Brake cooling system and method to reduce energy consumption in a work machine

A work machine having a brake cooling system, the brake cooling system comprising:

• a brake set;
• a sensor configured to detect parameter values of the work machine;
• a machine controller that includes a processor configured to:
• receive one or more parameter values from the sensor,
• convert the parameter values into a flow request,
• determine a pump desired speed required to supply the flow request, and
• generate an electric motor speed command;
• a first fluid flow circuit system including a power source and a first pump coupled to the power source, the first fluid flow circuit system in communication with the machine controller to receive the speed command and to actuate a fluid flow into the brake set in response thereto;
• and
• a second fluid flow circuit system coupled to the first fluid flow circuit system, the second fluid flow circuit system including a fixed motor and a second pump coupled to the fixed motor;
• wherein the machine controller operates the power source and the first pump based at least in part upon the one or more parameter values to cause the fixed motor to operate the second pump at the pump desired speed to produce the fluid flow into the brake set.

A method for cooling a brake fluid, the method comprising:

• detecting parameter values from a sensor of a work machine, wherein the parameter values are indicative of a grade and/or a payload associated with the work machine;
• receiving the detected parameter values at a machine controller that includes a processor;
• converting the parameter values into a flow request;
• determining a pump desired speed required to supply the flow request;
• generating a speed command corresponding to the pump desired speed;
• transmitting the speed command to a fluid flow circuit system;
• and
• actuating a fluid flow into a brake set via the fluid flow circuit system in response to the speed command, the fluid flow circuit system comprising a power source and a pump coupled to the power source.