Battery and load control system and method

Abstract

A lawn mower includes a drive wheel, a mowing platform including a cutting blade, a wheel motor operable to rotate the drive wheel, a cutting blade motor operable to rotate the cutting blade, and a battery system. The battery system includes a battery configured to power the wheel motor and the cutting blade motor and a battery controller in communication connection with the battery. The battery controller includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, receive the instructions from the one or more processors. In one embodiment, the battery system may include a battery, cause one or more processors to determine a current threshold of the battery, broadcast a message including the current threshold, compare an actual current of the battery to the current threshold, and adjust operation of the battery system upon determining that the actual current of the battery exceeds the current threshold for a predetermined time.

Description

Cross-references to related patent applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 389,597, filed on July 15, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference into this application. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for controlling the operation of a battery-powered vehicle. Outdoor power equipment (eg, lawn mowers, riding tractors, etc.) may use batteries to power implements such as the lawn mower's rotary blades and / or the outdoor power equipment's drive system. Summary of the invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a lawn mower, which includes a drive wheel, a mowing deck including a cutting blade, a wheel motor operable to rotate the drive wheel, a blade motor operable to rotate the cutting blade, and a battery system. The battery system includes a battery configured to power the wheel motor and the cutting blade motor and a battery controller in communication with the battery. The battery controller includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the following operations: determine a current threshold of the battery, broadcast a message containing the current threshold, compare the actual current of the battery with the current threshold, and adjust the operation of the battery system in response to determining that the actual current of the battery exceeds the current threshold and lasts for a predetermined time.

[0004] In some implementations, the current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold and a recommended current threshold, and the message broadcast by the battery controller includes the shutdown current threshold and the recommended current threshold.

[0005] In some embodiments, the battery controller includes a plurality of power maps, each power map including a different current threshold. In some embodiments, determining the current threshold includes obtaining a value of the current threshold from an activated power map among the plurality of power maps.

[0006] In some embodiments, the lawn mower includes a vehicle controller in communication with the battery controller and configured to operate the blade motor and the wheel motor using actual current from the battery. In some embodiments, a message broadcast by the battery controller is provided to the vehicle controller, the message including at least one of: a suggestion to the vehicle controller to reduce the actual current of the battery, or a warning to shut down the battery if the actual current of the battery is not reduced. In some embodiments, the vehicle controller is configured to selectively disable or derate at least one of the cutting blade motor or the wheel motor in response to receiving the message from the battery controller.

[0007] In some embodiments, the current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold. In some embodiments, adjusting the operation of the battery system includes shutting down the battery in response to determining that the actual current of the battery exceeds the shutdown current threshold for a predetermined time.

[0008] In some embodiments, the current threshold of the battery includes a recommended current threshold. In some embodiments, adjusting the operation of the battery system includes switching from a first power mapping table to a second power mapping table in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the recommended current threshold for a predetermined time.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first power mapping table includes a first value of the recommended current threshold, the second power mapping table includes a second value of the recommended current threshold, the second value is different from the first value, and switching from the first power mapping table to the second power mapping table includes updating the recommended current threshold from the first value to the second value.

[0010] In some embodiments, the battery system includes a sensor configured to measure a transient state of the battery. The transient state may include a temperature of the battery, a state of charge of the battery, a voltage of the battery, or an actual current of the battery. In some embodiments, the battery controller is configured to dynamically update a current threshold of the battery based on the measured value of the transient state of the battery.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a battery system, which includes a battery including one or more battery cells configured to be charged and discharged using an electric current, a sensor configured to measure a transient state of the battery, and a battery controller communicatively connected to the battery and the sensor. The battery controller may include one or more processors and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: determine a current threshold based on the transient state of the battery, broadcast a message containing the current threshold, compare the actual current of the battery with the current threshold, and adjust the operation of the battery system in response to determining that the actual current of the battery exceeds the current threshold and lasts for a predetermined time.

[0012] In some implementations, the current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold and a recommended current threshold. The message broadcast by the battery controller includes the shutdown current threshold and the recommended current threshold.

[0013] In some embodiments, the message broadcast by the battery controller is provided to the application controller, the message including at least one of the following: a suggestion to the application controller to reduce the actual current of the battery, or a warning that the battery will be shut down if the actual current is not reduced.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery controller includes a plurality of power maps. Each power map includes a different current threshold. In some embodiments, determining the current threshold includes obtaining a value of the current threshold from an activated power map in the plurality of power maps.

[0015] In some embodiments, the current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold. In some embodiments, adjusting the operation of the battery system includes shutting down the battery in response to determining that the actual current of the battery exceeds the shutdown current threshold for a predetermined time.

[0016] In some embodiments, the current threshold of the battery includes a recommended current threshold. In some embodiments, adjusting the operation of the battery system includes switching from a first power mapping table to a second power mapping table in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the recommended current threshold for a predetermined time.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first power mapping table includes a first value of the recommended current threshold, the second power mapping table includes a second value of the recommended current threshold, the second value is different from the first value, and switching from the first power mapping table to the second power mapping table includes updating the recommended current threshold from the first value to the second value.

[0018] In some embodiments, the transient state of the battery includes the temperature of the battery, the state of charge of the battery, the voltage of the battery, or the actual current of the battery. In some embodiments, the battery controller is configured to dynamically update the current threshold of the battery according to the measured value of the transient state of the battery.

[0019] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of operating a battery, the battery comprising one or more battery cells configured to be charged and discharged using an electric current. The method comprises measuring a transient state of the battery, determining a current threshold based on the transient state of the battery, broadcasting a message including the current threshold, comparing an actual current of the battery with the current threshold, and adjusting the operation of the battery system in response to determining that the actual current of the battery exceeds the current threshold for a predetermined time.

[0020] In some implementations, the current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold and a recommended current threshold. The message broadcast by the battery controller includes the shutdown current threshold and the recommended current threshold.

[0021] In some embodiments, the current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold. In some embodiments, adjusting the operation of the battery system includes shutting down the battery in response to determining that the actual current of the battery exceeds the shutdown current threshold for a predetermined time.

[0022] In some embodiments, the current threshold of the battery includes a recommended current threshold. In some embodiments, adjusting the operation of the battery system includes switching from a first power map to a second power map in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the recommended current threshold for a predetermined time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery and load control system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the battery controller and vehicle controller of the battery and load control system shown.

[0026] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a riding lawn mower with battery and load control system shown.

[0027] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The current measurement curve of the battery and load control system is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The method of operation of the battery and load control system is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the battery controller shown.

[0030] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The operation method of the battery controller is shown.

[0031] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The operating methods of the battery controller and the vehicle controller are shown.

[0032] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The operating method of the battery controller and memory is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Before turning to the drawings that specifically show exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. At the same time, it should be understood that the terms used are only for descriptive purposes and should not be regarded as limiting the invention.

[0034] The accompanying drawings generally describe systems and methods for controlling the operation of a battery-powered riding vehicle and / or power equipment (e.g., a lawn mower, a riding tractor, a snowplow, a pressure washer, a portable generator, a tiller, a wood splitter, a zero-turn radius mower, a push mower, a riding mower, an industrial vehicle such as a forklift, a utility vehicle, etc.) based on messages received from a battery controller. In some embodiments, the riding vehicle can be powered by a battery that can be connected to a battery controller. The battery controller can include one or more operating limits that define acceptable values / ranges for battery current and voltage measurements. The battery controller can be configured to determine a predetermined threshold value for current and / or voltage measurements associated with the battery. If the current measurement and / or voltage measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined time (e.g., about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, or about 1 second to about 3 seconds), the battery controller can be configured to send a load control message to a vehicle controller of the riding vehicle, the load control message indicating that the battery current exceeds the threshold value. In this case, the vehicle controller may be configured to remove or disable secondary loads or chores associated with the vehicle in response to receiving a load control message. By removing secondary loads or chores associated with the vehicle, the ride-on vehicle may be able to preserve the performance of the battery for primary functions, including but not limited to moving the vehicle to a destination. In some embodiments, rather than directly disabling the secondary loads or chores, the battery may reduce the rating of the secondary loads or chores (e.g., reduce the supply current) to preserve the performance of the battery for primary functions. In some embodiments, the vehicle controller may also be configured to transmit or display a notification to a user in response to a load control message received from the battery controller.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 1, a battery and load control system 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The battery and load control system 100 includes a battery management system 102 connected to a battery 104 and a vehicle controller 106 configured to control one or more components of a vehicle 108. The battery 104 is configured to provide power to operate and propel the vehicle 106. More specifically, the battery 104 is electrically connected to a primary / drive motor 110 and a secondary / chore motor 112, which are configured to drive and / or operate the vehicle 108. In some embodiments, the vehicle 108 may be a lawn mower / tractor, a riding tractor, a snowplow, a pressure washer, a portable generator, a tiller, a wood splitter, a zero turn radius mower, a push mower, a riding mower, an industrial vehicle such as a forklift, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a utility vehicle, a forklift, or other similar battery-powered riding vehicles. In some embodiments, the secondary or chore motor 112 may be used to operate an implement, such as the rotating blades of a lawn mower, the pump of a pressure washer, the auger of a snowplow, or the alternator in a generator.

[0036] Although Figure 1 104 is shown as a single component, but the battery 104 may include multiple battery packs connected in parallel to provide an output voltage. In some embodiments, the voltage rating of the battery 104 may be 36 to 48 volts and the capacity may be 1.5 to 10 kilowatt-hours. The voltage ratings and power capacities described herein are examples only, and the voltage rating or capacity of the battery 104 may be higher or lower than described herein. In some embodiments, the battery 104 may be composed of lithium-ion battery cells or any other type of battery cells. For example, the battery 104 may be composed of lithium-ion battery cells including nickel-cobalt-molybdenum (NCM) lithium-ion battery cells and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, or other types of battery cells.

[0037] The battery 104 is connected to a battery management system 102, which is used to monitor the state / health of the battery 104 and control the battery 104. The battery management system 102 includes one or more sensors 114, which are configured to monitor the state of the battery 104. More specifically, the one or more sensors 114 may include a voltage sensor configured to collect voltage measurements of the battery 104. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 114 may include a current sensor configured to collect current measurements of the battery 104. The voltage measurement may include an overall voltage measurement of the battery 104, or a voltage measurement of one or more battery cells or battery module assemblies that make up the battery 104. The current measurement may include a regeneration current and / or a discharge current of the battery 104. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 114 may include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery 104. The one or more sensors 114 may also include a sensor configured to measure the state of charge of the battery 104, the load, and the usage time since the load was applied to the battery. The one or more sensors 114 may be communicatively coupled to a battery controller 116, which is configured to use information received from the sensors 114 (e.g., voltage measurements, current measurements, temperature measurements, etc.) to control the operation of the battery 104 and to send messages to the vehicle controller 106 based on the information received from the sensors 114. In some embodiments, the battery controller 116 and the vehicle controller 106 and their respective functions may be included in a single controller that simultaneously controls the battery 104 and one or more motors associated with the vehicle 108 (e.g., the primary motor 110 and the secondary motor 112). In such embodiments, the single controller may be configured to receive battery information from the sensors 114 and, based on the information, reduce the power output of the battery to preserve the performance of the battery for primary functions, including, but not limited to, moving the ride-on vehicle to a destination. The controller may also remove secondary or chores loads associated with the vehicle 108. The battery controller 116 and the vehicle controller 106 will be explained in more detail below.

[0038] Reference Figure 2, shows a schematic diagram of a battery controller 116 and a vehicle controller 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The battery controller 116 is configured to monitor the state of the battery 104, control the operation of the battery 104, and send messages to the vehicle controller 106 based on the state of the battery 104. More specifically, the battery controller 116 is configured to compare one or more voltage measurements and / or current measurements of the battery 104 with one or more operating limits to determine whether the current and / or voltage measurements are within a predetermined range. Based on the determination, the battery controller 116 may send one or more messages to the vehicle controller 106 and / or control the operation of the battery 104. As described above, the battery controller 116 is communicatively connected to the sensor 114, and the sensor 114 is configured to provide battery-related information to the battery controller 116. The battery information may include, but is not limited to, the state of charge, voltage measurement, current measurement, load measurement, temperature, and usage time of the battery 104. The battery controller 116 may include a communication interface 202 configured to facilitate communication between the battery controller 116 and other components of the battery and load control system 100. For example, the communication interface 202 may be configured to facilitate communication between the sensor 114 and the battery controller 116. As another example, the communication interface 202 may be configured to facilitate communication between the vehicle controller 106 and the battery controller 116. The communication interface 202 may be or include a wired or wireless communication interface (e.g., a jack, antenna, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, wire terminal, etc.) for communicating data between the battery controller 116 and other components of the battery and load control system 100. In various embodiments, communication through the communication interface 202 may be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communication) or through a communication network (e.g., WAN, Internet, cellular network, CAN, etc.).

[0039] The battery controller 116 includes a processing circuit 204 having a processor 206 and a memory 208. The processing circuit 204 may be constructed or configured to execute or implement instructions, commands, and / or control processes associated with the battery controller 116. The illustrated configuration presents the processing circuit 204 as instructions stored in a non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. However, as described above, this example is not meant to be limiting, as the present disclosure contemplates other implementations, and the processing circuit 204 may also be configured as a hardware unit. All of these combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Processor 206 can be a single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, another suitable processor or any combination thereof, for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In this way, processor 206 can be a microprocessor, a state machine or other suitable processor. Processor 206 can also be implemented as a combination of multiple computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other similar configuration. Computer-readable media can contain code, which can be written in any programming language, including but not limited to Java or similar languages ​​and any traditional process programming language, such as "C" programming language or similar programming language. Computer-readable program code can be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter case, the remote processors can be connected to each other through any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.).

[0041] As an alternative or supplementary solution, one or more processors may be configured to perform or perform certain operations independently of one or more coprocessors. In other embodiments, two or more processors may be connected via a bus to implement independent, parallel, pipeline or multithreaded instruction execution. All of these changes are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In another configuration, the processing circuit 204 may be implemented as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuits, network interfaces, peripherals, input devices, output devices, etc. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 204 may adopt one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, system on chip (SOC) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), communication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of "circuits". In this regard, the processing circuit 204 may include any type of component for completing or facilitating the implementation of the operations described in the present disclosure. For example, the circuits described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, etc.

[0042] The memory 208 (e.g., memory, storage unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code to complete or facilitate the various processes, levels, and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory 208 may be communicatively connected to the processor 206 to provide computer code or instructions to the processor 206 to perform at least some of the processes described herein. In addition, the memory 208 may be or include tangible, non-transitory volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Thus, the memory 208 may include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described herein.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 208 may store or calculate one or more operating limits 210. In some embodiments, each operating limit 210 (e.g., a lookup table) is defined as a function of the state of charge of the battery 104 and the temperature of the battery 104 for various loads or usage time of the battery 104. In some embodiments, the operating limits are generated by collecting and processing (e.g., filtering, converting, etc.) various battery sensor data (e.g., voltage measurements, current measurements, temperature measurements), calculating the sensor data (e.g., linearizing a non-linear voltage curve to SOC by coulomb counting), and providing battery operating conditions based on recommended or predetermined performance values ​​and battery parameters to optimize battery usage (e.g., maintaining maximum performance while ensuring battery safety, allowing the end application to exhaust (use up) the available energy of the battery pack before an overheating, overvoltage / undervoltage event occurs, and adjusting the allowed current level by implementing a real-time duty cycle calculator to balance cycle life (health) with machine performance, etc.). In some embodiments, the operating limits 210 are iterated based on the measured values ​​of the state of charge, temperature, and load or usage time of the battery 104. In some embodiments, the operating limits 210 include separate sets of mappings that define current limits or thresholds for the battery 104 when charging and discharging, respectively. In other embodiments, the operating limits 210 include separate sets of mappings that define power limits or thresholds for the battery 104 when charging and discharging, respectively. Typically, the operating limits 210 generate predetermined operating limits or thresholds for current, voltage, or power that are calculated by the battery controller 116, for example, in real time. The battery controller 116 can compare the battery information received from the sensor 114 with the operating limits 210 stored in the memory 208 to determine whether the voltage measurement and / or current measurement of the battery 104 falls within a predetermined threshold (e.g., a limit range defined by the operating limits 210) within a predetermined time (e.g., about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, or about 1 second to about 3 seconds). If the measurements fall within the predetermined threshold range, the battery controller 116 may send a message indicating that the battery 104 is operating under acceptable operating conditions (e.g., temperature, voltage measurements, current measurements, etc.) and that a disconnection between components of the vehicle 108 (e.g., the primary drive motor 110 and the secondary chores motor 112) is not imminent. However, if the measurements are not within the predetermined threshold range for a predetermined period of time, the battery controller 116 may send a load control message to the vehicle controller 106 indicating which measurement is not within the predetermined threshold range.

[0044] The vehicle controller 106 is configured to receive a message from the battery controller 116 that is based on the state of the battery 104. As described above, the battery controller 116 is configured to provide this message to the vehicle controller 106. In some embodiments, the vehicle controller 106 includes a communication interface 218 that is configured to facilitate communication between the vehicle controller 106 and the battery controller 116. For example, the vehicle controller 106 can receive load control messages from the battery controller 116 through the communication interface 218. The communication interface 218 can be or include a wired or wireless communication interface (e.g., a socket, antenna, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, wire terminal, etc.) for data communication between the vehicle controller 106 and other components of the battery and load control system 100 or vehicle 108. In various embodiments, communication through the communication interface 218 can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communication) or through a communication network (e.g., WAN, Internet, cellular network, CAN, etc.). The messages sent by the battery controller 116 and received by the vehicle controller 106 are shown in Table 1 below. In some embodiments, the messages are transmitted via a CAN bus. Table 1: Battery message values ​​and their meanings Place value message Message meaning 0000 Battery measurement value is within the predetermined range 0001 The battery pack voltage is below the minimum acceptable level for a predetermined period of time 0010 The battery pack voltage is above the maximum acceptable level for a predetermined period of time 0011 The module voltage is below the minimum acceptable level for a predetermined period of time 0100 The module voltage is above the maximum acceptable level for a predetermined period of time 0101 The battery cell voltage is below the minimum acceptable level for a predetermined period of time 0110 The battery cell voltage is above the maximum acceptable level for a predetermined period of time 0111 The battery pack current is above the maximum acceptable level for a predetermined period of time

[0045] Similar to the battery controller 116, the vehicle controller 106 also includes a processing circuit 212 similar to the processing circuit 204. The processing circuit 212 includes a processor 214 and a memory 216, similar to the processor 206 and the memory 208. The processing circuit 204 may include many of the same components and functions as the processing circuit 204, which have been explained in detail above and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity. The vehicle controller 106 is configured to control the operation of the main / drive motor 110 and the secondary / chore motor 112 based on the messages received from the battery controller 116. For example, if the vehicle controller 106 receives a load control message from the battery controller 116 indicating that the current of the battery 104 (e.g., measured by a current sensor) exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time (e.g., determined by the operating limit 210), the vehicle controller 106 may disable or perform a derating on the secondary / chore motor 112 and display a notification to the user. In some embodiments, a notification to the user may be displayed on a display 220 associated with the vehicle 108 or on a user device (e.g., a tablet or personal device) associated with the user. The notification displayed is related to the type of message received by the vehicle controller 106. For example, if the vehicle controller 106 receives a load control message related to a current exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time, the notification displayed may be "Battery pack current exceeded the maximum acceptable level for a predetermined time."

[0046] In some embodiments, each secondary / chore motor 112 may include a motor controller configured to control the operation of the motor, either in lieu of or in addition to the control by the vehicle controller 106. The motor controller may communicate with the battery controller 116 and be configured to receive load control messages from the battery controller 116. In response to receiving the load control messages from the battery controller 116, the motor controller may be configured to derate or disable the individual secondary / chore motor 112.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 3 , a schematic diagram of an electric drive system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, which is suitable for a vehicle 108 in the form of a lawn mower. In some embodiments, the vehicle 108 can be a lawn mower including a mowing platform 300. In some embodiments, the lawn mower can be a ZTR (zero turning radius) lawn mower. A ZTR lawn mower is a lawn mowing device that includes a pair of independently driven rear wheels. The independent drive of the rear wheels makes the ZTR lawn mower extremely maneuverable and can operate at a relatively high mowing speed. The mowing platform 300 includes three sets of cutting blades 302 (302a, 302b and 302c). These cutting blades are arranged so that the cutting blade 302a is an outer blade located on the left side of the mowing platform 300, and the cutting blade 302c is an outer blade located on the right side of the mowing platform 300. In the embodiment shown, a central cutting blade 302b is located between the pair of outer blades 302a and 302c. However, additional cutting blades can also be added between the outer blades on the mowing platform.

[0048] Each cutting blade 302 is driven by a cutting blade motor 304 (304a, 304b, and 304c). Each cutting blade motor 304 is driven by a battery 104 connected thereto. The vehicle 108 includes five separate independent motors. In some embodiments, the vehicle 108 includes more or less than five independent motors. In the illustrated embodiment, three motors 304 are used to rotate the cutting blades 302, while the wheel motors 306 and 308 are used to independently drive the rear drive wheels 310 and 312. Specifically, Figure 3 The vehicle 108 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first rear wheel drive motor 306 and a second rear wheel drive motor 308. The first wheel motor 306 drives the first rear drive wheel 310 to rotate, while the second wheel motor 308 drives the second rear drive wheel 312 to rotate. Both the first wheel motor 306 and the second wheel motor 308 are powered by the battery 104 through the vehicle controller 106.

[0049] The speed and direction of each of the motors 304, 306, and 308 can be controlled by independent control signals or respective motor controllers because the motors operate independently of each other. In some embodiments, if the measured value of the voltage, current, or temperature of the battery is not within a predetermined threshold range and lasts for a predetermined time, the vehicle controller 106 can reduce the load of the motor 304. For example, the vehicle controller 106 communicates with the cutting blade motor 304 and the wheel motors 306 and 308. The battery controller 116 is configured to determine the current threshold of the battery 104 according to the operating limit 210, and compare the current size of the battery 104 (for example, measured by a current sensor) with the current threshold defined by the operating limit 210. The battery controller 116 is also configured to monitor the battery 104 to determine the current size of the battery 104, and compare the current size with the current threshold to determine whether the battery 104 is operating within the range of the current threshold. If the battery controller 116 determines that the current size exceeds the current threshold, the battery controller 116 sends a message to the vehicle controller 106 indicating that the current size exceeds the current threshold. In response to the message, the vehicle controller 106 (or motor controller) may disable or derate one or more of the cutting blade motors 304a, 304b, 304c to stop rotating the cutting blades 302a, 302b, and 302c.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 4, a graph 400 of current measurements of the battery and load control system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The x-axis of the graph 400 represents time (seconds) and the y-axis represents current (amperes). The graph 400 includes a predetermined current threshold 402 based on the operating limit 210, a battery current measurement 404 (e.g., measured by a current sensor), and an on / off state 406 of a load control message sent by the battery controller 116 to the vehicle controller 106. The graph 400 illustrates an application scenario in which a load shedding operation is performed after the battery current measurement 404 exceeds the predetermined current threshold 402 for a predetermined time, so as to provide power only for the primary operation (e.g., driving the motor 110) and extend the service life of the battery associated with the vehicle. In a portion 408 of the graph, when the battery current measurement 404 exceeds the predetermined current threshold 402 for less than a predetermined time (e.g., less than about 1 second, about 2 seconds, or about 3 seconds), the load control message state 406 remains inactive or off. However, if the battery current measurement 404 exceeds the predetermined current threshold 402 for a predetermined time (e.g., about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, or about 1 to 3 seconds), the battery controller 116 changes the state of the load control message to active or on, as shown in portion 410 of the diagram 400. The state of the load control message changes to active, indicating that the battery controller 116 sends the load control message to the vehicle controller 106. The vehicle controller 106 may then receive the load control message and, in response to receiving the load control message from the battery controller 116, may reduce one or more secondary / chore loads by disabling the secondary or chore motor 112 (or the cutting blade motor 304). In this way, the battery 104 is allowed to provide power for primary operations (e.g., driving the main / drive motor 110 or the wheel motors 306, 308).

[0051] Now refer to Figure 5 , shows a method 500 for operating a battery and load control system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The method 500 may be implemented at least in part by a battery controller 116 and / or a vehicle controller 106 (or a motor controller). The method 500 begins at step 502, where the battery controller 116 receives one or more operating limits, which may be predetermined or calculated in real time by the battery controller 116 or other controller. The operating limits define an acceptable operating range or limit of current, voltage, and / or power of the battery 104 during operation, which limits may be determined based on the state of charge, temperature, and load or usage time of the battery 104. In step 504, the battery controller 116 is configured to determine one or more thresholds of the battery 104 based on the operating limits received in step 502. The thresholds may include voltage thresholds, current thresholds, and / or power thresholds.

[0052] In step 506, the battery controller 116 receives one or more measurements from one or more sensors associated with the battery 104. The one or more measurements associated with the one or more sensors of the battery 104 may include voltage measurements and / or current measurements. In step 508, the battery controller 116 compares the one or more measurements received in step 506 with a predetermined threshold value determined in step 504. In some embodiments, the battery controller 116 compares the current magnitude of the battery 104 with a current threshold value defined by an operating limit. In step 510, the battery controller 116 determines whether the one or more measurements exceed the predetermined threshold value for a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, or about 1 to 3 seconds. If the one or more measurements do not exceed the threshold value and continue for the predetermined time, the method 500 restarts from step 506. If the one or more measurements exceed the predetermined threshold value for a predetermined time, the method proceeds to step 512, and the battery controller 116 sends a load control message to the vehicle controller 106 (or motor controller) to notify the vehicle controller 106 that the battery measurement value has exceeded the threshold value. In response to receiving the load control message, the vehicle controller 106 provides a notification to the user that one or more measurements have exceeded a predetermined threshold in step 512. At approximately the same time, the vehicle controller 106 (or motor controller) controls the operation of the vehicle 108 in response to the received message in step 514 to reduce one or more loads of the vehicle 108. For example, the vehicle controller 106 can reduce the secondary / chore load of the auxiliary / chore motor 112 or the cutting blade motor 304 by disabling or de-rating the auxiliary / chore motor 112 or the cutting blade motor 304.

[0053] Now refer to Figure 6 , shows a schematic diagram of the battery controller 116 according to an exemplary embodiment. As previously described, the battery controller 116 is configured to monitor the state of the battery 104, control the operation of the battery 104, and send a message to the vehicle controller 106 based on the state of the battery 104. To avoid repetition, Figure 6 Many of the functions and features of the illustrated battery controller 116 are the same or similar to those described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0054] As described in the previous embodiments, the memory 208 may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code to complete or facilitate the various processes, levels, and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory 208 may be communicatively connected to the processor 206 to provide computer code or instructions to the processor 206 to perform at least part of the processes described in the present disclosure. In addition, the memory 208 may be or include tangible, non-temporary volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Therefore, the memory 208 may include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 208 may include a power map manager 602. The power map manager 602 may be configured to monitor battery current (e.g., charging or discharging current) and / or other battery parameters 614, select a power map 606, and operate the battery 104 according to the selected power map. In some embodiments, the power map manager 602 may be constructed or configured to direct instructions, commands, and / or configurations associated with the battery controller 116 described in the present disclosure. The illustrated configuration represents the power map manager 602 as computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 208. The power map manager 602 may include selection instructions and a set of power configurations specified by a data structure (e.g., a list, an array, a hash table).

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the power map manager 602 may include a power map selector 604. In some embodiments, the power map selector 604 may be constructed or configured to request a specific power configuration based on the factors and scenarios described in the present disclosure. The power map selector 604 may issue these requests through instructions, commands, and / or configurations of the power map manager 602, wherein the power map selector 604 requests the desired configuration from the power map set 606 of the power map manager 602.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the power map manager 602 may include a power map 606. In some embodiments, the power map 606 may be constructed or configured to maintain a set consisting of a plurality of power configurations according to the capabilities of the battery controller 116. The set of power maps 606 may be stored as a database or in a data structure (e.g., a list, an array, a hash table, and a set). The power map 606 may include a plurality of power configurations corresponding to various external stimuli and capabilities of the currently running machine. The power configuration may include specific data of a plurality of power thresholds, voltage thresholds, and current thresholds to be set when the power map 606 is selected. For example, each power map 606 may include a recommended battery current threshold, which specifies the recommended current limit (e.g., maximum charge current, maximum discharge current) of the battery 104 when the corresponding power map 606 is in an activated state. Different power maps 606 may have different recommended current thresholds, some of which may be higher / lower than others. Each power map 606 may also include a battery shutdown threshold that specifies a current limit that, when exceeded for a specified time, causes the battery controller 116 to shut down the battery 104. The power map selector 604 may select a given power map 606 based on the current current, voltage, power, temperature, or other dynamic (e.g., measured) or static value of the battery parameter 614, and switch between different power maps 606.

[0058] The power map selector 604 can be configured to select a specific power map 606 based on a variety of factors and switch between power maps 606. In some embodiments, the power map selector 604 can operate as a finite state machine and switch between different power maps 606 (e.g., states) according to various state transition conditions. The state transition conditions may include, for example, comparing the monitored battery parameters 614 with various thresholds (e.g., comparing the current values ​​of the battery current, power, voltage, state of charge, temperature, or other battery parameters 614 with corresponding thresholds) to determine whether a given condition is met. In some embodiments, the power map selector 604 can determine the amount of time that has passed since the activated power map 606 was selected or activated, or the amount of time since the battery current exceeded the recommended current threshold specified by the activated power map 606. If the battery current remains above the recommended current threshold for a specified time, the power map selector 604 can determine that the activated power map 606 should be deactivated and another power map 606 should be activated.

[0059] To illustrate an example of a function performed by the power mapping table selector 604, the power mapping table selector 604 can select a first (e.g., initial) power mapping table 606 when the battery 104 begins to charge or discharge (e.g., after a period of non-use). The first power mapping table 606 can have a first recommended current threshold and a first battery shutdown threshold. When the first power mapping table 606 is in an activated state, the power mapping table selector 604 can monitor the battery parameters 614 (e.g., charging or discharging current, power, state of charge, etc.) and determine whether the input and output current of the battery 104 exceeds the first recommended current threshold. If the current exceeds the first recommended current threshold for a given time, the power mapping table selector 604 can deactivate the first power mapping table 606 and activate the second power mapping table 606.

[0060] The second power mapping table 606 may have a second recommended current threshold (e.g., higher than the first recommended current threshold) and a second battery shutdown threshold (e.g., the same as or higher than the first battery shutdown threshold). When the second power mapping table 606 is in an activated state, the power mapping table selector 604 may monitor the battery parameter 614 and determine whether the input and output current of the battery 104 exceeds the second recommended current threshold. If the current exceeds the second recommended current threshold for a given time, the power mapping table selector 604 may deactivate the second power mapping table 606 and activate the third power mapping table 606. The third power mapping table 606 may have a third recommended current threshold (e.g., higher than the first recommended current threshold and the second recommended current threshold) and a third battery shutdown threshold (e.g., the same as or higher than the first recommended current threshold and the second battery shutdown threshold).

[0061] The power map selector 604 can repeat this process for any number of power maps 606. If the current threshold of the current power map 606 is exceeded for a predetermined time, the power map selector 604 switches to a power map 606 with a gradually increasing recommended current threshold. Similarly, if the current output from the input of the battery 104 is below a predetermined current limit (e.g., a minimum threshold) for a predetermined time, the power map selector 604 can switch to a power map 606 with a lower recommended current threshold.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 208 may include a power regulator 608. In some embodiments, the power regulator 608 may be constructed or configured to receive instructions, commands, and / or configurations established by the power map manager 602. The power regulator 608 may be constructed or configured to send information in the form of commands, instructions, and / or configurations to the message generator 610 and send the generated message to the vehicle controller (e.g., the vehicle controller 116).

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 208 may include a message generator 610. In some embodiments, the message generator 610 may be constructed or configured to generate readable instructions, commands and / or configurations for, but not limited to, a vehicle controller (e.g., the vehicle controller 116). The message generated by the message generator 610 may be sent to the vehicle controller 106 via the communication interface 202 to adjust the current, voltage and / or power sent to one or more motors (e.g., the main / drive motor, the auxiliary / chore motor). The message sent by the message generator 610 may include the value of the recommended current threshold and / or battery shutdown threshold of the activated power map 606. For example, the message generator 610 may interact with the power map manager 602 to determine which power map 606 is currently in an activated state, and read the recommended current threshold and / or battery shutdown threshold from the activated power map 606. Then, the message generator 610 may generate and send a message containing the current recommended current threshold and / or battery shutdown threshold to the vehicle controller 116.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 208 may include a compliance manager 612. In some embodiments, the compliance manager 612 is constructed or configured to record non-compliance events. The records of these events may be stored as a database or data structure (e.g., a list, array, hash table). Non-compliance events occur when the battery exceeds normal operating limits defined in the memory 208 (e.g., recommended current thresholds defined by the power map 606, battery shutdown thresholds, etc.). The records of these non-compliance events can be exported to some form of external client device (e.g., a computer, laptop, USB drive, etc.) for further processing and interpretation.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 208 may include battery parameters 614. The battery parameters 614 may include any permanent or temporary parameters or variables used to characterize the battery 104, the current state of the battery 104, or its operation. For example, the battery parameters 614 may include a fixed set of attributes of the battery, such as the type of battery cells, the number of battery cells, battery model information, design parameters (e.g., design voltage, current, power, etc.), or other information that is not expected to change during the operation of the battery 104. The battery parameters 614 may include temporary parameters or variables that can be updated based on measured, estimated, or calculated conditions during the operation of the battery 104. For example, the battery 104 and / or the system 100 may include a plurality of sensors 114 as described above, such as a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery 104, a current sensor configured to measure the input or output current of the battery 104, or any other sensor that can be used to measure the current state of the battery 104. In some embodiments, the battery parameters 614 are constructed or configured to store current information related to the battery, including but not limited to the state of charge, temperature, load, usage time, and voltage. The battery parameters 614 may be dynamically updated based on the factors described above for use by the battery controller 116 in determining the nominal operating limits 210 of the battery.

[0066] As described in the previous embodiments, the memory 208 may store or calculate one or more operating limits 210. The operating limits 210 may include a shutdown counter 616 and a shutdown timer 618. The shutdown timer 618 may contain a value that varies depending on the specific use of the battery controller 116 in a particular machine. The operating limits may include a shutdown counter 616 that may increment until the value of the shutdown timer 618 is reached. The shutdown counter 616 may increment by an integer value every time a predetermined time (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, nanoseconds, etc.) passes.

[0067] Reference now Figure 7, a method 700 for operating a battery controller (e.g., battery controller 116) according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The battery controller 116 can implement the method 700 at least in part. The method 700 begins at step 702, and the battery controller 116 receives a battery current from a battery current sensor or other component configured to measure or estimate the input or output current of the battery 104. The battery current can be updated or calculated by the battery controller 116 in real time. The battery current can be determined based on the real-time state of charge, real-time temperature, and real-time load or usage time of the battery 104. In step 704, the battery controller 116 receives an operating limit (e.g., operating limit 210) from a memory (e.g., memory 208). The operating limit 210 defines an acceptable operating range or limit of current, voltage, and / or power of the battery 104 during operation, which can be determined based on the state of charge, temperature, and load or usage time of the battery 104. In some embodiments, the operating limit 210 is provided by the activated power map 606 of the battery 104, which can include a recommended current threshold and / or a battery shutdown threshold. The operating limits 210 may include predetermined thresholds (e.g., shutdown thresholds) to ensure that the life of the battery 104 is not affected by prolonged use exceeding the shutdown thresholds. In step 704, the battery controller 116 compares the real-time battery current with the shutdown thresholds in the operating limits 210 and compares the values ​​of each current to determine optimal or excessive use of the battery 104.

[0068] At step 706, the battery controller 116 determines whether the battery current is above the shutdown threshold. If the battery current is not above the shutdown threshold, the method 700 restarts at step 702. If the battery current is above the shutdown threshold, the method 700 proceeds to step 708, and the battery controller 116 sends a message to the vehicle controller (e.g., the vehicle controller 106), which is displayed on a display (e.g., the display 220), notifying the vehicle controller 106 and the user that the battery current is above the shutdown threshold. A counter (e.g., the shutdown counter 618) is initialized to zero and increments to a predetermined value stored in a timer (e.g., the shutdown timer 616). At step 710, the counter is incremented by one to indicate that one time unit has passed, and the method proceeds to step 712. If the battery current is no longer above the shutdown threshold, the method 700 proceeds to step 702. If the battery current is above the shutdown threshold, the method 700 proceeds to step 714. At step 714, the battery controller 116 checks whether the value of the counter is the same as the timer. If the counter is not equal to the timer, the method 700 proceeds to step 710. If the counter is equal to the timer, the system 700 will proceed to step 716 and the battery 104 will be shut down. In this regard, if the battery current exceeds the shutdown threshold for a predetermined time, the method 700 will shut down the battery 104.

[0069] Now refer to Figure 8, a method 800 for operating the battery controller 116 and the vehicle controller 106 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The battery controller 116 and the vehicle controller 106 can implement the method 700 at least in part. The method 800 begins at step 802, and the battery controller 116 receives a battery current from a battery (e.g., the battery 104), which is updated or calculated by the battery controller 116 in real time. The battery current can be determined based on the real-time state of charge, real-time temperature, and real-time load or usage time of the battery 104. In step 804, the battery controller 116 sends the real-time current measurement value to the power map manager (e.g., the power map manager 602) to notify the power map selector (e.g., the power map selector 604) to select the desired power map (e.g., the power map 606). At step 806, the power map selector 604 selects the desired power map 606 from the set of power maps (e.g., map 1 808, map 2 810, map 3 812, ..., map n 818) contained in the power map manager 602. At step 820, the power regulator (e.g., power regulator 608) reads the desired power map 606. The power map 606 may contain specific parameters to reduce or increase the current, power, or charge / discharge rate of the battery 104. After updating the battery current to match the increase or decrease in power, the method 800 will restart at step 802. The method 800 will enter step 822 and send a message of the new current and power parameters in the selected power map 806 to the vehicle controller 106 for distribution.

[0070] Now refer to Fig. 9 , a method 900 for operating a battery controller and memory according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The battery controller 116 can implement the method 900 at least in part. The method 900 starts at step 902, and the battery controller receives a battery current from a battery (e.g., battery 104), which is updated or calculated by the battery controller 116 in real time. The battery current can be determined based on the real-time state of charge, real-time temperature, and real-time load or usage time of the battery 104. In step 904, the battery controller 116 receives an operating limit (e.g., operating limit 210) from a memory (e.g., memory 208). The operating limit 210 defines an acceptable operating range or limit of current, voltage, and / or power of the battery 104 during operation, which can be determined based on the state of charge, temperature, and load or usage time of the battery 104. The operating limit includes a predetermined threshold (e.g., a shutdown threshold) to ensure that the life of the battery 104 is not affected by prolonged use exceeding the shutdown threshold. At step 904 , the battery controller 116 compares the real-time battery current of step 902 to the shutdown threshold in the operating limits 210 and compares the value of each current to determine optimal or overuse of the battery 104 .

[0071] At step 906, the battery controller 116 determines whether the battery current is above the shutdown threshold. If the battery current is not above the shutdown threshold, the method 900 restarts at step 902. If the battery current is above the shutdown threshold, the method 900 proceeds to step 908. At step 908, the non-compliance event counter will increase by one to indicate that the user has not complied with the threshold established by the battery controller 116. The method 900 will restart at step 902 and monitor for non-compliance. When attempting to export compliance data, the method 900 will proceed to step 910. At step 910, the compliance data will be exported to a client device 912, which includes an electronic computing device that executes hardware (e.g., a processor, non-volatile storage media) and software.

[0072] With respect to the numerical ranges referred to herein, the terms "approximately", "approximately", "substantially" and the like generally refer to the range of ±10% of the disclosed numerical value. When the terms "approximately", "approximately", "substantially" and the like are used to describe structural features (e.g., to describe their shape, size, direction, orientation, etc.), these terms are intended to cover slight changes in the structure that may be caused by factors such as the manufacturing or assembly process, and their meanings should be broadly understood in accordance with the common meanings generally accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as non-substantial or insignificant modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as recorded in the appended claims.

[0073] It should be understood that although words such as "ideal" or "suitable" are used in the above description to indicate that the described feature may be more ideal, this feature may not be necessary. Even embodiments lacking these features may be considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. When interpreting the claims, when the words "one", "an", or "at least one" are used, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one item unless otherwise expressly stated in the claim.

[0074] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representatives and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (the term does not mean that these embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or best examples).

[0075] As used herein, the terms "coupled", "connected" and the like refer to the connection of two components directly or indirectly to each other. Such connection may be fixed (e.g., permanent, etc.) or movable (e.g., detachable, releasable, etc.). Such connection may be achieved by integrally molding the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components into a single unitary body, or by connecting the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components to each other.

[0076] References to element positions herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "between," etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may vary according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] As used herein, the term "circuit" or "circuitry" may include hardware configured to perform the functions described herein. In some embodiments, each corresponding "circuit" may include a machine-readable medium for configuring the hardware to perform the functions described herein. The circuit may be embodied as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuits, network interfaces, peripherals, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the circuit may take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, system-on-chip (SOC) circuits, etc.), telecommunications circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of "circuit". In this regard, a "circuit" may include any type of component used to complete or facilitate the implementation of the operations described herein. For example, the circuits described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, etc.

[0078] "Circuit" may also include one or more processors that are communicatively connected to one or more memories or storage devices. In this regard, one or more processors may execute instructions stored in the memory, or execute instructions that are otherwise accessible to one or more processors. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be implemented in various ways. One or more processors may be constructed to be sufficient to perform at least the operations described herein. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (for example, circuit A and circuit B may contain or share the same processor, which in some exemplary embodiments may execute instructions stored via different storage areas, or otherwise accessed via different storage areas). As an alternative or in addition, one or more processors may be constructed to perform or otherwise perform certain operations independently of one or more coprocessors. In other exemplary embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to implement independent, parallel, pipelined or multi-threaded instruction execution. Each processor may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs) or other suitable electronic data processing components to execute instructions provided by the memory. One or more processors may take the form of a single-core processor, a multi-core processor (e.g., a dual-core processor, a triple-core processor, a quad-core processor, etc.), a microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be located outside the device, for example, one or more processors may be remote processors (e.g., cloud-based processors). Alternatively or in addition, one or more processors may be internal and / or local to the device. In this regard, a given circuit or component thereof may be deployed locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server such as a cloud-based server). Therefore, the "circuit" described herein may include components distributed in one or more locations.

[0079] The construction and arrangement of the suspension as shown in the exemplary embodiment are for illustrative purposes only. Although the present disclosure describes only a few embodiments in detail, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure that there are many modifications that can be made (e.g., changes in the size, size, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, changes in parameter values, changes in mounting arrangements, changes in the use of materials, changes in color, changes in orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the recorded subject matter. For example, an element shown as integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the components described herein can be made of any of a variety of materials that can provide sufficient strength or durability, and a variety of colors, textures, and combinations thereof can be used. Therefore, all of these modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the preferred embodiments and other exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A lawn mower, comprising: Drive wheels; a mowing deck including a cutting blade; a wheel motor operable to rotate the drive wheel; a cutting blade motor operable to rotate the cutting blade; as well as A battery system, comprising a battery and a battery controller, wherein the battery is configured to power the wheel motor and the cutting blade motor; the battery controller is in communication with the battery, and the battery controller comprises one or more processors and a memory storing instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors perform the following operations: determining a current threshold of the battery; broadcasting a message including the current threshold; comparing the actual current of the battery with the current threshold; as well as In response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the current threshold for a predetermined time, operation of the battery system is adjusted.

2. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold and a recommended current threshold; and The message broadcast by the battery controller includes the shutdown current threshold and the recommended current threshold.

3. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein: The battery controller comprises a plurality of power mapping tables, each of the power mapping tables comprising a different current threshold; and The determining of the current threshold includes obtaining a value of the current threshold from an activated power map of the plurality of power maps.

4. The lawn mower of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle controller communicatively coupled to the battery controller, the vehicle controller configured to operate the cutting blade motor and the wheel motor using actual current from the battery; in, The message broadcast by the battery controller is provided to the vehicle controller and includes at least one of: a suggestion to the vehicle controller to reduce the actual current of the battery, or a warning that the battery will be shut down if the actual current is not reduced; Wherein, the vehicle controller is configured to selectively disable or derate at least one of the cutting blade motor or the wheel motor in response to receiving a message from the battery controller.

5. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold; and Adjusting the operation of the battery system includes shutting down the battery in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the shutdown current threshold for a predetermined time.

6. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a recommended current threshold; as well as Adjusting the operation of the battery system includes switching from a first power map to a second power map in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the recommended current threshold for a predetermined time.

7. The lawn mower of claim 6, wherein: The first power mapping table includes a first value of the recommended current threshold; The second power map includes a second value of the recommended current threshold, the second value being different from the first value; and Switching from the first power map to the second power map includes updating the recommended current threshold from a first value to a second value.

8. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein: The battery system includes a sensor configured to measure a transient state of the battery, the transient state including at least one of a temperature, a state of charge, a voltage, or an actual current of the battery; The battery controller is configured to dynamically update a current threshold of the battery based on a measurement of a transient state of the battery.

9. A battery system comprising: a battery comprising one or more battery cells configured to be charged and discharged using an electric current; a sensor configured to measure a transient state of the battery; A battery controller in communication with the battery and the sensor, the battery controller comprising one or more processors and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the following operations: determining a current threshold of the battery according to a transient state of the battery; broadcasting a message including the current threshold; comparing the actual current of the battery with the current threshold; as well as In response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the current threshold for a predetermined time, operation of the battery system is adjusted.

10. The battery system of claim 9, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold and a recommended current threshold; and The message broadcast by the battery controller includes the shutdown current threshold and the recommended current threshold.

11. The battery system according to claim 9, wherein: The message broadcast by the battery controller is provided to the application controller and includes at least one of a suggestion to the application controller to reduce the actual current of the battery, or a warning that the battery will be shut down if the actual current is not reduced.

12. The battery system of claim 9, wherein: The battery controller includes a plurality of power mapping tables, each of the power mapping tables includes a different current threshold; and The determining of the current threshold includes obtaining a value of the current threshold from an activated power map of the plurality of power maps.

13. The battery system of claim 9, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold; and Adjusting the operation of the battery system includes shutting down the battery in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the shutdown current threshold for a predetermined time.

14. The battery system of claim 9, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a recommended current threshold; as well as Adjusting the operation of the battery system includes switching from a first power map to a second power map in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the recommended current threshold for a predetermined time.

15. The battery system of claim 14, wherein: The first power mapping table includes a first value of the recommended current threshold; The second power map includes a second value of the recommended current threshold, the second value being different from the first value; and Switching from the first power map to the second power map includes updating the recommended current threshold from a first value to a second value.

16. The battery system of claim 9, wherein: The transient state of the battery includes at least one of the temperature, state of charge, voltage or actual current of the battery; The battery controller is configured to dynamically update a current threshold of the battery based on a measurement of a transient state of the battery.

17. A method of operating a battery, the battery comprising one or more battery cells, the one or more battery cells being configured to be charged and discharged using an electric current, the method comprising: measuring a transient state of the battery; determining a current threshold of the battery according to a transient state of the battery; broadcasting a message including the current threshold; comparing the actual current of the battery with the current threshold; as well as In response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the current threshold for a predetermined time, operation of the battery system is adjusted.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold and a recommended current threshold; and The message broadcast by the battery controller includes the shutdown current threshold and the recommended current threshold.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a shutdown current threshold; and Adjusting the operation of the battery system includes shutting down the battery in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the shutdown current threshold for a predetermined time.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: The current threshold of the battery includes a recommended current threshold; as well as Adjusting the operation of the battery system includes switching from a first power map to a second power map in response to determining that an actual current of the battery exceeds the recommended current threshold for a predetermined time.

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