Method and apparatus for providing power-on-demand to auxiliary systems on an earth moving machine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorDavid C. Orr
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for supplying electrical power in an earth moving machine is provided. The method and apparatus includes an engine adapted to deliver primary power at a variable speed to the earth moving machine. A hydraulic system is connected to and driven by the engine. The hydraulic system in turn is connected to and drives a work implement. A variable input speed, constant output generator system is connected to and driven by the engine at a variable speed. The generator delivers electrical power at a constant value independent of variations of the speed of the engine. There is at least one auxiliary system adapted to receive the electrical power.
Claims10
An apparatus for producing electrical power in an earth moving machine having a drivetrain, comprising:
- an engine connected to said drivetrain and adapted to deliver primary power at a variable speed to said drivetrain;
- a work implement located on said earth moving machine;
- a hydraulic system connected to and driven by said drivetrain of said engine, said hydraulic system being adapted to drive said work implement;
- a variable input speed generator system connected to and driven by said drivetrain at the variable speed, said generator system being adapted to produce electrical power at a constant voltage and constant frequency independent of variations of the speed of said engine;
- and
- at least one auxiliary system adapted to receive the electrical power from the generator system.
A method for supplying electrical power in an earth moving machine, said earth moving machine including an engine and a work implement, including the steps of:
- operating said engine at a variable speed;
- operating a hydraulic system at the variable speed, said hydraulic system being connected to and driven by said engine, and said hydraulic system being connected to and driving said work implement,
- operating a variable input speed generator system connected to and driven by said engine at a the variable speed, said generator system producing electrical power independent of variations of the speed of said engine;
- and
- delivering the electrical power to at least one auxiliary system when said at least one auxiliary system needs the power.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.