Use of the System for Energy Recuperation and Control in Diesel Machines

An increasing number of electric and electronic devices in vehicles improves the safety and comfort of users as well as imposes higher requirements to power supply systems. Moreover, the global shortage of fuel requires a development of hybrid and electric vehicles. Recovery o f waste thermal energy and its conversion into electricity are the economic and environment friendly methods to supply power to vehicles. Actions leading to creation of testing methods and technologies, enabling development of the system for recovery and conversion of thermal energy into electricity, are presented in the article. The concept of a model of a recuperator and its tests on a properly adapted test stand for diesel engines are discussed. The method for cooperation of the control system with the power supply system of the machine as well as a concept of a control system aiming at integration of operation of three power sources (a battery, a generator and a recuperator) are presented. A prototype of an innovative controller with an algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is presented and impact of its use on tests results is discussed. Tests results have confirmed the usefulness of the system in the machines with diesel engines as well as in other objects, where there is heat loss and where proper temperature difference can be assured.