A method and system for managing the amount of batteries used by an aerial work platform

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of aerial work platform battery use quantity management method and system, method includes obtaining the expected working time of aerial work platform.Real-time acquisition present aerial work platform's working time, battery's battery state of charge, gear signal and operation signal.According to the relationship between the working time of aerial work platform and the battery state of charge of battery, whether aerial work platform enters energy-saving mode and the level of energy-saving mode are judged.According to the level of energy-saving mode, gear signal and operation signal, according to preset rule, message is sent to motor to adjust motor speed.The method reduces the consumption of battery energy by fine speed regulation when battery power is insufficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerial work platform technology, and in particular to a method and system for managing the battery consumption of aerial work platforms. Background Technology

[0002] Aerial work platforms are specialized vehicles used to transport workers and equipment to high altitudes for installation, maintenance, and cleaning of equipment. Most existing aerial work platforms use fuel-powered chassis, but with increasing environmental awareness and to reduce pollution and meet urban environmental protection requirements, some are now using more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly electric chassis. These electric aerial work platforms use chassis batteries for power during operation, resulting in zero emissions and low noise, effectively meeting environmental requirements.

[0003] To save costs, converting traditional fuel-powered aerial work platforms to electric power (i.e., "oil-to-electric conversion") has become an industry trend. However, the conversion process presents the following technical challenges: Due to differences in the original equipment condition, even with the same product and operation, power consumption varies, making it difficult to accurately estimate the runtime of each converted platform; aerial work platforms require extremely high reliability and predictability, and premature power loss during the scheduled working hours is unacceptable, as it could lead to personnel being trapped and posing a serious safety hazard. Therefore, how to effectively manage batteries has become a crucial technical issue that needs to be addressed.

[0004] A common battery power management method is to trigger a charging reminder alarm when the battery's remaining state of charge (SOC) drops below 20%. However, in practice, when the SOC is below 20%, even finishing touches may not be possible, and work must be stopped prematurely. From an engineering management perspective, this battery life management method has limitations. Summary of the Invention To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method for managing the battery usage of aerial work platforms, which reduces battery energy consumption by finely adjusting the rotation speed when the battery power is insufficient.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is: a method for managing the battery consumption of aerial work platforms, comprising: Obtain the estimated working time of the aerial work platform vehicle; The system can acquire in real time the current working time of the aerial work platform, the battery state of charge, gear position signal, and operation signal. Based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, determine whether the aerial work platform needs to enter the energy-saving mode and the level of the energy-saving mode; According to the energy-saving mode level, the gear signal, and the operation signal, a message is sent to the motor in accordance with a preset rule to adjust the motor speed. Furthermore, based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, determining whether the aerial work platform needs to enter energy-saving mode and the specific level of the energy-saving mode includes: When the working time is ≥ 50% of the expected working time and the battery charge status is ≥ 60%, or when the working time is ≥ 80% of the expected working time and the battery charge status is ≥ 40%, the aerial work vehicle will not enter the energy-saving mode and will execute according to the motor speed corresponding to the current gear signal and the operation signal. When the working time is greater than or equal to 50% of the expected working time and the battery state of charge is less than 60%, the aerial work platform enters the first-level energy-saving mode. When the working time is greater than or equal to 80% of the expected working time and the battery state of charge is less than 40%, the aerial work platform enters the second-level energy-saving mode. When the battery state of charge is less than 20%, the aerial work platform vehicle enters the third-level energy-saving mode.

[0006] Furthermore, the preset rules for motor speed adjustment include: When the aerial work platform is in the first-level energy-saving mode, if the gear signal is fast and the operation signal is upward, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is fast and the operation signal is downward, the motor speed is reduced to 70% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is slow, the motor speed remains unchanged. When the aerial work platform is in the second-level energy-saving mode, if the gear signal is for the high speed, the motor speed is reduced to 60% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is for the low speed, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the corresponding set speed. When the aerial work platform is in the third-level energy-saving mode, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the set speed corresponding to the slow gear.

[0007] Furthermore, when the aerial work platform vehicle enters the Level 3 energy-saving mode, it will issue a Level 1 alarm and a charging reminder. Furthermore, determining whether the aerial work platform needs to enter energy-saving mode and the level of energy-saving mode, based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, also includes: When the battery state of charge is less than 10%, the aerial work platform will not enter the energy-saving mode, but will issue a level two alarm and enter the shutdown state after a first preset time.

[0008] Furthermore, the first preset time is 60 seconds.

[0009] Furthermore, the aerial work platform acquires the working time of the aerial work platform, the battery state of charge, the gear position signal, and the operation signal according to the set refresh rate. When any one of the working time of the aerial work platform, the battery state of charge, the gear position signal, and the operation signal is lost for more than a first preset time, the aerial work platform triggers a three-level energy-saving mode.

[0010] Furthermore, the working time, the battery state of charge, gear signal, operation signal, and motor speed are transmitted to the ground monitoring terminal in real time.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: For aerial work platforms converted from gasoline to electric, the relationship between the platform's operating time and the battery's state of charge (SCC) is used to determine whether the battery can meet the subsequent working hours. This allows for the activation of different energy-saving modes. In energy-saving mode, the motor speed is adjusted based on gear and operation signals to maximize battery range while meeting operational needs, ensuring the platform doesn't run out of power after the scheduled working time. This ensures the aerial work platform doesn't shut down due to depleted battery during the planned working period; when the battery is fully charged, operational efficiency and user experience are maximized while protecting the battery.

[0012] This invention also discloses a battery consumption management system for high-altitude operations, comprising: The data acquisition module includes a timing unit, a power monitoring unit, and a signal acquisition unit. The timing unit is used to acquire the working time of the aerial work vehicle, the power monitoring unit is used to acquire the battery state of charge, and the signal acquisition unit is used to acquire gear position signals and operation signals. The signal conversion module determines whether the aerial work vehicle needs to enter energy-saving mode and the level of energy-saving mode based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work vehicle and the state of charge of the battery, and sends a speed adjustment signal to the motor according to the level of energy-saving mode, the gear signal and the operation signal according to a preset rule. An execution module is used to receive a speed control signal and adjust the motor speed according to the speed control signal.

[0013] Furthermore, the system also includes a communication module, which is used to transmit the working time, the battery state of charge, gear signal, operation signal and motor speed to the ground monitoring terminal in real time. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a system block diagram of the system in an embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Implementation The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby providing a clearer and more explicit definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0015] The present invention provides a method for managing the battery usage of aerial work platforms, which can rationally allocate batteries according to the actual working conditions of the aerial work platform, improve battery utilization and usage time, and make advance plans for battery power.

[0016] See appendix Figure 1 As shown, battery usage management methods include: S100: Obtain the estimated working time of the aerial work platform vehicle.

[0017] The estimated working hours are entered manually, based on the work plan for the day. For example, if the aerial work platform is scheduled to work for 8 hours today, then the estimated working hours for the aerial work platform are entered as 8 hours.

[0018] The S200 can acquire real-time information on the working time of the aerial work platform vehicle, the battery's state of charge, gear position signals, and operation signals.

[0019] The working time refers to the total working time after the aerial work platform vehicle starts working. The working time is calculated as follows: record the initial working time when the aerial work platform vehicle starts working; record the current working time; the working time is the current time minus the initial working time. Real-time acquisition of the working time allows for real-time understanding of how much longer the aerial work platform vehicle needs to work.

[0020] The state of charge (SOC) of a battery refers to the remaining amount of electricity, which is the proportion of the battery's nominal capacity to its usable capacity. Aerial work platforms are currently driven by electric motors, with the battery powering the motor. The battery is equipped with a battery management system (BMS), which can monitor the battery's SOC in real time.

[0021] The gear position signal and operation signal are manually input by the operator of the aerial work platform. The gear position signal includes two gears: high speed and low speed. The motor rotation speed differs between high speed and low speed; the motor rotates faster in high speed but consumes more power. The operation signal includes up and down. Under the same gear position signal, the corresponding motor speeds are different for up and down. The correspondence between the motor, gear position signal, and operation signal is recorded in the VCU and pre-written into the VCU. When the VCU receives the gear position signal and operation signal, it looks up the corresponding motor speed and sends the motor speed to the signal conversion module. For example, in high speed mode, the motor speed corresponding to up is 2000 RPM, and the motor speed corresponding to down is 1000 RPM.

[0022] S300: Based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, determine whether the aerial work platform needs to enter the energy-saving mode and the level of the energy-saving mode.

[0023] The relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform vehicle and the state of charge of the battery will affect how long the battery can support the aerial work platform vehicle to work. According to the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform vehicle and the state of charge of the battery, an appropriate energy-saving mode can be selected to save battery power.

[0024] S400 sends messages to the motor according to preset rules based on the energy-saving mode level, gear signal, and operation signal to adjust the motor speed.

[0025] In this application, battery energy is saved by reducing the speed of the motor.

[0026] This application focuses on aerial work platforms converted from gasoline to electric, specifically those purchased secondhand. Due to variations in the original condition of the aerial work platforms before conversion, even with the same product and the same operation, power consumption can differ, making it impossible to quantify the power consumption of a single operation for all platforms. Therefore, the range of each converted platform is difficult to estimate. However, for aerial work platforms, the highest priority is reliable and predictable range, preventing premature power depletion within the scheduled working time. To achieve this, power planning needs to be pre-planned based on the platform's condition, battery level, and the scheduled work completion time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the relationship between the platform's working time and the battery's state of charge (SOC) is used to determine if the battery can meet the subsequent working time. This allows for the entry of different energy-saving modes. In energy-saving mode, the motor speed is adjusted based on gear and operation signals to maximize battery range while meeting operational requirements, ensuring the platform completes its scheduled work time before running out of power.

[0027] This embodiment ensures that the aerial work platform vehicle will not stop due to depleted power during the predetermined working period; when the power is sufficient, it maximizes operational efficiency and user experience while protecting the battery.

[0028] In one embodiment, the energy-saving mode includes three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The energy-saving effect of Level 3 is greater than that of Level 2, and the energy-saving effect of Level 2 is greater than that of Level 1.

[0029] Based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, it is determined whether the aerial work platform needs to enter energy-saving mode and the specific level of energy-saving mode includes: When the working time is greater than or equal to 50% of the expected working time and the battery charge level is greater than or equal to 60%, the aerial work platform will not enter the energy-saving mode and will operate according to the motor speed corresponding to the current gear signal and the operation signal.

[0030] At this point, the remaining battery power is sufficient to support the subsequent working time, so there is no need to conserve energy. The operator is allowed to continue normal operation. At this time, the motor speed does not need to be adjusted. The motor can simply operate according to the motor speed corresponding to the current gear signal and the operation signal.

[0031] When the working time is greater than or equal to 80% of the expected working time and the battery charge level is greater than or equal to 40%, the aerial work platform will not enter the energy-saving mode and will operate according to the motor speed corresponding to the current gear signal and the operation signal.

[0032] Although the battery has little remaining power at this time, the remaining working time is also short, so it is still enough to support the subsequent working time. Therefore, there is no need to save energy, and the operator is allowed to continue to operate normally. At this time, the motor speed does not need to be adjusted. The motor can simply operate according to the motor speed corresponding to the current gear signal and the operation signal.

[0033] When the working time is greater than or equal to 50% of the expected working time and the battery state of charge is less than 60%, the aerial work platform enters the first-level energy-saving mode.

[0034] At this point, the remaining battery power may not be enough to support the remaining working time, but since the remaining battery power can still work for a while, it is sufficient to enter the first-level energy-saving mode.

[0035] When the working time is greater than or equal to 80% of the expected working time and the battery state of charge is less than 40%, the aerial work platform enters the second-level energy-saving mode.

[0036] At this point, the remaining battery power may not be enough to support the remaining working time. The remaining battery power can still work for a while, but the remaining power is small, so it enters the second-level energy-saving mode.

[0037] When the battery state of charge is less than 20%, the aerial work platform vehicle enters the third-level energy-saving mode.

[0038] At this point, the battery has a low remaining charge, so it directly enters the third-level energy-saving mode.

[0039] When the battery state of charge is less than 10%, the aerial work platform will not enter the energy-saving mode, but will issue a level two alarm and enter the shutdown state after a first preset time.

[0040] At this time, the battery power is too low. To protect the battery and prevent damage, the aerial work platform enters a shutdown state, disconnecting the battery to prevent further discharge. The battery is equipped with an on / off switch to control its operation. For example, the first preset time is 60 seconds. When the battery's state of charge drops below 10%, a level two alarm is issued, and the platform automatically enters a shutdown state after 60 seconds to protect the battery.

[0041] In one embodiment, the possible continued working time is estimated based on the working time of the aerial work platform vehicle, and the relationship between the possible continued working time and the state of charge of the battery is used to determine whether the aerial work platform vehicle needs to enter an energy-saving mode and the level of the energy-saving mode.

[0042] The preset rules for motor speed adjustment are used to reduce the motor speed when the battery power is low, in order to save battery power. The preset rules for motor speed adjustment include: When the aerial work platform is in Level 1 energy-saving mode, if the gear signal is high speed and the operation signal is upward, the motor speed decreases to 80% of the corresponding set speed. If the gear signal is high speed and the operation signal is downward, the motor speed decreases to 70% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is low speed, the motor speed remains unchanged. In Level 1 energy-saving mode, because the gear signal and operation signal are different, the motor speed adjustment is also different. When the gear signal is high speed, the speed adjustment for upward and downward movement is different, but both result in a decrease. The decrease in speed saves electricity without being noticeable to the operator, thus meeting operational needs. When the gear signal is low speed, the remaining power is sufficient for operation, so the motor speed does not decrease.

[0043] When the aerial work platform is in the second-level energy-saving mode, if the gear signal is for the fast gear, the motor speed is reduced to 60% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is for the low gear, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the corresponding set speed. In order to save power, the motor speed is reduced in both the fast and low gears.

[0044] When the aerial work platform is in Level 3 energy-saving mode, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the designated speed corresponding to the slow gear. At this time, in order to save energy, regardless of the gear signal, the speed is limited to 80% of the slow gear, thereby saving battery power and allowing the battery to work for a longer time.

[0045] In one embodiment, when the aerial work platform vehicle enters the Level 3 energy-saving mode, a Level 1 alarm is issued, along with a charging reminder, to inform the operator that it needs to be moved to another location for charging as soon as possible.

[0046] In one embodiment, the working time of the aerial work platform, the state of charge of the battery, the gear position signal and the operation signal are acquired according to a set refresh rate. When any one of the working time of the aerial work platform, the state of charge of the battery, the gear position signal and the operation signal is lost for more than a first preset time, the aerial work platform triggers a three-level energy-saving mode.

[0047] However, if any signal is lost for more than the first preset time, the battery state of charge cannot be accurately determined. To prevent the battery state of charge from being too low and causing the working time to be incomplete, the system directly enters the third-level energy-saving mode, ensuring that the aerial work platform can both work and enter the most energy-efficient mode. Upon receiving the above signal, the energy-saving mode level is reassessed.

[0048] In one embodiment, the working duration, the battery state of charge, the gear signal, the operation signal, and the motor speed are transmitted to a ground-based monitoring terminal in real time.

[0049] See appendix Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, a high-altitude work battery consumption management system adopts the above-mentioned battery consumption management method. The system includes a data acquisition module, a signal conversion module, and an execution module connected by communication.

[0050] The data acquisition module includes a timing unit, a power monitoring unit, and a signal acquisition unit. The timing unit is used to collect the working time of the aerial work platform vehicle, the power monitoring unit is used to collect the battery state of charge, and the signal acquisition unit is used to collect gear position signals and operation signals.

[0051] The signal conversion module determines whether the aerial work platform needs to enter energy-saving mode and the level of energy-saving mode based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery. Based on the level of energy-saving mode, the gear signal and the operation signal, the module sends a speed adjustment signal to the motor according to a preset rule.

[0052] The execution module is used to receive speed regulation signals and adjust the motor speed according to the speed regulation signals.

[0053] In one embodiment, the system further includes a communication module, which is used to transmit the working duration, the battery state of charge, gear signal, operation signal and motor speed to a ground-based monitoring terminal in real time.

[0054] The system also includes an alarm that can issue level one and level two alarms.

[0055] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it. They should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing the battery usage of an aerial work platform vehicle, characterized in that: include: Obtain the estimated working time of the aerial work platform vehicle; The system can acquire in real time the current working time of the aerial work platform, the battery state of charge, gear position signal, and operation signal. Based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, determine whether the aerial work platform needs to enter the energy-saving mode and the level of the energy-saving mode; According to the energy-saving mode level, the gear signal, and the operation signal, a message is sent to the motor in accordance with a preset rule to adjust the motor speed.

2. The method for managing the battery usage of aerial work platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, it is determined whether the aerial work platform needs to enter energy-saving mode and the specific level of energy-saving mode includes: When the working time is ≥ 50% of the expected working time and the battery charge status is ≥ 60%, or when the working time is ≥ 80% of the expected working time and the battery charge status is ≥ 40%, the aerial work vehicle will not enter the energy-saving mode and will execute according to the motor speed corresponding to the current gear signal and the operation signal. When the working time is greater than or equal to 50% of the expected working time and the battery state of charge is less than 60%, the aerial work platform enters the first-level energy-saving mode. When the working time is greater than or equal to 80% of the expected working time and the battery state of charge is less than 40%, the aerial work platform enters the second-level energy-saving mode. When the battery state of charge is less than 20%, the aerial work platform vehicle enters the third-level energy-saving mode.

3. The method for managing battery usage of aerial work platforms according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preset rules for motor speed regulation include: When the aerial work platform is in the first-level energy-saving mode, if the gear signal is fast and the operation signal is upward, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is fast and the operation signal is downward, the motor speed is reduced to 70% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is slow, the motor speed remains unchanged. When the aerial work platform is in the second-level energy-saving mode, if the gear signal is for the high speed, the motor speed is reduced to 60% of the corresponding set speed; if the gear signal is for the low speed, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the corresponding set speed. When the aerial work platform is in the third-level energy-saving mode, the motor speed is reduced to 80% of the set speed corresponding to the slow gear.

4. The method for managing the battery usage of aerial work platforms according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the aerial work platform vehicle enters the Level 3 energy-saving mode, it will issue a Level 1 alarm and a charging reminder.

5. The method for managing the battery usage of aerial work platforms according to claim 2, characterized in that: Based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work platform and the state of charge of the battery, determining whether the aerial work platform needs to enter energy-saving mode and the level of energy-saving mode also includes: When the battery state of charge is less than 10%, the aerial work platform will not enter the energy-saving mode, but will issue a level two alarm and enter the shutdown state after a first preset time.

6. The method for managing the battery consumption of aerial work platforms according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first preset time is 60 seconds.

7. The method for managing the battery usage of aerial work platforms according to claim 2, characterized in that: The aerial work platform acquires the working time of the aerial work platform, the battery state of charge, the gear position signal, and the operation signal according to the set refresh rate. When any one of the working time of the aerial work platform, the battery state of charge, the gear position signal, and the operation signal is lost for more than a first preset time, the aerial work platform triggers a three-level energy-saving mode.

8. The method for managing the battery usage of aerial work platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that: The working time, the battery state of charge, gear signal, operation signal, and motor speed are transmitted to the ground monitoring terminal in real time.

9. A battery consumption management system for high-altitude operations, characterized in that: include: The data acquisition module includes a timing unit, a power monitoring unit, and a signal acquisition unit. The timing unit is used to acquire the working time of the aerial work vehicle, the power monitoring unit is used to acquire the battery state of charge, and the signal acquisition unit is used to acquire gear position signals and operation signals. The signal conversion module determines whether the aerial work vehicle needs to enter energy-saving mode and the level of energy-saving mode based on the relationship between the working time of the aerial work vehicle and the state of charge of the battery, and sends a speed adjustment signal to the motor according to the level of energy-saving mode, the gear signal and the operation signal according to a preset rule. An execution module is used to receive a speed control signal and adjust the motor speed according to the speed control signal.

10. The high-altitude work battery consumption management system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The system also includes a communication module, which is used to transmit the working time, the battery state of charge, gear signal, operation signal and motor speed to the ground monitoring terminal in real time.

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