Patent ID: 12224647

Like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout the several figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At least one embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure is understood by referring toFIGS.1through8of the drawings.

Reference is now made toFIG.1, which illustrates a work vehicle10in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The work vehicle10ofFIG.1includes a prime mover12such as a diesel internal combustion engine in a non-limiting example. The prime mover12includes one or more motors, engines, and/or other devices in one or more additional embodiments to propel or otherwise power the work vehicle10. In further embodiments not illustrated, the work vehicle10does not include the prime mover12and/or is a self-powered or unpowered pulled, pushed, or otherwise propelled implement, trailer, or other vehicle. The work vehicle10includes a controller40in an embodiment configured to control one or more operations of the work vehicle10and/or components or systems thereof.

The work vehicle10of one embodiment further includes a power takeoff system14in an embodiment that is coupled to the prime mover12. The prime mover12may provide power to the power takeoff system14. The power takeoff system14may then provide rotational or other energy to one or more locations onboard or offboard the work vehicle10. In one or more embodiments, the power takeoff system14includes at least one power takeoff shaft16and/or at least one clutch18to selectively couple the prime mover12to the power takeoff system14and/or another component of the work vehicle10.

The work vehicle10of the illustrated embodiment further includes a ballast22disposed beyond or at an end20of the work vehicle10providing ballast weight to the end20of the work vehicle10. The end20of the work vehicle10ofFIG.1is the front end of the work vehicle10, but the end20of the work vehicle10of additional embodiments further or alternatively includes a rear end, as indicated inFIG.1, or a side of the work vehicle10whereby the ballast22provides ballast weight to such end(s) and/or side(s) of the work vehicle10. In one or more embodiments, the end20is or includes one or more horizontally outermost surface(s) of the work vehicle10. In other embodiments, the end20refers to a general front, rear, and/or side portion or section of the work vehicle10such that the ballast22does not form or include a horizontally outermost surface of the work vehicle10. In an embodiment, the energy storage device24defines the end20of the work vehicle10. The ballast weight of the ballast22is utilized at one or more of the end(s)20to stabilize the work vehicle10, enhance traction of the work vehicle10, provide a counterbalance for one or more loads, attachment(s), and/or implement(s) of the work vehicle10, and/or to otherwise increase weight or downforce at one or more of the end(s)20for various purposes.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the work vehicle10includes an energy storage device24. The energy storage device24of embodiments described herein may also be referred to as a mechanical battery or simply a battery. The energy storage device24of some embodiments is mounted at a horizontal end20or horizontal ends20of the work vehicle10for storing energy generated from operation of the work vehicle10. The energy storage device24stores energy generated from movement, operation, and/or propulsion of the work vehicle10, such as, in non-limiting examples, through regenerative braking of the work vehicle10and/or an attachment or implement thereof, boom, attachment, and/or implement descent or braking relative to the work vehicle10, waste heat recovery of the prime mover12, electric machine(s), or other component of the work vehicle10, and/or direct energy transfer from the prime mover12or other energy sources of the work vehicle10via mechanical, electrical, or other energy transmission to the energy storage device24.

Referring now toFIG.2, the energy storage device24includes an electric machine26disposed as or in the ballast22or includes the ballast22such that a rotor28of the electric machine26provides the ballast weight of the ballast22. Stated another way, the rotor28of the electric machine26is fixed for rotation with and/or as the ballast22. In one or more embodiments, the rotating ballast22includes one or more magnetic or other elements on a surface or at a portion thereof, such as on an interior surface of the ballast22, such that the ballast22forms the rotor28of the electric machine26. The ballast22may be attached to or integrally formed with the rotor28in one or more embodiments to provide the ballast weight such that the ballast22is separate from or forms the rotor28. Accordingly, the rotor28acts as a flywheel or similar rotational energy storage device when it rotates as part of the electric machine26. Accordingly, ballast weight may be referred to, in embodiments of the present disclosure, as rotor mass, and vice versa, and it will be appreciated that “ballast weight” and “rotor mass” may be used interchangeably herein.FIG.2illustrates one embodiment where the ballast22is both formed by the rotor28as a rotating ballast, but the electric machine26is formed within or as part of the ballast22.

As shown inFIG.1, the power takeoff system14is coupled to the prime mover12. The power takeoff system14transmits rotational energy from the prime mover12to the rotor28of the electric machine26in the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS.1and2. The power takeoff system14of the embodiment shown inFIG.1includes a differential, gearbox, or other mechanical energy transfer component46to convert a horizontally extending prime mover output64to the vertically extending rotor28, electric machine26, and/or other component of the energy storage device24. As illustrated, the power takeoff system14of an embodiment extends to the front or rear ends20and, therefore, may extend to a rear portion122of the power takeoff system14at the rear end20of the work vehicle10to, for example, operate an attachment or implement of the work vehicle10in addition to or instead of being connected to an energy storage device24located at the rear portion122.

The work vehicle10of an embodiment further includes a clutch32selectively coupling the prime mover12to the rotor28of the electric machine26through the power takeoff system14. When the operator or a controller40of the work vehicle10engages the clutch32, the prime mover12is coupled to the rotor28through the clutch32. When the operator or a controller40of the work vehicle10disengages the clutch32, the prime mover12is disconnected from the rotor28such that the rotor28and the prime mover12are not mechanically coupled and freely rotate relative to each other. At least one electrical connection120connects the electric machine24to the controller40and/or the prime mover12for transmission of electrical current to/from the controller40and/or the prime mover12. In an embodiment, the electrical connection120connects the electric machine24to a motor, generator, or motor-generator (not shown) coupled at or with the prime mover12for transmission of electrical current thereto and/or therefrom. In one or more embodiments, the electric machine24is connected for current transmission for controls and/or power to/from additional portions or components of the work vehicle10or energy storage device(s)24.

A housing48is disposed around the rotor28to contain the electric machine26or contain at least the rotor28. The housing48ofFIG.2is formed as at least one part of the ballast22. As indicated inFIG.2with broken lines, the rotor28of the electric machine26may be connected through the housing48to the power takeoff system14or another connection or may be completely contained within the housing48. In embodiments where the electric machine26is contained completely within the housing48, the energy storage device24would function or be capable to receive and transmit only electrical current or energy as the electric machine26in such embodiments is not mechanically connected to the work vehicle10or another connection outside of the housing48. In embodiments where the rotor28of electric machine26extends through the housing48and is connected, in such embodiments, to the power takeoff system14or another connection, the energy storage device24would function or be capable to receive and transmit both electrical and mechanical energy as will be described in further detail below. The energy storage device24of various embodiments herein further may include one or more radial bearings78mounted in or to the housing48and configured to provide radial support for the rotor28as illustrated in the Figures.

The electric machine26includes a stator30that is stationary relative to the rotor28, such as being fixed against rotational movement with the work vehicle10. The stator30of an embodiment includes a vertically extending axis34. In one or more embodiments, the axis34is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular within 30 degrees to a horizontally extending chassis of the work vehicle10. The rotor28is configured for rotation about the vertically extending axis34. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the stator30is located inboard or radially inward of the rotor28.

It will be appreciated that the electric machine26of various embodiments described herein includes a motor, a generator, or both. The electric machine26of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is an induction machine or other machine that includes ferrous elements, magnetic elements, and/or permanent magnets, such as rare earth magnets, aligned around the axis of rotation of the rotor28and/or does not require electrical connections to the rotor28in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In additional embodiments of the present disclosure, the electric machine26includes electrical connections to the rotor28. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the electric machine26is a direct current or alternating current motor, generator, motor-generator, and/or machine, and any combination of features/functions described in this paragraph forms one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

The rotor28of the illustrated embodiments include a plurality of permanent magnets or other magnetic elements68, and the stator30includes a plurality of windings66configured to convey electrical current and interact with the magnetic elements68to move the rotor28and/or to generate electrical current through the windings66from movement of the rotor28. It will be appreciated that, in one or more additional embodiments, the rotor28and/or the stator30of the electric machine26is/are configured in accordance with other configurations in the field of electric machines to provide the electric machine26being capable of driving the rotor28and/or generating electrical current from the movement of the rotor28, and such configurations form additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.3is a partial cross-sectional illustration of one embodiment of the energy storage device24. The rotor28of the energy storage device24of the embodiment further includes one or more arms38or a plurality of arms38extending radially to connect inner and outer portions of the rotor28. The plurality of arms38may be only a single arm configured as a single disk extending radially outward or may include a plurality of radially extending spokes or arms38that are each spaced circumferentially from each other. In the embodiment, the stator30includes windings66disposed inboard of magnetic elements68of the rotor28in a radial flux portion70of the electric machine26. In the embodiment, the stator30further includes the windings66disposed axially outboard of the magnetic elements68positioned on the arm(s)38of the rotor28in an axial flux portion72of the electric machine26.

Referring again toFIG.1, the ballast weight of the ballast22and/or the ballast22is positioned in one or more embodiments at the end20and/or spaced from the end20away from the work vehicle10in order to increase the ballast effect on the work vehicle10. In one or more embodiments, the ballast22is supported completely by the work vehicle10at the end20and is not supported by wheels and/or one or more other ground-engaging member(s). In other embodiments not illustrated, the ballast22may include one or more ground-engaging members, such as wheels in a non-limiting example.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ballast weight of the ballast22and/or the is at least 40 pounds. In another embodiment, the ballast weight of the ballast22is at least 70 pounds. In another embodiment, the ballast weight of the ballast22is at least 100 pounds. In additional embodiments, the ballast weight of the ballast22is less than 40 pounds. The ballast weight is provided by a single ballast22in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1. The ballast weight is provided by multiple ballasts22forming part of multiple energy storage devices24in additional embodiments. In any embodiment described herein, ballast weight, such as with a ballast box and/or suitcase weights, may be added to the work vehicle10to supplement ballast weight provided by the ballast(s)22described herein.

The inertia of the rotor28in an embodiment is at least 0.05 kg-m2. The inertia of the rotor28in a further embodiment is at least 0.1 kg-m2. The inertia of the rotor28in a further embodiment is at least 1 kg-m2. In further embodiments, the inertia of the rotor28is increased by increasing the diameter of the rotor28and/or increasing the rotational speed of the rotor28.

In the illustrated embodiments shown in the Figures, the rotor28, in a first operation, rotates from the flow of electrical current provided to the electric machine26in or through the stator30. The rotor28, in a second operation, rotates or continues to rotate to store energy in the form of kinetic energy of the work vehicle10and/or another energy input. The rotor28, in a third operation, generates electrical current in or through the stator30for the work vehicle10or another energy output from rotation of the rotor28. The rotor28, in any operation, further provides a rotor mass as ballast and energy storage to the end20of the work vehicle10in accordance with various embodiments described in the present disclosure.

The mass of the rotor28and/or the ballast weight is greater than a mass or weight of the stator30in the illustrated embodiment. In a further embodiment, the mass of the rotor28and/or the ballast weight is at least three times greater than a mass or weight of the stator30. In a further embodiment, the mass of the rotor28and/or the ballast weight is at least six times greater than a mass or weight of the stator30. In a further embodiment, the mass of the rotor28and/or the ballast weight is at least ten times greater than a mass or weight of the stator30.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1, the rotor28and/or the ballast22is/are shaped cylindrically or otherwise such that the ballast22and/or the rotor28surrounds the stator30or encloses the stator30. In such an embodiment, the rotor28and/or the ballast22is/are radially spaced from the stator30of the electric machine26.

Referring now toFIG.4, in another embodiment, the rotor30and/or the ballast22include a disk, plate, or planar shape or otherwise such that the ballast22and/or the rotor28is/are axially spaced from the stator30, such as in an axial flux electric machine, as a non-limiting example.

Referring now toFIG.5, in another embodiment, an outer surface74of the stator30and an inner surface76of the rotor28are conically shaped such that the ballast22and/or the rotor28is/are both axially and radially spaced from the stator30.

The energy storage device24further includes a bearing36supporting the ballast weight of the ballast22/rotor28. The bearing36includes one or multiple bearings in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure and may be supplemental to or formed as one or more of the bearings78providing radial support for the rotor28. The vertical load from the ballast weight described herein forms an axial thrust load from the ballast22, the rotor28, and/or the ballast weight in one or more embodiments. Additional loads may be included, but the ballast weight forming the vertical load is primarily an axial thrust load from the ballast22, the rotor28, and/or the ballast weight in one or more further embodiments.

Referring toFIG.6A, in an embodiment, the bearing36is a thrust bearing80to provide vertical support for and/or receive vertical load from the ballast weight. The thrust bearing80may supplement or be incorporated into the radial bearing78in such embodiments that include the radial bearing78. The thrust bearing80is a deep groove ball bearing in an embodiment, may include roller elements either in-line or tapered to the axis34in additional embodiments, and/or other structure/functions to control the forces of the ballast22, the rotor28, and/or other components of the energy storage device24.

Referring toFIG.6B, in an embodiment, the bearing36is an electromagnetic bearing82electrically coupled to the electric machine26to provide vertical support for and/or receive vertical load from the ballast weight with electromagnetic force. In such embodiments, the electromagnetic bearing82includes one or more electrical connections84to the electric machine26and/or another electrical current-providing connection to provide the energy to generate the electromagnetic force.

Referring again toFIG.6B, in an embodiment, the bearing36is a hydrodynamic bearing86to provide vertical support for and/or receive vertical load from the ballast weight with fluid force. The hydrodynamic bearing has or receives pressurized fluid via one or more hydraulic lines88to provide the fluid force, such as from a hydraulic system of the work vehicle10. In further embodiments not illustrated, the bearing36is a magnetic bearing, fluid bearing, and/or another bearing type that eliminates or reduces contact between the stationary and rotating components of the bearing36.

Referring now toFIG.6C, as described in earlier embodiments, the energy storage device24of an embodiment may further include the plurality of arms38extending radially between portions of the rotor28. Each of the plurality of arms38is shaped, designed, positioned, oriented, or otherwise configured to move air vertically through the rotor28and/or the electric machine26in an embodiment. In such embodiments where the housing48is provided around the electric machine26, the housing48includes venting, is open at axial ends90of the housing48, and/or is otherwise configured to allow air to move vertically or axially relative to the rotor28through the housing48and/or the electric machine26.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.6C, each of the plurality of arms38comprises an airfoil cross-section92to move air vertically through the rotor28. The airfoil cross-section of the arms38of an embodiment push, pull, or otherwise move air vertically upward in an embodiment, thereby creating a reaction force on the rotor28in a downward direction to increase ballast weight for the ballast22/rotor28and work vehicle10, but also increase vertical load on the bearing36. The airfoil cross-section of the arms38of an embodiment push, pull, or otherwise move air vertically downward in an embodiment, thereby creating a reaction force on the rotor28in an upward direction to decrease ballast weight for the ballast22/rotor28and work vehicle10, but also decrease vertical load on the bearing36. Movement of air through the rotor28of the electric machine26with the arms38further increases cooling of the electric machine26or another component of the work vehicle10as the air may be moved against and/or across the rotor28, the stator30, the bearing36, and/or additional components of the energy storage device24or one or more component(s) of the work vehicle10.

In an embodiment, the airfoil cross-section92and/or the arm(s)38include a variable pitch control such that a pitch angle of one or more of the arm(s)38changes to increase, decrease, and/or reverse direction of air flow. It will be appreciated that such control may allow the arms38of the energy storage device24to move air vertically upward or downward at a targeted and/or variable rate based on desired load on the bearing36, a desired additional ballast force for the ballast22/rotor28, and/or a desired cooling effect from the movement of air from the arms38.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments ofFIGS.6A-6Care not exclusive to each other, and two or more of these embodiments or structures or features thereof may be implemented in the energy storage device24of one or more embodiments.

Referring again toFIGS.2-5, the energy storage device24is mounted at the horizontal end20of the work vehicle10for storing energy generated from operation of the work vehicle10in a non-limiting embodiment. The energy storage device24includes the rotor28fixed for rotation with the rotating ballast22and configured for rotation around or against the stator30about the stator axis34and a housing48disposed around the rotor28to contain the electric machine26or contain at least the rotor28. The energy storage device24of the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS.2-5further includes a brake50disposed at an outer surface52of the rotor28and/or the inner surface54of the housing48. The brake50includes structure and/or materials configured to absorb kinetic energy of the rotor28upon contact of the brake50with the housing48in embodiments where the brake50is provided only on the rotor28, upon contact of the brake50with the rotor28in embodiments where the brake50is provided only on the housing48, or upon contact of the brake50with another portion of the brake50in embodiments where the brake50is provided on both the rotor28and the housing48.

The brake50of one or more embodiments includes a friction material, including without limitation a friction material adapted to withstand higher temperatures compared to the materials of the housing48and/or the rotor28. In an embodiment, the brake50includes a drum brake material and/or any other composite and/or ceramic. In one or more embodiments, the brake50or the friction material of the brake50consists of or includes Kevlar, carbon fibers, aramid, ceramic matrix composite, reinforced carbon-carbon, gray iron, carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, basalt fiber, phenol resin, steel fiber, graphite, cellulose, polyacrylonitrile, and/or copper materials to name non-limiting examples. In one or more embodiments, such as that illustrated inFIG.3, the brake50is configured as a tapered or conical shape, or has a surface with a camber94, such that more surface area of the brake50is contacted based on a decrease of spacing between the rotor28and the housing48. It will be appreciated that the surface having the camber94may include the brake50being formed on or with the housing48, the rotor28, or both. In a further embodiment, the brake50includes one or more resilient or compliant surface features, which may be sacrificial in an embodiment, and which may be made from friction materials or the materials of the rotor28and/or the housing48in an embodiment, including one or more porous or radially extending walls or other features that absorb the kinetic energy of the rotor28and thereby slow the rotation of the rotor28.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the brake50may include an electrical braking feature. In the embodiment, the brake50may include a control system or be connected to the controller40to include sensing of spacing, contact or potential contact between the rotating rotor28, the housing48, and/or any portion of the brake50located thereon. In an embodiment, the control system of the brake50and/or the controller40will immediately generate current from the electric machine26upon sensing or otherwise determining that contact will occur or is likely to occur. The system may sense or determine that immediate braking is required based on one or more rotor or housing position, speed, and/or vibration sensor(s) and/or an internal electrical control circuit that closes upon contact between the rotor28, the housing48, and/or any portion of the brake50to name non-limiting examples. Such electrical current discharged from the rotor28may be immediately dumped into a brake resistor, fed back to the prime mover12, such as via an electric machine directly coupled to a diesel engine, a three-phase short at the power electronics of the energy storage device24to name non-limiting examples. In at least one embodiment, the electrical braking system may further release or activate a rotor brake actuator upon sensing or determining that immediate braking is required.

It will be appreciated that any features of the brake50described with regard to any illustrated embodiments may be included in any combination with other embodiments of the energy storage device24described herein.

Referring now toFIG.7with continuing reference toFIGS.4and5, the energy storage device24includes a gap modulator56coupled to the stator30and/or the rotor28. The rotor28of the electric machine26is spaced from the stator30in the illustrated embodiments by a gap58. The gap modulator56selectively adjusts the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30based on an operation of the electric machine26.

If an operation of the energy storage device24requires the electric machine26to operate as an electric motor whereby electrical current is input into the energy storage device24to rotate the rotor28or operate as a generator whereby electrical current is generated and output from the energy storage device24by rotation of the rotor28, the gap modulator56will reduce the gap58. Reducing the gap58in such operations increases the magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30and increases the efficiency of the electric machine26, thereby increasing energy stored in the energy storage device24and increasing energy output from the energy storage device24during such operations. If an operation of the energy storage device24requires the rotor28of the electric machine26to operate as a flywheel to store energy and neither receive nor supply electrical current, the gap modulator56will increase the gap58. Increasing the gap58in such operations reduces magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30, reduces the electromagnetic drag on the rotor28, and slows energy loss from the energy storage device24over time.

The energy storage device24of an embodiment, such as a radial flux machine like that shown inFIG.7, wherein the rotor28and/or the stator30has/have a cylindrical shape, includes the rotor28and the stator30being radially spaced apart by the gap58. The gap modulator56selectively adjusts the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30by moving the rotor28and/or the stator30in a radial direction. In the non-limiting embodiment ofFIG.7, the stator30includes a plurality of winding sections60circumferentially spaced from each other. In the embodiment, one or more actuator(s)62of the gap modulator56move(s) each of the plurality of winding sections60toward or away from the rotor28to decrease or increase the gap58. In additional embodiments not shown, the gap modulator56moves one or more sections or portions of the rotor28radially instead of or in addition to movement of the winding sections60of the stator30. In the embodiment ofFIG.7, each actuator62drives a cam96pivotally fixed to the stator30to translate axial movement from the actuator62into radial movement against the stator30. Although not illustrated, a biasing, such as by spring force, may be provided to the winding sections60to return each section60to a radially inward position.

Referring again toFIG.4, the energy storage device24of another embodiment, such as the axial flux machine illustrated inFIG.4, wherein the rotor28and/or the stator30has/have a planar shape, includes the rotor28and the stator30being axially spaced apart by the gap58. The gap modulator56selectively adjusts the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30by moving the rotor28and/or the stator30in an axial direction. In a non-limiting embodiment, the stator30is configured as a disk that is moved axially toward or away from the rotor28to decrease or increase the gap58by the gap modulator56. Although the energy storage device24ofFIG.4illustrates two portions of the stator30with two gap modulators56, it will be appreciated that, in additional embodiments, only one portion of the stator30is provided at an axial side of the rotor28with a single gap modulator56provided to control a single gap58between the rotor28and the stator30.

Referring again toFIG.5, the energy storage device24of another embodiment, such as in an electric machine26wherein the stator30and the inner surface76of the rotor28are conically shaped, includes the rotor28and the stator30being both radially and axially spaced apart by the gap58. The gap modulator56selectively adjusts the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30by moving the rotor28and/or the stator30in an axial direction. In a non-limiting embodiment, the stator30is conically shaped and moved axially toward or away from the rotor28to decrease or increase the gap58by the gap modulator56.

In one or more embodiments described herein, the operation of the electric machine26includes operation as a generator whereby the gap modulator56is configured to reduce the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30. In additional embodiments, operation of the electric machine26includes operation as a motor whereby the gap modulator56is configured to reduce the gap28between the rotor28and the stator30. In additional embodiments, operation of the electric machine26includes operation as a flywheel whereby the gap modulator56is configured to increase the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30.

Referring now toFIG.8, a method100of adjusting the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30of the electric machine26is illustrated. The method100includes operating, at step110, the electric machine26to rotate the rotor26and the ballast22with electrical current provided to the electric machine26. The method100further includes operating, at step112, the electric machine26to generate electrical current from a magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30and the inertia, rotational inertia, or rotation of the rotor28and the ballast22relative to the stator30. The electrical current is generated in an embodiment from the magnetic coupling and the freewheeling rotor28and/or ballast22. The method100further includes moving, at step114, the rotor28and/or the stator30to increase the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30to reduce the magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30.

The method100of an embodiment includes moving the rotor28and/or the stator30in a radial direction to increase the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30to reduce the magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30, such as with a radial flux electric machine as described in embodiments herein.

The method100of an embodiment further includes moving the rotor28and/or the stator30in an axial direction to increase the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30to reduce the magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30, such as with an axial flux electric machine or a conically shaped electric machine as described in embodiments herein.

The method100of an embodiment includes moving the rotor28and/or the stator30in a radial direction to decrease the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30to increase the magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30, such as with a radial flux electric machine as described in embodiments herein.

The method100of an embodiment further includes moving the rotor28and/or the stator30in an axial direction to decrease the gap58between the rotor28and the stator30to increase the magnetic coupling between the rotor28and the stator30, such as with an axial flux electric machine or a conically shaped electric machine as described in embodiments herein.

The method100of various embodiments described herein includes one or more steps, structures, and/or features of any embodiment of the work vehicle10and/or the energy storage device24described in the present disclosure in further embodiments. Similarly, any embodiment of the work vehicle10and/or the energy storage device24includes one or more steps, structures, and/or features described with regard to any embodiment of the method100in further embodiments. Any steps, structures, and/or features of any embodiment of the work vehicle10and/or the energy storage device24described herein may be utilized in addition to or instead of any other steps, structures, and/or features of one or more other embodiments described herein to form one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

The work vehicle10and/or the energy storage device24of embodiments described herein improves the stability and operation of the work vehicle10due to the gyroscopic inertial effect of the rotor28and ballast22. The rotational inertia of the rotor28and ballast22connected to the work vehicle10allow the work vehicle10to resist undesirable movement, such as rolling and/or rearward and/or forward tilting in non-limiting examples, while also enhancing the ability to yaw or turn the work vehicle10. In an embodiment, the controller40modulates or otherwise controls a variable rotational speed of the rotor28and ballast22in order to change or otherwise control the amount of inertia provided by the rotor28and the ballast22, and thereby control the amount or degree of such inertial effects.

The rotor28and the ballast22of the energy storage device24rotate to store energy as kinetic energy converted and/or received via electrical or mechanical connection to other components of the work vehicle10and/or an attachment or implement of the work vehicle10. In one or more additional embodiments, the energy storage device24and any component of the energy storage device24described in embodiments herein is/are mounted or otherwise connected to an attachment or implement separate from the work vehicle10. Such an attachment or implement may be connected or connectable to the work vehicle10via hitch, power takeoff connection, and/or other coupling devices, and/or the work vehicle10may control and/or transmit and/or receive energy via hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, and/or other means to/from the attachment or implement.

It will be appreciated that the rotor28and the ballast22of the energy storage device24store and provide and/or receive energy to/from the work vehicle10or another component/location via electrical or mechanical connection. In particular embodiments, the energy storage device24has a two-way electrical connection and/or a two-way mechanical connection to the work vehicle10or another component/location in accordance with the embodiments described.

In non-limiting examples, the energy stored in the energy storage device24is supplied to the work vehicle10to supplement propulsion, such as when an implement is working or traveling through dense soil, and/or supplement power to lift a boom and/or rotate a power takeoff shaft of the work vehicle10when a load on the work vehicle10, boom, shaft, and/or other component increases above a threshold load amount. Such transmission of energy from the energy storage device24to the drivetrain, loaded component, or other location of the work vehicle10or elsewhere occurs via electrical wiring connection, hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or mechanical shaft, gearing, coupling, or similar means.

It will be appreciated that the energy storage device24of additional embodiments may include a hydraulic or pneumatic motor/pump in addition to or instead of the electric machine26described in the present embodiments to receive and/or provide energy to/from the ballast22of the energy storage device24.

It will be appreciated that the energy storage device24of embodiments disclosed herein provides an energy storage device having a longer life, without charge cycle limits, and being more durable, more recyclable, less temperature sensitive, and less expensive than a chemical battery or other forms of energy storage. Further, the energy storage device24of embodiments disclosed herein does not require a separate charge controller, thermal management, and other requirements of a chemical battery or other forms of energy storage. Further still, the energy storage device24provides additional beneficial mass as ballast weight to the work vehicle10, while chemical batteries and other conventional energy storage devices are designed to minimize mass.

It will be appreciated that rotors of electric machines of conventional applications benefit from lower mass and inertia than the embodiments described herein, such as to improve shift development, drivetrain and/or vehicle reversals, and/or overall electric machine component and assembly durability, efficiency, and cost. In contrast, the energy storage device24provides a higher inertia and/or mass according to embodiments herein compared to conventional arrangements to provide the benefit of energy storage and ballast weight for the work vehicle10. The higher inertia and/or mass incorporated into the electric machine26further provide a high rate of energy charge and energy discharge and beneficial gyroscopic effects not provided by conventional arrangements and methods.

As used herein, “e.g.” is utilized to non-exhaustively list examples and carries the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as “including,” “including, but not limited to,” and “including without limitation.” As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of,” “at least one of,” “at least,” or a like phrase, indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” and “one or more of A, B, and C” each indicate the possibility of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C). As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, “comprises,” “includes,” and like phrases are intended to specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is not restrictive in character, it being understood that illustrative embodiment(s) have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the present disclosure are desired to be protected. Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may devise their own implementations that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.