The present disclosure applies generally to
hybrid construction machine 100. Thehybrid construction machine 100 is configured to perform a digging, loading and unloading during a typical work cycle. Thehybrid construction machine 100 includes various actuators to execute their work. For example, thehybrid construction machine 100 can be excavator lifting earth in the bucket. The operator of thehybrid construction machine 100 can actuate a boom to lift the bucket. The boom can be actuated by a boom cylinder such asboom cylinder 122. Theprime mover 110 of thehybrid construction machine 100 provides power to a fluid pump such as the at least onefluid pump 204. The pressurized fluid from thefluid pump 204 can be direct to theboom cylinder 122 to lift thework tool 118. While lowering thework tool 118, the pressurized fluid from theboom cylinder 122 can be direct to aswing motor 212. Hence, the returning fluid from theboom cylinder 122 can drive theswing motor 212 to rotate theswing structure 102 through thefirst flywheel 218. Also the returning fluid from theboom cylinder 122 can be directed to thefluid pump 204. Thefluid pump 204 can act as motor and convert the energy from the returning fluid to rotate theprime mover 110. Theprime mover 110 in turn can rotate thesecond flywheel 226. Thus the energy from the returning fluid can be also conserved in thesecond flywheel 226. - Thus the conserved energy can be used at a later stage to cold start the
prime mover 110 or anti idle situation. Also the conserved energy help drive theswing structure 102 thus requiring less energy from theprime mover 110. Thus theflywheel 226 is configured to primarily support the functions ofprime mover 110 hence a smallerprime mover 110 can be utilized. Since energy flow paths exist between all system components, thefirst flywheel 218 and thesecond flywheel 226 can be used in concert in a variety of ways. - It should be understood that the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
Claims (1)
1. A hybrid construction machine having a swing structure, a lower travel structure, and an implement system having at least one work tool wherein the swing structure can rotate with respect to a the lower travel structure to rotate the work tool from a first position to a second position, the hybrid construction machine comprising:
a prime mover;
at least one fluid pump wherein the fluid pump is driven by the prime mover;
at least one fluid actuator wherein the fluid actuator is driven by the fluid pump;
a swing motor, the swing motor driven by a return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator;
a first flywheel for driving a swing structure, wherein the first flywheel is driven by the swing motor and wherein the first flywheel is coupled with the swing motor via a clutch; and
a second flywheel coupled with the prime mover, the second flywheel configured to store the energy when the prime mover is driven by the fluid pump via the return fluid from the at least one fluid actuator wherein the second flywheel is configured to assist the prime mover during cold start and/or anti-idle.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/019,005 US20150063968A1 (en) | 2013-09-05 | 2013-09-05 | Flywheel excavator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/019,005 US20150063968A1 (en) | 2013-09-05 | 2013-09-05 | Flywheel excavator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150063968A1 true US20150063968A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 |
Family
ID=52583509
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/019,005 Abandoned US20150063968A1 (en) | 2013-09-05 | 2013-09-05 | Flywheel excavator |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150063968A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140305388A1 (en) * | 2013-04-12 | 2014-10-16 | Liebherr Machines Bulle Sa | Drive System |
GB2533224A (en) * | 2014-12-11 | 2016-06-15 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | A hydraulic arrangement for a work machine and a process for a hydraulic arrangement |
WO2017045760A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2017-03-23 | Liebherr-Components Biberach Gmbh | Electrically driven working machine comprising reverse power storage |
CN108603360A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2018-09-28 | 住友重机械工业株式会社 | Excavator |
CN108980150A (en) * | 2017-06-05 | 2018-12-11 | 卡特彼勒公司 | Kinetic energy recovery system for machine |
CN109707679A (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-03 | 罗伯特·博世有限公司 | Device by hydraulic press and for driving the electric motor of hydraulic press to constitute |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080121448A1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2008-05-29 | Betz Michael D | Energy storage and recovery for a tracked machine |
US20090077837A1 (en) * | 2005-06-02 | 2009-03-26 | Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. | Work machine |
-
2013
- 2013-09-05 US US14/019,005 patent/US20150063968A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090077837A1 (en) * | 2005-06-02 | 2009-03-26 | Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. | Work machine |
US20080121448A1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2008-05-29 | Betz Michael D | Energy storage and recovery for a tracked machine |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140305388A1 (en) * | 2013-04-12 | 2014-10-16 | Liebherr Machines Bulle Sa | Drive System |
GB2533224A (en) * | 2014-12-11 | 2016-06-15 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | A hydraulic arrangement for a work machine and a process for a hydraulic arrangement |
GB2533224B (en) * | 2014-12-11 | 2021-03-03 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | A hydraulic arrangement for a work machine and a process for a hydraulic arrangement |
WO2017045760A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2017-03-23 | Liebherr-Components Biberach Gmbh | Electrically driven working machine comprising reverse power storage |
US10696166B2 (en) | 2015-09-18 | 2020-06-30 | Liebherr-Components Bieberach GmbH | Electrically driven machine with reverse power storage |
CN108603360A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2018-09-28 | 住友重机械工业株式会社 | Excavator |
CN108980150A (en) * | 2017-06-05 | 2018-12-11 | 卡特彼勒公司 | Kinetic energy recovery system for machine |
CN109707679A (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-03 | 罗伯特·博世有限公司 | Device by hydraulic press and for driving the electric motor of hydraulic press to constitute |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20150063968A1 (en) | Flywheel excavator | |
JP5184788B2 (en) | Hydraulic regeneration system | |
US7634911B2 (en) | Energy recovery system | |
US9989042B2 (en) | Propel circuit and work circuit combinations for a work machine | |
US6666022B1 (en) | Drive device of working machine | |
US9096115B2 (en) | System and method for energy recovery | |
US8347998B2 (en) | Working machine with one or more electric machines for driving, braking, and/or generating power and a method for operating such a working machine | |
JP6084972B2 (en) | System and method for recovering energy and leveling a load on a hydraulic system | |
EP3159456B1 (en) | Hydraulic hybrid circuit with energy storage for excavators or other heavy equipment | |
US8744695B2 (en) | Fuel consumption saving control device for work vehicle and fuel consumption saving method for work vehicle | |
CN108978775B (en) | Series-parallel mechanical hybrid power system for excavator based on flywheel | |
US9086061B2 (en) | Energy recovery hydraulic system | |
JP5000430B2 (en) | Operation control method for hybrid type work machine and work machine using the method | |
US20130098012A1 (en) | Meterless hydraulic system having multi-circuit recuperation | |
US7980073B2 (en) | Hybrid system for a powertrain and hydraulic system | |
US20120055149A1 (en) | Semi-closed hydraulic systems | |
KR20140038437A (en) | Energy recovery method and system | |
JP2015520347A (en) | Electrohydraulic system for potential energy recovery and reuse | |
US20130152565A1 (en) | Hydraulic system having energy recovery | |
CN108978774B (en) | Series-parallel hybrid power system for excavator | |
KR100791105B1 (en) | Increase in speed apparatus of boom speed of excavator | |
CN111356808B (en) | Drive system for a construction machine and method for controlling the drive system | |
US20140223893A1 (en) | Pilot pump sourced peak shaving for hybrid hydraulic circuits |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CATERPILLAR INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JACOBSON, EVAN EARL;REEL/FRAME:031145/0325 Effective date: 20130903 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |