System and method for managing battery charging

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing the charging of a battery 106 of a work machine 102 are described herein. The charge of the battery 106 is maintained using a power source (or other source), while the work machine 102 also uses the power source to power the work machine 102 and systems associated with the work machine 102. In examples where the power source may be removed for use by the work machine 102, a modification request may be used to change the battery 106 from a primary operating mode, in which the charge of the battery 106 is maintained at a low level to preserve the life of the battery 106, to a secondary operating mode, in which the battery 106 is charged to a high charge. The high charge may be used to support operation of the work machine 102 while the battery 106 is removed from the power source. The battery 106 may then be returned to the primary operating mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing batteries, and more particularly, for managing battery charging in various modes based on the availability of power over a tether. [Background technology]

[0002] The type of work machine can vary depending on the use and location. For example, the work machine can be an excavator, a hauler, a mining machine, a paving machine, etc. Traditionally, various machines are powered via an internal combustion power source (e.g., a prime mover consuming diesel fuel, natural gas, oil, etc.). With an increased emphasis on sustainability, machines may additionally or alternatively include a power source, such as electricity delivered through one or more tethers. A tether is a conduit for electrical wires that electrically connects a power source to the work machine's electrical system. Tethered power can be provided by a variety of sources. The work machine uses power from the power source to power various components, such as a motor, an on-board computer, etc.

[0003] When power provided through the tether is unavailable, the work machine may switch to using an onboard battery to provide power until the work machine reconnects to a power source. Batteries used at work sites and other locations by larger machines are often relatively more expensive (e.g., on an available energy per kilowatt basis) than typical household or automotive batteries. These work machine batteries often output a significant amount of electricity to provide enough energy to move the work machine or operate its components. Because of the cost of purchasing and replacing such work machine batteries, it may be beneficial to control battery charging and battery output so that battery discharge and recharge cycles do not appreciably shorten the battery's lifespan. Managing the amount of available power from the battery when a power source is unavailable can extend the battery's useful lifespan.

[0004] One example of a battery charging system is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,7460,026 to Koziara et al. (hereinafter referred to as the "'026 patent"). The '026 patent describes an electric charging station for charging a vehicle at the charging station. The '026 patent describes an extended charging mode in which the state of charge of a battery is enhanced at the charging station. The target state of charge is increased from a normal operating target to at least one extended mode target. However, the '026 patent is directed to charging stations used to charge vehicles while the vehicle is parked or the use of combustion engines to charge vehicles while the vehicle is moving. Thus, the system described in the '026 patent is not configured to charge vehicles that may not use an on-board generator to charge the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, or vehicles that must be parked in the absence of an on-board generator.

[0005] Examples of the present disclosure are directed to overcoming one or more of the deficiencies set forth above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect of the disclosure, a control system for managing a battery of a work machine includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions including: operating an electrical system of the work machine in a primary power mode, in which power from a power source is used by the electrical system to operate the work machine, and a charge on the battery is maintained between a first set point and a second set point, the second set point being greater than the first set point; receiving a modification request to change operation of the work machine from the primary power mode to a secondary power mode, and in response to receiving the modification request, increasing an amount of power to the battery to charge the battery to a third set point of charge, the third set point being greater than the second set point; and operating the electrical system in a secondary power mode, in which a charge on the battery is maintained between a third set point and a fourth set point, the fourth set point being less than the third set point.

[0007] In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of battery management includes operating an electrical system of a work machine in a primary power mode, where power from a power source is used by the electrical system to operate the work machine and a charge on a battery is maintained between a first set point and a second set point, the second set point being greater than the first set point; receiving a modification request to change operation of the work machine from the primary power mode to a secondary power mode; and in response to receiving the modification request, increasing an amount of power to the battery to charge the battery to a third set point of charge, the third set point being greater than the second set point; and operating the electrical system in a secondary power mode, where a charge on the battery is maintained between a third set point and a fourth set point, the fourth set point being less than the third set point.

[0008] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a work machine includes a battery and a control system for managing charging of the battery, the control system including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to operate an electrical system that uses electrical power to operate the work machine in a primary power mode, wherein a charge of the battery is maintained between a first set point and a second set point, the first set point being a low charge and the second set point being a high charge. receiving a modification request to change operation of the work machine from the primary power mode to a secondary power mode, wherein the battery is charged to a third set point, the third set point being a higher charge than the second set point; increasing an amount of power to the battery to charge the battery to a third set point, the third set point being greater than the second set point; and maintaining the charge of the battery between the third set point and a fourth set point, the fourth set point being less than the third set point while in the secondary power mode.

[0009] Specific embodiments are described with reference to the drawings in which the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identify the figure in which the reference number first appears. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary work site with an electrically powered haul truck, according to various examples of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for managing charging of a battery, according to various examples of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 3] 1 depicts a component level diagram of a battery charge control system for use with the systems and methods described herein, in accordance with various examples of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0012] 1 illustrates, in schematic form, an exemplary work site 100 with an electrically powered haul truck 102, according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. The haul truck 102 is a hybrid vehicle, meaning that the haul truck 102 and its various components can be powered by one or more prime movers, including an internal combustion engine 104, a battery 106, a fuel cell, and / or other prime movers, alone or in combination. For example, when the haul truck 102 is powered by the internal combustion engine 104, the internal combustion engine 104 can power a generator (not shown) or other power-generating component driven by the internal combustion engine 104 to provide electrical power to various components, such as an electric motor 108, which, when powered, rotates wheels 110 to cause movement of the haul truck 102. The presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular type of internal combustion engine 104.

[0013] However, in some examples, the haul truck 102 may operate exclusively using electrical power and may not include an internal combustion engine 104. In these examples, the haul truck 102 may be connected to the power source 112 through one or more wires, cables, wireless charging units, or other types of tethers 114. The tethers 114 may be comprised of one or more power conduits having cabling capable of conducting electrical current or supporting voltage. The tethers 114 may be any type of connector (or connection technology, including wireless charging) capable of directing (or conducting) the power 111 provided by the power source 112 to the electrical system 116 of the haul truck 102. The power source 112 may vary in type, including, but not limited to, a generator, a solar array, a power plant, or a node that receives power from a power grid 117, which may be provided by a utility company, as shown in FIG. 1 . The power 111 may be of various types, such as direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), and may be characterized by various voltages. The presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular power source or type.

[0014] The electrical power 111 is received by the electrical system 116 of the haul truck 102 through the tether 114. The electrical system 116 includes a control system 118, which in some configurations is one or more computing systems capable of receiving one or more inputs and providing one or more outputs, as described below with reference to FIG. 3 . The control system 118 is configured to control the distribution of the received electrical power 111 to various components of the haul truck 102 depending on inputs received by an operator (not shown) of the haul truck 102. For example, the control system 118 routes a portion of the electrical power 111 to the electric motor 108 to move the haul truck 102 when inputs are received to perform its task. The control system 118 can further determine how much of the electrical power 111 received from the electrical power source 112 and / or the electrical power generated by the internal combustion engine 104 (if installed) is directed to charging the battery 106. It should be noted that although the control system 118 is shown and described as being a component of the haul truck 102 , various functions of the control system 118 may be performed by a computer separate from the haul truck 102 .

[0015] As described above, the charge of the battery (106) may be managed to extend the life of the battery 106. For example, one or more times discharging the battery 106 to a low charge level (such as 5% of the battery's full charge potential) and / or charging the battery to a high charge level (such as 90% of the battery's full charge potential) may reduce the life of the battery 106. Accordingly, the control system 118 includes a battery management module 120, which in some configurations is one or more computing systems or modules capable of receiving one or more inputs and providing one or more outputs. The battery management module 120 monitors and controls the charge on the battery 106. The battery management module 120 receives current charge data 122 from a charge sensor 123 on the battery 106. The charge sensor 123, in some configurations, is a voltmeter that senses the charge on the battery 106 and outputs the charge to the battery management module 120 as current charge data 122. During a first type of operation, e.g., normal or default operation, the battery management module 120 monitors current charge data 122. If the charge on the battery 106 falls below a first set point, the battery management module 120 commands the control system 118 to increase the amount of power to the battery 106, thereby charging the battery 106. Similarly, if the charge on the battery 106 increases above a second set point, the battery management module 120 commands the control system 118 to decrease the amount of power to the battery 106, thereby reducing or stopping charging of the battery 106. The first set point may be a percentage of the battery's charge above a low charge percentage set point, and the second set point may be a percentage of the battery's charge below a high charge set point. Maintaining the charge on the battery 106 between the first and second set points is how the battery management module 120 operates the battery 106 in normal or primary power mode of operation. Normal operation may be configured to have the greatest impact on extending the life of the battery 106 .

[0016] However, in some examples, the battery 106 may need to be operated in a second type of operation, which may require, for example, a high charge of the battery 106 to provide sufficient power for a period of time. The high charge is achieved by entering a secondary power mode of the battery 106. For example, the operator of the haul truck 102 may decide to disconnect the haul truck 102 from the power 111 provided through the tether 114. An example of this is when the haul truck 102 moves from one location to another, and the tether 114 needs to be disconnected in order for the haul truck 102 to be dispatched. The haul truck 102 may be reattached to a different tether at a different location, or, if at the same location, the haul truck 102 may be reattached to the tether 114. In another example, the operator may determine or be provided with information that the power 111 will no longer be available, such as when the power 111 is shut down. Another example may be when the battery 106 is used to provide additional power, whereby the current charge data 122 indicates that the battery 106 is not sufficiently charged to provide power. The presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular reason why the operation of the battery 106 is modified from normal operation to high-charge operation.

[0017] To change the operation of the battery 106 from a default operating charge to a high-charge operation, the control system 118 receives a modification request 124. The modification request 124 may be a control input generated in response to actuation of an operator-accessible button, touchscreen input field, knob, lever, and / or other input control on the haul truck 102. The modification request 124 may also be generated by the offsite management server 126 in response to actuation of a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen input field, or other similar input device associated with the offsite management server 126. The offsite management server 126 may be a computing platform controlled by a central authority, such as a worksite control room. In this example, by receiving the modification request 124, the control system 118 (or a person) associated with the haul truck 102 may determine that the battery 106 should switch its operating mode from a primary power mode to a secondary power mode in order to charge the battery to a high charge level or sufficiently for high-charge operation. In the primary power mode, the battery 106 is maintained between a first setpoint of charge and a second setpoint of charge, whereby the second setpoint is greater than the first setpoint. In the primary power mode, the charge of the battery 106 can be maintained in a range to, for example, extend the life of the battery 106. In the secondary power mode, the battery 106 is charged to a level higher than the second setpoint. In the primary power mode, power is primarily directed to the operation of the haul truck, and a certain amount of power is used to maintain the charge of the battery (106). In the secondary power mode, an increased amount of power received by the haul truck is provided to the battery 106 to charge the battery 106 to a higher charge than that maintained during the primary power mode. When the modification request 124 is received, the battery management module 120 commands the control system 118 to enter the secondary power mode to achieve a high battery charge level, whereby the battery 106 is charged to a third setpoint greater than the second setpoint.The control system 118 then increases the amount of power sent to the battery 106 to charge the battery 106 to a third set point, which is a high charge set point.

[0018] Upon charging to the third set point, the battery management module 120 instructs the control system 118 to decrease the amount of power sent to the battery 106. While in the high charge mode of operation, the battery management module 120 monitors current charge data 122. If the charge of the battery 106 decreases to a fourth set point, which may be above or below the second set point of the normal operating mode, and if power 111 is available, the battery management module 120 instructs the control system 118 to increase the amount of power sent to the battery 106 to charge the battery 106 back to the third set point. If power 111 is not available and the current charge data 122 indicates that the charge of the battery 106 has decreased to a lower charge level, such as the second set point of normal operation, the battery management module 120 may automatically remove the battery 106 from the high charge mode of operation and operate the battery 106 in the normal operating mode.

[0019] In some examples, the modification request 124 may include parameters 128. The parameters 128 may include information such as an expected power load while in the high charge mode of operation, a time period during which power 111 may be unavailable, etc. The battery management module 120 receives the parameters 128 and accesses a usage history data store 130. The usage history data store 130 includes information about the battery 106 that can be used to determine a third set point for the high charge mode of operation. For example, the usage history data store 130 may include information about the discharge rate of the battery 106 at one or more charge levels of the battery 106, the discharge rate of the battery for a specific operation of the haul truck 102, etc. Once the battery management module 120 receives the parameters 128, the battery management module 120 can use the information stored in the usage history data store 130 to determine the amount of charge the battery 106 should receive for the high charge mode of operation (e.g., the third set point). In some examples, the parameters 128 may include charging information related to other work machines that may affect charging the battery 106. For example, haul truck 102 may be one of several work machines using power 111 provided by power source 112. Parameters 128 may include information that while haul truck 102 will lose access to power 111, other work machines will lose access as well. Thus, parameters 128 may include information to cause battery management module 120 to request a higher charge rate from control system 118. For example, a default charge rate for battery 106 may prioritize reducing the impact of charging operations on battery 106.

[0020] However, if the battery 106 needs to be charged more quickly, the battery management module 120 commands the control system 118 to charge the battery at a second, higher charge rate to more quickly achieve the third setpoint for charging the battery 106. This increased charge rate may allow the haul truck 102 to disconnect itself from the power 111 more quickly, thus allowing other work machines to charge and / or charge at a faster rate. The charge rate parameter 128 may also be used to prioritize the charging of the haul truck 102. For example, if the haul truck 102 is disconnected from the power 111 last, it may be preferable to charge the battery 106 at the first rate while allowing other work machines using the same power 111 to charge at a higher rate. Once those other work machines are charged to a desired level, the parameter 128 may indicate that the battery management module 120 commands the control system 118 to charge at the second, higher charge rate. The parameters 128 may be used to determine the operating mode of the battery 106 and the battery 106 charge rate, as described in more detail below in FIG.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for managing charging of a battery 106, according to various examples described herein. Method 200 and other processes described herein are illustrated as exemplary flow diagrams, each operation of which may represent a sequence of operations that may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more tangible computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the described operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order of the described operations is not intended to be limiting, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to realize a process. While the processes illustrated herein may be performed by any of the processors / controllers described herein, for ease of explanation, reference will be made to the control system 118 unless otherwise noted.

[0022] Method 200 begins at step 202, with control system 118 using battery management module 120 to operate battery 106 in normal (primary power) mode. In normal mode, control system 118 manages the amount of power 111 applied to battery 106 to charge battery 106. In some examples, to extend the life of battery 106, normal mode may include a low charge potential on the order of thirty percent (30%) and a high charge potential on the order of sixty percent (60%). Note that these set points may vary depending on the particular battery. During normal mode, the charge of battery 106 is maintained between the low charge potential and the high charge potential.

[0023] In step 204, the control system 118 receives a modification request 124. The modification request 124 may be a control input received from an operator. The modification request 124 may also be an input received from an offsite control server 126. The offsite control server 126 may be a computing platform controlled by a central authority, such as a worksite control room. The modification request 124 may be the result of various factors, such as an expected or predicted loss of power 111. In another example, the haul truck 102 may be moving from one location to another, and the tether 114 needs to be disconnected in order for the haul truck 102 to be dispatched. In another example, the operator may determine or be provided with information that power 111 will no longer be available. Another example may be when the battery 106 is used to provide additional power, whereby the current charge data 122 indicates that the battery 106 is not sufficiently charged to provide the power. The presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular reason for the modification request 124.

[0024] In step 206, the control system 118 determines whether one or more parameters 128 were included with or received with the modification request 124. In some examples, the modification request 124 is an input that changes operation from a primary power mode to a secondary power mode. If received, the parameters 128 are used to provide the control system 118 with additional information, such as why the modification request 124 was received, the expected amount of power the battery will need to provide, etc. The parameters 128 may be additional data that the control system 118 uses to determine the charge rate of the battery 106. The parameters 128 may include information such as the expected power load while in the high charge mode of operation (i.e., how much energy the battery 106 will need), the amount of time that power 111 may be unavailable (i.e., the battery will be disconnected from the power source), etc.

[0025] If, in step 206, the control system 118 determines that the modification request 124 does not include one or more parameters 128 (step 206-NO), then, in step 208, the control system 118 stops the battery 106 from being operated in the high-charge operating mode, which charges the battery 106 to a higher potential than in the normal operating mode. The control system 118 causes the battery 106 to be charged at a default rate.

[0026] In step 210, the battery 106 is charged to the set point for the high-charge mode of operation, and the control system 118 stops charging the battery. The control system 118 then returns the battery 106 to a normal or default mode of operation. In some examples, the control system 118 may maintain the battery 106 in the high-charge mode of operation until a condition is met, such as a loss of power 111.

[0027] If, in step 206, the control system 118 determines that the modification request 124 includes one or more parameters 128 (step 206—YES), then, in step 212, the control system 118 calculates a charge rate based on the parameters 128 and a minimum or required charge of the battery 106 that may be necessary to meet the requirements provided in the parameters 128. For example, the parameters 128 may include a distance or time that the haul truck 102 must travel. The parameters 128 may include information such as an expected power load while in the high-charge mode of operation, a time period during which power 111 may be unavailable, etc. As part of the calculation, the battery management module 120 may also access a usage history data store 130 to determine the battery charge required for the same or similar parameters 128. The usage history data store 130 includes battery data regarding the battery 106 that can be used to determine a third setpoint for the high-charge mode of operation. For example, the usage history data store 130 may include information regarding a battery discharge rate for a battery charge, a battery discharge rate for a specific operation of the haul truck 102, etc.

[0028] In step 214, the control system 118 begins charging the battery 106 based on the charge rate determined in step 212. In step 210, the battery 106 is charged to the high charge mode of operation set point, and the control system 118 stops charging the battery. The control system 118 then returns the battery 106 to a normal or default mode of operation. In some examples, the control system 118 may maintain the battery 106 in the high charge mode of operation until a condition is met, such as a loss of power 111.

[0029] FIG. 3 depicts a component-level diagram of a control system 118 for use with the systems and methods described herein. The control system 118 may be any device capable of providing the functionality associated with the systems and methods described herein. The control system 118 may include several components for performing the functions described above. The control system 118 may be comprised of hardware, software, or various combinations thereof. As discussed below, the control system 118 may include a memory 302 that includes an operating system (OS) 304 and one or more standard applications 306. The standard applications 306 may include applications for receiving and determining battery information, such as current charge data 122, used to implement the method 200 of FIG. 2. The memory 302 may also include other applications, such as a battery management module 120.

[0030] The control system 118 may also include one or more processors 310, as well as one or more of removable storage 312, non-removable storage 314, a transceiver 316, an output device 318, and an input device 320. In various implementations, the memory 302 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. The memory 302 may include data related to the battery 106, such as the usage history data store 130.

[0031] The memory 302 can also include an OS 304. The OS 304 varies depending on the manufacturer of the control system 118. The OS 304 includes modules and software that support basic functions of the control system 118, such as scheduling tasks, running applications, and controlling peripherals. The OS 304 can also enable the control system 118 to send and retrieve other data and perform other functions, such as sending control signals using the transceiver 316 and / or the output devices 318 and receiving load conditions using the input devices 320.

[0032] The one or more processors 310 of the control system 118 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), both CPUs and GPUs, or any other combination or number of processing units. The control system 118 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable), such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 3 by removable storage 312 and non-removable storage 314.

[0033] Non-transitory computer-readable media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable, tangible physical media implemented in any technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Memory 302, removable storage 312, and non-removable storage 314 are all examples of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital multifunction disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk memory or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible physical media that can be used to store desired information and that can be accessed by control system 118. Any such non-transitory computer-readable media may be part of control system 118 or may be a separate database, data bank, remote server, or cloud-based server.

[0034] In some implementations, the transceiver 316 includes any transceiver known in the art. In some examples, the transceiver 316 may include a wireless modem to facilitate wireless connectivity with other components (e.g., between the control system 118 and a wireless modem that is a gateway to the Internet), the Internet, and / or an intranet. Specifically, the transceiver 316 may include one or more transceivers that may enable the control system 118 to send and receive data, such as correction requests 124, from the haul truck 102 or the offsite management server 126. Thus, the transceiver 316 may include multiple single-channel transceivers or multi-frequency, multi-channel transceivers that may enable the control system 118 to send and receive video calls, voice calls, messaging, and the like. The transceiver 316 may enable the control system 118 to connect to multiple networks, including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi networks. The transceiver 316 may also include one or more transceivers to enable the control system 118 to connect to future (e.g., 6G) networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M), and other current and future networks.

[0035] The transceiver 316 may also include one or more wireless transceivers that perform the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) via an antenna. In other examples, the transceiver 316 may include wired communication components, such as a wired modem or an Ethernet port, for communication over one or more wired networks. The transceiver 316 may enable the control system 118 to facilitate voice and video calls, download files, access web applications, and provide other communications associated with the systems and methods described above.

[0036] In some implementations, the output device(s) 318 include any output device known in the art, such as a display (e.g., a liquid crystal or thin film transistor (TFT) display), a touch screen, a speaker, a vibration mechanism, or a haptic feedback mechanism. Thus, the output device(s) may include a screen or a display. The output device(s) 318 may also include a speaker or similar device for playing a sound or ringing when a voice or video call is received. The output device(s) 318 may also include ports for one or more peripheral devices, such as headphones, peripheral speakers, or peripheral displays.

[0037] In various implementations, the input device 320 includes any input device known in the art. For example, the input device 320 may include a camera, a microphone, or a keyboard / keypad. In some examples, the input device may include an interface through which an operator generates the modification request 124. The input device 320 may include a touch-sensitive display or keyboard to enable a user to, among other things, enter data, make requests and receive responses via a web application (e.g., a web browser), make voice and video calls, and use standard applications 306. The touch-sensitive display or keyboard / keypad may be a standard push-button alphabetic multi-keyboard (such as a traditional QWERTY keyboard), virtual controls for a touchscreen, or one or more other types of keys or buttons, and may include a joystick, a wheel, and / or designated navigation buttons. The touch-sensitive display can act as both the input device 320 and the output device 318. [Industrial Applicability]

[0038] This disclosure describes managing the battery 106 based on power availability. To extend the life of the battery 106, it may be preferable to maintain the battery 106 charge within a band that minimizes the effects of complete discharge and full charge. With a work machine, such as the haul truck 102 of FIG. 1 , connected to the power source 112 via the tether 114, the battery 106 can be left in a “trickle” charge, e.g., normal operating mode. However, in situations where a loss of power 111 is anticipated or the battery 106 is being used to an extent that its current charge does not provide, the battery 106 may be placed in a high-charge operating mode. In the high-charge operating mode, the battery 106 is charged to a potential above that of the normal operating mode. The control system 118 can determine the charge rate based on various parameters 128 received in conjunction with the correction request 124. Using the methods and techniques described herein, a long battery 106 life can be provided while still providing sufficient power from the battery 106 when needed.

[0039] Although the systems and methods are discussed in the context of a haul truck 102, the systems and methods discussed herein may be applied to a wide variety of machines and vehicles across a wide range of industries, such as construction, mining, agriculture, transportation, military, combinations thereof, etc. For example, the systems or methods discussed herein may be implemented in any vehicle, machine, or equipment having wheels, such as a combine harvester.

[0040] Although the invention described above has been described with respect to specific examples, the scope of the invention is not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and variations adapted to suit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not to be deemed limited to the examples selected for purposes of disclosure, but rather covers all variations and variations that do not constitute a departure from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

[0041] Although the present application describes embodiments having specific structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features and acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merely exemplary of some embodiments that may be within the scope of the present application's claims.

Claims

1. A control system (118) for managing a battery (106) of a work machine (102), comprising: one or more processors (310); and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors (310), cause the one or more processors (310) to: operating an electrical system (116) of the work machine (102) in a primary power mode, wherein electrical power (111) from a power source (112) is used by the electrical system (116) to operate the work machine (102), and wherein a charge on the battery (106) is maintained between a first set point and a second set point, the second set point being greater than the first set point; receiving a modification request to change operation of the work machine (102) from the primary power mode to a secondary power mode; In response to receiving the modification request, increasing an amount of power (111) to the battery (106) to charge the battery (106) to a third set point of the charging, the third set point being greater than the second set point; operating the electrical system (116) in the secondary power mode, wherein the charge of the battery (106) is maintained between the third set point and a fourth set point, the fourth set point being less than the third set point; a control system (118) for causing an action to be performed, the control system (118) including:

2. The action is calculating a charge rate associated with the battery (106) based on parameters (128) associated with the modification request and the charging of the battery (106) when the modification request is received; 2. The control system (118) of claim 1, further comprising: increasing an amount of the power (111) to the battery (106) to charge the battery (106) at the charge rate.

3. 3. The control system of claim 2, wherein calculating the charge rate includes accessing a usage history data store based on the parameters to retrieve an amount of battery charge required to satisfy the parameters, the parameters being a time and distance of travel of the work machine required for the battery to be a power source for the work machine.

4. 4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the usage history data store includes battery data of a discharge rate of the battery during the charging of the battery at the time the modification request is received and the parameter.

5. The action is receiving a second parameter (128); Calculating a second charge rate based on second parameters (128); charging the battery (106) at the second charge rate; The control system (118) of claim 3, further comprising:

6. The action is receiving a second modified request to operate the work machine (102) in the primary power mode; ceasing to maintain the charge of the battery (106) within the third set point and the fourth set point; maintaining the charge of the battery (106) within the first set point and the second set point; The control system (118) of claim 1 further comprising:

7. The control system (118) of claim 6, wherein the second modification request is received following an input that the work machine (102) has been reconnected to the power source (112) or a second power source (112).

8. A work machine (102), a battery (106); a control system (118) for managing the charging of the battery (106), the control system (118) comprising: one or more processors (310); and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors (310), cause the one or more processors (310) to: operating an electrical system (116) that uses electrical power (111) to operate the work machine (102) in a primary power mode, wherein a charge of the battery (106) is maintained between a first set point and a second set point, the first set point being a low charge and the second set point being a high charge; receiving a modification request to change operation of the work machine (102) from the primary power mode to a secondary power mode, the battery (106) being charged to a third set point, the third set point being a higher charge than the second set point; increasing an amount of power (111) to the battery (106) to charge the battery (106) to a third set point, the third set point being greater than the second set point; maintaining the charge of the battery (106) between the third set point and a fourth set point, the fourth set point being less than the third set point while in the secondary power mode; and A work machine (102) that causes an action to be performed, including:

9. The action is calculating a charge rate associated with the battery based on parameters associated with the modification request and the charging of the battery when the modification request is received; 9. The work machine (102) of claim 8, wherein increasing the amount of the power (111) to the battery (106) to charge the battery (106) is based on the calculated charge rate.

10. 10. The work machine (102) of claim 9, wherein the act of calculating the charge includes accessing a usage history data store (130) based on the parameters (128) to retrieve the amount of the charge needed to satisfy the parameters (128), the parameters (128) being the amount of time and distance the work machine (102) is traveling that is required for the battery (106) to be a power source for the work machine (102).

11. 11. The work machine of claim 10, wherein the usage history data store includes battery data of a discharge rate of the battery at the charge of the battery when the modification request is received and the parameter.

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