An Advanced Mode Switching Control Strategy for Extended-Range Concrete Mixer Trucks

The multi-operation scenes of extended-range concrete mixer trucks are complex and variable, and the operation mode switching process remains a challenge that involves coordinating the torque of the clutch, engine, and integrated starter generator. An unsuitable strategy will undermine the stability of the concrete mixing cylinder and shorten the service life of the clutch. This work studies the clutch control strategy based on fuzzy control theory and coordinates the torque during the mode-switching process. The improved engine control strategy is utilized to reduce friction work and energy consumption of the integrated starter generator used to compensate torque. This control strategy is verified by simulation and experiment. The results show that it can significantly decrease the torque fluctuation by 94.3%, and also reduce friction work by 20.7% compared with the conventional engine target speed ignition strategy, which substantially improves the mode switching process and prolongs the service life of the system.