Electric working machine with energy saving system and method

Abstract

A work machine includes a cab, a battery, an auxiliary operating system, a cab occupant sensor, and a controller. A secondary operating system is operably couplable to the battery. The cab occupant sensor is operable to sense data associated with occupancy of the cab by an operator. The controller is communicatively coupled to the cab occupant sensor and includes a processor and a memory having an energy saving algorithm thereon. The processor is operable to execute an energy saving algorithm to identify a cab unoccupied condition from data relating to occupancy of the cab, and automatically initiate a low power mode by derating the auxiliary operating system to a first degree when the cab unoccupied condition is reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electric work machine having energy conservation systems and methods. Background Art

[0002] Battery-powered work machines include various onboard systems that draw power during both operating and non-operating states. Depending on the operating state, the power drawn from the battery may vary based on the type of work machine being used, the type of tool being used, and the performance of various tasks. There is a continuing need in the field of these work machines to reduce diesel emissions while still providing the necessary performance. The potential benefits of an all-electric or hybrid work machine include not only reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, but also reduced work machine service time and site noise. However, existing battery cells have a relatively low performance ceiling relative to the energy requirements of heavy work machines. Most batteries can only maintain operation for a period of time during the workday, and recharging often forces extended downtime, which is not usually required for diesel work machines. In order to minimize power loads during operation and maximize operating time, automated systems and methods for managing subsystems are desirable. Summary of the invention

[0003] An electric working machine with an energy-saving system and method is disclosed. The working machine includes a cab, a battery, an auxiliary operating system operatively connectable to the battery, a cab occupant sensor, and a controller. The cab occupant sensor is operable to sense data 114 associated with occupancy of the cab by an operator. The controller is communicatively connected to the cab occupant sensor. The controller includes a processor and a memory having an energy-saving algorithm thereon, wherein the operator is operable to execute the energy-saving algorithm to perform the following operations. In a first step, the energy-saving algorithm identifies a cab unoccupied state from data related to occupancy of the cab, wherein the cab unoccupied state indicates that the cab is unoccupied. Then when the cab unoccupied state is reached, the algorithm automatically initiates a low power mode by de-rating the auxiliary operating system to a first degree.

[0004] The low power mode includes when the low power mode has been activated at a first level for a first defined period of time, the processor executing a power conservation algorithm to further derate the auxiliary operating system to a second level.

[0005] The low power mode includes the processor executing the energy conservation algorithm to further derate the auxiliary operating system to the baseline level when the low power mode has been activated at the second level for a second defined period of time. The low power mode includes the processor executing the energy conservation algorithm to terminate the low power mode when an occupant occupies the cabin.

[0006] The work machine also includes an electric motor coupled to the battery, wherein the low power mode is enabled only when the battery reaches a first charge depletion threshold and the electric motor is turned off.

[0007] The cab occupant sensor may include an optical sensor positioned to capture an image of an area disposed within the cab. The cab occupant sensor may include a force sensor coupled to an interior surface of the cab and operable to detect data related to a force applied to the surface by an occupant when entering the cab.

[0008] De-rating the auxiliary operating system to a first degree includes one of disabling a radio receiver, disabling wipers, disabling a position receiver, and disabling lights.

[0009] De-rating the auxiliary operating systems to the second level includes disabling the cabin temperature control system.

[0010] The low power mode derates the secondary operating system to a baseline level only when the battery reaches a second charge depletion threshold, wherein the second charge depletion threshold comprises a battery charge state lower than the first charge depletion threshold.

[0011] The low power mode derates the auxiliary operating system to a second degree only when the ambient temperature is within a defined temperature range.

[0012] Turning now to a method for energy conservation on an electric working machine, comprising the following steps. In a first step, the method comprises identifying a cab unoccupied state from data relating to occupancy of a cab, wherein the cab unoccupied state indicates that an occupant of the cab is not present. In a next step, the method comprises automatically initiating a low power mode to a first degree by de-rating a first subset of auxiliary operations when the cab unoccupied state is reached. The method then comprises automatically initiating a low power mode to a second degree by automatically de-rating a second subset of auxiliary operations when the low power mode has been activated at the first degree for a first period of time.

[0013] The method may also include automatically initiating the low power mode by further de-rating the secondary operating system to the baseline level when the low power mode has been activated at the second level for a second defined period of time.

[0014] The method may include terminating the low power mode when an occupant occupies the cabin.

[0015] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the embodiments set forth herein will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art when the following disclosure is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1is a side view of a fully electric loader incorporating an embodiment of a work machine disclosed herein.

[0018] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary control system for a work machine in FIG.

[0019] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing how a work machine operates in a power-saving manner in a low power mode.

[0020] Figure 4 is a graphical representation of one example of battery charge state when a low power mode is applied over time in a cabin unoccupied state.

[0021] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a method for energy saving on an electric work machine when the cab is not occupied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," etc. are used descriptively in the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be appreciated that these block components may include any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0023] Terms of degree such as “substantially,” “substantially,” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to indicate a reasonable range outside a given value or orientation, such as general tolerances or positional relationships associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

[0024] Additionally, as used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator, equivalent to the term "and / or." Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described.

[0025] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, a list of elements separated by a conjunction (e.g., "and") and preceded by the phrase "one or more of" or "at least one of" indicates a configuration or arrangement that may include the individual elements in the list or any combination thereof. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, and C" indicates the possibility of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C).

[0026] Thus, the method may be embodied as a program or algorithm operable on the controller 116. It should be understood that the controller 116 may include any device capable of analyzing data from various sensors, comparing data, making decisions, and performing desired tasks.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, in particular Figure 1 , the representative working machine 100 is shown as a loader. The systems and methods disclosed herein may be applicable to other electric working machines with a cab in the fields of agriculture, construction, and forestry. Figure 1 A side view of a work machine 100 is shown. Work machine 100 includes a cab 102, a battery 104, an auxiliary operating system 106 operatively coupled to battery 104, a cab occupant sensor 108 operable to sense data 114 associated with occupancy of cab 102 by an operator, and a controller 116. Controller 116 is communicatively coupled to battery 104 and cab occupant sensor 108.

[0028] The operator cab 102 includes an operator station coupled to a frame 110 of the work machine 100, wherein the frame 110 is supported by a ground engaging mechanism 112. The operator cab 102 may include numerous conventional features, such as one or more user interfaces (e.g., a display unit), foot pedals, a steering wheel, joysticks, and any other controls required to operate the work machine 100. The embodiment of the operator cab 102 is shown as an enclosed operator station. However, the operator cab 102 includes alternative embodiments, such as a platform for positioning an operator, with user controls, without enclosure or only with partial enclosure.

[0029] The battery 104 or "battery cell" disclosed herein may encompass various forms of energy storage devices, including, for example, lithium, supercapacitors, electrolytic capacitors, hybrid capacitors, etc., which may have varying charge and discharge cycles, but are capable of storing energy sufficient to operate the work machine 100 for a period of time. The battery cell 104 may be configured to operate at a state of charge (state of charge) 126 anywhere between 0% and 100% of the maximum charge. In various embodiments, as disclosed herein, the battery cell 104 may be the primary power source for the electric motor 124 and auxiliary operating system 106 of the work machine 100. In alternative embodiments, a hybrid configuration may be within the scope of the present disclosure, in which the battery cell 104 is used in conjunction with an engine-driven AC generator. The controller 116 may monitor the state of charge 126 of the battery cell 104 and other elements associated with the state of charge 126 (e.g., the percentage of the maximum charge held by the battery cell 104, the temperature associated with the battery cell 104, the temperature associated with the power converter connected to the tool communication of the work machine 100, etc.). The at least one parameter monitored may be used to ascertain the load 125 on the battery cell 104 and the state of charge 126 of the energy storage device 104. The controller 116 may determine the capacity level of the battery cell 104 if not fully charged.

[0030] The auxiliary operating system 106 includes subsystems powered by the battery unit 104 and can be controllably enabled, disabled or adjusted. The auxiliary operating system 106 may include a cabin temperature control system 322, which may include an electric fan, an air conditioning unit 128, one or more heaters 130 and / or an electric pump 132, which can be used to pump fluid to maintain a specific temperature. The controller 116 is configured to receive data 114 associated with the occupancy of the cab 102 from some or all of the various sensors that collectively define a sensor system. Some of these sensors may be provided to detect machine operating conditions or positioning, including, for example, orientation sensors, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, vehicle speed sensors, vehicle tool positioning sensors, etc., and although one or more of these sensors may be separate in nature, the sensor system may also refer to outputting signals provided from the controller 116. Other sensors in the sensor system may be provided to detect environmental conditions indicative of the occupancy of the cab 102 of the work machine 100, and may include a laser scanner 148, a thermal sensor 150, an optical sensor 156, an ultrasonic sensor 154, and other devices. The types and combinations of sensors may vary depending on the type of work machine, work area, and / or application, but are generally provided and configured to optimize identification of an operator in and around the cab 102 or to optimize identification of an operator not present in and around the cab 102 or to encroach upon the cab 102. Additionally, with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensor system may also include sensors configured to detect a load 125 and a state of charge 126 of the battery unit 104 (either collectively or, for example, as individual values ​​for each of a plurality of batteries associated with the battery unit 104).

[0031] The cab occupant sensor 108, also coupled to the controller 116, is operable to sense data 114 associated with the occupancy of the cab 102 by an operator. This data 114 allows the auxiliary operation 106 or subsystem to be disabled if the operator is not occupying the cab. The cab occupant sensor 108 may passively operate by sensing the absence of an operator occupying the cab 102. In addition, it is contemplated that the cab occupancy sensor 108 may actively operate by sensing the presence of an occupant of the cab 102. The cab occupant sensor 108 may include one or more sensor types and function simultaneously or synchronously. The cab occupancy sensor 108 may include a force sensor 158 coupled to an interior surface of the cab 102 and may be operable to detect data 160 related to the force applied to the surface when an occupant enters the cab 102. For example, the force sensor 158 may include a seat sensor 162 to detect when an operator is seated in the cab 102. In some cases, the force sensor 158 may include an armrest sensor 164 or other restraint sensor (e.g., seat belt) that can be raised, lowered, or otherwise adjusted to facilitate the operator's exit or entry into the cab 102. In another embodiment, the force sensor 158 may include a sensor 166 coupled to a steering wheel, joystick, or foot pedal to detect the operator's engagement with a control or user interface. In another alternative embodiment, the force sensor 168 may be coupled to the floor of the cab 102, wherein compression of the sensor (e.g., spring or transducer) may detect a substantial downward force from the weight of an occupant on the floor of the cab 102, which indicates the presence of an operator. The force sensor 158 does not necessarily need to be located within the confines of the cab 102. In another embodiment, the force sensor 158 may include a latch sensor 170 coupled to a door latch that indicates sensing of whether the door is open or closed; or may detect the orientation of a locking latch positioned from the interior surface of the cab 102. The force sensor 158 advantageously allows the presence of an occupant to be sensed without requiring a steady-state power source.

[0032] In another embodiment, where the cab occupant sensor 108 is operable to sense data 114 associated with an operator occupying the cab 102, an optical sensor 156 is included that is positioned to capture an image 172 of an area disposed within the cab 102. Alternatively, the optical sensor 156 may be positioned to capture an image 172 of an area disposed outside the cab 102, thereby sensing when an operator is approaching. For example, a change in the pixelation of the image may indicate the presence of an operator. Alternatively, the cab occupant sensor 108 may include a microphone (sound detection), a thermal sensor 150 (temperature difference detection), a radio frequency identification (RFID), or any other device that can be used to detect the availability or presence of an operator within the cab 102. In another embodiment, the cab occupant sensor 108 may include data 114 associated with occupancy, such a user interface sensor 166 includes one of a touch screen, a joystick, a button, a foot pedal, or a steering wheel that is being used or enabled with tactile force.

[0033] As used herein, "controller 116" is intended to be used consistently with how those skilled in the art use the term, and refers to a computing component with processing, memory, and communication capabilities for executing instructions (i.e., stored on memory or received via communication capabilities) to control or communicate with one or more other components. In certain embodiments, the controller 116 may be configured to receive input signals in various formats (e.g., hydraulic signals, voltage signals, current signals, CAN messages, optical signals, radio signals), and output command or communication signals in various formats (e.g., hydraulic signals, voltage signals, current signals, CAN messages, optical signals, radio signals).

[0034] The controller 116 can communicate with other components on the work machine 100, such as hydraulic components, electrical components, and operator inputs within an operator station of the associated work machine 100. The controller can be electrically connected to these other components via a wiring harness so that messages, commands, and power can be transmitted between the controller 116 and the other components. Although the controller 116 is referenced in a single manner, in alternative embodiments, the configuration and functionality described herein may be divided into multiple devices using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The controller 116 includes a tangible, non-transitory memory 176 having computer executable instructions recorded thereon, including a predictive maintenance of a crawler chain chassis algorithm. The processor 174 of the controller 116 is configured to execute an energy saving algorithm 178.

[0035] The controller 116 may be implemented as one or more digital computers or mainframes, each having one or more processors, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), optical drives, magnetic drives, etc., high-speed clocks, analog-to-digital (A / D) circuits, digital-to-analog (D / A) circuits, and any required input / output (I / O) circuits, I / O devices, and communication interfaces, as well as signal conditioning and buffering electronics.

[0036] Computer readable memory 176 may include any non-transitory / tangible medium that participates in providing data or computer readable instructions. Memory 176 may be non-volatile or volatile. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Example volatile media may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which may constitute main memory. Other examples of memory implementations include floppy, soft or hard disks, tape or other magnetic media, CD-ROM, DVD and / or any other optical media, as well as other possible memory devices, such as flash memory.

[0037] The controller 116 includes a processor 174 and a memory 176 having an energy conservation algorithm 178 thereon, wherein the processor 174 is operable to execute the energy conservation algorithm 178 to identify a cab unoccupied state and automatically initiate a low power mode 182 by de-rating the auxiliary operating system 106 when the cab unoccupied state 180 is reached. Figure 3 An exemplary flow chart of steps or method 300 taken by processor 174 in executing energy conservation algorithm 178 is disclosed. In a first step 310, processor 174 determines whether electric motor 124 is off and battery 104 is sufficiently depleted to at least first charge depletion threshold 331. First charge depletion threshold 331 may be an absolute percentage of the state of charge of a group of batteries or cells 104, a range of state of charge 126, or a minimum power capacity.

[0038] When this criterion is met, in step 315, the low power mode 182 is enabled. When the low power mode 182 is enabled, in step 320, the processor may look for (i.e., actively) or passively identify a cab unoccupied state 180. The cab unoccupied state 180 may vary depending on the type of work machine, the expected operation of the work machine, or the state of a combination of data from one or more cab occupant sensors 108 that depends on current weather and light conditions. For example, the optical sensor 156 may not provide sufficient data 114 associated with the occupancy of the cab at night. In another example, the thermal sensor 150 may not provide sufficient data 114 associated with the occupancy of the cab on hot days. Although the expected operation of the work machine may indicate the power required to complete the work function when resuming operation at the current charge state 126. Among them, the processor 174 uses additional data variables such as learned work machine patterns, site topography, environmental conditions, and remaining operating volume to identify dynamic values ​​of data 114 associated with the cab unoccupied state 180. In another embodiment, processor 174 may identify a static value for data 114 associated with cab unoccupied state 180 that is preset from a dealer or manufacturer, depending on the customer's historical usage data, local environmental conditions, and the amount of work machines available per worksite.

[0039] In step 325, when the cab unoccupied state 180 is reached, the processor 174 automatically initiates the low power mode 182 and derates the auxiliary operating system 106 to a first degree in step 330. The cab unoccupied state 180 is reached from data identified in a variety of ways. For example, reaching the cab unoccupied state 180 may be identified from the presence of data 114 associated with occupancy of the cab 102, the presence of data 114 associated with non-occupancy of the cab, the absence of data 114 associated with occupancy of the cab, or the absence of data 114 associated with non-occupancy of the cab. One or more cab occupancy sensors 108 output the data to the controller 116, thereby further implementing the following steps.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, de-rating auxiliary operating system 106 to first level 315 includes one or more of disabling radio receiver 316 , disabling wipers 317 , disabling position receiver 318 , and disabling lights 319 .

[0041] In steps 345 and 370, the low power mode 182 may include the processor 174 executing the energy saving algorithm 178 to further derate the auxiliary operating system 106. However, other states may be required to allow further derate. In step 335, the processor 174 may confirm whether the ambient temperature requirement is met. If the ambient temperature 335 falls outside the defined range, the processor 174 maintains the low power mode 182 at the first degree of derate. If the ambient temperature state 335 is reached, the processor 174 allows derate to the second degree. When stored outside the defined temperature range, the operating temperature of the electric working machine battery may produce suboptimal performance. For example, low temperatures may adversely affect the charging rate of the battery 104 due to the slowing chemical reaction of the battery 104. In addition, unlike gas-powered engines, batteries do not generate heat by themselves. The auxiliary operating system 106 associated with the start of the electric working machine may require electricity to run the defroster or warm the onboard electrical system and hydraulic fluid. In addition, maintaining battery temperature generally consumes less energy than reheating. The energy conservation algorithm 178 advantageously optimizes the use of electrical power by limiting the derating of the heating and cooling functions 345 of the work machine 100. Figure 4 As shown, steps 345 and 350 , de-rating the auxiliary operating system 106 to the second degree only occurs when the cab unoccupied state 180 has not been reached and the first defined time period 345 in the first degree of de-rating is reached.

[0042] As shown in step 355, another condition that must be met before the auxiliary operating system 106 is further derated to the baseline level 370 includes determining whether the battery 104 is depleted to the second charge depletion threshold 336. If not, the processor 174 maintains the low power mode to the second level by not allowing the processor 174 to downshift the auxiliary operating system 106, as shown in step 357. De-rating the auxiliary operating system 106 to the second level may include disabling the cabin temperature control system, as shown in step 350. For example, the cabin temperature control system 322 may be shut down or otherwise enable the set point to deviate by a configurable amount relative to the normal operating range. However, if the conditions of step 355 of the battery 104 being depleted to the second charge depletion threshold 336, step 325 of maintaining the cabin unoccupied state 180, and step 365 of reaching the second defined time period 365 in the low power mode 182 are met, then in step 370, the processor 174 derates the auxiliary operating system in the low power mode 182 to the baseline level. De-rating 370 the auxiliary operating systems 106 to the baseline level may include disabling all auxiliary operating systems 106 except those required for starting of the electric motor 124 .

[0043] In all of the above steps and the following steps, if at any time the cabin unoccupied state 180 is no longer met or any other applicable requirement (eg, ambient temperature range), the processor 174 terminates the low power mode 182 , as shown in step 312 .

[0044] The low power mode 182 may include the processor 174 executing the energy conservation algorithm 178 to terminate the low power mode 182 when the occupant 326 occupies the cab 102, wherein the occupancy of the cab 102 may be identified using the data 114 associated with the occupancy of the cab 102 derived from the cab occupancy sensor 108. In one embodiment, the cab occupant sensor 108 may include a two-step confirmation, wherein the force sensor 158 (which does not require constant power draw) initiates active monitoring to confirm the presence of the occupant from a secondary sensor, which may require power drawn from the battery 104.

[0045] Figure 4 is based on Figure 3 1 is a diagram of one example of the state of charge 126 of the battery 104 when a low power mode 182 is applied over time in a cab unoccupied state 180 in accordance with the flowchart disclosed in . The diagram discloses the state of charge 126 over time when the cab unoccupied state 180 is reached and under the assumption that the battery 104 is not charged. When the processor 174 on the work machine enables the low power mode 182, various degrees of low power are displayed based on the state of charge 126 of the battery 104 and the defined duration that the state of charge 126 of the battery 104 may be in, as disclosed above.

[0046] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a method for energy saving on an electric working machine when the cab 102 is not occupied. In step 510, the method includes identifying a cab unoccupied state 180 from data related to the occupancy of the cab 102, wherein the cab unoccupied state 180 indicates that an occupant of the cab 102 is not present. In a next step 520, the method includes automatically initiating a low power mode 182 to a first degree by de-rating a first subset of auxiliary operations 106 when the cab unoccupied state 180 is reached. In step 530, the method then includes automatically initiating a low power mode 182 to a second degree by further de-rating a second subset of auxiliary operations 106 when the low power mode 182 has been activated at the first degree for a first defined period of time 345. In step 540, the method may include automatically initiating a low power mode 182 to a baseline degree 370 by further de-rating the auxiliary operations 106 to a baseline subset when the low power mode 182 has been activated at the second degree for a second defined period of time 365. Step 550 discloses terminating the low power mode 182 when there is a cabin occupied status, wherein data related to the cabin occupied status indicates that an occupant of the cabin 102 is available.

[0047] As used herein, "for example" is used to list examples non-exhaustively and has the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as "including", "including (but not limited to)" and "including but not limited to". As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, a list of elements separated by a conjunction (e.g., "and") and preceded by the phrases "one or more of...", "at least one of...", "at least" or similar phrases indicates that the configuration or arrangement of the individual elements in the list or any combination thereof may be included. 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 form is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, phrases such as "including", "comprising" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A working machine, comprising: Cab; Battery; an auxiliary operating system operatively connectable to the battery; a cab occupant sensor operable to sense data associated with occupancy of the cab by an operator; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the cab occupant sensor, the controller comprising a processor and a memory having an energy conservation algorithm thereon, wherein the processor is operable to execute the energy conservation algorithm to: identifying a cab unoccupied state from data related to occupancy of the cab, wherein the cab unoccupied state indicates that the cab is unoccupied; When a cab unoccupied state is reached, a low power mode is automatically initiated by de-rating the auxiliary operating system to a first degree.

2. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The low power mode includes the processor executing the power conservation algorithm to further derate the auxiliary operating system to a second level when the low power mode has been activated at the first level for a first defined period of time.

3. The working machine according to claim 2, wherein: The low power mode includes the processor executing the power conservation algorithm to further derate the auxiliary operating system to a baseline level when the low power mode has been activated at the second level for a second defined period of time.

4. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The low power mode includes a processor executing the energy conservation algorithm to terminate the low power mode when an occupant occupies the cabin.

5. The work machine of claim 1 further comprising an electric motor coupled to the battery, wherein: The low power mode is enabled only when the battery reaches a first charge depletion threshold and the electric motor is turned off.

6. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The cab occupant sensor includes an optical sensor positioned to capture an image of an area disposed within the cab.

7. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The cab occupant sensor includes a force sensor coupled to an interior surface of the cab and operable to detect data related to a force applied to the surface by an occupant when entering the cab.

8. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein: De-rating the auxiliary operating system to a first degree includes one of disabling a radio receiver, disabling wipers, disabling a position receiver, and disabling lights.

9. The working machine according to claim 2, wherein: De-rating the auxiliary operating systems to the second level includes disabling the cabin temperature control system.

10. The working machine according to claim 5, wherein: The low power mode derates the secondary operating system to a baseline level only when the battery reaches a second charge depletion threshold, wherein the second charge depletion threshold comprises a state of charge of the battery below the first charge depletion threshold.

11. A method for saving energy on an electric working machine, the method comprising: identifying a cab unoccupied state from data related to occupancy of the cab, wherein the cab unoccupied state indicates that an occupant of the cab is not present; automatically initiating a low power mode to a first extent by de-rating a first subset of auxiliary operations when a cab unoccupied state is reached; automatically initiating the low power mode to a second degree by further de-rating a second subset of the auxiliary operations when the low power mode has been activated at the first degree for a first defined period of time; When the low power mode has been activated at the second level for a second defined period of time, automatically initiating the low power mode to a baseline level by further de-rating the auxiliary operating system to the baseline subset; and The low power mode is terminated upon reaching a cabin occupied state, wherein data related to the cabin occupied state indicates that an occupant of the cabin is present.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The low power mode is enabled only when the battery reaches a first charge depletion threshold, with the auxiliary operating system being operatively coupled to the battery.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Data relating to occupancy of the cab is associated with one of an optical sensor positioned to capture an image of an area disposed within the cab and a force sensor coupled to an interior surface of the cab and operable to detect data relating to a force applied to the surface when an occupant enters the cab.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: De-rating the auxiliary operating system to a first degree includes one of disabling a radio receiver, disabling wipers, disabling a position receiver, and disabling lights; and Among other things, de-rating the auxiliary operating system to the second level includes disabling the cabin temperature control system.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the low power mode derates the auxiliary operating system to a baseline level only when the ambient temperature is within a defined temperature range and when the battery reaches a second charge depletion threshold, wherein The second charge depletion includes a state of charge of the battery below the first charge depletion threshold.

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