Hybrid sweeper-scrubber control method and system
The invention relates to a method and system for controlling an engine ( 552 ) in a sweeper-scrubber. An electrical system alternator ( 554 ) provides power to at least one cleaning function ( 576, 578, 580 ) of a self-propelled hybrid vehicle and to driven wheels. The operational load is monitored, and the running state of an internal combustion engine ( 552 ) is controlled based on the monitored operational load. A threshold charge, of an electrical system battery pack ( 556 ) is maintained.
1. A method, comprising:
starting an internal combustion engine of a self-propelled hybrid vehicle via an electric motor;
providing power, via an electrical system alternator, to at least one cleaning function of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle;
monitoring an operational load, including an operational state of the at least one cleaning function of the self-propel led hybrid vehicle;
controlling a running state of the internal combustion engine to produce a power output based on the monitored operational load;
maintaining a threshold charge, via the electrical system alternator, of an electrical system battery pack of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle; and
charging an engine battery of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle via an engine alternator.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising alternating between a number of running modes of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle, the number of running modes including at least an electric mode and a hybrid mode.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein running the electric mode further comprises:
monitoring the electrical system alternator for an occurrence of an electrical component fault; and
taking protective measures if the occurrence of an electrical component fault is detected, protective measures including at least one of:
providing a warning to an operator; and
shutting down the self-propelled hybrid vehicle.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein running the hybrid mode further comprises:
monitoring the self-propelled hybrid vehicle for an occurrence of an engine component fault; and
alternating to the electric mode if the occurrence of an engine component fault is detected.
5. The method of claim 2 , further comprising overriding alternating between the number of running modes if an override mode is activated.
6. The method of claim 3 , including monitoring the electrical system alternator at a designated time interval.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the running state includes adjusting a running speed of the internal combustion engine to a distinct running speed to produce the power output based on the monitored operational load.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising adjusting the running speed based on a number of cleaning functions with an active operation state.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising adjusting the running speed when the monitored operational load is greater than at least a threshold operational load.
10. The method of claim 7 , further comprising adjusting the running speed to an idle speed.
11. The method of claim 7 , further comprising maintaining at least a threshold engine speed for a number of cleaning functions to operate during a manual adjustment of the running speed of the engine.
12. A method, comprising:
starting an internal combustion engine of a self-propelled hybrid vehicle via an electric motor;
providing power, via an electrical system alternator, to at least one cleaning function of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle;
monitoring an operational load, including an operational state of the at least one cleaning function of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle;
controlling a running state of the internal combustion engine to produce a power output based on the monitored operational load, wherein controlling the running state includes adjusting a running speed of the internal combustion engine to a distinct running speed to produce the power output based on the monitored operational load;
adjusting the running speed when the monitored operational load is greater than at least a threshold operational load;
alternating between a number of running modes of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle, the number of running modes including at least an electric mode and a hybrid mode;
overriding alternating between the number of running modes if an override mode is activated;
maintaining a threshold charge, via the electrical system alternator, of an electrical system battery pack of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle; and
charging an engine battery of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle via an engine alternator.
13. A method, comprising:
starting an internal combustion engine of a self-propelled hybrid vehicle;
providing power, via an electrical system alternator, to at least one cleaning function of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle;
monitoring an operational load, including an operational state of the at least one cleaning function of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle;
controlling a running state of the internal combustion engine to produce a power output based on the monitored operational load;
maintaining a threshold charge, via the electrical system alternator, of an electrical system battery pack of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle; and
charging an engine battery of the self-propelled hybrid vehicle via an engine alternator.