WO2020165819A1

WO2020165819A1 - A hybrid agricultural vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020165819A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/051181
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ankit Tyagi; Yokeshwaran SAMANNAN; Karan Bir SINGH; Thangadurai GANESAN
Original assignee: Proxecto Engineering Services Llp
Priority date: 2019-02-13
Filing date: 2020-02-13
Publication date: 2020-08-20

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid agriculture vehicle. The hybrid agriculture vehicle, comprising of a chassis; an internal combustion engine; an alternator; a plurality of front and rear traction motors which are controlled by a plurality of torque management controllers; a plurality of front and rear end wheels; a gear arrangement; and a power take off system with a power take off controller wherein, each of the traction motor is fitted to each of the wheel without any gear arrangement utilizing electric power generated by the alternator coupled with the internal combustion engine to reduce frictional losses, and the power take off controller controls output characteristics is no more dependent on the engine and the hybrid vehicle characteristics.

Description

A HYBRID AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a hybrid agricultural vehicle having an internal combustion engine that operates with diesel or gasoline or compressed natural gas or any other required fuel wherein, the electric motor is fitted to the individual wheels to drive the vehicle utilizing the electric power generated by the alternator coupled with the internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The hybrid agricultural vehicles comprising of an internal combustion engine are already known in the prior art. The hybrid agricultural vehicle, more specifically, a tractor is a multi-utility machinery often used in the rugged environment. The mandatory character of such state of the art agriculture vehicles is that they are built with ruggedness.

[003] In the existing prior art, the agriculture vehicle comprises of the internal combustion engine coupled with a transmission system where the transmission system is an orderly arrangement of gears, built for the function of manipulating the speed and torque characteristic to the requirement. The output of the transmission system is fed to the differential gear, the differential gear splits the power between the rear wheels in case of a rear wheel drive vehicle or between all four wheels in case of a four wheel drive machine.

[004] The components such as the engine, transmission and the rear axle which has the differential gear acts as the chassis. The arrangement absorb the imposed vibrations at the time of operation of the vehicle. The support systems for the engine operation such as the fuel system, exhaust system and the cooling system are assembled around the engine.

[005] The tractor with a special component i.e. a power take-off system is already known. The power take-off system in the tractor is a shaft which runs the length of the tractor from the engine to the rear or front of the tractor. Thus, making the output characteristics of the power take-off systems to be strictly dependent on the engine characteristics.

[006] The existing knowledge and the arrangement works well but there are some paths of improvement in terms of performance of the vehicle, meaning the mating components in transmission and wheel assembly results in reduced efficiency owing to frictional losses. There is also scope of improvement in the emission characteristics of the vehicle with a better optimized machinery and will also result in optimized performance.

[007] Thus, a solution is required to reduce such frictional losses and improve emission characteristics. The present invention provides one such solution by providing the hybrid agricultural vehicle having the internal combustion engine with the features and the electric motor fitted to the individual wheels to drive the vehicle by utilizing the electric power generated by the alternator coupled with the internal combustion engine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a hybrid vehicle comprising of: a chassis; an internal combustion engine mounted on the chassis which is controlled by an engine electronic control unit; an alternator, mechanically coupled with the internal combustion engine; a plurality of front tractions motors and rear traction motors which is controlled by a plurality of torque management controllers; and a plurality of front and rear end wheels.

[009] Each of the traction motor is fitted to each of the wheel without any gear arrangement utilizing electric power generated by the alternator coupled with the internal combustion engine to reduce frictional losses.

[0010] In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the hybrid vehicle comprises of a power take off system with a power take off controller wherein the power take off controller controls output characteristics are no more dependent on the internal combustion engine and the hybrid vehicle characteristics. [0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] FIG.1 shows the schematic view of the hybrid agricultural vehicle.

[0014] FIG.2 shows the electric motor and wheel assembly with no intermediate gear arrangement of the hybrid agricultural tractor.

[0015] FIG.3 shows the overall block diagram of the hybrid agricultural vehicle.

[0016] FIG.4 shows the block diagram for the compressed natural gas-electric operation in the hybrid agricultural vehicle.

[0017] FIG.5 compressed natural gas fuel system assembly in the hybrid agricultural vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed device and methods with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system, method and apparatus can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein. [0019] These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description and claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

[0020] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0021] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0022] It is to be understood that the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0024] As per the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid agriculture vehicle comprising of: a chassis acting as a mounting base; an internal combustion engine mounted on the chassis which is controlled by an engine electronic control unit; an alternator, mechanically coupled with the internal combustion engine; a plurality of front and rear traction motors which are controlled by a plurality of torque management controllers; a plurality of front and rear end wheels; and a gear arrangement. [0025] The electric motor is fitted to each of the wheel without any gear arrangement utilizing electric power generated by the alternator coupled with the internal combustion engine to reduce frictional losses.

[0026] Yet another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a power take off system with a power take off controller is mounted on the hybrid agriculture vehicle wherein the power take off controller controls output characteristics and is no more dependent on the internal combustion engine and the hybrid vehicle characteristics.

[0027] As per Figure 1 of the present invention, the chassis 44 acts as a mounting base for a hybrid agriculture vehicle assembly. The internal combustion engine 15 is mounted on the chassis 44 to be operated with diesel or gasoline or compressed natural gas or any other appropriate source as the fuel for combustion.

[0028] The Chassis 44 as shown in Figure 1, is a fabricated chassis which gives flexibility to strengthen the hybrid agriculture vehicle assembly with ease and when required. The internal combustion engine 15 which is integrated over the chassis is electronically controlled 4 cylinder engine with no turbocharger.

[0029] As per Figure 2 of the present invention, one of the motor 14 from the plurality of motors is mechanically coupled to one of a rear wheel assembly 11 directly without any intermediate gear arrangement or transmission. A motor output shaft 13 is directly coupled to a wheel rim 12.

[0030] As per Figure 3 of the present invention, the internal combustion engine 15 is controlled by the engine electronic control unit 19. The engine electronic control unit 19 as shown in the Figure 3 controls the amount of fuel entering in the internal combustion engine at any point of time and in turn gets the control commands from the power management controller 20. The internal combustion engine 15 is mechanically coupled with an alternator 16, the entire engine output power is converted into electric power by the alternator 16. [0031] The Alternator 16 as shown in Figure 3, is brushless, oil cooled with IP 68 rating which will empower it to be rugged and gives it the much needed safety parameter. The power generated is a 3 phase 400V output.

[0032] The power generated by the alternator 16 is directed to the traction motors 14, 18, 35, 36 respectively. Further, there is no power storage devices between the alternator 16 and the wheel motors. The front traction motors 14, 18 and rear traction motors 35, 36 are controlled by the torque management controllers 21, 22, 33, 34 respectively. The load requirements are sent to the power management controllers 20 which control the alternator 16 and the power generation process. The said wheel motors are oil cooled three phase induction motors.

[0033] The front traction motors 14, 18 and rear traction motors 35, 36 are the only means of operating the hybrid agriculture vehicle.

[0034] The number of traction motors used in the hybrid agriculture vehicle is two or four but the same is not limited to two or four as disclosed in the present embodiment of invention. The number of motors can be increased or reduced as per the load requirement of the hybrid agriculture vehicle. The power rating of the motors varies for e.g.: the front two motors and the rear motors have different power rating or the same power rating.

[0035] The control inputs for the torque management controllers are shared from the cabin management controller 23. The cabin management controller basically controls the other controllers including the power management controller 20.

[0036] The cabin management controller 23, controls the other controllers with the aid of the input signals from sensor positioned at various places with the intent of registering a feedback of the vehicle dynamics.

[0037] The steering system as disclosed in Figure 3 of the present invention, is empowered with a steering sensor 26 which helps in effort less turning of the hybrid agriculture vehicle. The steering sensor 26 is a force feedback motor with an incremental encoder which helps in the operation. The encoder sends the signals to the Cabin Management controller 23 on the human effort and the controller controls the steering.

[0038] The steering system incorporated in the hybrid agriculture vehicle is a non -conventional hydraulic steering. The steering system enables individual control of the wheels for operational ease.

[0039] A foot throttle sensor 27, is coupled to a foot throttle pedal, hand throttle position with the help of the attached hand throttle angle sensor 28, the break feedback are sensed by the brake pedal sensor 29. The aforementioned sensors constitute the feedback outputs based on which the cabin management controller 23 operates. An additional brake sensor for the right side shall be optional if operator requires. In that case we shall have left brake pedal sensor 29 and Right brake pedal sensor 30.

[0040] On single brake pedal operation, there will a toggle switch to switch between the left and right brake application. The brakes will be electronically controlled

[0041] All the sensors are directly connected to the Cabin Management Controller thus facilitating an error or lag free control and feedback system.

[0042] The necessary outputs and the user inputs for certain operations shall be communicated through a processing device 24. The processing device 24 acts as an user interface with graphic icons. The communication between the Cabin Management Controller 23 and the processing device 24 is through Wi-Fi.

[0043] The processing device 24 can be an android tablet or IoS or computing device.

[0044] The Cabin management controller 23 and the processing device 24 has the required provisions for the Wi-Fi communication with transducers 40 and 39 respectively. [0045] The power take-off is a provision through which the tractor transfers the mechanical work input required by the other implements. In the present invention, the power take-off motor 32 also includes a controller namely power take-off controller 25. The Power Take-off motor 32 is an IP68 rated Oil cooled, three phase induction motor.

[0046] The power-take off controller 25 controls the output characteristics of the power take off, thus the provision is no more dependent on the engine operational characteristics and the vehicle operating conditions. The power take-off operates in variable speed range based on the operator requirement over a free range.

[0047] The hybrid vehicle of the present invention has an electro hydraulic pump 31 which is mounted near the rear end of the tractor thus shortening the hydraulic piping and the oriented hydraulic losses.

[0048] The electro hydraulic pump 31 is a constant drive gear pump. The pump is driven by a 400V electric motor delivering a constant output of required flow rate and pressure. The output of the pump is dedicated to the implement handling.

[0049] The Power Take-Off motor 32 is an optional addon. The alternate option to the system is to supply power to the implement and the implement will have a motor mounted to it. The power delivered to the implement will also be a 400V.

[0050] The vehicle provides an electric power for the implements attached to the rear via an implement power supply socket 37 positioned on the rear and front of the vehicle based on the requirement. This paves the way for the future electrification of the implements used in tandem with the tractor.

[0051] The vehicle is also capable of providing power for utility use through utility supply 38. The option is useful for domestic power requirements. [0052] This is exactly replicated in the other wheel motor assemblies in the tractor. FIG. 4, shows a schematic arrangement of the compressed natural gas operated variant of the vehicle. The compressed natural gas is reserved in the high pressure compressed natural gas cylinders 2 which is used as the fuel for the tractor operation.

[0053] The Compressed Natural Gas variant of the vehicle four Compressed Natural Gas Cylinders 2 attached to the bottom of the chassis 44. The Filling valve 5 is mounted with a stable support bracket to the chassis 44 on the side bottom. The valve is positioned to easy access.

[0054] The cylinder arrangement is protected with an outer cover 45 from debris and hurdles which the machine will come across during the field operation and off road operations. FIG 6 shows the vehicle structure with Compressed Natural Gas cylinders 02 and the protective outer cover 45.

[0055] The detailed fuel layout for the compressed natural gas variant is shown in FIG.5, the compressed natural gas from the compressed natural gas cylinders 2 is bleed in a controlled manner through the tank valve 3 attached to each cylinder. The number of cylinders for the compressed natural gas storage is based on the requirements. A safety valve 1 is also attached to each compressed natural gas cylinder to avoid overpressure calamity.

[0056] The outflow from the cylinders are through a single outlet line which passes through a three-way fill valve 4, which also provides the way to fill the compressed natural gas cylinder. A shut-off valve 6 is positioned before the fill valve 4 to shut-off the gas flow in times of emergency.

[0057] The pressure in the supply line is monitored with a pressure sensor 5 and then reduced to the required pressure by the pressure regulator 7. The cylinder pressure of compressed natural gas ranges about 200 bar.

[0058] The compressed natural gas enters the engine via the fuel injection rail 10 which is controlled by the engine electronic control unit 19. The engine electronic control unit 19 controls the amount of compressed natural gas entering by controlling the width and span of injection into the cylinder.

[0059] The motor assembly is mounted onto the chassis 44 by a shock absorber 17. The shock absorber 17 also absorbs the impact shock which the vehicle faces during the operation in an uneven train or field operation.

[0060] The hybrid agricultural vehicle of the present invention requires no transmission, no differential gears or any gears between motor wheels and no power storage device. The vehicle is operated with only electrical power.

[0061] In addition, the hybrid agricultural vehicle of the present invention reduces frictional losses, eliminates lower efficiency components and has autonomous operation. [0062] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred aspects, which have been set forth in considerable details for the purpose of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such aspects are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. Further, it will be apparent to those skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hybrid agriculture vehicle, comprising:

a chassis (44) acting as a mounting base;

an internal combustion engine (15), mounted on the chassis (44) controlled by an engine electronic control unit (19);

an alternator (16), mechanically coupled with the internal combustion engine (15);

a plurality of front and rear traction motors; controlled by a plurality of torque management controllers, respectively;

a plurality of front wheels and rear end wheels;

a gear arrangement; and

a power take off system with a power take off controller (25);

wherein, each of the traction motor is fitted to each of the wheel without any gear arrangement utilizing electric power generated by the alternator (16) coupled with the internal combustion engine (15) to reduce frictional losses,

the power take off controller (25) controls output characteristics is no more dependent on the internal combustion engine and the hybrid vehicle characteristics.

2. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the engine electronic unit (19) controls the amount of fuel entering in the internal combustion engine (15).

3. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, power generated by the alternator (16) is directed to the plurality of front traction motors and rear traction motors without any power storage.

4. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the plurality of front traction motors and rear traction motors are oil-cooled three-phase induction motors with IP 68 rating.

5. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

a cabin management controller (23); a hydraulic steering system;

a power management controller (20);

a plurality of sensors;

a processing device (24) with a wi-fi module; and a plurality of transducers.

6. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and 5 wherein, the cabin management controller controls the power management controller and the torque management controller.

7. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and 5 wherein, the hydraulic steering system enables control of the plurality of wheels.

8. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and 5 wherein, the plurality of sensors are connected to the cabin management controller.

9. The hybrid agriculture vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and 5 wherein, the processing device is Android or IoS enabled.

10. The hybrid agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and 5 wherein, the processing device is connected to the cabin management controller.

11. The hybrid agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, 5 and 10 wherein, the cabin management controller and the processing device are connected through the wi-fi module.

12. The hybrid agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and 5 wherein, the plurality of transducers are configured in the cabin management controller and the processing device, respectively.