Motor control for a gas engine conversion device based on battery pack configuration data
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022534676
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-12-10
- Filing Date
- 2020-12-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-12-10
AI Technical Summary
Gas engines in outdoor power equipment produce emissions and are not optimized for performance, while lithium-ion battery-powered alternatives have limited run time due to lower energy density compared to gasoline engines.
A gas engine replacement system with a housing, battery receptacle, motor, power switching network, and electronic processors that control power distribution based on battery pack configuration data, allowing for efficient operation and extended run time.
The system provides higher performance, longer run time, and reduced emissions by optimizing power distribution and motor control based on battery pack conditions, offering advantages over traditional gas engines.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 946,226, filed December 10, 2019, and incorporates by reference in its entirety the contents thereof into this specification.
[0002] This application relates to a motor unit for replacing a gas engine, and more particularly, to a motor unit for replacing a gas engine for use with power equipment.
Background Art
[0003] Currently, some outdoor power equipment (e.g., lawn and gardening equipment) and construction equipment (e.g., concrete mixers, plate compactors) include a gas engine for operating the power equipment. However, gas engines produce emissions and generally do not adapt to the optimal performance of power equipment.
[0004] A gas engine replacement device, also called a power head, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and using an electric brushless motor, is superior in several respects to a gas engine when powering equipment. However, a battery-powered gas engine replacement device may have a limited operating time compared to a gasoline-powered engine of similar size. The energy density of gasoline is higher than that of current lithium-ion battery chemistries or other widely available battery technologies.
Summary of the Invention
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] In some embodiments, a gas engine exchange device is provided, comprising a housing; a battery receptacle coupled to the housing and configured to be detachably connected to a battery pack having memory-stored battery pack configuration data; a motor located inside the housing; a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and protruding from the side of the housing; a power switching network configured to selectively supply power from the battery pack to the motor; and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is coupled to the power switching network and configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor. The electronic processor receives battery pack configuration data in response to the connection of the battery pack to the battery receptacle and is configured to control the electric motor based on the battery pack configuration data.
[0006] In some embodiments, a gas engine exchange device is provided, comprising a housing; a battery receptacle coupled to the housing and configured to be detachably connected to a battery pack including a first electronic processor; a motor located inside the housing; a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and protruding from the side of the housing; a power switching network configured to selectively supply power from the battery pack to the motor; and a second electronic processor. The first electronic processor is configured to communicate battery pack configuration data to the second electronic processor in response to the connection of the battery pack to the battery receptacle. The second electronic processor is coupled to the power switching network and configured to control the power switching network based on the battery pack configuration data to rotate the motor. The first electronic processor is configured to monitor the state of the battery pack and communicate corrected battery pack configuration data to the second electronic processor in response to any deviations from thresholds. The second electronic processor is configured to control the electric motor based on the corrected battery pack configuration data.
[0007] In some embodiments, a gas engine exchange device is provided, comprising a housing; a battery receptacle coupled to the housing and configured to be detachably connected to a battery pack including a first electronic processor; a motor located inside the housing; a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and protruding from the side of the housing; a power switching network configured to selectively supply power from the battery pack to the motor; and a second electronic processor. The gas engine exchange device is provided, wherein the second electronic processor is coupled to the power switching network and configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor. Either the first or second electronic processor is configured to detect the battery pack connection, and accordingly, the first electronic processor is configured to communicate battery pack configuration data to the second electronic processor. The second electronic processor is configured to control the electric motor based on the battery pack configuration data.
[0008] Before describing any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their intended use to the structural and arrangement details of the components described in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The embodiments described herein can be implemented or performed in a variety of ways. It should also be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and their variations herein, means to include the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and additional items. The terms “attached,” “connected,” and “joined” are used broadly and include both direct and indirect attachment, connection, and joining. Furthermore, “connected” and “joined” are not limited to physical or mechanical connection or joining, but may include electrical connection or joining, whether direct or indirect. In addition, as used herein with the list of items, “and / or” means that the items may be taken together, as a subset, or as alternatives (for example, “A, B, and / or C” means A; B; C; A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C).
[0009] It should be noted that multiple hardware and software-based devices, as well as multiple different structural components, may be used to implement the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, as will be described in the following paragraphs, the specific configurations shown in the drawings are intended as illustrative embodiments, and other alternative configurations are possible. The terms “processor,” “central processing unit,” and “CPU” are interchangeable unless otherwise specified. When the terms “processor,” “central processing unit,” or “CPU” are used to identify a unit that performs a particular function, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, those functions may be performed by a single processor or by multiple processors arranged in any form, including parallel processors, serial processors, tandem processors, or cloud processing / cloud computing configurations.
[0010] In addition, embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, which may be illustrated and described as if, for the purposes of consideration, the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, those skilled in the art will recognize, based on reading this detailed description, that in at least one embodiment, the electronic-based aspects may be implemented in software (for example, stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units, such as a microprocessor and / or an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"). Therefore, it should be noted that multiple hardware and software-based devices, as well as multiple different structural components, may be used to implement the embodiments.
[0011] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description and consideration of the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a gas engine exchange device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the battery pack of the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the battery receptacle of the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the motor of the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the motor, gear train, and power take-off shaft of the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for controlling the battery pack configuration in a gas engine exchange device. [Figure 11] Figure 1 shows the pump system including the gas engine exchange device. [Figure 12] Figure 1 shows the mixing system including the gas engine exchange device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gas engine exchange device 10 for use with a part of the power equipment includes a housing 14 having a first side surface 18, a second side surface 22 adjacent to the first side surface 18, a third side surface 26 facing the second side surface 22, a fourth side surface 28 facing the first side surface 18, a fifth side surface 30 extending between the second and third side surfaces 22 and 26, and a sixth side surface 32 facing the fifth side surface 30. The gas engine exchange device 10 also includes a flange 34 coupled to the housing 14 at the first side surface 18, an electric motor 36 located inside the housing 14, and a power take-off shaft 38 protruding from the second side surface 22 and receiving torque from the motor 36. In some embodiments, as will be described in more detail below, the power take-off shaft 38 protrudes from the first side surface 18 and the flange 34. As shown in Figure 3, the gas engine exchange device 10 also includes control electronics 42, including wiring and a controller 46, which are located inside the housing 14 and electrically connected to the motor 36. A similar gas engine exchange device 10 is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 551,197, filed August 26, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0014] As shown in Figures 1-6, the gas engine exchange device 10 also includes a battery pack 50 that is detachably connected to a battery receptacle 54 in the housing 14 and transmits current from the battery pack 50 to the motor 36 via control electronics 42. In some embodiments, multiple battery packs 50 are connected to multiple battery receptacles 54 in the housing 14. Referring to Figures 4-6, the battery pack 50 includes a battery pack housing 58 having a support 62 and first terminals 66 that are electrically connected to multiple battery cells 68 supported by the battery pack housing 58. The support 62 provides a slide-on configuration having a projection / recess 70 that cooperates with a complementary projection / recess 74 (shown in Figure 6) of the battery receptacle 54. In embodiments shown in Figures 4-6, the projection / recess 70 of the battery pack 50 is a guide rail, and the projection / recess 74 of the battery receptacle 54 is a guide recess. Similar battery packs are described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0006980, filed July 2, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the battery cells 68 have a nominal voltage of up to approximately 80V. In some embodiments, the battery cells 68 have a nominal voltage of up to approximately 120V. In some embodiments, the battery pack 50 has a weight of up to approximately 6 lb. In some embodiments, each of the battery cells 68 has a diameter of up to 21 mm and a length of up to approximately 71 mm. In some embodiments, the battery pack 50 contains up to 20 battery cells 68. In some embodiments, the battery cells 68 are connected in series. In some embodiments, the battery cells 68 are operable to output a sustained operating discharge current between approximately 20A and 60A, 20A and 50A, 30A and 50A, 20A and 40A, or 40A and 60A. In some embodiments, each of the battery cells 68 has a capacity between approximately 3.0 Ah and approximately 5.0 Ah.
[0015] Although various concepts are described herein as applicable to gas engine exchange devices, in some embodiments these concepts may be applicable to other applications where the motor is not the load. For example, the load may be a lighting system powered by a battery pack 50.
[0016] Figure 6 shows a battery receptacle 54 of a gas engine exchange device 10 according to several embodiments. The battery receptacle 54 includes a projection / recess 74, a second terminal 78, a latch mechanism 82, and a power cut-off switch 86. The projection / recess 74 cooperates with the projection / recess 70 of the battery pack 50 to mount the battery pack 50 onto the battery receptacle 54 of the gas engine exchange device 10. Once the battery pack 50 is mounted on the gas engine exchange device 10, the second terminal 78 and the first terminal 66 are electrically connected. The latch mechanism 82 protrudes from the surface of the battery receptacle 54 and is configured to engage with the battery pack 50 to maintain the engagement between the battery pack 50 and the battery receptacle 54. Thus, the battery pack 50 is connectable to and thereby supportable by the battery receptacle 54, so as to be supported by the housing 14 of the gas engine exchange device 10. In some embodiments, the battery pack receptacle 54 is positioned on the housing 14 at a location that creates the maximum possible separation distance between the motor 36 and the battery pack 50 in order to suppress vibrations transmitted from the motor 36 to the battery pack 50. In some embodiments, an elastomer member is positioned on the battery pack receptacle 54 in order to suppress vibrations transmitted from the motor 36 to the battery pack 50 through the housing 14.
[0017] In other embodiments (not shown), the latch mechanism 82 may be disposed at various positions (e.g., side walls, end walls, upper end walls, etc. of the battery receptacle 54) such that the latch mechanism 82 engages with a corresponding structure on the battery pack 50 to maintain the engagement between the battery pack 50 and the battery receptacle 54. The latch mechanism 82 includes a pivotable actuator or handle 90 that is operably engaged with the latch member 94. The latch member 94 is slidably disposed within the bore 99 of the battery pack receptacle 54 and is biased toward the latch position by a biasing member 103 (e.g., a spring) to project through the surface of the battery receptacle 54 into the cavity within the battery pack 50.
[0018] The latch mechanism 82 also includes a power cut-off switch 86 (e.g., a microswitch) that facilitates electrically connecting / disconnecting the battery pack 50 from the battery receptacle 54 during the operation of the handle 90 that pulls the latch member 94 out of the battery pack 50. The power cut-off switch 86 may act to electrically disconnect the battery pack 50 from the gas engine replacement device 10 before removing the battery pack 50 from the battery receptacle 54. The power cut-off switch 86 operates when the latch member 94 moves from the latch position (i.e., when the latch member 94 is fully inside the cavity of the battery pack 50) to an intermediate position. The power cut-off switch 86 is electrically connected to the controller 46 and may generate an interrupt indicating that the battery pack 50 is disconnected from the gas engine replacement device 10. When the controller 46 receives the interrupt, the controller 46 initiates a power-off operation to safely power off the control electronics 42 of the gas engine replacement device 10. Similar latch mechanisms and cut-off switches are described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0006980, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 7, the motor 36 includes a motor housing 96 having an outer diameter of 97, a stator 98 having a nominal outer diameter 101 of up to about 80 mm, a rotor 102 having an output shaft 106 and supported for rotation within the stator 98, and a fan 108. A similar motor is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0006980, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the motor 36 is a brushless DC motor. In some embodiments, the motor 36 has an electrical power output of at least about 2760 W. In some embodiments, the electrical power output of the motor 36 may drop below 2760 W during operation. In some embodiments, the fan 108 has a diameter 109 that is larger than the diameter 97 of the motor housing 96. In some embodiments, the motor 36 can be stopped by an electronic clutch (not shown) for rapid overload control. In some embodiments, the motor 36 has a volume of up to about 443,619 mm 3 . In some embodiments, the motor has a weight of up to about 4.6 lb. The housing 14 includes an inlet vent and an outlet vent such that the motor fan 108 draws air along the control electronics 42 through the inlet vent and cools the control electronics 42 before the air is discharged through the outlet vent. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the motor 36 is an internal rotor motor, but in other embodiments, the motor 36 can be an external rotor motor having a nominal outer diameter (i.e., the nominal outer diameter of the rotor) of up to about 80 mm. In some embodiments, the motor has a nominal outer diameter greater than 80 mm, such as up to 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, or 125 mm.
[0020] Referring to Figure 8, the motor 36 can transmit torque to the power take shaft 38 in various configurations. In some embodiments, the output shaft 106 is also the power take shaft 38, such that the motor 36 directly drives the power take shaft 38 without any intermediate gear train. For example, the motor 36 may be a direct-drive multi-pole motor. As shown in Figure 8, in other embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 includes a gear train 110 that transmits torque from the motor 36 to the power take shaft 38. In some embodiments, the gear train 110 may include a mechanical clutch (not shown) that interrupts the transmission of torque from the motor 36 to the power take shaft 38. In some embodiments, the gear train 110 may include a planetary transmission that transmits torque from the output shaft 106 to the power take shaft 38, and the axis of rotation of the output shaft 106 is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the power take shaft 38. In some embodiments, the gear train 110 includes spur gears that engage with the rotor's output shaft 106 such that the axis of rotation of the output shaft 106 is offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the power take-off shaft 38. In some embodiments, the gear train 110 includes bevel gears such that the axis of rotation of the output shaft 106 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the power take-off shaft 38. In other embodiments utilizing bevel gears, the axis of rotation of the output shaft 106 is not perpendicular, parallel, or coaxial with the axis of rotation of the power take-off shaft 38, and the power take-off shaft 38 protrudes from the flange 34.
[0021] In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 includes an on / off indicator (not shown). In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 includes a filter (not shown) to prevent airborne debris from entering the motor 36 and control electronics 42. In some embodiments, the filter includes a fouling filter sensor (not shown) and a self-cleaning mechanism (not shown). In some embodiments, the motor 36 will mimic a gas engine response when encountering resistance such as deceleration or getting stuck in mud. In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 includes a heat sink 202 within the housing 14 for air-cooling the control electronics 42 (Figures 1 and 2). In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 is liquid-cooled.
[0022] In some embodiments, the output shaft 106 of the rotor 102 has both forward and reverse capabilities, as further described below. In some embodiments, the forward and reverse capabilities are controllable without shifting the gears of the gear train 110, compared to a gas engine which cannot achieve forward / reverse capabilities without extra gears and time delays. Thus, the gas engine exchange device 10 offers higher speed, lighter weight, and lower cost. The gas engine exchange device 10 also offers additional speed, weight, and cost advantages compared to a gas engine, as it has fewer moving parts and no combustion system.
[0023] The gas engine exchange device 10 can operate in any orientation relative to the ground (vertical, horizontal, or upside down) for extended periods, offering advantages over four-stroke gas engines that can only operate for short periods in one orientation and slight incline. Because the gas engine exchange device 10 does not require gas, oil, or other fluids, it can be operated, transported, and stored upside down or on any given side without leakage or spillage.
[0024] During operation, the gas engine system can be replaced using the gas engine replacement device 10. Specifically, the gas engine replacement device 10 can be attached to a part of a power equipment having a second bolt pattern by aligning a first bolt pattern defined by a plurality of apertures in the flange 34 with a second bolt pattern. In some embodiments, the flange 34 may include one or more intermediate mounting members or adapters positioned between the flange 34 itself and the flange of the part of the power equipment having the second bolt pattern, such that the adapter connects the flange 34 to the power equipment. In these embodiments, the adapter includes both the second and first bolt patterns such that the first bolt pattern of the flange 34 aligns with the first bolt pattern of the adapter, and the second bolt pattern of the adapter aligns with the second bolt pattern defined on the part of the power equipment, thereby enabling the flange 34 of the gas engine replacement device 10 to be connected to the part of the power equipment.
[0025] Alternatively, the gas engine exchange device 10 can be connected to a part of the power equipment using a belt system by providing a belt that operably connects the power take-off shaft and the equipment bit. Thus, the power take-off shaft 38 of the gas engine exchange device 10 can be used to drive equipment.
[0026] During operation, the housing 14 of the gas engine exchange unit 10 is considerably cooler than the housing of the internal combustion unit because there is no combustion in the gas engine exchange unit 10. Specifically, when the gas engine unit is in operation, the housing of the gas engine unit reaches over 220°C. In contrast, when the gas engine exchange unit 10 is in operation, the entire outer surface of the housing 14 is below 95°C. Tables 1 and 2 below further specifically list the temperature limits of various components on the housing 14 of the gas engine exchange unit 10.
[0027] Table 1 below lists the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) temperature limits for various components commonly used in power tools, depending on whether those components are made of metal, plastic, rubber, wood, porcelain, or glass. For example, in at least some embodiments, the rated temperature of plastic is never exceeded by the gas engine exchange device 10.
[0028] [Table 1]
[0029] Table 2 below lists the UL temperature limits for various components of the battery pack housing 58 of the battery pack 50, depending on whether those components are made of metal, plastic, or rubber. For example, in at least some embodiments, the rated temperature of the plastic is not exceeded by the gas engine exchange device 10.
[0030] [Table 2]
[0031] Figure 9 shows a simplified block diagram of a gas engine exchange device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the gas engine exchange device 10 includes an electronic processor 302, a memory 306, a battery pack 50, a power switching network 310, a motor 36, a rotor position sensor 314, a current sensor 318, a user input device 322 (e.g., throttle, trigger, or power button), a transceiver 326, an indicator 330 (e.g., a light-emitting diode), and a vibration sensor 320. In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 includes fewer or additional components than those shown in Figure 9. For example, the gas engine exchange device 10 may include a battery pack fuel gauge, work lights, additional sensors, a kill switch, a power cut-off switch 86, etc. In some embodiments, the elements of the gas engine exchange device 10 shown in Figure 9, which include one or more of the following: an electronic processor 302, a memory 306, a power switching network 310, a rotor position sensor 314, a current sensor 318, a user input device 322, a transceiver 326, an indicator 330, and a vibration sensor 320, form at least part of the control electronics 42 shown in Figure 3, and the electronic processor 302 and the memory 306 form at least part of the controller 46 shown in Figure 3.
[0032] Memory 306 includes read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), other non-temporary computer-readable media, or a combination thereof. The electronic processor 302 is configured to communicate with memory 306 to store and retrieve stored data. The electronic processor 302 is configured to receive instructions and data from memory 306 and, in particular, to execute instructions. Specifically, the electronic processor 302 executes instructions stored in memory 306 to perform the methods described herein.
[0033] As described above, in some embodiments, the battery pack 50 is detachably connected to the housing of the gas engine exchange device 10 so that different battery packs 50 may be attached to and detached from the gas engine exchange device 10 to provide different amounts of power to the gas engine exchange device 10. Further descriptions of the battery pack 50 (e.g., nominal voltage, sustained discharge current, size, number of cells, operation, etc.) and the motor 36 (e.g., output, size, operation, etc.) are provided above with reference to Figures 1-8.
[0034] The power switching network 310 allows the electronic processor 302 to control the operation of the motor 36. Generally, when the user input device 322 is pressed (or otherwise activated), current is supplied from the battery pack 50 to the motor 36 via the power switching network 310. When the user input device 322 is not pressed (or otherwise activated), no current is supplied from the battery pack 50 to the motor 36. In some embodiments, the amount by which the user input device 322 is pressed relates to or corresponds to a desired rotational speed of the motor 36. In other embodiments, the amount by which the user input device 322 is pressed relates to or corresponds to a desired torque. In other embodiments, a separate input device (e.g., a slider, dial, etc.) that communicates with the electronic processor 302 to provide a desired rotational speed or torque to the motor 36 is included in the gas engine exchange device 10.
[0035] In response to the electronic processor 302 receiving a drive request signal from the user input device 322, the electronic processor 302 activates the power switching network 310 to supply power to the motor 36. Through the power switching network 310, the electronic processor 302 controls the amount of current available to the motor 36, thereby controlling the speed and torque output of the motor 36. The power switching network 310 may include a number of field-effect transistors (FETs), bipolar transistors, or other types of electrical switches. For example, the power switching network 310 may include a 6-FET bridge (see Figure 10) that receives a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from the electronic processor 302 to drive the motor 36.
[0036] The rotor position sensor 314 and the current sensor 318 are coupled to the electronic processor 302 and transmit various control signals to the electronic processor 302 indicating different parameters of the gas engine exchange device 10 or the motor 36. In some embodiments, the rotor position sensor 314 includes one Hall sensor or multiple Hall sensors. In other embodiments, the rotor position sensor 314 includes a right-angle phase encoder mounted on the motor 36. The rotor position sensor 314 outputs motor feedback information to the electronic processor 302, such as an indicator (e.g., a pulse) when the magnets of the motor 36's rotor rotate across the surface of the Hall sensor. In yet another embodiment, the rotor position sensor 314 includes, for example, a voltage or current sensor that provides an indicator of the back electromotive force (inverse EMF) generated in the motor coil. The electronic processor 302 may determine the rotor position, rotor speed, and rotor acceleration based on the back EMF signal received from the rotor position sensor 314, i.e., the voltage or current sensor. The rotor position sensor 314 can be combined with the current sensor 318 to form a combined current and rotor position sensor. In this embodiment, the combined sensor provides current to the active phase coils of the motor 36 and also provides current to one or more inactive phase coils of the motor 36. The electronic processor 302 measures the current flowing to the motor based on the current flowing to the active phase coils and measures the motor speed based on the current in the inactive phase coils.
[0037] Based on motor feedback information from the rotor position sensor 314, the electronic processor 302 can determine the rotor's position, velocity, and acceleration. In response to the motor feedback information and signals from the user input device 322, the electronic processor 302 transmits control signals to control the power switching network 310 and drive the motor 36. For example, by selectively enabling and disabling the FETs of the power switching network 310, power received from the battery pack 50 is periodically and selectively applied to the stator windings of the motor 36 to rotate the motor's rotor. The motor feedback information is used by the electronic processor 302 to ensure the proper timing of control signals to the power switching network 310 and, in some cases, to provide closed-loop feedback to control the motor 36's speed to a desired level. For example, in order to drive the motor 36, the electronic processor 302 uses motor positioning information from the rotor position sensor 314 to determine where the rotor magnet is located relative to the stator windings, and (a) energizes the next pair (or more pairs) of stator windings in a predetermined pattern to apply a magnetic force to the rotor magnet in the desired direction of rotation, and (b) demagnetizes the previously energized pair (or more pairs) of stator windings to prevent the application of a magnetic force to the rotor magnet opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor.
[0038] The current sensor 318 monitors or detects the current level of the motor 36 during the operation of the gas engine exchange device 10 and provides a control signal indicating the detected current level to the electronic processor 302. The electronic processor 302 may use the detected current level to control the power switching network 310, as will be described in more detail below.
[0039] The transceiver 326 enables communication between the electronic processor 302 and an external device 338 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer) via a wired or wireless network 334. In some embodiments, the transceiver 326 may comprise separate transmitting and receiving components. In some embodiments, the transceiver 326 may comprise a wireless adapter attached to the gas engine exchange device 10. In some embodiments, the transceiver 326 is a wireless transceiver that encodes information received from the electronic processor 302 into a carrier radio signal and transmits the encoded radio signal to the external device 338 via the communication network 334. The transceiver 326 also decodes information from the radio signal received from the external device 338 via the communication network 334 and provides the decoded information to the electronic processor 302. In some embodiments, the transceiver 326 communicates with one or more external sensors 340 via the communication network 334. For example, the external sensors 340 may be associated with equipment to which the gas engine exchange device 10 is attached. In some embodiments, the external sensor 340 is a speed sensor, a position sensor, etc. In some embodiments, the battery pack 50 includes a transceiver. In some embodiments, the battery pack transceiver communicates wirelessly with the power tool 10 or an external device 338 via a transceiver 326. In some embodiments, the external device 338 communicates data, such as battery pack configuration data, to the power tool 10. For example, the transceiver in the battery pack 50 can communicate battery pack configuration data to the external device 338, and the external device 338 can communicate battery pack configuration data to the transceiver 326 in the power tool 10.
[0040] The communication network 334 provides wired or wireless connectivity between the gas engine exchange device 10, the external device 338, and the external sensor 340. The communication network 334 may include a short-range network, such as a Bluetooth network or Wi-Fi network, or a long-range network, such as the Internet or a cellular network.
[0041] As shown in Figure 9, the indicator 330 is also coupled to the electronic processor 302 and receives control signals from the electronic processor 302 to turn on and off or otherwise transmit information based on different states of the gas engine exchange unit 10. The indicator 330 includes, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes ("LEDs") or a display screen. The indicator 330 may be configured to display the state of the gas engine exchange unit 10 or information related thereto. For example, the indicator 330 may be configured to show the measured electrical characteristics of the gas engine exchange unit 10, the state of the gas engine exchange unit 10, the mode of the gas engine exchange unit 10, etc. The indicator 330 may also include elements that transmit information to the user via audible or tactile output. In some embodiments, the indicator 330 includes an eco-indicator that shows the amount of energy being used by the load during operation.
[0042] The connections between the components of the gas engine exchange unit 10 are simplified in Figure 9. In reality, the wiring of the gas engine exchange unit 10 is more complex, as its components are interconnected by several wires for power and control signals. For example, each FET in the power switching network 310 is separately connected to the electronic processor 302 by a control line, each FET in the power switching network 310 is connected to the terminals of the motor 36, and the power line from the battery pack 50 to the power switching network 310 includes a positive wire and a negative / ground wire, etc. In addition, the power lines may have a larger gauge / diameter to handle increased currents. Furthermore, although not shown, additional control and power lines are used to interconnect additional components of the gas engine exchange unit 10.
[0043] In some embodiments, the battery pack 50 includes an electronic processor 336, a memory 339, and one or more battery sensors 341. The memory 339 includes read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), non-temporary computer-readable medium, or a combination thereof. The electronic processor 336 is configured to communicate with the memory 339 to store and retrieve stored data. The electronic processor 336 is configured to receive instructions and data from the memory 339 and, in particular, to execute instructions. Specifically, the electronic processor 336 executes instructions stored in the memory 339 to perform the battery control functions described herein. The battery sensors 341 provide information associated with the temperature battery pack 50, such as temperature, charge stage, discharge rate, etc. The sensors 341 can provide information to the electronic processor 336, which may, for example, store sensor data in the memory 339, analyze the information, react and act, or both. In some embodiments, the memory 339 stores battery configuration data, such as maximum discharge current and service life parameters (e.g., manufacturing date or number of charge / discharge cycles). In some embodiments, the battery configuration data may be identified non-digitally by reading or identifying values such as capacitance, resistance, inductance, and magnetic field strength associated with the battery pack 50, which may be identified by, for example, the gas engine exchange device 10.
[0044] The electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 communicates with the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device 10 to exchange configuration data and status data associated with the battery pack 50. In some embodiments, the configuration data includes the maximum discharge current associated with the battery pack. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 336 also communicates status data associated with the battery pack 50 to the electronic processor 302, such as years of use, charge stage, and discharge rate. The electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 can communicate with the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device via a wired or wireless interface.
[0045] The battery pack 50 has a specific arrangement of cells that affects its power supply capacity. Different cell types may provide different current levels at the recommended operating temperature. For example, a "30T" cell may be able to discharge continuously at 30A in the battery pack 50 with a specific airflow design that reaches thermal equilibrium at a temperature below the maximum allowable temperature of the battery pack 50. A "40T" cell may only be able to discharge at 25A in a similar design. If the gas engine exchange device 10 is optimized for 30A discharge, this may result in a high temperature condition in the "40T" battery pack 50 in a similar use case without discharging all the available energy inside the cell. If a high temperature condition is reached, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 signals a fault condition until the battery pack 50 cools to an allowable temperature and suspends power before the remaining charge in the battery pack 50 becomes accessible. Alternatively, if the gas engine exchange device 10 is optimized for a 25A discharge, the gas engine exchange device 10 will operate at a lower, potentially less desirable operating load point, which may result in the gas engine exchange device 10 completing its function at a lower rate or with lower efficiency.
[0046] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 for controlling the battery pack configuration in the gas engine exchange device 10 of Figure 1. The connection or insertion of the battery pack 50 is detected in block 405. In some embodiments, an electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 detects the connection of the battery pack 50, while in other embodiments, an electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device 10 detects the connection of the battery pack 50. In some embodiments, the connection of the battery pack 50 is detected by the electronic processor 336 or the electronic processor 302 either (a) using wired communication from the other of the electronic processor 336 and the electronic processor 302, or (b) by a hardware detection circuit that detects or measures a change in resistance or voltage (e.g., at terminals 66 or 78) above a certain threshold and provides a signal to the electronic processor 336 or the electronic processor 302.
[0047] Battery pack configuration data is communicated to the gas engine exchange device in block 410. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 transmits the battery pack configuration data in response to the detection of a connection in block 405. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device 10 records the battery pack 50 and retrieves the battery pack configuration data in response to the detection of the insertion of the battery pack 50 in block 405. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device 10 reads the battery pack configuration data directly from the memory 339 in the battery pack 50. In embodiments where the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device 10 reads the battery pack configuration data directly from the memory 339 in the battery pack 50, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 may be omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the battery pack configuration data parameters may be measured or estimated. For example, techniques including pulsating a current and measuring the voltage drop or resistance in the battery pack 50 in response to the pulse may be used to measure the battery pack configuration parameters.
[0048] Upon receiving the data, the gas engine exchange device 10 stores the battery pack configuration data in the memory 306. In some embodiments, the battery pack configuration data includes parameters such as cell size, maximum cell temperature, maximum discharge current, and minimum operating speed. The battery pack configuration data may be written to the memory 339 of the battery pack 50 during manufacturing, or it may be written again by an authorized service center during periodic inspection or calibration cycles. In some embodiments, the maximum discharge current represents the maximum current that the battery pack 50 can provide until discharge is completed without thermal overload.
[0049] In block 412, the electronic processor 302 of the gas engine exchange device 10 operates the motor 36 based on battery pack configuration data received from the battery pack 50. For example, the electronic processor 302 can control the motor 36 using a motor control algorithm that takes into account a maximum discharge current to ensure that the current drawn from the battery pack 50 does not exceed a specific maximum discharge current. In some embodiments, a current sensor 318 measures current parameters such as motor current and is used by the electronic processor 302 to estimate the discharge current. In some embodiments, the current sensor 318 directly monitors the current drawn from the battery pack 50 as a current parameter. In some embodiments, a battery sensor 341 measures the battery current as a current parameter. In some embodiments, the motor current is measured indirectly by measuring the motor back EMF signal, for example from the output of the rotor position sensor 314, or by measuring the voltage drop of the motor 36.
[0050] In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 can initialize the motor control algorithm by operating the motor at 100% PWM (i.e., controlling the switches of the power switching network 310 using a control signal with a 100% PWM duty cycle) while monitoring the current drawn from the battery pack 50 compared to the maximum discharge current identified in the battery pack configuration data. When the current from the battery pack 50 reaches the maximum discharge current, the electronic processor 302 can reduce the PWM parameter to reduce the amount of power consumed compared to 100% PWM operation. The electronic processor 302 can continue with lower PWM parameters until it reaches a minimum device operating setting or 0% PWM. In this way, the electronic processor 302 can generate an operating curve that associates the PWM parameter with the current drawn from the gas engine exchange unit 10 under the current ambient environment. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 stores upper limits of the PWM parameter identified based on the maximum discharge current in memory 306. The electronic processor 302 can control the operation of the gas engine exchange device 10 based on PWM parameter upper limits without continuously monitoring the current drawn from the battery pack 50. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 can continuously monitor the current drawn from the battery pack 50, compare the measured current to the maximum discharge current, and reduce the duty cycle of PWM parameters, such as the signals driving the power switching network 310, in accordance with the current exceeding the maximum discharge current.
[0051] In some embodiments, the control algorithm used by the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device 10 can use predefined operating parameters, such as PWM parameter limits, which are defined as functions of battery pack configuration data, such as cell size, maximum cell temperature, maximum discharge current, and discharge state. For example, a lookup table that maps various battery pack configuration data to the relevant PWM limits may be used.
[0052] In some embodiments, method 400 terminates at block 412, and the remaining steps are not performed. In other embodiments, the method proceeds to block 415.
[0053] In block 415, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 monitors the state of the battery pack. In some embodiments, the state of the battery pack includes a temperature parameter. In some embodiments, the state of the battery pack includes the C rate of battery pack replacement or power usage by the gas engine exchange device 10. The maximum discharge current associated with the battery pack 50 is generally set based on certain assumptions about the thermal state of the battery pack 50 in operation, such as the airflow design for cooling the battery pack 50. In certain conditions, cooling may be compromised, or the ambient temperature may be raised so that the actual operating conditions differ from the assumptions. As a result, the temperature of the battery pack 50 may approach a fault threshold even if the gas engine exchange device 10 does not exceed the maximum discharge current. In some embodiments, the maximum discharge current may be set based on an assumed discharge rate for the battery pack 50. For example, it may be assumed that the battery pack 50 can deliver power at the maximum discharge current for a known time, thereby determining the discharge rate. The actual rate at which a charge discharges may differ based on the state, such as temperature or other factors. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 monitors the battery pack discharge rate as a state of the battery pack.
[0054] The electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 determines whether the state of the battery pack 50 deviates from a threshold in block 420. For example, the temperature of the battery pack 50 measured by the battery sensor 341 may exceed the threshold, or the battery pack depletion rate may exceed the threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold is set to a level below a fault threshold that could cause a power interruption.
[0055] If the threshold is deviated in block 420, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 modifies the battery pack configuration data. For example, the maximum discharge current of the battery pack 50 may be reduced. In embodiments where the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 is omitted, the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange device 10 can receive data from the battery sensor 341, determine whether the state of the battery pack 50 violates the threshold in block 420, and modify the battery pack configuration data.
[0056] The modified battery pack configuration data is communicated to the gas engine exchange unit 10 in block 425. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 transfers the modified battery pack configuration data to the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange unit 10. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 in the gas engine exchange unit 10 records the battery pack 50 at regular intervals or during operating cycles to identify changes in the battery pack configuration data. In embodiments where the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 is omitted, the electronic processor 302 modifies the battery pack configuration data.
[0057] In some embodiments, upon receiving modified battery pack configuration data, the electronic processor 302 stores the modified battery pack configuration data (e.g., updated or overwritten previous battery pack configuration data) in memory 306, thereby modifying its control algorithm. For example, the modified maximum discharge current may be stored in memory 306. In some embodiments, the PWM initialization routine described above may be repeated to generate new PWM limits, or the lookup table may be accessed based on the modified battery pack configuration data. At a later point, for example, after the temperature of the battery pack 50 has been lowered to a lower level, the electronic processor 336 in the battery pack 50 may again modify the battery pack configuration data to increase the maximum discharge current. In this way, the maximum discharge current associated with the battery pack 50 may be dynamically controlled based on the actual operating environment of the gas engine exchange device 10.
[0058] The method then returns to block 412, where the electronic processor 302 operates the motor using the modified battery pack configuration data from block 425 (i.e., the modified battery pack configuration data).
[0059] The mechanical system described above, driven by the gas engine exchange device 10, offers many advantages over conventional equipment driven by internal combustion engines, some of which are described below.
[0060] In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 can be mated with a new device, and the memory 306 can be reprogrammed to optimize the gas engine exchange device 10 for operation with the new device. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 automatically recognizes what type of new device the gas engine exchange device 10 is mated with and manages the operation of the gas engine exchange device 10 accordingly. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 can automatically detect which device the gas engine exchange device 10 is mated with via radio frequency identification (RFID) communication with the new device.
[0061] In some embodiments, the memory 306 is reprogrammable via either a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication protocol. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 has control modes for different uses of the same device. The control modes may be preset or user-programmable and may be programmed remotely via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 utilizes master / slave device communication and cooperation so that the gas engine exchange device 10 can perform one-way control over the device, or so that an operator can perform one-way control over the gas engine exchange device 10 using a smartphone application.
[0062] In some embodiments, the operator or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is granted limited access to control the speed of the gas engine exchanger 10 through the electronic processor 302 via an interface such as a Controller Area Network (CAN). In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 allows for a wider range of speed selection than a gasoline engine through a single set of gears in the gear train 110. For example, the control electronics 42 is configured to drive the motor 36 at less than 2,000 RPM, which is lower than any speed a gasoline engine can achieve, allowing the associated equipment to have a longer total run time than a gasoline engine over the full discharge of the battery pack 50. In addition, the control electronics 42 is configured to drive the motor above 3,600 RPM, which is higher than any speed a gasoline engine can achieve and has the ability to output more torque. The wider speed range of the motor 36 provides higher efficiency and capability than a gasoline engine. In some embodiments, the operator may have access to control the current drawn by the motor 36 in addition to the speed.
[0063] In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 is configured to record and report data. For example, the electronic processor 302 is configured to provide wired or wireless diagnostics for monitoring and reading the status of the gas engine exchange unit 10. For example, the electronic processor 302 can monitor and record the running time of the gas engine exchange unit 10, for example, in a rental scenario. In some embodiments, the motor 36 and the electronic processor 302 use regenerative braking to charge the battery pack 50. In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange unit 10 includes a DC output for lighting or accessories. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 can detect abnormalities or malfunctions of the gas engine exchange unit 10 via voltage, current, motion, speed, and / or thermocouples. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 can detect unintended use or shutdown of the gas engine exchange unit 10. If the equipment driven by the gas engine exchange unit 10 is not operating with its intended characteristics or is not being used correctly or safely, the electronic processor 302 can detect the abnormality and shut down the gas engine exchange unit 10. For example, the gas engine exchange device 10 may include one or more accelerometers that sense whether the gas engine exchange device 10 and the equipment are in the intended orientation. Also, if the electronic processor 302 determines that the gas engine exchange device 10 is not in the intended orientation (i.e., the equipment has tipped over), the electronic processor 302 may shut down the gas engine exchange device 10.
[0064] In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 includes an accessible sensor support (not shown) electrically connected to a user-selectable sensor for use with some of the power equipment, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS unit, or real-time clock, allowing the operator to customize the variables sensed and detected by the electronic processor 302. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 can indicate the status of the battery pack 50, such as when the battery is depleted, to the operator via visual, auditory, or tactile notification. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 302 can operate an auxiliary motor separate from the motor 36 to drive an auxiliary device such as a winch. The auxiliary motor may be located inside or outside the gas engine exchange device 10.
[0065] In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 may include digital control on a customizable user interface such as a touch display or a combination of knobs and buttons. In contrast, the analog gasoline engine does not include such digital control. In some embodiments, the user interface for the gas engine exchange device 10 may be modular, wired, or wireless, and may be mountable on the gas engine exchange device 10 or handheld. In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 may be controlled by remote control, including status indicators for certain characteristics of the gas engine exchange device 10, such as the charge and temperature of the battery pack 50. In some embodiments, the gas engine exchange device 10 may provide status indication by a remote programmable device.
[0066] Figures 11 and 12 show examples of power equipment driven by a gas engine exchange device 10 implementing the method 400 described above. Figure 11 shows a pump system 1100 including a frame 1102 that supports the gas engine exchange device 10 and a pump 1104, the gas engine exchange device 10 being operable to drive the pump 1104. The illustrated pump 1104 is a centrifugal pump having an impeller positioned inside the housing 1106 of the pump 1104, which is rotatable about an axis to move from the inlet 1108 of the pump 1104 to the outlet 1110 of the pump 1104. Figure 12 shows a mixing system 1200 including the gas engine exchange device 10 and a frame 1205 that supports a mixing drum 1210, the gas engine exchange device 10 being operable to rotate the mixing drum 1210.
Claims
1. A gas engine replacement device, Housing and a battery receptacle coupled to the housing and configured to removably connect to a battery pack having a memory storing battery pack configuration data; a motor located within the housing; a power take-off shaft that receives torque from the motor and protrudes from a side surface of the housing; a power switching network configured to selectively provide power from the battery pack to the motor; a first electronic processor coupled to the power switching network and configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor, receiving the battery pack configuration data in response to connection of the battery pack to the battery receptacle; a first electronic processor configured to control the power switching network based on the battery pack configuration data; A gas engine replacement device comprising:
2. The gas engine replacement apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first electronic processor is configured to read the battery pack configuration data from the memory.
3. the battery pack configuration data includes a maximum discharge current; The gas engine replacement arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the first electronic processor is configured to control a pulse width modulation parameter used in controlling the power switching network based on the maximum discharge current.
4. the first electronic processor generates an upper limit for the pulse width modulation parameter based on the maximum discharge current; The gas engine replacement arrangement of claim 3 configured to control the power switching network based on the upper limit of the pulse width modulation parameter.
5. the gas engine replacement device includes a current sensor configured to measure a current parameter; the current parameter includes at least one of a battery current or a motor current; 4. The gas engine replacement arrangement of claim 3, wherein the first electronic processor is configured to control the pulse width modulation parameter used in controlling the power switching network based on the current parameter and the maximum discharge current.
6. The battery pack reading the battery pack configuration data from the memory; The gas engine replacement apparatus of claim 1 including a second electronic processor configured to communicate the battery pack configuration data to the first electronic processor.
7. The battery pack monitoring the status of the battery pack; and communicating modified battery pack configuration data to the first electronic processor in response to the threshold out-of-range condition. a second electronic processor configured to: The first electronic processor: configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor based on the modified battery pack configuration data.
2. The gas engine replacement device according to claim 1.
8. A gas engine replacement device, Housing and a battery receptacle coupled to the housing and configured to removably connect to a battery pack including a first electronic processor; a motor located within the housing; a power take-off shaft that receives torque from the motor and protrudes from a side surface of the housing; a power switching network configured to selectively provide power from the battery pack to the motor; a second electronic processor connected to the power switching network and configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor; Equipped with one of the first or second electronic processors is configured to detect connection of the battery pack to the battery receptacle, and in response, the first electronic processor is configured to communicate battery pack configuration data to the second electronic processor; The gas engine conversion apparatus, wherein the second electronic processor is configured to control the electric motor based on the battery pack configuration data.
9. the battery pack includes a memory configured to store the battery pack configuration data; The gas engine replacement apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the second electronic processor is configured to read the battery pack configuration data from the memory.
10. the battery pack configuration data includes a maximum discharge current; The gas engine replacement arrangement of claim 8 , wherein the second electronic processor is configured to control a pulse width modulation parameter used in controlling the power switching network based on the maximum discharge current.
11. The second electronic processor: generating an upper limit for the pulse width modulation parameter based on the maximum discharge current; The gas engine replacement arrangement of claim 10 configured to control the power switching network based on the upper limit of the pulse width modulation parameter.
12. Furthermore, a current sensor configured to measure a current parameter, the current parameter including at least one of a battery current or a motor current; 12. The gas engine replacement arrangement of claim 11, wherein the second electronic processor is configured to control the pulse width modulation parameter used in controlling the power switching network based on the current parameter and the maximum discharge current.
13. The first electronic processor: monitoring the status of the battery pack; configured to communicate modified battery pack configuration data to the second electronic processor in response to the condition exceeding a threshold; the second electronic processor The gas engine conversion apparatus of claim 8 configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor based on the modified battery pack configuration data.
14. 1. A method for operating a gas engine conversion apparatus including: a housing; a battery receptacle coupled to the housing and configured to removably connect to a battery pack having a memory storing battery pack configuration data; a motor located within the housing; a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and projecting from a side of the housing; a power switching network configured to selectively provide power from the battery pack to the motor; and a first electronic processor connected to the power switching network and configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor, receiving, by the first electronic processor, the battery pack configuration data in response to connection of the battery pack to the battery receptacle; and controlling, by the first electronic processor, the power switching network based on the battery pack configuration data. method.
15. Furthermore, reading, by the first electronic processor, the battery pack configuration data from the memory; 15. The method of claim 14.
16. The battery pack configuration data includes a maximum discharge current, and the method further comprises: controlling, by the first electronic processor, a pulse width modulation parameter used in controlling the power switching network based on the maximum discharge current.
15. The method of claim 14.
17. Furthermore, generating, by the first electronic processor, an upper limit for the pulse width modulation parameter based on the maximum discharge current; and controlling, by the first electronic processor, the power switching network based on the upper limit of the pulse width modulation parameter.
17. The method of claim 16.
18. The gas engine replacement apparatus further includes a current sensor configured to measure a current parameter, the current parameter including at least one of a battery current or a motor current, and the method further includes: controlling, by the first electronic processor, the pulse width modulation parameters used in controlling the power switching network based on the current parameter and the maximum discharge current.
17. The method of claim 16.
19. The battery pack includes a second electronic processor, and the method further comprises: reading, by the second electronic processor, the battery pack configuration data from the memory; and communicating, by the second electronic processor, the battery pack configuration data to the first electronic processor.
15. The method of claim 14.
20. The battery pack includes a second electronic processor, and the method further comprises: monitoring, by the second electronic processor, a status of the battery pack; communicating, by the second electronic processor, modified battery pack configuration data to the first electronic processor in response to the condition exceeding a threshold; controlling, by the first electronic processor, the power switching network to rotate the motor based on the modified battery pack configuration data.
15. The method of claim 14.