Fuel and time minimization in a CVT wheel loader application

A method is developed for the minimization of time and fuel required for performing a short loading cycle with a CVT wheel loader. A factor β is used for weighing time to fuel in the optimization. Dynamic programming is used as optimization algorithm, and the developed method is based on the change of independent variable, from time to distance driven. It is shown that a change of states from speeds to kinetic energies in the internal simulations is essential.A driving cycle, derived from measurements, representing a short loading cycle is introduced. Optimization is performed against this cycle according to the method presented, using two different values on the time to fuel weighing parameter. It is shown that this parameter can be used to find optimal solutions directed toward short time or low fuel consumption.