Pressure washer assembly and related systems and methods

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to pressure washers. In one aspect there is provided a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet, a heat exchanger having a fluid pathway coupled between the fluid inlet and the pump, a cooling system comprising a cooling conduit network coupled to and arranged to carry a cooling fluid between the heat exchanger and the electric motor, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid.

Description

[0001] PRESSURE WASHER ASSEMBLY AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to cleaning devices and systems, and to related methods, and in particular, though not necessarily, to electric pressure washer assemblies, systems and related methods.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Pressure washing (also sometimes referred to as water blasting) involves the use of high- pressure fluid such as water to remove unwanted material such as dirt, moss and other plant matter, grime and mud from surfaces such as concrete and assets such as buildings and vehicles.

[0006] The use of high-pressure pressure washing to clean provides a quick and convenient way to clean surfaces, which improves the appearance of the surface being cleaned, as well as helping to protect and maintain the asset.

[0007] Commercial pressure washers are available and are used in situations such as the cleaning of large surfaces, high-rise buildings and the like. Commercial pressure washers are usually larger than those used in domestic situations or in other smaller operations. Such machines can operate for longer, provide greater power but generally use more water than smaller machines.

[0008] However, there are drawbacks with currently available pressure washers, including commercial pressure washers. These drawbacks include the method by which the pressure washers are powered. For example, some commercially available pressure washers are powered by a fossil- fuelled motor. The use of this type of motor creates noise and environmental pollution from the exhaust gases that are produced while the motor is running. These issues can be significant in commercial and other situations where the pressure washer needs to run for an extended period of time.

[0009] Other commercially available pressure washers are electrically powered. Given the typical power requirements for commercial pressure washers, 3-phase or high current single-phase mains supplied access points and long extension cables are required. However, such access points are relatively rare hampering access and portability; the cables also present tripping and electrocution hazards particularly given the harsh operating environment involving sprayed and standing water as well as various toxic and corrosive cleaning chemicals.

[0010] As such, there is an ongoing need for innovation in pressure washer technology.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved or at least alternative pressure washer technology and / or improved or at least alternative systems or methods relating to pressure washer technologies.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In one aspect, there is provided a large capacity battery pack comprising: a plurality of electrically connected battery modules arranged in a battery pack housing, a battery management system, an onboard battery charger, a battery monitor, positive, negative and series bus bars, a contactor, and a plurality of temperature sensors.

[0014] In various aspects:

[0015] The battery pack is adapted to turn off if its temperature is above about 50°C or below about 0°C.

[0016] Ten batteries modules are provided. Each battery module is a 22.2 V battery. In another example the battery pack uses 4 x 44.4v modules

[0017] The battery pack has a 44.4V nominal voltage.

[0018] The battery pack has a 22-kWh total usable capacity.

[0019] The charger is a 10A 240V charger.

[0020] The battery modules operate using lithium ion - nickel manganese cobalt battery chemistry. The battery pack weighs approximately 150 kg.

[0021] The housing is water resistant or waterproof.

[0022] The battery monitor is remote from the battery pack.

[0023] The battery monitor includes a software application and a wireless transmitter.

[0024] The wireless transmitter comprises a Bluetooth transmitter and / or cellular transmitter.

[0025] The battery monitor operates via the cellular (mobile communications) network.

[0026] The software application is adapted to feed data back to cloud storage.

[0027] The battery pack comprises a display panel.

[0028] The display panel includes an on / off indicator and a charging indicator.

[0029] The on / off indicator comprises an LED light.

[0030] The charging indicator comprises an LED light.

[0031] The battery monitor includes a digital display.

[0032] In one aspect, there is provided a pressure washer assembly comprising: a pump, a 10 kW, 3 -phase permanent magnet AC motor powered by the large capacity battery pack described above, one or more hoses, a housing, a reduction gear box, at least one controller, a key switch, a throttle, and an inverter / motor controller.

[0033] In various aspects:

[0034] The housing is water-resistant or waterproof.

[0035] The housing is robust and durable.

[0036] The housing is formed of metal.

[0037] The housing is formed of aluminium.

[0038] The housing includes plastic componentry.

[0039] The reduction gear box is from the motor to the pump.

[0040] The inverter / motor controller is adapted to set the speed, current limits, temperature limits and / or acceleration rates of the motor.

[0041] The assembly has a water flow rate of about 0 to 30 litre per minute.

[0042] The assembly provides a water pressure of up to 5000 psi depending on pump used.

[0043] In one aspect, there is provided a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet, a heat exchanger having a fluid pathway coupled between the fluid inlet and the pump, a cooling conduit network coupled to and arranged to carry a cooling fluid between the heat exchanger and the electric motor, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid.

[0044] In one aspect, there is provided a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet, a control system arranged to switch a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode.

[0045] In one aspect, there is provided a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet, and a monitoring system arranged to monitor a parameter of the electric motor, the monitoring system configured to calculate and output an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor.

[0046] In one aspect there is provided a method of operating a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and an electric motor coupled to drive a pump; the method comprising driving the electric motor to drive the pump to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet, and switching a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode.

[0047] In one aspect, there is provided a method of generating operational parameters for a pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure; the method comprising monitoring a parameter of the electric motor, calculating an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor, and outputting the operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly.

[0048] In one aspect, there is provided a method of cooling a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and an electric motor coupled to drive a pump; the method comprising: driving the electric motor to drive the pump to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet, and cooling the electric motor using a cooling circuit including a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the cooling circuit to the low-pressure cleaning fluid. In one aspect, there is provided a A cooling control system for a pressure washer assembly, the pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a cooling system including a cooling pump for driving the flow of a cooling fluid to cool the electric motor during operation, the control system comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly, and a controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and to generate control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.

[0049] In one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a cooling system in a pressure washer assembly, the pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor and the cooling system comprising a cooling pump for driving the flow of a cooling fluid to cool the electric motor during operation, the method comprising: monitoring one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly; and generating control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.

[0050] In one aspect, there is provided a system for determining an environmental impact parameter of a washer assembly, the washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the system comprising: a monitoring module configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the washer assembly; and a processing module configured to calculate the environmental impact parameter based on the one or more operating parameters.

[0051] In one aspect, there is provided a a computer-implemented method for determining an environmental impact parameter of a washer assembly, the washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the method comprising: Monitoring one or more operating parameters of the washer assembly; and Calculating the environmental impact parameter based on the one or more operating parameters.

[0052] In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies via a computer program operating on a device remote to the washer assembly, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, and the method comprising: receiving, via a communication interface, data indicative of the operating parameters from each washer assembly; and presenting, on a display associated with the device, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

[0053] In one aspect, there is provided a device for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the device comprising: a communication interface configured to receive data indicative of operating parameters from each washer assembly; a display; and a processor configured to execute a computer program to present, on the display, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

[0054] In one aspect, there is provided a system for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies, the system comprising: at least one washer assembly, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, and a communication module configured to transmit data indicative of operating parameters; and a remote device comprising: a communication interface configured to receive the data indicative of operating parameters from the at least one washer assembly; a display; and a processor configured to execute a computer program to present, on the display, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

[0055] The foregoing brief summary broadly describes the features and technical advantages of certain embodiments. Further technical advantages will be described in the detailed description that follows.

[0056] Novel features that are believed to be characteristic of some embodiments will be better understood from the detailed description provided in this specification. Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure, or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

[0057] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1: shows a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 2: is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 3: is a front view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 4: is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure, without the top portion of the housing.

[0061] Figure 5: is a plan view of the battery pack shown in Figure 4.

[0062] Figure 6: is a front perspective view of a pump and motor box according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 7: is a rear perspective view of a pump housed in a pump and motor box according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 8: is a rear view of a pump and motor housed in a pump and motor box according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 9: is a front perspective view of a pump and motor according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 10: is a rear perspective view of a pump and motor according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 11: is a front perspective view of a pressure washer blaster assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 12: is a front view of a pressure washer assembly shown in Figure 11.

[0069] Figure 13: is a front perspective view of a pressure washer assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 14 and 14A: show a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 15: is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 16: is a front perspective view of various components of a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 17: is a back perspective view of various components of a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 18: is a perspective view of a pressure washer assembly with cover according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 19: is a schematic illustrating a cooling system for a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 20: is a schematic illustrating power system for a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 21 : illustrates a display showing operational information for a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 22: is a graph illustrating electric motor power and speed for a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 23: is a flow chart illustrating power of an electric motor for a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 24: is a flow chart illustrating derivation of operational information for a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 25: is a schematic illustrating a controller for a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 26A: is a perspective view of a motor controller of a pressure washer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 26B: is a perspective view of a cooling reservoir of a cooling system for a pressure washer or cleaning assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 27: is a flow diagram of a cooling system for a pressure washer or cleaning assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 28: is a schematic illustrating a control system controller for a pressure washer cleaning assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0084] Figure 29: is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling a cooling system for a pressure washer or cleaning assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0085] Figures 3OA-3OC: are exemplary user interfaces showing operational information relating to a pressure washer or cleaning assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0086] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Various aspects and examples of pressure washer assemblies, and of related systems and methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, a pressure washer assembly or a washer system in accordance with the present teachings, and / or its various components, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples and embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

[0088] In the following description and figures, software or electronic modules, functions, circuits, etc., may be shown and described with reference to block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known modules, structures and techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.

[0089] Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc., in a computer program. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or a main function.

[0090] Definitions

[0091] In each instance in this specification, in descriptions, embodiments, examples, and claims the terms 'comprising’ and 'including’ are to be read expansively, without limitation. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and the claims, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, “including” and the like mean consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, “including” and the like, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present.

[0092] As used herein the term “and / or” means “and” or “or” or both.

[0093] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0094] Any directional terms ‘top’, ‘front’, ‘back’, and ‘side’ are defined given the viewpoint of a user engaging with the component. As used in this specification, 'approximately’ and ‘about’ mean up to 10% greater or up to 10% lesser than a particular value.

[0095] The term’ large capacity’ means at least approximately 20 kWh usable capacity.

[0096] As used herein, the term 'fluidly coupled' refers to the connection of two or more components in a manner that allows for the transfer of fluid, including a liquid, between them. This connection may be direct or indirect, and may include the use of conduits, hoses, pipes, valves, and other fluid control devices

[0097] The term pressure washer is used interchangeably herein with water blaster. Pressure washers deliver a high-pressure fluid which may comprise water, a mixture of water and other chemicals, or a fluid not containing water.

[0098] Pressure washer (also known as water blasters) - General Overview

[0099] Pressure washers use a narrow, high-pressure jet of cold water / cleaning fluid (or sometimes hot water / cleaning fluid) to remove unwanted material from surfaces such as concrete, buildings and houses.

[0100] Because the water or cleaning fluid is traveling fast, it hits the surface to be cleaned with a high kinetic energy, blasting away dirt and other unwanted material. Because only water-based cleaning fluids are generally used, water blasting / pressure washing usually does not damage most hard surfaces (although care does need to be taken in this regard).

[0101] In simple terms, a pressure washer generally comprises a housing with a water pump that is driven by a motor, which may be electrically powered. The pump pressurizes and expels the water or cleaning fluid from a high-pressure hose or tube and can be operated using a suitable mechanism such as a trigger of the pressure washer. The electrically powered motor is, in some embodiments, powered by an on-board battery of the pressure washer, although an input for mains supplied power may additionally or alternatively be employed in the pressure washer. When water blasting / pressure cleaning a large area, considerable battery life is required. However, it may not be practical to use mains power, which would require long electric power cords to connect the pressure washer to the power. Mains power circuits are also limited and do not have sufficient output to power a commercial water blaster. 3 -phase outlets are an exception however they are not common on commercial sites. Further, currently available fossil-fuelled water blasters require refuelling and create considerable exhaust gases, resulting in unnecessary pollution.

[0102] Battery-powered pressure washers may require a large capacity battery pack to provide sufficient run-time and / or or incorporate energy-efficient components and operating strategies to minimise power consumption during operation. Compared to traditional pressure washers, battery-powered operation may also enable the incorporation of more sophisticated digital control and monitoring systems, allowing for enhanced management of operational parameters and / or remote-control capabilities.

[0103] Battery pack - Overview

[0104] In one aspect of the disclosure, a large capacity battery pack is provided. The large capacity battery pack may be configured for use in power pressure washers, commercial cleaning devices and / or devices or systems used in construction and requiring relatively high-power, for instance.

[0105] This battery pack comprises a housing and a plurality of battery modules.

[0106] In one aspect, the battery pack comprises five to twenty-five battery modules. In one preferred aspect, ten 22.2 V battery modules are provided. This provides the battery pack with a 44.4V nominal voltage.

[0107] While the battery pack may comprise a specific number of battery modules connected in series to achieve a desired voltage, alternative configurations are also possible. In one example, the battery pack may utilise a smaller number of higher-voltage battery modules, such as four approximately 44.4V batteries, while still maintaining the same overall output voltage. In yet another example, the battery pack may utilise two 22.2V batteries connected in series to provide 44.4V. Other configurations are also possible and not intended to be excluded from the scope of protection.

[0108] In another aspect, however, the battery pack may provide up to 100 V nominal voltage, and may be formed of individual cells, rather than the battery modules. The battery pack may have a total capacity of approximately 23 kWh and a total usable capacity of approximately 20 kWh.

[0109] Alternatively, the battery pack pay have a total capacity of less than approximately 24kWh and a total usable capacity of approximately 24 kWh.

[0110] The battery pack may be configured to be compatible with a variety of charging sources, including standard mains electricity. In an embodiment, the charger is a 10A 240V charger.

[0111] In an embodiment, a fast charger is utilised to reduce the charging time of the battery pack. This fast charger is configured to output approximately 42A at 48V when connected to a mains power source of approximately 230V. The charging subsystem may further include safety features to prevent overcharging and thermal damage during fast charging

[0112] The battery pack comprises a plurality of lithium-ion battery modules, selected for their high energy density and power density.

[0113] In one aspect, the battery modules operate using lithium ion - nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery chemistry, which offers a good balance of energy density, cycle life, and safety.

[0114] However, other battery chemistries may also be used. For example, lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) batteries may be used. LFP batteries are a more ethical option and provide a longer cycle life and enhanced thermal stability.

[0115] The battery cells within the battery modules may be arranged in a series-parallel configuration to achieve the desired voltage and capacity for the battery pack. In a series configuration, multiple cells are connected in semes to increase the overall output voltage. In a parallel configuration, multiple cells are connected in parallel to increase the overall capacity (ampere- hour rating) of the module. The specific number of cells in series and parallel is determined based on the voltage and current requirements of the electric motor and other components of the pressure washer assembly, as well as the desired energy storage capacity and discharge rate. For example, a configuration with more cells in series will result in a higher voltage, while a configuration with more cells in parallel will result in a higher current capacity.

[0116] The battery pack may weigh approximately 150 kg. This makes the battery pack light and manoeuvrable enough to be located on a vehicle such as the back of a utility vehicle or the back of a small truck, for transportation to a location where it may be desired to use the battery pack. In some embodiments, the battery pack may weigh less than approximately 150kg, for instance, between approximately 50kg and 100kg (e.g., 90kg),

[0117] Battery management, monitoring and control - general overview

[0118] In one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a means for monitoring of battery pack parameters of a large capacity battery pack as described herein, or of any battery pack configured for use in pressure washer applications or similar as described herein. This includes monitoring performance of the associated battery, location of the battery, energy usage and charge remaining. Preferably, the battery monitoring functionality is remote from the battery pack.

[0119] In one aspect, a battery pack system comprises a battery pack or a large-capacity battery pack and a battery monitoring system, battery management system and / or other battery control system.

[0120] In one aspect, a battery monitoring system of the present disclosure comprises a battery monitor module and an associated battery monitoring software application. The battery monitor module is responsible for acquiring data from the battery pack and may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting this data.

[0121] The battery monitor module may be physically located within the battery pack housing. In this implementation, the battery monitor module is integrated directly into the battery pack. Alternatively, the battery monitor module may be physically located within the pressure washer assembly. In this implementation, the battery monitor module is housed within the pressure washer assembly but is distinct from the battery pack itself. In yet another alternative, the battery monitor module may be physically located on a separate, standalone device. In this implementation, the battery monitor module is implemented in a physically separate device to the pressure washer assembly and battery pack and that can connect to the battery pack via a wired or wireless connection.

[0122] The software application may be configured to be operated remotely from the battery pack and receives data transmitted by the battery monitor module. The software application may be implemented on a remote computing device, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. In this implementation, the software application may be a mobile application that is executable on a user’s device. Alternatively, the software application may be implemented on a server. In this implementation, the software application may be executable on the server and accessible by a user via a web browser. In yet another alternative, the software application may be executable on a device local to the battery pack or the pressure washer assembly, such as the battery monitor module itself. In this implementation, the battery monitor module or dedicated local device may comprise a user interface for a user to interact with the software application, such as a display.

[0123] The software application provides a user interface for monitoring the battery pack parameters, including any one or more of: performance, battery percentage (such as total battery percentage remaining across all cells), hours in operation (e.g., total number of hours using the water blaster in a current instance of use), charger override (e.g., if the system is safe to charge after a fault event), charge status, total energy usage (corresponding to a current instance of use), charging time remaining, charge remaining, charging power, and / or physical location. In addition to monitoring, the application may also for control functions, such as allowing the battery to be turned off (which may be done remotely if the software application is implemented / acces sible remotely) .

[0124] In one implementation, the battery monitor module communicates with the software application via the cellular (mobile communications) network. In this case, the wireless transmitter comprises a Bluetooth transmitter for short-range communication and / or a cellular transmitter for long-range communication. Bluetooth has a range of approximately twenty meters, and the Bluetooth application is useful as it allows the operator to monitor and manage energy usage, time remaining, and the like when in close proximity to the pressure washer. Other communication methods may be implemented such as Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, satellite communication, wired communication (e.g., USB or Ethernet) and near field communication as is known in the art.

[0125] In an implementation, the software application is adapted to feed data to a cloud storage device, the data then being accessible from device such as a mobile phone or laptop computer. This arrangement allows the data to be accessible even when the assembly is remotely located (for example when the assembly is leased to a third party who is using the machine at another location). In one aspect, a battery pack system comprises a battery management system (BMS), configured to manage performance parameters of the battery pack, such as voltage, current and / or temperature of individual battery cells or modules, as well as the overall pack voltage, current and / or temperature. The BMS functions to ensure safe and efficient operation of the battery pack and in maximising its lifespan. To achieve this, the BMS may be configured to monitor one or more parameters, including: cell voltages (to prevent overcharge and over discharge), pack voltage (to ensure proper operation within the pressure washer assembly), cell temperatures (to prevent overheating or freezing), pack current (to prevent overcurrent conditions), and state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) (to estimate the remaining capacity and overall condition of the battery). The BMS actively manages these parameters using several control functions. Cell balancing ensures that all cells in the battery pack are at a similar state of charge, preventing some cells from being overstressed while others are underutilized. Overcharge protection prevents the battery from being charged beyond its maximum voltage, which can lead to damage or even fire. Over discharge protection prevents the battery from being discharged below its minimum voltage, which can also damage the battery. Overcurrent protection limits the current drawn from the battery to prevent overheating and damage to the battery and other components. Thermal management, via one or more temperature sensor, operates to turn the battery pack off if the operating temperature gets too high (above about 50°C) or too low (below about 0°C), preventing damage to the battery pack due to extreme temperatures. These control functions may be implemented using a combination of hardware and software components, including sensors, microcontrollers, power switches, and control algorithms. The BMS may also communicate with other systems within the pressure washer assembly, such as the motor controller, to provide information about the battery pack status and to coordinate operation. "\

[0126] The battery pack system may further comprise a switching mechanism configured to selectively connect and disconnect the battery pack’s output. This switching mechanism provides a means for isolating the battery output, which can be important for safety, maintenance, and energy management. In a specific implementation, the switching mechanism comprises a contactor. A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used to connect or disconnect an electrical circuit. The contactor is positioned between the battery pack and the load (i.e., the electric motor and other components of the pressure washer assembly), and is controlled by the battery management system (BMS) or other control circuitry. When the contactor is open, the battery output is isolated, preventing current from flowing to the load. When the contactor is closed, the battery output is connected, allowing current to flow to the load. The contactor may be opened or closed based on various conditions, such as: an overcurrent condition, an overvoltage condition, an undervoltage condition, an overtemperature condition, a user request, or a system fault.

[0127] The battery pack system may further include a charging subsystem to replenish the energy stored within the battery pack. This charging subsystem provides a means for connecting the battery pack to an external power source and converting the electrical energy from that source into a form suitable for charging the battery. In one embodiment, the charging subsystem comprises an onboard battery charger integrated directly into the battery pack housing. This onboard charger allows the battery pack to be conveniently charged using mains electricity. The onboard charger is configured to accept a standard AC voltage input (e.g., 120V or 240V) and convert it into the appropriate DC voltage and current required to charge the battery pack. Alternatively, the charging subsystem may allow for the battery pack to be charged using solar energy. In this case, the charging subsystem would include a solar charge controller, which is configured to accept the variable DC voltage and current from a solar panel and convert it into a suitable charging profile for the battery pack. The solar charge controller may also include maximum power point tracking (MPPT) functionality to optimize the energy harvested from the solar panel. The charging subsystem may also include features such as overcharge protection, overvoltage protection, and reverse polarity protection to ensure safe and reliable charging of the battery pack.

[0128] The battery pack system may further include a power distribution network to efficiently and reliably distribute electrical energy from the battery modules to the various components of the pressure washer assembly. This power distribution network comprises a plurality of conductive elements that facilitate the transmission of electrical current. In one embodiment, the power distribution network includes a number of bus bars, including positive bus bars, negative bus bars, and series bus bars. These bus bars are typically constructed from a highly conductive material, such as copper or aluminium, and are designed to handle the high currents required by the electric motor. The bus bars facilitate the distribution of electricity from the battery modules to the various components of the system, such as the electric motor, the motor controller, and the cooling system. The battery pack system of the present disclosure is designed to provide sufficient energy storage capacity to enable extended operation of the pressure washer assembly or other equipment. The battery pack system is configured to deliver a sustained power output over a prolonged period. In a specific implementation, the battery pack has sufficient battery life to power a water blaster assembly or other equipment to operate for many hours, such as six or eight hours. For example, the battery pack system could power water blasting for a full working day. This extended run-time provides significant convenience and cost savings for the user, as it eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements or recharges during a typical workday. The battery pack is housed within a robust enclosure designed to provide mechanical protection, electrical insulation, and environmental sealing. In an embodiment, the enclosure is designed as a rectangular box to facilitate stackable and compact arrangement within the pressure washer assembly. The enclosure is constructed from a high-impact resistant material, such as a durable plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, ABS) or a lightweight metal (e.g., aluminium). The enclosure is also designed to provide water resistance, preventing ingress of water or moisture that could damage the battery cells or electrical components. This may be achieved through the use of gaskets, seals, and a waterproof enclosure design. Furthermore, the enclosure may incorporate fire-resistant materials or features to mitigate the risk of fire in the event of cell failures or thermal runaway.

[0129] Electronic pressure washer assembly - Overview

[0130] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure washer assembly (herein also referred to as a water blaster assembly) is provided. This assembly may comprise a pump. The system may further comprise a motor for driving the pump. The motor may be an AC motor, for example a 10 kW, 3 -phase permanent magnet AC motor . The motor may be powered by the large capacity battery pack described above. An inverter and / or motor controller may be implemented. One or more hoses or conduits connected to the pump and a cleaning fluid source inlet may convey a cleaning fluid. The pressure washer may further comprise a suitable housing or housings. The pressure washer may further comprise a key switch. A throttle may be provided to activate the pump. A reduction gearbox may also be implemented to reduce the high rotational speed of the electric motor to a more suitable speed for the pump.

[0131] Because water blasting / cleaning occurs in an environment that may be wet, dirty or both, it is preferably that the pressure washer assembly is sturdy and water-resistant or waterproof. Because water blasting / cleaning occurs at many different locations, it is also preferable that the pressure washer assembly is robust enough to be moved around relatively frequently. For example, the pressure washer assembly of the present disclosure may be in use at different locations each day. This results in the assembly being moved on and off a utility or other suitable vehicle and moved to varying locations.

[0132] The pressure washer assembly incorporates a housing that provides structural support, environmental protection, and a mounting platform for the various components of the assembly. Therefore, the pressure washer assembly of the present disclosure therefore includes a robust and durable housing configured to withstand the rigors of commercial and industrial use, including exposure to water and physical impacts.

[0133] The housing is constructed from materials that provide a suitable combination of strength, durability, and weight. In one embodiment, the housing is formed of a suitable robust material such as a metal. Aluminium is one suitable metal due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ease of manufacturing. In other embodiments, the housing may be formed from other metals, such as steel (for increased strength and durability) or magnesium (for reduced weight). The housing may also include some plastic componentry to provide additional functionality or to reduce weight. For example, plastic may be used for cosmetic panels, handles, or internal components that do not require high strength or heat resistance. Suitable plastics include polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene, and other engineering -grade plastics.

[0134] The design of the housing may incorporate features such as ribs, gussets, and other structural elements to enhance its strength and stiffness. The housing may also include features such as mounting points for securing the various components of the assembly, access panels for maintenance and repair, and vents for cooling.

[0135] The housing may be a single, integrated structure or may comprise multiple interconnected components. The housing of the assembly may be a single housing or may be two separate but adjacent housings, one housing provided as part of the large capacity battery pack and the other housing including the pump and motor. As mentioned, the pressure washer assembly incorporates a cleaning fluid pump to pressurise the cleaning fluid and deliver it to the fluid outlet at a high pressure. The cleaning fluid pump is selected based on its ability to provide the desired flow rate and pressure for the intended cleaning applications. In one embodiment, the pump is configured to generate a cleaning fluid / water flow rate of approximately 0 to 30 litre per minute (LPM), and more preferably between approximately 20 to 30 LPM. This flow rate range provides a balance between cleaning power and water consumption, with lower flow rates suitable for delicate cleaning tasks and higher flow rates required for removing stubborn dirt and grime. In an embodiment, the cleaning fluid pump is configured to provide a water pressure of up to 5000 psi (pounds per square inch), and preferably from 1500 to 3000 psi. This pressure range provides a balance between cleaning power and safety, with lower pressures suitable for delicate surfaces and higher pressures required for more demanding cleaning tasks. The specific pressure generated by the pump may be adjustable, allowing the user to select the appropriate pressure for each cleaning application.

[0136] The cleaning fluid pump may be any suitable type of positive displacement pump; examples include piston pumps, known for their high-pressure capabilities and durability; plunger pumps, similar to piston pumps but using a plunger instead, also capable of generating high pressures; diaphragm pumps, which use a flexible diaphragm to displace the cleaning fluid, are self-priming, and can handle a wide range of fluids, including those containing solids; and triplex pumps, which use three pistons or plungers to deliver a smooth and consistent flow of cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid pump is driven by the electric motor via a mechanical linkage, such as a belt drive or a direct drive, and may also include features such as a pressure relief valve to prevent over-pressurization and a thermal relief valve to prevent overheating.

[0137] As mentioned, the pressure washer assembly further comprises an inverter. The inverter is configured to electrically couple between the battery pack and the electric motor, to convert the DC voltage supplied by the battery pack into a 3 -phase AC voltage suitable for driving the electric motor. The inverter may be implemented using various power electronic components, such as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) or silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, selected for their switching speed, voltage handling capability, and thermal performance. The inverter may also incorporate various control and protection features, such as pulse-width modulation (PWM) for voltage and frequency control, overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown, for reliable and safe operation of both the inverter and the electric motor.

[0138] The pressure washer assembly also includes one or more programmable controllers. At least one of these controllers sets speed, current limits, temperature limits, acceleration rates, and the like.

[0139] In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure washer assembly incorporates a motor controller to regulate the operation of the electric motor. The motor controller may be configured to function as the central command and control unit for the electric motor, receiving input signals from various sensors and / or user controls, and generating appropriate output signals to drive the motor. In general, the motor controller may be configured to perform key functions such as: speed control, which regulates the speed of the electric motor to match the desired cleaning performance. This can include control techniques such as proportional-integral- derivative (PID) control or field-oriented control (FOC); current limiting, by limiting the current supplied to the electric motor to prevent overheating and damage. The current limit may be adjusted based on the operating conditions and the temperature of the motor, for instance; torque control, which regulates the torque produced by the electric motor to provide consistent cleaning power; acceleration control, by controlling the acceleration and deceleration rates of the electric motor to prevent sudden jolts and to improve the smoothness of operation; temperature monitoring and protection, monitoring the temperature of the electric motor and taking action to prevent overheating, such as reducing the motor speed, shutting down the motor or controlling a cooling system.

[0140] The motor controller may be configured receive input from various sensors, such as temperature sensors, speed sensors, and current sensors, to monitor the operating conditions of the electric motor, and may be configured to receive input from user controls, such as a throttle or a pressure setting, to adjust the performance of the pressure washer assembly. The motor controller generates output signals to drive the inverter (or other power electronic circuitry) that supplies power to the electric motor. The specific control algorithms and parameters used by the motor controller may be customised to optimise the performance of the assembly for different cleaning tasks and operating conditions.

[0141] The motor controller may also be configured to implement safety features such as overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown to protect the electric motor and other components from damage, and in some embodiments, may communicate with other systems within the pressure washer assembly, such as the battery management system, to provide information about the motor status and to coordinate operation.

[0142] The inverter and motor controller may be implemented as separate components, integrated into a single unit, or housed together in a common assembly.

[0143] The pressure washer assembly incorporates an operating mode control system to optimise performance and efficiency based on the current operating state. The operating mode control system may leverage data from one or more sensors and / or motor parameters to determine the appropriate operating mode and adjust the electric motor and other components accordingly. The microcontroller may be configured to analyse data from sensors such as pressure sensors or flow sensors, and / or motor parameters such as motor speed, motor voltage, and / or motor current. Based on this data, the microcontroller may determine the current operating mode of the pressure washer assembly. For example, the microcontroller may be configured to identify the following operating modes and / or a transition between two of these operating modes:

[0144] • Working Mode: In this mode, the pressure washer is actively delivering high-pressure cleaning fluid to the fluid outlet. This is typically characterised by high motor speed, high pump pressure, and a relatively stable flow rate.

[0145] • Bypass Mode (Idle Mode): In this mode, the flow of high-pressure cleaning fluid is diverted back to a storage tank or fluid inlet, rather than being delivered to the fluid outlet. This typically occurs when the user releases the trigger on the spray gun. Bypass mode is characterised by lower motor speed, reduced pump pressure, and a higher flow rate in the bypass circuit.

[0146] • Off Mode: In this mode, the electric motor is turned off and the pressure washer assembly is not delivering any cleaning fluid.

[0147] The microcontroller may be configured to determine the operating mode from parameter signatures. A parameter signature can be a single parameter or a combination of parameters, and / or may comprise a waveform of a parameter, characteristic of a particular operating mode. For example, bypass mode may be identified by a single parameter such as low motor speed, or by a combination of low motor speed, high bypass circuit pressure, and low motor current.

[0148] The operating mode control system may also determine a transition between operating modes based on a signature. For example, a transition from working mode to bypass mode may be detected by a specific change in the motor current waveform, or by a sudden drop in pressure at the fluid outlet.

[0149] The operating mode control system may be configured to learn signatures over time. This may be achieved using machine learning algorithms that analyse historical data to identify patterns and trends in the sensor readings and motor parameters. The learned signatures can then be used to more accurately distinguish between different operating modes, even in the presence of noise or sensor drift.

[0150] Based on the determined operating mode, the microcontroller may be configured to adjust the operation of the electric motor and other components. For example, in bypass mode, the microcontroller may reduce the motor speed to conserve energy and reduce wear on the pump. In working mode, the microcontroller may increase the motor speed to provide the desired cleaning pressure and flow rate.

[0151] To facilitate operation in a bypass mode, the pressure washer assembly may further comprise a bypass circuit. The bypass circuit is a fluid pathway that diverts the flow of high-pressure cleaning fluid from the pump back to a storage tank or fluid inlet. The bypass circuit includes a bypass valve, which may be controlled by the microcontroller. When the microcontroller detects that the pressure washer assembly is in bypass mode, it may actuate the bypass valve to open the bypass circuit, diverting the flow of cleaning fluid. An unloader valve may be used to relieve the pressure by diverting the flow of high-pressure fluid to the storage tank or fluid inlet. Fluid collected may be collected in the storage tank and re-used by feeding this back into the pump.

[0152] The pressure washer assembly preferably further comprises a cooling system for managing and dissipating heat generated by various components, particularly the electric motor, and motor controller and / or inverter. The cooling system is configured to maintain these components within their specified operating temperature ranges, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

[0153] In an embodiment, the cooling system operates by circulating a cooling fluid through a closed- loop circuit, extracting heat from the heat-generating components, and transferring that heat to another medium, such as the incoming cleaning fluid or the ambient air. The cooling system may incorporate various components, including a heat exchanger, a cooling pump, a cooling fluid reservoir, and a network of cooling fluid conduits.

[0154] In an embodiment, the cooling system may comprise a fluid-to-fluid heat exchange mechanism, wherein heat is transferred from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid. The heat exchanger may be positioned in the flow path of both fluids. The heat exchanger allows for efficient heat transfer from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid, preheating the cleaning fluid before it enters the cleaning fluid pump and simultaneously cooling the cooling fluid before it is recirculated.

[0155] The cooling fluid, which may be a glycol mixture, circulates through a closed-loop circuit driven by a cooling fluid pump. The cooling fluid circuit may include a cooling fluid reservoir, which acts as a thermal buffer and facilitates heat dissipation. The cooling fluid reservoir may be directly connected to the motor controller and / or inverter via a heat exchange plate. This direct connection provides a thermal pathway for heat to be conducted away from the motor controller / inverter and into the cooling fluid. The implementation of this connection may vary; for example, the heat exchange plate may be bolted directly to the housing of the motor controller or inverter, or it may be integrated into a custom-designed housing that encloses both the motor controller / inverter and the cooling fluid reservoir.

[0156] In an embodiment, the cooling fluid conduits are arranged to pass through and / or around the electric motor to extract heat. In some implementations, the cooling fluid conduits may be integrated into a cooling jacket that surrounds the motor housing. In other implementations, the cooling fluid may flow through internal passages within the motor itself, providing more direct cooling of the motor windings and other heat-generating components. Alternatively, or additionally, a motor heat sink may be provided which is in thermal contact with the motor and through or around which the cooling liquid flows. In an embodiment, the operation of the cooling system is managed by a cooling control system, which is configured to activate and deactivate the cooling pump and / or to increase or decrease the rate of flow of the cooling fluid based on the temperature of various components, such as the electric motor and / or the motor controller / inverter. In one implementation, the cooling control system is implemented as a separate, dedicated system with its own microcontroller and sensors. This may allow for greater flexibility in the design and optimisation of the cooling control algorithms. In an alternative implementation, the cooling control system is integrated into the existing motor control system for the cleaning fluid pump. In this case, the same microcontroller that controls the operation of the electric motor also manages the cooling system, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall system architecture.

[0157] The cooling control system may use sensors to monitor the temperature of these components and / or other operating parameters such as current drawn and may implement control algorithms to optimise the cooling performance based on the operating conditions of the pressure washer assembly. The cooling control system may incorporate hysteresis to prevent rapid cycling of the cooling pump and may also include safety features such as overtemperature protection and low coolant level detection.

[0158] Method of Use of Battery Pack and Pressure washer Assembly

[0159] In use, a battery pack or battery pack system of the present disclosure (which may comprise a large capacity battery pack) may be utilised in situations where battery power needs to be drawn over a relatively long period of time. For example, the battery pack of the present disclosure may be used with a pressure washer, as described in this specification. It should be appreciated, however, that the large capacity battery pack of the present disclosure may be used with other equipment such as pumps (for example, a pump on a spray truck), or at a construction site to run tools from.

[0160] The pressure washer assembly of the present disclosure may be transported to a desired location so that water blasting / cleaning can be undertaken. For example, the pressure washer assembly may be transported to a commercial building such as a supermarket, warehouse, car parking building and the like. The pressure washer assembly is then deployed to clean the exterior of the building.

[0161] Use of the battery pack (and preferably the large capacity battery pack) as part of the pressure washer assembly means that the pressure washer assembly may be operated continuously for many hours (for example, for the entire working day). This provides significant cost savings and convenience. There is no need to swap out or recharge the battery pack, there is no need to plug the pressure washer into mains power and the use of fossil fuels is avoided.

[0162] Exemplifications

[0163] Some aspects of the components, assemblies, devices, systems and methods of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and description are provided for the purpose of illustrating specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Each section may include one or more distinct embodiments or examples, and / or contextual or related information, function, and / or structure.

[0164] Illustrative Pressure washer assemblies and systems

[0165] In Figure 1, an exemplification of a pressure washer assembly 1 is depicted mounted or carried on the back of a utility vehicle 2. The pressure washer assembly 1 comprises a battery pack 3 and a pump and motor box 4. Not shown are hoses and hose reels that also form part of the pressure washer assembly 1.

[0166] As shown, the pressure washer assembly 1 is configured to be relatively compact and / or lightweight / portable so they can easily be placed in the back tray of the utility vehicle 2 by one or two users. For example, the battery pack 3 may be between approximately 50-200kgs and the motor and pump box 4 may be between 20 and 80 kgs. The pressure washer assembly 1 and the motor and pump box 4 are configured to be handled separately.

[0167] In Figure 2 and 3, an exemplification of the battery pack 3 is depicted. The top surface 5 is adapted to support equipment such as hose reels (not shown), the pump and motor box 4 and chemicals (not shown) that may be used during the water blasting process.

[0168] The battery pack 3 includes one or more input connections, such as a control and charger inlet 6, and one or more output connections, such as a power outlet 7 for connection to the pump assembly / system (the pump is not shown in Figures 2 and 3). In this embodiment, the battery pack 3 further comprises a user interface 8. The user interface

[0169] 8 may include one or more input interfaces, such as an on / off button, and one or more output interfaces such as a charge indicator which displays the state of charge, voltage and run time remaining. The indictor may comprise an illumination means, or an electronic display for instance. In some configurations, the battery pack 3 may not comprise an interface to reduce the energy consumption.

[0170] The battery pack 3 may further be provided with other features such as panel fixing locations

[0171] 9 which may be used for mounting brackets (not shown), adapted to mount the battery pack 3 to another object, such as a truck bed.

[0172] In Figures 4 and 5, an exemplification of the battery pack 3 is depicted. The battery pack 3 comprises ten battery modules 10 secured within housing 11. The battery pack 3 may alternatively comprise any other number of battery modules, such as four modules or two modules. Preferably there are less than 10 modules of 22.2V to reduce the weight of the battery pack. Housing 11 is formed of a suitable material such as aluminium and may include plastic componentry. The housing 11 may comprise or be coupled to wheels or other elements for facilitating movement of the battery pack over a surface.

[0173] In some examples, the battery pack has a 44.4V nominal voltage and a 20 - 25 kWh total usable capacity. It will be appreciated, however, that the battery pack may have a nominal voltage of up to 100 V. In some examples, the battery pack has a nominal voltage ranging from 20V to 100V and a total usable capacity ranging from 10 kWh to 30 kWh. In some examples, the battery pack has a nominal voltage ranging from 24 V to 60V and a total usable capacity ranging from 15 kWh to 25 kWh. For example, the battery pack may comprise four approximately 44.4V batteries connected in parallel. In yet another example, the battery pack may utilise two 22.2V batteries connected in series to provide 44.4V but a lower current rating - to reduce the overall weight of the battery pack. Lighter battery packs could be portable to the extent of being capable of being carried on the back of a user for instance.

[0174] Referring now to Figure 5, the battery pack 3 comprises a battery management system 12, battery monitor 13, a charger 14 (e.g., a fast charger), negative busbar 15, positive busbar 16, and series busbar 17. These are shown housed within housing 11 and have the purpose or function(s) as described in the battery pack overview section of this disclosure.

[0175] In Figure 6, an exemplification of pump and motor box 4 is depicted. The pump and motor box 4 houses cleaning fluid pump 18 (shown in more detail in Figures 7 and 8) and corresponding motor 19 (shown in more detail in Figures 9 and 10). The pump and motor box 4 may include a removable cover 20 for serviceability. The pump and motor box ma further comprises one or more user control interfaces, such as an on-off switch 21 and / or a throttle 22. The pump and motor box 4 housing may comprise a plurality of cooling vents 23.

[0176] The pump box 4 may comprise a housing formed from aluminium, for example 5 mm aluminium. Some plastic componentry may also be included as described in relation to the pressure washer overview of this disclosure.

[0177] In Figures 7 and 8, further exemplifications of the pump box 4 and pump 18 are depicted. The pump cleaning fluid inlet / outlet 24 is exposed to facilitate fitting connections such as a hose (not shown) to the pump 18.

[0178] In Figures 9 and 10, an exemplification of the pump 18 and motor 19 are depicted with the housing / cover of the box 4 removed.

[0179] In this exemplification, the pump 18 and motor 19 are housed on separate but connected platforms 25a and 25b. The pump 18 and motor 19 are operatively connected via gearbox / pump assembly 29.

[0180] The motor 19 comprises main motor section 27 and a motor controller assembly 28. Also shown is reduction gearbox 29 for transmitting power and reducing rotational speed between the motor 19 and the pump 18. Alternatively, a drive belt may be implemented to transmit power and reduce motor speed.

[0181] Other features such as cover retaining mount 30 and mounting holes 31 may also be provided. In Figures 11 and 12, an exemplification of the pressure washer assembly 1 is depicted. The pressure washer may also be referred to as a water blaster in this disclosure.

[0182] In this exemplification, the pump and motor box 4 is located and secured on top of the battery pack 3. It should be appreciated, however, that the pump and motor box 4 and battery pack 3 may be located separately but adjacent each other.

[0183] An alternative exemplification of the pressure washer assembly 1 is depicted in Figure 13. Pump and motor box 4 and battery pack 3 are housed or mounted in housing or base 32. Housing or base 32 may also comprise a reel housing 33 integrated or mounted thereon for a cleaning fluid supply hose to be mounted or wound thereon. The assembly 1 further comprises a water tank 34 mounted on the housing or base 32.

[0184] The total weight of the exemplified battery pack 3 is approximately 50-150 kg. This makes the battery pack relatively easy to lift and transport in a vehicle such as a utility vehicle, small truck or other suitable vehicle.

[0185] Thus, according to some examples, there is provided a large capacity battery pack and a pressure washer assembly that includes the large capacity battery pack and thus, a relatively long battery run-time.

[0186] Another exemplification of a pressure washer assembly is illustrated in Figure 14 and 14A. Figure 14A shows an enlarged part of the pressure washer assembly 101 shown in Figure 14. The pressure washer assembly 101 comprises a battery pack 103 having a number of battery modules configured to power an electric motor 119 which is coupled to drive a pump 118. The battery pack 103 may comprise the components and functionality as described in the battery pack overview section of this disclosure. The assembly 101 comprises an output user interface in the form of an electronic display 130, which is operatively connected and controllable by a control system relating to the battery, such as the battery monitor, battery management system and / or a central control system of the assembly, to indicate the level of charge of the battery as well as whether the battery is being recharged. The assembly also comprises a high-pressure fluid hose 141 coupled thereto and arranged to deliver high pressure fluid from the pump 118 to a gun (not shown) or other manually or automatically operable fluid discharge device which directs the high-pressure fluid to clean a surface. The high-pressure fluid hose 141 may be coiled around a reel as shown. In operation, the pump 118 is driven by the electric motor 119 and receives low-pressure cleaning fluid delivered at an inlet 145 and delivers high-pressure cleaning fluid at an outlet 146. The outlet 146 may be fluidly connected to an unloader valve 143 which is connected to the high-pressure hose 141. The cleaning fluid may be water or a mixture of water and cleaning chemicals. The assembly 101 may also include a throttle to set a rate at which the high-pressure cleaning fluid is delivered. For example, 100% throttle may correspond to an electric motor rate of 38OOrpm (revolutions per minute) which may correspond to a flow rate of approximately 251pm (litres per minute). At 50% throttle, this corresponds to 1900rpm and a flow rate of 12.51pm.

[0187] The assembly 101 also comprises a storage tank 142 which is configured to receive fluid from the high-pressure hose when the assembly 101 is not being used for spaying and the pressure requires relieving. This typically occurs when the assembly 101 enters a bypass or idle mode when the motor and pump are operating but the gun is not releasing the high-pressure cleaning fluid. During this bypass mode the assembly 101 is configured to continue operating with the motor 119 driving the pump 118, but as the fluid is not being released from the high-pressure hose 141, the pressure increases and when this exceeds a threshold the unloader valve 143 relieves the pressure by diverting the flow of high-pressure fluid to the storage tank 142. Fluid collected in the storage tank 142 may be re-used by feeding this back into the pump 118. This functionality may be at least partly control by a control system of the assembly - which may be implemented in the motor controller 128.

[0188] The assembly 101 is configured to receive external cleaning fluid such as water via a supply hose 144, with the cleaning fluid supply initially received at a fluid inlet 145 and directed into a heat exchanger 150 via a supply conduit 151 such as a pipe or hose section. The cleaning fluid is directed from the heat exchanger 150 to an inlet of the pump 118 via a pump conduit 152. The heat exchanger includes an internal fluid pathway (not shown) coupled between the fluid inlet 145 and the pump 118 and arranged to transfer heat from fluid in another internal fluid pathway to cleaning fluid in the first internal fluid pathway between the fluid inlet 145 and pump 118, preferably to heat the cleaning fluid prior to pressurising.

[0189] The heat exchanger 150 forms part of a cooling system 200 and is couped to a cooling conduit network including conduits 153 and 154 arranged to conduct a cooling fluid between the heat exchanger 150 and the electric motor 119. In some examples, the cooling fluid may additionally or alternatively be arranged to conduct the cooling fluid between the heat exchanger and an inverter within the motor controller 128. The cooling fluid is separate to the cleaning fluid in this embodiment. A cooling motor and pump 155 may be used to circulate the cooling fluid within the cooling conduit network. In some examples, the motor 119 may be configured to connect to the cooling conduit network such that cooling fluid flows within cooling passageways or galleries within the motor 119. In other examples, the cooling fluid may flow through and / or around a motor heat sink thermally coupled to the motor. An inverter heat sink may also be provided for the inverter, and the cooling fluid may be directed to flow through and / or around this heat sink. This arrangement enables heat generated by the electric motor 119 and / or the inverter to be conducted by the cooling fluid to the heat exchanger 150 and transferred to the cleaning fluid conducted to the pump 118. This provides enhanced cooling of the electric motor 119 and / or inverter.

[0190] The cooling arrangement of the cooling system 200 provides a closed loop cooling conduit network 153, 154 on one side of the heat exchanger 150 which allows the size or capacity of the conduits to be appropriately sized for the motor 119 and / or inverter and / or heat sinks. This avoids mismatching the flow rates required through the pump and the motor cooling passageways or galleries which may lead to the creation of low pressure, cavitation, bubbles and other undesirable phenomena within the fluid flowing into the pump.

[0191] Separating the two sides of the heat exchanger also allows for a non-corrosive liquid to be used to cool the motor and / or inverter and thereby avoids using the cleaning fluid (e.g. water) which may be corrosive.

[0192] The display panel 130 comprises a large LED indicator which can be readily seen at a distance, and which shows the level of charge remaining available in the battery pack 103. As shown in the Figure, the LED indicates shows approximately 75% available. When the battery pack is being recharged, the LED indicator may pulse to indicate charging. Various other display panel arrangements and configurations may alternatively be employed.

[0193] Some and / or other parts of the pressure washer or water blaster 101 may be as previously described in relation to pressure washer 1 or as described in the pressure washer overview section of this disclosure.

[0194] Figure 15 illustrates the battery pack 103 which comprises a battery housing 111 containing four battery modules 110, a battery management system 112, a battery monitor 113 and a battery charger 114. These and other parts of the battery pack 103 may be as previously described for battery pack 3 or the battery pack overview section of this disclosure.

[0195] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate various parts of the pressure washer 101 previously described in clearer detail, as well as some parts previously hidden. The motor controller 128 comprises the inverter 136 and has adjacent the inverter, an inverter heat sink 135 to which the cooling liquid is conducted. Figure 26A shows the inverter heat sink 135 in further detail.

[0196] Figure 18 illustrates a protective cover 148 which normally covers the pump, electric motor, motor controller, cooling pump and various connecting conduits. The cover 148 has vents for cooling.

[0197] Illustrative cooling system for a pressure washer assembly

[0198] Figure 19 illustrates the cooling system 200 for the pressure washer assembly previously described. Fluid conduits or lines are shown between various components indicated fluid coupling. Figure 27 illustrates a flow diagram of the cooling system 200.

[0199] The cooling system 200 is configured to manage and dissipate heat generated during operation, ensuring that one or more devices within the assembly remain within their specified operating temperature ranges. In this embodiment, the cooling system is configured to effectively cool both the electric motor 119 and a motor controller assembly 128, recognising that these components are significant sources of heat. In some configurations only one of these devices may be cooled by the cooling system 200, and / or other devices such as the battery pack 3 may be cooled by the cooling system 200.

[0200] In this embodiment and as mentioned above, the cooling system 200 serves the additional purpose of preheating the cleaning fluid. In this implementation, the pre-heating is before the cleaning fluid enters the pump 118. This is achieved through a heat exchange mechanism that transfers heat from the cooling fluid to the low-pressure cleaning fluid. The heat exchange mechanism is positioned in the low-pressure cleaning fluid supply line, upstream of the pump

[0201] 118 to ensure that the cleaning fluid is preheated before it is pressurised. The cooling fluid and cleaning fluid are also kept separate in this implementation, to avoid contamination and allow the use of different fluid types optimised for their respective roles.

[0202] The cooling system operates as a closed-loop circuit to maintain efficient and controlled heat transfer. The closed-loop circuit comprises: a cooling fluid reservoir 135, a cooling fluid pump 155, and a cooling fluid conduit network 153, 154. The cooling fluid reservoir stores the cooling fluid and provides a thermal buffer. The cooling fluid pump 155 circulates the cooling fluid throughout the circuit. Suitable pump types include centrifugal pumps, gear pumps, and diaphragm pumps, selected based on factors such as flow rate, pressure requirements, and fluid compatibility. The cooling fluid pump 155 comprises an integrated motor, but in alternative configurations the pump 155 may be cooperatively coupled to the motor. The pump 155 and motor are preferably operatively coupled to the same power source, i.e., battery pack 103 as the electric motor 119 for operating the cooling circuit. The cooling fluid conduit network 153, 154 provides a pathway for the cooling fluid to circulate between the various components. The conduits may be constructed from flexible hoses, rigid tubing, or a combination thereof, and selected for compatibility with the cooling fluid and operating pressures and temperatures.

[0203] In this embodiment, heat is extracted from the electric motor 119 by circulating the cooling fluid through a cooling jacket or internal passages within the motor housing. The electric motor

[0204] 119 may comprise an internal cooling circuit that allows heat transfer from the coils and magnets of the electric motor. This arrangement allows for direct heat transfer from the motor components to the cooling fluid. Alternatively, a motor heat sink thermally coupled to the motor may be used, and the cooling fluid may be directed to flow through and / or around this heat sink. Referring to Figs. 26A and 26B, in this embodiment, heat is extracted from the motor controller 128 using a heat sink or heat exchange plate 138 coupled to a housing of the motor controller assembly 128. The heat exchange plate 138 is coupled on or directly adjacent to the heat sink 135, comprising a cooling fluid reservoir 139. This arrangement provides a direct thermal pathway between the motor controller assembly 128 and the cooling fluid reservoir 139, enhancing heat dissipation.

[0205] The motor controller assembly 128 may comprise a microcontroller 137 and other circuitry to perform functions such as controlling operation of the motor, and monitoring one or more operational parameter(s) of or associated with the motor 119. The motor controller assembly 128 may comprise the inverter 136 configured to convert DC voltage and current supplied from the battery pack into alternating current and voltage for driving the electric motor 119. The heat exchange plate 138 may be coupled to the inverter housing 136 of the motor controller assembly 128.

[0206] The cooling fluid reservoir 139 acts as a heat sink and incorporates a serpentine channel or pathway for retaining and conveying the cooling fluid within the cooling circuit. The serpentine design increases the surface area of the reservoir that is in contact with the heat exchange plate 138, promoting heat dissipation away from the motor controller assembly 128. The coolant reservoir 139 includes an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet of a heat exchanger 150 and an outlet fluidly coupled to an inlet of a motor cooling fluid pathway. This configuration ensures that the cooled fluid from the heat exchanger is directed to the reservoir before extracting heat from the motor controller assembly 128 and being circulated to the electric motor 119.

[0207] The heat sink 135 may be constructed from materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, or durable plastics, selected for their thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with the cooling fluid. The reservoir may also incorporate features such as baffles to reduce sloshing and vents to allow for pressure equalization

[0208] As shown in Fig. 27, heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the cleaning fluid is facilitated by the heat exchanger 150 of the cooling system. The heat exchanger 150 is a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger 150, configured to transfer heat between two liquids. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 150 includes a first liquid pathway 150-1 fluidly coupled between the cleaning fluid inlet and the pump 118 to convey cleaning fluid, and a second fluid pathway 150-2 fluidly coupled to the cooling fluid conduit network 153, 154 for conveying the cooling fluid. The first and second fluid pathways 150-1 and 150-2 within the heat exchanger are configured to allow heat transfer between the respective fluids. In this embodiment, a plate heat exchanger 150 is utilised between the fluid pathways 150-1 and 150-2 due to its high surface area-to-volume ratio and efficient heat transfer capabilities. However, other heat exchanger designs, such as shell-and-tube heat exchangers or microchannel heat exchangers may alternatively be employed.

[0209] Cleaning fluid flows from in from inlet 145 through the heat exchanger 150 to the pump 118. The pump 118 receives the low-pressure cleaning fluid and pressurises this to deliver high- pressure cleaning fluid to downstream connected components such as an unloader valve, a high-pressure hose and a gun for releasing and directing the high-pressure cleaning fluid at a surface to be cleaned.

[0210] Accordingly, during operation, the cooling fluid pump 155 and conduit network 153, 154 are configured to circulate the cooling fluid on one side of the heat exchanger 150. The cooling fluid flows from the cooling pump 155 to the cooling fluid reservoir 139 of the heat sink 135, and on to the electric motor 119 and back to the heat exchanger 150. The cooling fluid may circulate in the opposite direction depending on the configuration of the cooling pump 155. The cooling fluid transfers heat away from the cooling fluid reservoir 139 / inverter heat sink 135 and electric motor 119 and delivers this excess heat to the heat exchanger 150 where this heat is transferred from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid flowing through the other side of the heat exchanger 150 towards the pump 118. For example, the cooling fluid in coolant reservoir 139 may be heated by extracting heat from the motor controller 128. As it flows through the cooling circuit, the cooling fluid in fluid path 153a traversing through the coolant pump 155, between the cooling fluid reservoir 139 and motor 119, may be relatively warm. As the coolant flows past or through the motor 119, it extracts more heat from the motor and may become relatively hot in fluid path 153b between the motor and the heat exchanger 150. In the heat exchanger, the cooling fluid exchanges heat with the relatively cool cleaning fluid as described above, returning the cooling fluid temperature to a relatively cool temperature, and increasing the cleaning fluid temperature to a relatively warm or hot temperature. The relatively cool fluid in fluid path 154, between the outlet of the heat exchanger 150 and the coolant reservoir 139 may then return to the coolant reservoir, to extract more heat from the motor controller 139 and so forth. The rate of cooling may be dependent on the rate of flow of the coolant as well as other factors, such as the volume of coolant flowing through the cooling system 200.

[0211] The cooling system may employ any suitable cooling fluid. In an embodiment, the cooling fluid comprises a glycol mixture. Glycol mixtures, such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol solutions, offer enhanced heat transfer characteristics compared to conventional water / air- cooled systems, allowing for more effective thermal management of the electric motor 119 and motor controller assembly 128. In alternative embodiments, other cooling fluid compositions may be employed. These may include, but are not limited to: other Glycol mixtures such as solutions of diethylene glycol or triethylene glycol, a glycol-water mixture; synthetic coolants, such as polyalphaolefins (PAOs) or esters; refrigerant fluids, such as R-134a or R-1234yf; and / or dielectric fluids such as fluorocarbons or silicone oils.

[0212] The pressure washer assembly may further comprise a cooling control system described in further detail below.

[0213] Illustrative pressure washer system

[0214] Figure 20 illustrates the overall system for the pressure washer 101 including the parts of Figure 19 already described and additionally showing a belt drive 126 mechanically coupling the electric motor 119 with the pump 118. The belt drive 126 may incorporate a ratio drive with one revolution of the motor 119 being converted into a different number of revolutions of the pump 118. The outlet of the pump 118 is fluidically coupled to the unloader valve 143 as previously described, with one side of the unloader valve coupled to the storage tank 142 for diverting cleaning fluid during bypass mode and another side of the unloader valve 143 coupled to the high-pressure hose 141 which is coupled to an outlet gun 170. The gun 170 or other outlet device controls whether the high-pressure cleaning fluid is released. The released high- pressure cleaning fluid may then be directed to a surface to be cleaned.

[0215] Illustrative control system and methods of a pressure washer assembly In use, an operator of the pressure-washer assembly handles the gun to direct the flow of cleaning fluid and controls its release using a trigger to control a release valve 171. When the trigger is not engaged the release valve is closed so that cleaning fluid is not released but is maintained at high-pressure within the high-pressure hose. This is known as bypass or idle mode and in this mode, pressure will continue to rise within the high-pressure hose 141 and the unloader valve 143 until the unloader valve detects an upper pressure threshold at which point it redirects the cleaning fluid from the pump to the storage tank 142.

[0216] Under a normal working mode, the operator engages the trigger which opens the release valve 171 releasing the high-pressure cleaning liquid from the pressure washer assembly. The electric motor drives the pump at a predetermined speed to maintain the high-pressure cleaning fluid whist this is being released from the gun. In an example, during working mode, the electric motor may be operating at approximately 38OOrpm and at a power of approximately 7000W. When the operator releases the trigger on the gun the release valve 171 closes and there is a sharp pressure build-up in the high-pressure hose 141 which causes the electric motor to demand more current as it tries to maintain the set speed (e.g. 38OOrpm). Eventually the unloader valve 143 activates and diverts the cleaning fluid back to the storage tank 142 with little resistance. The motor controller 128 may be configured to reduce the current to the motor 119 in response to try to maintain the set speed which has briefly spiked. This may reduce the power consumption of the motor to around 1300W, for instance.

[0217] An operating mode control system of the pressure washer assembly 101, which may be in part or fully implemented in the motor controller 128, is configured to monitor and / or detect these changes to detect that the pressure washer assembly has switched from working mode in which the high-pressure cleaning fluid is being used or released to bypass or idle mode in which the high-pressure cleaning fluid is not being used or released, and instead is being diverted to the storage tank 142. The system then reduces the speed of the motor 119. At this point, the motor speed may be reduced to lOOOrpm with a power consumption of under 100W.

[0218] When the operator again engages the trigger of the gun and the release valve is opened, the pressure built up in the high-pressure hose 141 suddenly falls causing the unloader valve to close the bypass and reopen the main outlet so that the pump is again connected to the high- pressure hose 141. The sudden outflow of cleaning fluid causes the motor speed to drop. The operating mode control system is configured to monitor and detect this change to detect that the pressure washer assembly is exiting bypass mode and entering working mode again. The motor speed is increased to provide full pressure to the cleaning fluid in the high-pressure hose for releasing from the gun 170.

[0219] The various motor speeds and power levels described above are provided by way of example only. A method for detecting entry into bypass mode and exit from bypass mode into working mode, and an associated operating mode control system is described in more detail further below.

[0220] Figure 20 also illustrates a motor microcontroller 137 for controlling the inverter 136 to provide appropriate voltage and current to the electric motor 119. The inverter 136 converts DC voltage and current supplied from the battery pack 103 into alternating current and voltage for driving the electric motor 119. The inverter 136 is controlled by the microcontroller 137 to drive the electric motor 119 at one of two speeds, a full or working speed and a lower idle or bypass speed. The microcontroller is configured to maintain those speeds even with changes in the overall system such as those described above, for example changes in pressure or motor speed. Electric motor speed control may be achieved in various ways, for example by controlling the frequency, amplitude or duty cycle of the drive current / voltage supplied to the motor. The microcontroller 137 may be further configured to adjust the motor speeds set for working and idle / bypass modes based on throttle settings input by a user or other system. For example, a lower throttle setting may be used for the cleaning of more delicate surfaces whereas a higher throttle setting may be used for heavy duty cleaning.

[0221] The motor microcontroller 137 may also monitor various parameters of the electric motor 119 or the motor controller 128 such as motor speed or number of revolutions, motor input current or power, motor temperature, controller temperature, hours meter (a count is recorded on the motor controller when the motor is spinning and a separate count for key on, total power consumption, motor location and throttle settings, fault conditions, and / or fault codes. Monitoring of parameters in this context may comprise receiving data from one or more sensors or devices indicative of the monitored parameter. Data corresponding to one or more monitored parameter(s) may be transmitted by the microcontroller 137 to an external server 160 via a communications module. The server may be further configured to process the data and / or provide the data to one or more applications for processing the data. Such processing may comprise determining servicing requirements for the pressure washer assembly and / or for billing purposes (e.g., for determining if use is in compliance with terms when rented or for pricing a cleaning job). The monitored parameters may be processed by the microcontroller 137 or by a separate application, e.g., one accessible via the server 160, to determine one or more other operational parameters of the pressure washer assembly, such as wash-related parameters. The microcontroller 137 and / or the separate application may be configured to transmit data for driving a display device 130 to display the parameters for a user to view and assess. The display device may be local to the pressure washer assembly or remote, for instance. Examples of operational was-related parameters of the pressure washer assembly include power consumed, cleaning fluid flowrate and cleaning fluid consumed, for instance.

[0222] The server 160 may receive the parameters of the electric motor and convert these to operational parameters of the pressure washer assembly and display these on a web-based dashboard 162.

[0223] A battery controller 112 may be used to monitor the battery charge level for driving the display panel 130 as well as managing charging of the battery. The battery controller may also integrate GPS and provide Integrated BMS (Battery Management System) for monitoring and managing the safety of the battery pack including cell balancing, over temperature, under temperature, over voltage, under voltage and over current protection - as described in the overview section of the battery pack. The battery controller 112 may be configured to monitor one or more battery related operational parameters, such as percentage of power remaining across all cells, time duration of use in an instance of use (since turning the system on) and activating the motor, whether the system is safe to charge after a potential fault, charging status of battery, charging duration since commencing charging, charging power, battery location, maximum cell temperature, maximum cell voltage, whether the battery is turned on and delivering power to the motor, remaining charge left in battery (Ahr), battery voltage, and / or battery health. Monitoring of parameters in this context may comprise receiving data from one or more sensors or devices indicative of the monitored parameter. Data corresponding to one or more monitored parameter(s) may be transmitted by the battery controller 112 to an external server 160 via a communications module. The server may be further configured to process the data and / or provide the data to one or more applications for processing the data. Such processing may comprise determining servicing requirements for the battery pack and / or pressure washer assembly. The monitored parameters may be processed by the battery controller 112or by a separate application, e.g., one accessible via the server 160, to determine one or more other operational parameters of the pressure washer assembly, such as wash-related parameters. The controller 112 and / or the separate application may be configured to transmit data for driving a display device 130 to display the parameters for a user to view and assess. The display device may be local to the pressure washer assembly or remote, for instance. Examples of operational was-related parameters of the pressure washer assembly include power consumed, cleaning fluid flowrate and cleaning fluid consumed, for instance.

[0224] A portable device 161 such as a Smartphone with an installed software application may be configured to receive one or more operational parameters, via server 160, and further process and / or display the operational parameters of the pressure washer assembly and / or the processed parameters. The processed parameters may be the wash-related parameters mentioned above for instance. An example display screen of the software application is shown in Figure 21.

[0225] The software application may also be configured to provide user input functionality for enabling a user to control one or more aspects of the pressure washer assembly, such as charging of the battery pack, throttle setting, and / or starting or stopping the pressure washer assembly. This may be useful in various applications, including for example roof cleaning where an operator on a roof may switch off the pressure washer assembly to clean guttering and then re-start the pressure washing assembly to continue cleaning, all without having to climb down and back up the roof to control the assembly. The software application 161 may also provide the following functionality: Enabling / disabling the smart detection of entering and exiting bypass mode, creating a ‘session’ or ‘job’ to measure the energy and water usage parameters from a period of use. In this example, the software application may be configured to send control data corresponding to the user input to the server 160, which in turn communicates the data to the microcontroller 137 and / or controller 112 of the pressure washer assembly. The respective controller of the pressure washer assembly is configured to receive this control data and accordingly update one or more functional parameters stored in memory, such as throttle setting, and / or control one or more devices, such as the motor 119, the unloader valve 142, a cleaning fluid release valve, and / or the contractor associated with the battery pack, based on the received control data.

[0226] In some examples, robotic cleaning may be employed, such as utilising a window cleaning robot which climbs and descends the exterior of buildings and wherein the gun trigger for releasing cleaning fluid from the pressure washing assembly is controlled remotely via the software application 161 or automatically using a pre-programmed sequence coordinated with the movements of the window cleaning robot about the exterior of the building. This may be implemented using signals sent from the device on which the software application 161 is operating, to the Server 160 and on to the motor microcontroller 137.

[0227] An example approach to controlling the electric motor using monitored parameters of the motor is illustrated with respect to Figures 22 and 23. Figure 22 shows a graph of monitored parameters of an electric motor. Figure 23 shows a flow chart of a method for controlling the electric motor. By utilising monitored parameters of the motor such as input power and speed, the use of additional components such as pressure sensors, switches and associated wiring can be avoided. These additional components are expensive and prone to degradation and failure in the harsh environment in which they are required to operate. Although, in some embodiments, one or more of these other sensors could be implemented to replace or supplement the monitored parameters.

[0228] Figure 22 shows electric motor power 310 and electric motor speed 320 over time. These parameters of the electric motor may be provided by the motor itself, the inverter used to drive the motor and / or other independent components or sensors such as suitably configured tachometers and ammeters. As previously described, the motor is broadly operated by the inverter and motor microcontroller to maintain one of two speeds, a low idle or bypass speed and a high working speed dependent on throttle setting. Changes in the operation of the pressure washer assembly cause changes in the input power or current required to maintain these set speeds and / or may cause the speed of the motor to change from the set speeds. These changes can be detected and used to switch the motor from a working mode using high speed to a bypass or idle mode using low speed. Referring to the graph, initially the motor speed 320 rises to a high level, for example 3500rpm, in response to the trigger of the gun being engaged (or a valve opening to release fluid) so that cleaning fluid is being delivered and released at high pressure. When the operator releases the trigger there is a steep rise in pressure in the outlet circuit including hose and unloader valve, causing the motor to demand more current to maintain the working speed - this can be seen in the initial large increase in input power 310. When the unloader valve triggers and diverts cleaning fluid back to the storage tank, the motor controller quickly reduces the current to maintain the working speed - this can be seen at 311.

[0229] This sharp reduction in input current or input power indicated by a relatively large negative gradient of the input current or input power (the input voltage is maintained at a set value) can be used as a detection signature to determine that the pressure washer assembly has entered bypass mode. For example, a negative gradient of the input current or power having an absolute value greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g. - 120) may be used as the detection of a bypass signature change. A delay, for example 5 seconds, may be added before instructing the motor controller to reduce the speed of the motor to a bypass or idle speed, for example lOOOrpm. It can be seen that power consumption is significantly reduced, for example as low as 100W.

[0230] When the operator engages the trigger again (or the release valve is reopened), the pressure in the hose is suddenly released causing the unloader valve to close the bypass and reopen the main valve so that cleaning fluid is again being delivered to the gun rather than the storage tank. The sudden outflow of cleaning fluid causes the motor speed to drop as can be seen at 321. This relatively large negative gradient in motor speed can be used as a detection signature for determining that the pressure washer assembly has exited bypass mode and entered working mode. For example, a negative gradient of the motor speed having an absolute value greater than a predetermined threshold may be used as the detection of a transition between bypass mode and working mode (or entering working mode). The motor controller is arranged to then control the motor to return to the working speed and the pressure of the cleaning fluid then quickly ramps up to full working pressure in order to deliver the required high pressure cleaning fluid to the gun for release to clean a surface. The use of these signature changes in monitored parameters provides reliable indications of entering and existing bypass mode in the pressure washer assembly, without the need for additional external components such as pressure sensors and switches. In this example, a signature negative gradient in motor input power or current can be used to detect entry of bypass mode and a signature negative gradient in motor speed can be used to detect exit of bypass mode. The motor controller 128 is configured to receive these mode change inputs and to control the motor speed accordingly; reducing speed upon or soon after detecting bypass mode and increasing speed upon detecting working mode. The negative gradients used may vary depending on the configuration of the pressure washer, for example its rating or maximum power, length of high-pressure hose, unloader valve setting etc. However, the negative gradients used for each pressure washer set up may be adjusted and / or determined experimentally.

[0231] In alternative examples, different or additional detection signatures may be employed, for example based on monitored parameter amplitude thresholds, signature increases, or waveform shape detection. Machine learning may be implemented to learn and adapt these signatures over time.

[0232] More generally, the operating mode control system may be configured to detect the current operating mode and adjust the performance characteristics of the electric motor (119) and / or other components to improve energy efficiency, extend component life, and enhance the user experience. The operating modes may include any two or more of a working mode, a bypass mode (or idle mode), and an off mode.

[0233] The operating mode control system may be configured to function in accordance with one or more methods to detect the current operating mode of the pressure washer assembly. Such methods may rely on analysing parameter signatures from one or more sensor readings and / or motor parameters characteristic of each mode. The microcontroller (137) is configured to monitor and analyse parameter(s) such as motor speed, pump pressure, fluid flow rate, motor current draw, bypass circuit pressure, spray gun trigger state, and / or parameter waveform signatures for instance. Based on the monitored parameters, the microcontroller (137) uses predefined threshold criterion or criteria and / or learned patterns to determine the current operating mode; for example, working mode is detected when the motor speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pump pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the spray gun trigger is engaged, while bypass mode is detected when the motor speed falls below a predetermined threshold, the bypass circuit pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the spray gun trigger is released, and off mode is detected when the power switch is off, or when there is no motor current draw.

[0234] The operating mode control system may be configured to learn signatures over time, using machine learning algorithms that analyse historical data to identify patterns and trends in the sensor readings and motor parameters, allowing the learned signatures to more accurately distinguish between different operating modes, even in the presence of noise or sensor drift. Based on the determined operating mode, the microcontroller 137 can adjust the operation of the electric motor 119 and other components to optimise performance and efficiency.

[0235] The motor control strategies may include maintaining the motor speed at a predetermined level in working mode to provide the desired cleaning pressure and flow rate, reducing the motor speed in bypass mode to conserve energy and reduce wear on the pump, and completely shutting down the electric motor 119 and other components in off mode to conserve energy.

[0236] Variable speed control may be implemented to adjust the motor speed based on the specific cleaning task, allowing the user to optimise the pressure washer assembly for different surfaces and types of soiling. For example, when cleaning a delicate surface such as painted siding, the user may select a lower (throttle) speed setting to reduce the risk of damage. The microcontroller 137 would then adjust the voltage and frequency supplied to the electric motor (119) to maintain the selected speed. Conversely, when cleaning a heavily soiled surface such as concrete, the user may select a higher (throttle) speed setting to provide increased cleaning power. The speed can also be controlled to ensure that the pressure at the outlet is maintained at a target level.

[0237] Adaptive control algorithms may be used to learn the optimal motor control parameters based on the user's usage patterns and the operating conditions. For example, the microcontroller (137) may monitor the average motor current draw, the frequency of transitions between working mode and bypass mode, and the ambient temperature. Based on this data, the microcontroller can adjust parameters such as the motor speed, current limit, and acceleration rate to optimise energy efficiency and performance. For example, if the microcontroller detects that the user typically operates the pressure washer assembly at a low-speed setting for extended periods, it may reduce the default motor current limit to conserve energy. Or, if the microcontroller detects that the ambient temperature is high, it may increase the motor current limit to compensate for the reduced cooling efficiency.

[0238] The motor controller can also implement pre-emptive control, where the controller is configured to use the rate of change of a parameter to transition between states, or use predicted data to transition between states. For example, if the rate of change of the pressure at the fluid outlet suddenly increases while in working mode (or another parameter indicative of this condition increases suddenly), this may indicate that the nozzle is becoming blocked. In this case, the microcontroller 137 could pre-emptively transition to bypass mode to prevent overpressurisation and potential damage to the pump 118 and other components. As another example, the microcontroller can use predicted data. This data could include weather forecasts and pre-existing operational data, and may suggest that an elevated temperature state is approaching. The controller may then use this to transition to a higher cooling rate before it is necessary, in order to reduce the extent of the peak temperature

[0239] Figure 23 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of controlling an electric motor of a pressure washer assembly. The method may be implemented in the motor microcontroller 137 in order to provide inputs for a standard motor control method arranged to maintain a control input (e.g. input current or power, or speed) to the electric motor at a predetermined level during at least part of the working or bypass modes. The method 400 of Figure 23 provides a switching input for the microcontroller to switch the control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode and which is based on one or more monitored parameters of the electric motor - in this case input power and speed. However, the method may be implemented in other ways as described above. At 405, the method starts which may be triggered by starting operation of the pressure washer assembly and in particular an initial working mode. For example, the method may start following detection of a predetermined period of high-speed operation of the motor.

[0240] At 410, the method increases or maintains the motor speed at a high set speed consistent with operating in a working mode of the pressure washer assembly. This is implemented by the standard motor speed control system when instructed to operate at a high speed or in a working mode.

[0241] At 415, the method monitors motor input power (or current). This monitored parameter of the electric motor may be provided by the motor itself, the inverter or an ammeter connected in- circuit.

[0242] At 420, the method determines whether an absolute value of a negative gradient in the input power exceeds a threshold. If it does (Y), this is a motor parameter signature that the pressure washer assembly has entered a bypass mode, otherwise (N) the pressure washer is continuing to operate in working mode and the method returns to 415. For example, the threshold for the absolute value of the negative gradient in input power may be set to 120 Watts per second. This means that if the input power decreases by more than 120 Watts in one second, the method will determine that the pressure washer assembly has entered bypass mode. Other example thresholds are envisaged and will depend on the power of the motor 119.

[0243] In addition, or alternative to monitoring input power gradient, other motor parameters may be used to detect bypass mode, including, but not limited to:

[0244] • Motor Speed: If the motor speed or motor speed gradient drops below a predetermined threshold, this may indicate that the pressure washer assembly has entered bypass mode. For example, the threshold for motor speed may be set to 1000 RPM.

[0245] • Motor Current: If the motor current or motor current gradient drops below a predetermined threshold, this may indicate that the pressure washer assembly has entered bypass mode. For example, the threshold for motor current may be set to 2 Amps. • Motor Voltage: If the motor voltage or motor voltage gradient drops below a predetermined threshold, this may indicate that the pressure washer assembly has entered bypass mode. This approach may be effective if the pressure washer has a lower power mode where the voltage is reduced.

[0246] • Changes in Motor Harmonics: The frequency spectrum of the motor current may change when the pressure washer assembly enters bypass mode. By monitoring the frequency content of the motor current, the controller can determine if the pressure washer assembly has entered bypass mode.

[0247] • Machine Learning Models: Machine learning models such as support vector machines or neural networks can be trained to detect bypass mode based on a combination of motor parameters. These models can be used to detect bypass mode even if the motor parameters are noisy or unreliable.

[0248] The monitored parameters can be monitored alone or in combination,

[0249] If bypass mode is detected (Y), the method moves to 425 where a control input to the motor is switched from a working mode to a bypass mode and causes the motor to reduce speed. This may be preceded by a delay. The control input may be an input power or current level, an input current frequency, and input duty cycle and / or an input voltage. This switch in control input may be implemented by inputting a control signal to the standard motor speed controller to change motor speed.

[0250] At 430, the method then monitors the motor speed. This may be provided by the motor itself or using a tachometer mechanically coupled to the motor.

[0251] At 435, the method determines whether an absolute value of a negative gradient in the motor speed exceeds a threshold. If it does (Y), this is a signature that the pressure washer assembly has exited the bypass mode, otherwise (N) the pressure washer is continuing to operate in the bypass mode and the method returns to 430.

[0252] For example, an absolute value of a negative gradient in the motor speed exceeding 2000 RPM per second could indicate that the pressure washer assembly has exited bypass mode. In addition to monitoring the motor speed gradient, other motor parameters and detection methods can be used to identify the transition from bypass mode to working mode, including:

[0253] • Increase in Motor Current: A sudden increase in motor current or motor current gradient indicates that the motor is now under load and is delivering high-pressure cleaning fluid.

[0254] • Increase in Motor Voltage: A sudden increase in motor voltage or motor voltage gradient to meet a target motor speed, indicating an increase in load and that the motor is delivering high-pressure cleaning fluid. This is more prevalent in systems that have a lower power mode in bypass.

[0255] • Reaching a Target Motor Speed: The motor controller may have a target motor speed for working mode. Reaching this target motor speed may be used as a detection signature.

[0256] • Rate of Pressure Increase. The rate of pressure increase at the outlet can be used to indicate the transition from bypass to working mode.

[0257] • Frequency content of the motor current: The frequency spectrum of the motor current may change when the pressure washer assembly exits bypass mode. By monitoring the frequency content of the motor current, the controller can determine if the pressure washer assembly has exited bypass mode.

[0258] • Machine Learning Models: Machine learning models such as support vector machines or neural networks can be trained to detect the transition from bypass mode to working mode based on a combination of motor parameters. These models can be used to detect the transition even if the motor parameters are noisy or unreliable.

[0259] The monitored parameters can be monitored alone or in combination.

[0260] If exiting bypass mode is detected (Y), the control input to the motor is switched from a bypass mode to a working mode and causes the motor to increase speed. The control input may be an input power or current level, an input current frequency, and input duty cycle and / or an input voltage. The method returns to 410 where the motor speed is increased and the pressure washer assembly is operated in working mode. This may be implemented by inputting another control signal to the standard motor speed controller to change motor speed. Illustrative monitoring and management system and method for a washer assembly

[0261] Figure 24 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of providing or outputting operational parameters of a pressure washer assembly, such as pressure water assembly 101. The method 500 may be implemented in and performed by any suitable monitoring system such as the motor microcontroller 137, the server 160 and / or a software application 161 running on an external user device.

[0262] At 505, the method may be initiated by receiving a user request for operational parameters or the initiation of a companion software application, indeed the starting of the pressure washer assembly 101.

[0263] At 510, the method monitors operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly. The operating parameters may comprise motor parameters, such as input power, input current, motor speed, motor revolutions, motor operating duration. These parameters may be provided by the electric motor itself, the inverter, the motor controller or by other devices such as tachometers and ammeters. The operating parameters may further comprise battery-related parameters, such as battery temperature, and / or battery charge or voltage.

[0264] Monitoring of operating parameters may comprise receiving or detecting data indicative of these parameters and this step may be carried out by the motor microcontroller 137 or another local controller. Alternatively, this step may be performed by the server 160 and / or the software application operating on a user device.

[0265] At 515, the method may record or store the operating parameters in electronic memory. This may be implemented in motor controller memory. Alternatively, or in addition, the parameters may be transmitted to the server and / or the device running software application 161.

[0266] At 520, the method determines other operational parameters of the pressure washer assembly such as wash-related parameters based on the monitored operational parameters. Wash related parameters may comprise water usage and / or flow rate for instance. These other, wash-related, operational parameters may be useful to operators in cleaning applications, and have traditionally been measured using costly and complex external flowmeters.

[0267] In an example implementation, the method comprises determining revolutions of a constant displacement pump to quantify water volume based on one or more monitored operating parameters. This can be used to calculate water usage directly, eliminating the need for external flowmeters and simplifying the measurement process. In an example, the following equation is used:

[0268] Flowrate = (MotorSpeed / reductionRatio) * PumpDisplacement where Flowrate is the flow rate of the cleaning fluid passing through the pump; MotorSpeed is the rotational speed of the motor in rpm; reductionRatio is the rotational ratio between the electric motor and the pump; PumpDisplacement is the amount of cleaning fluid displaced through the pump every revolution of the pump. Pumps are typically rated by flowrate at a certain speed so the displacement per revolution can be readily determined.

[0269] The cleaning fluid used by the pressure washer assembly may then be determined by multiplying the flowrate by the accumulated duration in working mode, ignoring durations of bypass mode.

[0270] Illustrative environmental impact detection system and method of a washer system or assembly

[0271] In another example, the method may be configured to determine a parameter indicative of environmental impact of the pressure washer assembly, such as gas emissions associated with the operation of the pressure washer assembly. The operating parameters used for determination of the gas emissions may comprise for instance: the total number of hours the pressure washer assembly is actively used for blasting, with data obtained from a timer or usage log within the control system of the pressure washer assembly; the total amount of electrical energy consumed by the pressure washer assembly during operation, with data obtained from a power meter or energy monitoring system integrated into the assembly; and data related to the operational characteristics of the pump and electric motor, including motor speed and / or cleaning fluid flow rate, with data obtained from sensors or encoders associated with the motor and pump.

[0272] The gas emissions associated with the operation of the pressure washer assembly may be determined based on the electrical energy consumption and the source of the electricity. For example, CO2 emissions may be based on the formula:

[0273] Actual CO2 Emissions = Kilowatt Hours * Electricity Emission Factor where Kilowatt Hours is obtained from the operational parameter monitoring step, and Electricity Emission Factor is a conversion factor that relates the amount of electricity consumed to the amount of CO2 emitted. This Electricity Emission Factor is sourced from government databases, power distributors or from real-time information if the power source is able to provide it. The values are typically expressed in kilograms of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour (kg CO2e / kWh). The Electricity Emission Factor will vary depending on the power source. For example, 0.96kg CO2e / kWh for coal, 0.4kg CO2e / kWh for natural gas and 0.05kg CO2e / kWh for wind.

[0274] The above calculation may be refined in several ways, for example the calculation of the Actual C02 Emissions may be weighted based on the motor speed / flow rate, and the Electricity Emissions Factor may be based on historical data.

[0275] The method may comprise determining gas emissions saved during operation of the pressure washer assembly compared to a conventional pressure washer. This may be determined by calculating the baseline CO2 emissions. A baseline CO2 emissions value may be calculated, representing the emissions that would have been generated by a comparable conventional pressure washer assembly performing the same task. The conventional pressure washer assembly may be assumed to be powered by a fossil-fuelled engine. The baseline CO2 emissions calculation may be based on a formula:

[0276] Baseline CO2 Emissions = Blasting Hours * Fuel Consumption Rate * CO2 Emission

[0277] Factor, where Blasting Hours is obtained from the operational parameter monitoring step, Fuel Consumption Rate is an estimate of the average fuel consumption rate of a comparable fossil- fuelled pressure washer assembly, and CO2 Emission Factor is a conversion factor that relates the amount of fuel consumed to the amount of CO2 emitted.

[0278] The emissions saved may then be calculated by subtracting the actual CO2 emissions from the baseline CO2 emissions, as per the formula:

[0279] CO2 Emissions Saved = Baseline CO2 Emissions - Actual CO2 Emissions.

[0280] The method may perform real time calculations or batch calculations of these other operational parameters at step 520.

[0281] In addition to calculating emissions saved, the method may also be configured to determine other environmental impact parameters, comprising for instance, the equivalent number of trees required to offset these emissions, and the equivalent distance in car emissions offset by the emissions saved. These calculations may be based on the following formulas:

[0282] Trees Offset = Emissions Saved / CO2 Absorption Rate per Tree

[0283] Where: Emissions Saved is the value calculated above; CO2 Absorption Rate per Tree is an estimate of the average amount of CO2 absorbed by a tree per year. This value may be obtained from forestry organisations or environmental agencies and is typically expressed in kilograms of CO2 per tree per year (kg CO2 / tree / year). Example values are: temperate trees (22kg CO2 / tree / year) and tropical trees (48kg CO2 / tree / year).

[0284] Car Emissions Offset = Emissions Saved / CO2 Emissions Rate per Vehicle Kilometre Where: Emissions Saved is the value calculated above; CO2 Emissions Rate per Vehicle Kilometre is an estimate of the average amount of CO2 emitted by a passenger vehicle per kilometre driven. This value may be obtained from government agencies or transportation research organisations and is typically expressed in kilograms of CO2 per vehicle kilometre (kg CO2 / vehicle km). An example value is 0.25kg CO2 / vehicle km.

[0285] For example, if the Emissions Saved are 205.87kg, then to calculate the number of trees offset using temperate trees: Trees Offset = 205.87kg / 22kg C02 / tree / year = 9.35 Trees and to calculate the car emissions offset:

[0286] Car Emissions Offset = 205.87kg / 0.25kg CO2 / vehicle km = 1204.06 Vehicle KM.

[0287] These calculations provide a more tangible representation of the environmental benefits of using the pressure washer assembly. By displaying the emissions saved, the equivalent number of trees offset, and the equivalent distance in car emissions offset, the user can more easily understand the positive impact of their choice

[0288] The determination may be performed by the motor controller 128, the server 160 and / or the software application 161 running on a user device.

[0289] At 525, the method comprises displaying the determined operational parameters. This may be implemented on a device having an electronic display and operating a web application with a dashboard 162, or another software application 161 (see for example the screenshot of Figure 21), or in some embodiments on an electronic display 130 of the pressure washer assembly.

[0290] Figure 25 illustrates a controller which may be used to implement the methods of Figures 23 and 24. The controller 600 comprises a processor 610 and memory 620 which contains instructions 625 which when executed by the processor cause the processor to carry out the methods of Figures 23 and / or 24. The controller 600 may also comprise a communications module for transmitting and receiving signals from other equipment such as the server 160 and / or user device / S martphone running software application 161. The controller may also comprise a display 640 for displaying various information such as battery charge, motor speed, flowrate, cleaning fluid used. The controller 600 receives operating parameters from sensors or devices 650, such as motor sensors, and may receive information from other equipment such as the inverter. In general, the method 500 may be implemented by a combination of modules which may be local to the pressure washer assembly or extemal / remote, and collectively comprising:

[0291] • Data Acquisition Module: This module is responsible for acquiring the necessary data from the pressure washer assembly, including blasting hours, kilowatt hours, and motor speed / flow rate data. The data acquisition module may comprise hardware interfaces to the power meter, sensors, and encoders, as well as software routines for collecting and processing the data.

[0292] • Processing Module: This module performs the determination or calculation of other parameters, such as wash-related parameters or environmental impact parameters based on the monitored parameters. It includes algorithms for calculating the desired parameters. The processing module may be implemented using a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), or a general-purpose computer.

[0293] • Data Storage Module: This module stores the acquired data, calculated data, and other relevant information. The data storage module may comprise electronic memory (e.g., RAM, Flash, EEPROM) or a database.

[0294] • Communication Module: This module allows data acquisition module and / or the processing module to communicate with other systems, such as a display, a data logging system, or a network. The communication module may comprise a wired interface (e.g., USB, Ethernet) or a wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

[0295] • Display Module: This module displays the relevant information to a user. The display module may comprise an LCD screen, an LED display, or other suitable electronic display device.

[0296] Illustrative monitoring and management system for washer assemblies

[0297] Fig. 30A shows an interface example of a web page interface of the application or program 162. The application interface displays a list of connected pressure washer systems, each identified by a unique name or identifier (e.g., "Summit Aoraki 5 - LMRC Ihala," "Summit AorakiMini_l," etc.). The interface may include a search bar, allowing users to quickly locate specific pressure washer systems within the list. Filtering options may also be provided to narrow down the displayed systems based on various criteria. The interface presents key operating parameters for each pressure washer system, including for instance: • Output: An indicator of the current output state of the pressure washer, with "0" indicating no output and " 1 " indicating active output.

[0298] • Battery Percentage: The remaining charge level of the battery pack, expressed as a percentage. This allows the user to monitor the energy available for operation.

[0299] • Shunt Amperes: A value indicating the current flowing through a shunt resistor in the battery circuit, providing a measure of the battery's charge or discharge rate. The value may be negative to indicate a discharge and positive to indicate a charge.

[0300] The web application interface provides a centralized platform for managing and monitoring a fleet of pressure washer assemblies, enabling users to track their performance, battery status, and other important parameters from a remote location.

[0301] Fig. 30B shows an example web application interface of application 162 including a detailed dashboard view for individual pressure washer assemblies, allowing users to monitor their specific operating parameters and manage their performance.

[0302] The dashboard may output the system name or identifier ("Summit Aoraki 5 - LMRC Ihala"), along with its online status and ownership information. A series of key operating parameters may also be presented in a clear and organised manner. These parameters may comprise any combination of one or more of:

[0303] • Output: An on / off toggle switch indicating the current output state of the pressure washer. In the example shown, the output is set to "Off."

[0304] • Charging Status: An indicator of the charging state of the battery pack. In the example shown, the battery is not currently charging.

[0305] • Aoraki Version: The version number of the Aoraki software or firmware running on the pressure washer assembly (V3.0.0 in this example).

[0306] • Kairangi Version: The version number of the Kairangi software or firmware running on the pressure washer assembly (V2.0.0 in this example).

[0307] • Battery Percentage: The remaining charge level of the battery pack, expressed as a percentage (55% in this example).

[0308] • Critical Control Flow: An indicator of the status of the critical control flow.

[0309] • Manual Override: An on / off toggle switch allowing the user to manually override certain control settings. In the example shown, the manual override is set to "On." • Relative Humidity: The ambient relative humidity at the location of the pressure washer assembly (44% in this example).

[0310] . $ / kWh: The cost of electricity ($1.5 in this example).

[0311] • Aoraki Temperature: The temperature at the location of the pressure washer assembly (20°C in this example).

[0312] • Kilowatt Hours: The total amount of electrical energy consumed by the pressure washer assembly (135.44 kWh in this example).

[0313] • Usage ($): The total cost of energy used by the pressure washer assembly (-$96.84 in this example, indicating that the assembly is saving money).

[0314] • Volume: The total volume of cleaning fluid used by the pressure washer assembly (3,224.3 1 in this example).

[0315] • Blasting Hours: The total number of hours the pressure washer assembly has been used for blasting (275 hours in this example).

[0316] • State of Health: The estimated state of health of the battery pack, expressed as a percentage (100% in this example).

[0317] • Emissions Saved (CO2e): The total amount of CO2 emissions saved by using the pressure washer assembly, compared to a conventional alternative (205.87 kg in this example).

[0318] • Trees Offset: The equivalent number of trees offset by the emissions saved (9.35 in this example).

[0319] • Car Emissions Offset: The equivalent distance in car emissions offset by the emissions saved (1,204.06 km in this example).

[0320] In addition to the operating parameters, the dashboard also displays a map showing the current location of the pressure washer assembly. The map includes controls for adjusting the zoom level and for selecting different time periods (e.g., Live, Ih, 6h, Id, Iw, Imo, 3mo, 6mo, ly). The map may also include features such as the ability to add tags or labels to the location. The map allows the user to track the location of the asset.

[0321] In addition to the information previously described, the dashboard also provides a detailed view of the pressure washer assembly's performance parameters, presented in a series of graphical gauges and numerical readouts. These parameters include: • Motor Speed (RPM): A gauge indicating the current rotational speed of the electric motor, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

[0322] • Flow Rate: A gauge indicating the current flow rate of the cleaning fluid being delivered by the pump, measured in liters per minute (1 / min).

[0323] • Motor Power: A gauge indicating the current power consumption of the electric motor, measured in Watts (W).

[0324] • Motor Temperature: A gauge indicating the current temperature of the electric motor.

[0325] • Controller Temperature: A gauge indicating the current temperature of the motor controller.

[0326] • Minimum Cell Temperature: A numerical readout indicating the minimum temperature of any cell within the battery pack, measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

[0327] • Minimum Cell Voltage: A numerical readout indicating the minimum voltage of any cell within the battery pack, measured in Volts (V).

[0328] • Shunt Voltage: A numerical readout indicating the voltage across a shunt resistor in the battery circuit, measured in Volts (V).

[0329] • Charging Power: A gauge indicating the current power being delivered to the battery pack during charging, measured in Kilowatts (kW).

[0330] • Remaining Ah: A gauge indicating the remaining capacity of the battery pack, measured in Ampere-hours (Ah).

[0331] • Maximum Cell Temperature: A numerical readout indicating the maximum temperature of any cell within the battery pack, measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

[0332] • Maximum Cell Voltage: A numerical readout indicating the maximum voltage of any cell within the battery pack, measured in Volts (V).

[0333] • Shunt Amperes: A numerical readout indicating the current flowing through a shunt resistor in the battery circuit, measured in Amperes (A).

[0334] Referring to Fig. 30C, the web application interface may further comprise a "Graphs" view, providing a historical or real time view of one or more operating parameters for the selected pressure washer assembly. The graph display may be divided into multiple sections, each displaying a different set of related parameters over time. In the example shown, the following graphs are:

[0335] • Battery Percentage: This graph displays the shunt voltage and battery percentage of the battery pack over a period of approximately one week (June 12 to June 18). The graph allows the user to monitor the charging and discharging behaviour of the battery pack over time for instance.

[0336] • Motor Speed & Flow Rate: This graph displays the motor speed and flow rate of the pressure washer assembly over a period of approximately one week (June 12 to June 18). This graph allows the user to monitor the performance of the pump and electric motor over time, for instance.

[0337] • Motor Power: This graph displays the motor power over a period of approximately one week (June 12 to June 18).

[0338] • Temperatures: This graph displays the motor temperature and the controller temperature over a period of approximately one week (June 12 to June 18).

[0339] The graph display includes controls for adjusting the time period displayed, allowing the user to zoom in or out to view data at different levels of detail. The time period options include Live, Ih, 6h, Id, Iw, Imo, 3mo, 6mo, and ly, for instance. This tool can be utilised to further analyse the performance of the pressure washer assembly, identifying trends, and troubleshooting issues.

[0340] Illustrative cooling control system for a pressure washer assembly

[0341] As previously mentioned, the system comprises a cooling system 200 configured to facilitate in maintaining the temperature of the pressure washer assembly at one or more locations within safe operating ranges during continuous use. In an embodiment, the cooling system 200 further comprises a control system configured to monitor thermal condition(s) of the pressure washer assembly and adjust cooling accordingly. The control system monitors one or more operating parameters indicative of temperature or change in temperature at one or more locations or at one or more devices or sub-systems of the pressure washer assembly, for instance, and controls the cooling system based on the monitored parameters. The control system may be configured to control activation / deactivation of the cooling pump, and / or control the rate of flow of cooling fluid, based on the thermal condition(s) / monitored parameter(s).

[0342] To achieve this control, and referring to Fig. 28, the control system 230 comprises electronic circuits to monitor thermal conditions and adjust cooling accordingly. The control system 230 comprises one or more sensors 232 for monitoring the thermal state, such as temperature sensors and / or current sensors operatively and / or thermally coupled to one or more locations, devices or sub-systems of the pressure washer assembly. The control system 230 further comprises a controller 234 configured to receive signals from the sensors and generate control signals to drive the cooling pump 155 based on the received sensor signals. The controller functions can be implemented using a variety of electronic components and circuit designs, encompassing analogue and / or digital approaches. In an implementation, a digital microcontroller 234 may serve as the central processing unit, executing firmware instructions to monitor sensor signals, implement control algorithms, and generate control signals to drive the cooling pump 155. The microcontroller 234 may be the same as microcontroller 137 or a separate controller. Analog signals from sensors 232 may be converted into digital values by an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) of the control system 230 for processing by the microcontroller 234. The ADC may form part of a communications interface 236 between the sensors and the processor(s). The microcontroller 234 comprises one or more processing components 234a and associated electronic memory 234b which stores instructions and / or data executable by the processor(s) 234a. The microcontroller 234 uses the digital values to control a motor driver circuit 238, which amplifies the control signals to drive the cooling pump 155. A power supply provides regulated DC voltage to the electronic components. This power supply may draw power from the battery pack 103. In an alternative analogue implementation, operational amplifiers, comparators, and other analogue components may be used to process the sensor signals and generate control signals.

[0343] The one or more monitored parameters may comprise a temperature or temperature -related parameters, each corresponding to a location, device and / or sub-system of the pressure washer assembly. For example, a temperature parameter or another parameter indicative of temperature (e.g., current drawn) may be monitored at a location associated with the electric motor 119, the motor controller assembly 128, the battery pack 103, or any combination thereof. Temperature monitoring may be implemented using various types of temperature sensors, such as thermistors, thermocouples, or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), which may be embedded within or thermally and / or physically coupled to the device, sub-system or location of the pressure washer assembly. These sensors may provide a voltage or current signal that is proportional to the sensed temperature. Temperature monitoring may also be implemented using various types of other sensors that provide data or signals indicative of temperature, such as sensors that monitor the current drawn from the motor 119.

[0344] As mentioned, the microcontroller 137 may comprise the controller 234 of the control system 200. In this implementation, the motor microcontroller 137 receives or detects the signals corresponding to the monitored parameter(s), e.g., the temperature sensor signals, and accordingly generates control signals to activate and / or deactivate the cooling pump 155, and / or change a rate of cooling of the cooling system based on the monitored parameter(s). In an alternative implementation, a separate cooling system controller may be implemented to receive or detect the signals corresponding to monitored parameter(s) and control the cooling system based on the monitored parameter(s). In yet another implementation, the motor microcontroller 137 and the separate cooling system controller may cooperate to perform the functions of controller 234. For example, the motor microcontroller 137 may receive or detect the signals corresponding to the monitored parameter(s) and transmit signal(s) to a separate cooling system controller to control the cooling pump 155. The cooling system controller would then send the appropriate control signal to activate, deactivate or change the rate of cooling based on the signal received from the motor microcontroller 137.

[0345] Regardless of the controller implementation, in an embodiment the control system 230 is configured to drive the cooling pump to increase cooling (or the rate of cooling) when the monitored parameters indicate a current or potential future elevated temperature condition in one or more locations, devices, or sub-systems. This elevated temperature condition might be detected in various ways, for example: the temperature at one or more locations (e.g., the electric motor, the motor controller) may exceed a corresponding predetermined threshold; the rate of change of temperature at one or more locations may exceed a predetermined threshold, indicating a rapid temperature increase and the need for pre-emptive cooling; the control system may further monitor additional parameters, such as the current draw of the electric motor, and increase cooling if the current draw exceeds a predetermined level, even if the temperature has not yet reached its threshold; and predictive algorithms may also be used to anticipate future temperature increases and trigger an increase in cooling before an actual elevated temperature is measured.

[0346] Upon activation, the cooling pump 155 circulates a cooling fluid through a closed loop cooling conduit network 153, 154, as described above. This coolant also absorbs heat from the electric motor 119 and / or the motor controller 128. The heated cooling fluid is then directed to the heat exchanger 150, where it exchanges heat with the low-pressure cleaning fluid being supplied to the cleaning fluid pump 18. This cools the cooling fluid before it is recirculated to the cooling reservoir 135.

[0347] Conversely, the control system 230 is configured to drive the cooling pump 155 to decrease cooling (or the rate of cooling) when the monitored parameters indicate a current or potential future reduced temperature condition in one or more locations, devices, or sub-systems. This might be detected in various ways, for example: the temperature at one or more locations falling below a corresponding predetermined threshold; the rate of change of temperature falling below a predetermined threshold, indicating that the temperature is stabilising and cooling is no longer urgently required; and similarly to the above implementation, an alternative implementation may include predictive algorithms that predict temperature changes.

[0348] Hysteresis control consisting of higher and lower predetermined temperature thresholds as described above may be implemented to prevent rapid cycling of the cooling motor and pump 155 near a particular threshold temperature for a monitored parameter. Without hysteresis, the cooling pump 155 may turn on when a temperature reaches a higher threshold (e.g., T_high) and immediately turn off as soon as it drops slightly below T_high. This rapid on-off cycling can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the cooling pump 155, as well as voltage fluctuations in the battery pack 103. By setting a substantially lower temperature threshold (T_low) for at least one monitored temperature parameters, the cooling pump 155 is allowed to run for a longer period, resulting in a more stable temperature and longer component life. In one exemplary implementation, for the electric motor 119 T_high may be set to between 55 °C and 70°C, while T_low may be set to between 45°C and 60°C. The hysteresis band (difference between T_high and T_low) may be approximately 10°C to 15 °C. In another exemplary implementation, for the motor controller 128, T_high may be set to between 40°C and 55°C, while T_low may be set to between 30°C and 45°C. The hysteresis band (difference between T_high and T_low) may be approximately 10°C to 15°C. Other T_high and T_low temperatures are envisaged and will be set depending on the device being monitored and associated environment.

[0349] In yet another exemplary implementation, the control system may implement a variable hysteresis approach to cooling pump 155 control. In such an implementation, the size of the hysteresis band (the difference between T_high and T_low for a given temperature parameter) could be dynamically adjusted based on the operating conditions of the pressure washer assembly. For example, a larger hysteresis band could be used during periods of heavy use to prevent cycling, while a smaller hysteresis band could be used during periods of light use or idling to maintain a more precise temperature. Furthermore, the control system may be configured to learn usage patterns over time and adjust the hysteresis band for one or more parameters accordingly. For example, if the system typically experiences a period of heavy use in the afternoon, it could proactively increase the hysteresis band in anticipation of this increased load. The control system may be configured to collect data about how the pressure washer is used over time (e.g., time of day, duration of use, average current draw, etc.). The system then uses this data to identify patterns and trends. For example, it might learn that the pressure washer is typically used heavily between 2 PM and 4 PM on weekdays. This knowledge is then used to proactively adjust the cooling system settings (e.g., increase the hysteresis band in anticipation of the heavy use period). This can be achieved through various machine learning algorithms (e.g., time series analysis, regression models, etc.).

[0350] In yet another exemplary implementation, a time-based hysteresis control method may be implemented. In this implementation, instead of a lower temperature threshold, the cooling motor and pump 155 could be configured to run for a minimum amount of time after being activated, regardless of the temperature. This would ensure that the cooling system has sufficient time to remove heat from the electric motor 119 and motor controller 137. This hysteresis implementation helps to extend the life of both the cooling motor and pump 155 and the battery pack 103.

[0351] In another exemplary implementation, the cooling system 230 may configured to monitor multiple parameters of different locations and / or types, such as temperature at one or more locations, motor current draw, motor or pressure washer operating mode, and / or outlet pressure of the cleaning fluid, to determine a current or future thermal condition based on the combination of monitored parameters, and drive the cooling pump 155 to increase or reduce cooling based on the determined current or future thermal condition. A fuzzy logic controller may be implemented to determine optimal cooling and control of the cooling system based on the combination of monitored parameters.

[0352] In any of the above implementations of the cooling control system 230, the control system may be configured to determine a thermal state or condition of the pressure washer assembly based on temperature monitored at one or more locations or devices of the pressure washer assembly, including but not limited to: the motor 119, inlet or outlet of the heat exchanger 150, and / or battery pack 103. Monitoring temperature at more than one location can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the system's thermal state and allow for more precise control of the cooling system. For example, the motor 119 and the motor controller 128 / inverter 136 are preferably monitored for temperature by the control system.

[0353] Further, while temperature is a useful parameter to monitor for controlling cooling, other parameters could be used by the cooling control system, either alone or in combination with temperature. For example, a current sensor could monitor the current draw of the electric motor 119. A high current draw may indicate that the electric motor 119 is working harder and generating more heat, even if the temperature has not yet exceeded the threshold. In this case, the cooling pump 155 could be activated pre-emptively.

[0354] More generally, the control system may be configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly to determine one or more temperature -related conditions, and adjusting an operational state of the cooling system based on the temperature- related conditions. These temperature-related conditions may be indicative of a current or future elevated or reduced temperature state of the pressure washer assembly or devices thereof. For instance, the following parameters, or any combination thereof, may be monitored to determine a temperature-related condition: parameters indicative of motor current draw (or average current draw), outlet pressure, cleaning fluid flow rate, temperature (or rate of change of temperature) at various locations / devices / sub-systems, and the operating mode of the pressure washer assembly (e.g., normal vs. bypass). Based on the monitored parameter(s), the cooling control system may determine conditions indicative of a current or future elevated temperature and accordingly activate or increase the flow of cooling fluid. Conversely, the cooling control system may determine conditions indicative of a current or future reduced temperature and accordingly deactivate or decrease the flow of cooling fluid.

[0355] Referring to the above description and Figure 29, an exemplary embodiment of a method 210 for controlling the cooling system is described. The method 210 may be implemented by control system 230 to control the cooling pump 155 based on parameter(s) monitored at one or more locations indicative of a thermal state of the pressure washer. This process 210 is suited for continuous monitoring and control of the cooling system during operation of the pressure washer assembly.

[0356] The cooling control process may be a continuous adjustment process that adjusts the operation of the cooling pump 155 based on the monitored parameter(s). As previously mentioned, temperature may be monitored at one or more locations, devices and / or sub-systems of the pressure washer assembly. The process may be based on other parameters, such as current draw instead or in addition to the temperature parameter(s). The process may also implement hysteresis control as described above.

[0357] At a first monitoring stage 212 of the method 210, the control system 230 may monitor one or more operating parameter(s) indicative of thermal state, such as temperature parameter(s) at one or more locations as described above. This may comprise receiving data or signal(s) from sensors 232 indicative of these parameter(s). These parameters may include temperature(s) at locations such as the electric motor 119, the motor controller 128 / inverter 136, and may be received from sensors such as thermistors, thermocouples, or RTDs. In some implementations, parameters other than temperature, such as motor current draw, may also be monitored.

[0358] At step 214, the cooling system controller is configured to determine one or more predetermined conditions indicative of a current or future elevated temperature state of one or more sub-systems, such as the motor 119 and / or motor controller 128 to initiate or increase cooling. The one or more predetermined conditions may comprise the temperature at one or more monitored location(s) exceeding a corresponding higher predetermined temperature threshold (T_high), for instance. As previously mentioned, this determination may be based on a single temperature parameter or a combination.

[0359] As previously mentioned, the predetermined conditions may additionally or alternatively comprise: the rate at which the temperature is increasing at one or more monitored locations exceeding a predetermined rate threshold, with a rapid temperature increase indicating an imminent overheating situation even if the temperature has not yet reached T_high; the average current draw of the electric motor 119 over a predetermined period exceeding a current threshold, as high current draw is related to increased heat generation; the duty cycle of the electric motor 119 (the percentage of time it's actively running under load) exceeding a predetermined duty cycle threshold; a combination of conditions being met, such as the temperature exceeding a lower threshold than T_high and the current draw exceeding a certain level, allowing for a more nuanced response based on; the output of a predictive model, which takes into account historical data and current operating conditions, indicating a high probability of exceeding T_high within a certain timeframe; and / or a high ambient temperature, measured near the pressure washer assembly. These predetermined conditions may be used individually or in combination to provide a more responsive cooling control system. At step 216, based on detecting one or more conditions indicative of a current or future elevated temperature state, the cooling system controller transmits a control signal to increase the rate of cooling. This may involve activating the cooling pump, and / or increasing the flow rate of cooling fluid through the cooling system.

[0360] At step 218, the cooling system controller is configured to conversely determine one or more predetermined conditions indicative of a current or future reduced temperature state of one or more sub-systems, such as the motor 119 and / or motor controller 137 to deactivate or reduce cooling. The one or more predetermined conditions may comprise the temperature at one or more monitored location(s) reducing to below a corresponding lower predetermined temperature threshold (T_low), for instance. As previously mentioned, this determination may be based on a single temperature parameter or a combination.

[0361] As previously mentioned, the predetermined conditions may additionally or alternatively comprise:: the rate at which the temperature is decreasing at one or more monitored locations falling below a predetermined rate threshold, indicating that the temperature is stabilising and cooling is no longer urgently required; the average current draw of the electric motor 119 over a predetermined period falling below a current threshold, suggesting that the workload on the motor has decreased and less cooling is needed; a minimum cooling time has elapsed since the activation of the cooling motor and pump 155, ensuring that the cooling system has had sufficient time to effectively remove heat from the system, regardless of the current temperature; a combination of conditions being met, such as the temperature falling below a higher threshold than T_low and the current draw falling below a certain level, allowing for a more nuanced deactivation based on multiple factors; the output of a predictive model, which takes into account historical data and current operating conditions, indicating a low probability of exceeding T_high within a certain timeframe; and / or a low ambient temperature, measured near the pressure washer assembly, raising the T_low threshold, indicating reduced need for cooling. These conditions may be used individually or in combination to provide an efficient and responsive cooling control system.

[0362] At step 220, based on detecting one or more conditions indicative of a current or future reduced temperature state, the cooling system controller transmits a control signal to reduce the rate of cooling. This may involve deactivating the cooling motor and pump, and / or reducing the flow rate of cooling fluid through the cooling system.

[0363] In an embodiment, the cooling control system may be configured to monitor for an operating mode of the pressure washer assembly, such as an idle or bypass mode, and activate the cooling pump 155 upon detection of the operating mode. Detection of the operating mode may be performed as described herein in some embodiments of the invention.

[0364] While the foregoing description has focused on a pressure washer assembly, it is to be understood that the principles and features of the present disclosure are not limited solely to this specific type of cleaning device. The various subsystems, methods, interfaces, and other aspects described herein, including, but not limited to: the large capacity battery pack and related power system; the battery management system and methods, the cooling system, the cooling control system and methods, the operating mode control system and methods, the remote monitoring and control system and methods, the web application interface and display system and methods, and / or the environmental impact detection system and methods, may be readily adapted for use in a wide range of other cleaning devices and systems.

[0365] • Floor Scrubbers: A floor scrubber (comprising a scrubbing brush or pad, a water tank, a solution dispensing system, and a vacuum system) may integrate the cooling system described herein to cool the brush motor. The motor controller may be readily adapted to control the brush motor and the vacuum motor, and the remote monitoring capabilities may be used to track battery life, cleaning performance, and maintenance schedules. The operating mode detection system can be adapted to distinguish between scrubbing, polishing, and transport modes.

[0366] • Car Wash Systems: A car wash system (comprising multiple spray nozzles, brushes, and drying systems) may utilise the large capacity battery pack described herein to provide a source of power, and the remote monitoring system to allow the operator to monitor parameters such as the chemical levels and other aspects of the system. The automatic water flow system for the brushes and other water systems of the spray nozzles of the carwash may be readily controlled by the system.

[0367] • Steam Cleaners: A steam cleaner (comprising a water tank, a heating element, and a steam nozzle) may utilize the precise temperature control features of the cooling system to regulate the temperature of the heating element and the steam output. The heater output may also be regulated by the operating mode detection system, for example to reduce the temperature in a standby or warming mode.

[0368] • Robotic Cleaning Devices: Robotic cleaning devices, such as autonomous floor cleaning robots or window cleaning robots (each comprising a cleaning head, a navigation system, and a drive system), may particularly benefit from the power management, remote control, and environmental impact tracking features of the present disclosure. In particular, the operating mode control system may be readily adapted to control the movements of the window cleaning robot about the exterior of a building, and the features for pre-emptively activating and deactivating the cooling system may be very useful for battery-powered robotic cleaning devices. The navigation system may be used to create a cleaning profile for the robot by mapping the location and tracking the cleaning performance.

[0369] • Spray Trucks: A spray truck (comprising a large tank, a pump, and a spray nozzle) may utilize the large capacity battery pack of the present disclosure to efficiently drive the pump, and the remote monitoring to track the amount of spray used and the location of the truck.

[0370] The above systems or devices are all considered “washer assemblies” in the context of the present disclosure.

[0371] Further applications include:

[0372] • Construction Equipment: Construction equipment (comprising a variety of tools such as drills, saws, and grinders) may utilise the large capacity battery pack of the present disclosure to power the tools, and the remote monitoring can be used to track the location of the equipment and its usage. This would be particularly suited at a construction site where mains power may not be easily accessible.

[0373] In each of these applications, benefits such as efficient energy management, precise motor control, remote monitoring, and environmental impact tracking, can be applied to improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of the cleaning device. The specific implementation details may vary depending on the requirements of the particular application, but the underlying concepts remain the same. For example, the temperature thresholds and control parameters for the cooling system may need to be adjusted based on the thermal characteristics of the specific cleaning device, and the specific sensors and actuators used may also vary. Similarly, the user interface and communication protocols for the remote monitoring system may be adapted to suit the needs of the particular application. The scope of the invention is therefore not intended to be limited to pressure washers alone, but to extend to any cleaning or washer device or system that can benefit from the features and principles described herein.

[0374] Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples This section describes additional aspects and features of washer assemblies, systems, and methods, presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and / or with disclosure from elsewhere in this application, in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing without limitation examples of some of the suitable combinations.

[0375] AO. A pressure washer assembly comprising: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; a heat exchanger having a fluid pathway coupled between the fluid inlet and the pump; a cooling system comprising a cooling conduit network coupled to and arranged to carry a cooling fluid between the heat exchanger and the electric motor; wherein the heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid.

[0376] Al. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph AO, wherein the cooling conduit network is configured as a closed loop and comprises a cooling pump arranged to drive the cooling fluid through the cooling conduit network.

[0377] A2. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph AO or Al, wherein the cleaning fluid comprises water and the cooling fluid comprises a non-corrosive liquid.

[0378] A3. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding paragraph, wherein the cooling fluid is configured to flow within galleries within the electric motor and / or to a heat sink thermally coupled to the electric motor.

[0379] A4. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding paragraph, comprising a motor heat sink thermally coupled to the electric motor and wherein the cooling fluid is configured to flow to the motor heat sink.

[0380] A5. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding paragraph, comprising an inverter electrically coupled to and arranged to power the electric motor.

[0381] A6. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A5, comprising an inverter heat sink thermally coupled to the inverter and wherein the cooling fluid is configured to flow to the inverter heat sink. A7. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A5 or A6, comprising a battery electrically coupled to and arranged to power the inverter.

[0382] A8. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding paragraph, comprising: an unloader valve coupled between an outlet of the pump and a high-pressure hose; a storage tank coupled to the unloader valve.

[0383] A9. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs wherein the cooling system is configured maintain the temperature of at least one device of the pressure washer assembly within a predetermined operating range.

[0384] A10. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A9, wherein the at least one device includes the electric motor.

[0385] Al l. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A9 or A10, wherein the at least one device includes a motor controller assembly.

[0386] A12. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph Al l, wherein the motor controller assembly comprises an inverter.

[0387] A13. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A9 to paragraph A12, wherein the at least one device includes a battery electrically coupled to and arranged to power the electric motor.

[0388] A14. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to preheat the cleaning fluid before it enters the pump.

[0389] A15. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A14 wherein the heat exchanger is positioned in a low-pressure cleaning fluid supply line upstream of the pump.

[0390] A16. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a first fluid pathway for the cooling fluid and a second, separate fluid pathway for the cleaning fluid, and wherein the first and second fluid pathways are thermally and / or physically coupled.

[0391] A17. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid reservoir.

[0392] A18. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A17, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, stainless steel, and durable plastics.

[0393] A19. The pressure washer assembly of either paragraph A17 or paragraph A18, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir is thermally and / or physically coupled to a motor controller assembly and / or inverter associated with the electric motor. A20. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A19, further comprising a heat exchange plate coupled to a housing of the motor controller assembly and / or inverter.

[0394] A21. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A20, wherein the heat exchange plate is thermally and / or physically coupled to the cooling fluid reservoir.

[0395] A22. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A18 to paragraph A21, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir incorporates a serpentine channel or pathway for retaining and conveying the cooling fluid.

[0396] A23. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A18 to paragraph A22, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir includes an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet of the heat exchanger. A24. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A18 to paragraph A23 wherein the cooling fluid reservoir comprises an outlet fluidly coupled to a cooling conduit that is thermally and / or physically coupled to the electric motor.

[0397] A25. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid pump configured to drive the flow of cooling fluid within the cooling fluid network and the heat exchanger.

[0398] A26. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the cooling fluid conduit network is constructed from flexible hoses, rigid tubing, or a combination thereof.

[0399] A27. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a glycol mixture.

[0400] A28. The pressure washer assembly of any preceding paragraph, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a solution of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

[0401] A29. The pressure washer assembly of any preceding paragraphs, wherein the heat exchanger is a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger.

[0402] A30. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising a cooling control system comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly, and a controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and to generate control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.

[0403] A31. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A30 wherein the one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly are indicative of a thermal state of the pressure washer assembly; A32. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A31, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a temperature parameter.

[0404] A33. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A32 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at the electric motor.

[0405] A34. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A32 or paragraph A33 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at a motor controller assembly and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

[0406] A35. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A33 to paragraph A34 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at a battery pack of the pressure washer assembly configured to power the electric motor.

[0407] A36. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A33 to paragraph A35, wherein the one or more sensors include at least one of: a thermistor, a thermocouple, and a resistance temperature detector (RTD).

[0408] A37. The pressure washer assembly of any of paragraph A31 to paragraph A36 wherein the at least one parameter includes current drawn by the electric motor.

[0409] A38. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A31 to paragraph A37, wherein the controller is configured to increase a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate an elevated temperature condition and / or a potential future elevated temperature condition.

[0410] A39. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A38, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper temperature threshold.

[0411] A40. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A39 or paragraph A40, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper change-in-temperature threshold.

[0412] A41. The pressure washer assembly of either paragraph A39 or paragraph A40 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature.

[0413] A42. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A40 to paragraph A41 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor. A43. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A40 to paragraph A42, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, exceeding a predetermined upper current threshold.

[0414] A44. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A40 to paragraph A43, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper change-in-current threshold.

[0415] A45. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A44 or paragraph A45 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor.

[0416] A46. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A39 to paragraph A45, wherein the controller is further configured to implement hysteresis control by maintaining the increased rate of flow of cooling fluid or the activation of the cooling pump, until the parameter(s) that triggered the increase in cooling decrease(s) to corresponding predetermined lower threshold(s).

[0417] A47. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A31 to paragraph A46, wherein the controller is further configured to implement a predictive algorithm to anticipate future temperature increases and based on the prediction, activate the cooling pump or drive the cooling pump to increase the flow rate of the cooling fluid.

[0418] A48. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A31 to paragraph A47, wherein the controller is configured to decrease a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate a reduced temperature condition and / or a potential future reduced temperature condition.

[0419] A49. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A48, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower temperature threshold.

[0420] A50. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A48 or paragraph A49, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of one or more temperature parameters reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-temperature threshold.

[0421] A51. The pressure washer assembly of either paragraph A49 or paragraph A50 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature. A52. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A49 to paragraph A51 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

[0422] A53. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A48 to paragraph A52, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, reducing to below a predetermined lower current threshold.

[0423] A54. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A48 to paragraph A53, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-current threshold.

[0424] A55. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A53 or paragraph A54 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor.

[0425] A56. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A48 to paragraph A55, wherein the controller is further configured to implement hysteresis control by maintaining the decreased rate of flow of cooling fluid or the deactivation of the cooling pump, until the parameter(s) that triggered the decrease in cooling rise(s) to corresponding predetermined upper threshold(s).

[0426] A57. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A31 to paragraph A56, wherein the controller is further configured to implement a predictive algorithm to anticipate future temperature decreases in the pressure washer assembly and trigger an increase in cooling before an actual reduced temperature is measured or detected.

[0427] A58. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A31 to paragraph A57, wherein the controller implements hysteresis control, maintaining a difference between an upper parameter threshold for activating the cooling pump or increasing the flow of cooling fluid, and a lower parameter threshold for deactivating the cooling pump or decreasing the flow of cooling fluid, for one or more of the monitored parameter(s).

[0428] A59. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A58, wherein the controller is configured to dynamically adjust the upper parameter threshold, the lower parameter threshold and / or the difference, for one or more monitored parameter(s), based on historical or current operating conditions of the pressure washer assembly.

[0429] A60. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A59, wherein the operating conditions comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of: motor current draw, outlet pressure, and cleaning fluid flow rate. A61. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A59 or paragraph A60, wherein the controller is configured to learn usage patterns over time and adjust the hysteresis difference accordingly. A62. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph AO to paragraph A61 further comprising a control system arranged to switch a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode.

[0430] A63. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A62, wherein the control input is one or more of the following: input power level; input current level; input current frequency; input duty cycle; input voltage.

[0431] A64. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A62 or paragraph A63, wherein the monitored parameter is one or more of the following: speed; input current; input power.

[0432] A65. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs A62 to A64, comprising an inverter and a motor controller arranged to maintain the control input at a predetermined level during at least a part of the working or bypass modes.

[0433] A66. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs A62 to A65, wherein the change in the control input is responsive to detection of a signature change in the monitored parameter. A67. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A66, wherein the monitored parameter is input power or current and the pressure washer assembly is configured to reduce the speed responsive to detection of a signature change in the input power or current.

[0434] A68. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A67, wherein the signature change is a threshold negative gradient in the input power or current.

[0435] A69. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs A66 to A68, wherein the monitored parameter is speed and wherein the speed to the electric motor is increased in response to determining a threshold negative speed gradient.

[0436] A70. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs A62 to A69, comprising an unloader valve coupled between an outlet of the pump and a high-pressure hose, the unloader valve configured to release the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the high-pressure hose responsive to said pressure exceeding an upper threshold.

[0437] A71. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs A62 to A70, wherein the control system is configured to detect a transition from bypass mode to working mode based on a parameter signature indicative of working mode, the parameter signature comprising a negative gradient of the motor speed having an absolute value greater than a predetermined threshold A72. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs A62 to A71, wherein upon detecting a transition to working mode, the control system increases the motor current corresponding to the electric motor to achieve a target operating speed or fluid pressure.

[0438] A73. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs Al to A72 further comprising a monitoring system arranged to monitor a parameter of the electric motor, the monitoring system configured to calculate and output an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor.

[0439] A74. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph A73, wherein the parameter of the electric motor is one or more of the following: revolutions; speed; and wherein the operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly is one or more of the following: cleaning fluid used; cleaning fluid flowrate; energy consumption.

[0440] A75. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph 73 or 74, wherein the monitoring system is arranged to transmit the operational parameter to a server or device having an interface for displaying the operational parameter.

[0441] BO. A pressure washer assembly comprising: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; a control system arranged to switch a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode.

[0442] B l. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph BO, wherein the control input is one or more of the following: input power level; input current level; input current frequency; input duty cycle; input voltage.

[0443] B2. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph BO or B 1, wherein the monitored parameter is one or more of the following: speed; input current; input power.

[0444] B3. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs BO to B2, comprising an inverter and a motor controller arranged to maintain the control input at a predetermined level during at least a part of the working or bypass modes.

[0445] B4. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs BO to B3, wherein the change in the control input is responsive to detection of a signature change in the monitored parameter. B5. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph B4, wherein the monitored parameter is input power or current and the pressure washer assembly is configured to reduce the speed responsive to detection of a signature change in the input power or current.

[0446] B6. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph B5, wherein the signature change is a threshold negative gradient in the input power or current.

[0447] B7. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs B4 to B6, wherein the monitored parameter is speed and wherein the speed to the electric motor is increased in response to determining a threshold negative speed gradient.

[0448] B8. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs BO to B7, comprising an unloader valve coupled between an outlet of the pump and a high-pressure hose, the unloader valve configured to release the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the high-pressure hose responsive to said pressure exceeding an upper threshold.

[0449] B9. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs BO to B8, comprising: a heat exchanger having a fluid pathway coupled between the fluid inlet and the pump; a cooling conduit network coupled to and arranged to carry a cooling fluid between the heat exchanger and the electric motor; wherein the heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid.

[0450] B IO. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph B9, wherein the cooling conduit network is configured as a closed loop and comprises a cooling pump arranged to drive the cooling fluid through the cooling conduit network.

[0451] B l l. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph B9 or BIO, wherein the cleaning fluid and the cooling fluid are different.

[0452] B 12. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs B9 to B 11, comprising an inverter electrically coupled to and arranged to power the electric motor; wherein the cooling conduit network is arranged to carry the cooling fluid between the inverter and the heat exchanger.

[0453] B 13. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs BO to B 12, wherein the control system is configured to detect a transition from bypass mode to working mode based on a parameter signature indicative of working mode, the parameter signature comprising a negative gradient of a motor speed parameter corresponding to the electric motor having an absolute value greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0454] B 14. The pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraphs BO to B 13, wherein upon detecting a transition to working mode, the control system increases the motor current corresponding to the electric motor to achieve a target operating speed or fluid pressure. CO. A pressure washer assembly comprising: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; a monitoring system arranged to monitor a parameter of the electric motor, the monitoring system configured to calculate and output an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor.

[0455] C 1. The pressure washer assembly of paragraph CO, wherein the parameter of the electric motor is one or more of the following: revolutions; speed; and wherein the operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly is one or more of the following: cleaning fluid used; cleaning fluid flowrate; energy consumption.

[0456] C2. The pressure assembly of paragraph CO or Cl, wherein the monitoring system is arranged to transmit the operational parameter to a server or device having an interface for displaying the operational parameter.

[0457] DO. A method of operating a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; and an electric motor coupled to drive a pump; the method comprising: driving the electric motor to drive the pump to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; switching a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode. DI. The method of paragraph DO, wherein the control input is one or more of the following: input power level; input current level; input current frequency; input duty cycle; input voltage. D2. The method of paragraph DO or DI, wherein the monitored parameter is one or more of the following: speed; input current; input power.

[0458] D3. The method of any one of paragraphs DO to D2, comprising controlling an inverter to drive the electric motor to maintain the control input at a predetermined level during at least a part of the working or bypass modes.

[0459] D4. The method of any one of paragraphs DO to D3, wherein the change in the control input is responsive to detection of a signature change in the monitored parameter.

[0460] D5. The method of paragraph D4, wherein the monitored parameter is input power or current and the method comprises reducing the speed of the electric motor responsive to detection of a signature change in the input power or current. D6. The method of paragraph D5, wherein the signature change is a threshold negative gradient in the input power or current.

[0461] D7. The method of any one of paragraphs D4 to D6, wherein the monitored parameter is speed and wherein the speed to the electric motor is increased in response to determining a threshold negative speed gradient.

[0462] D8. The method of any one of paragraphs DO to D7, wherein the pressure washer assembly comprises an unloader valve coupled between an outlet of the pump and a high-pressure hose, the unloader valve configured to release the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the high-pressure hose responsive to said pressure exceeding an upper threshold.

[0463] D9. The method of any one of paragraphs DO to D8, comprising cooling the electric motor using a cooling circuit including a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the cooling circuit to the low-pressure cleaning fluid.

[0464] DIO. The method of paragraph D9, comprising cooling an inverter driving the electric motor using the cooling circuit.

[0465] Dl l. The method of any one of claim DO to claim DIO further comprising: detecting a transition from bypass mode to working mode based on a parameter signature indicative of working mode, the parameter signature comprising a motor current gradient corresponding to the electric motor exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0466] D12. The method of paragraph DI 1 further comprising, in response to detecting said transition, driving the electric motor to increase the motor speed to achieve a target operating speed or cleaning fluid outlet pressure.

[0467] E0. A method of generating operational parameters for a pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure; the method comprising: monitoring a parameter of the electric motor; calculating an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor; outputting the operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly.

[0468] El. The method of paragraph E0, wherein the parameter of the electric motor is one or more of the following: revolutions; speed; and wherein the operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly is one or more of the following: cleaning fluid used; cleaning fluid flowrate; energy consumption.

[0469] E2. The method of paragraph E0 or El, comprising transmitting the operational parameter to a server or device having an interface for displaying the operational parameter. F0. A method of cooling a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; and an electric motor coupled to drive a pump; the method comprising: driving the electric motor to drive the pump to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; cooling the electric motor using a cooling circuit including a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the cooling circuit to the low-pressure cleaning fluid.

[0470] Fl. The method of paragraph F0, comprising cooling an inverter driving the electric motor using the cooling circuit.

[0471] GO. A cooling control system for a pressure washer assembly, the pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a cooling system including a cooling pump for driving the flow of a cooling fluid to cool the electric motor during operation, the control system comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly, and a controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and to generate control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.

[0472] Gl. The cooling control system of paragraph GO, wherein the one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly are indicative of a thermal state of the pressure washer assembly.

[0473] G2. The cooling control system of paragraph Gl, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a temperature parameter.

[0474] G3. The cooling control system of paragraph G2 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at the electric motor.

[0475] G4. The cooling control system of paragraph G2 or paragraph G3 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at a motor controller assembly and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

[0476] G5. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G3 to paragraph G4 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at a battery pack of the pressure washer assembly configured to power the electric motor.

[0477] G6. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G3 to paragraph G5, wherein the one or more sensors include at least one of: a thermistor, a thermocouple, and a resistance temperature detector (RTD). G7. The cooling control system of any of paragraph GO to paragraph G6 wherein the at least one parameter includes current drawn by the electric motor.

[0478] G8. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph GO to paragraph G7, wherein the controller is configured to increase a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate an elevated temperature condition and / or a potential future elevated temperature condition.

[0479] G9. The cooling control system of paragraph G8, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper temperature threshold.

[0480] GIO. The cooling control system of paragraph G9 or paragraph GIO, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper change-in-temperature threshold.

[0481] Gi l. The cooling control system of either paragraph G9 or paragraph GIO wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature.

[0482] G12. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G9 to paragraph G11 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

[0483] G13. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G9 to paragraph G12, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, exceeding a predetermined upper current threshold.

[0484] G14. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G9 to paragraph G13, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper change-in-current threshold.

[0485] G15. The cooling control system of paragraph G13 or paragraph G14 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor.

[0486] G16. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G8 to paragraph G15, wherein the controller is further configured to implement hysteresis control by maintaining the increased rate of flow of cooling fluid or the activation of the cooling pump, until the parameter(s) that triggered the increase in cooling decrease(s) to corresponding predetermined lower threshold(s). G17. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph GO to paragraph G16, wherein the controller is further configured to implement a predictive algorithm to anticipate future temperature increases and based on the prediction, activate the cooling pump or drive the cooling pump to increase the flow rate of the cooling fluid.

[0487] G18. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph GO to paragraph G17, wherein the controller is configured to decrease a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate a reduced temperature condition and / or a potential future reduced temperature condition.

[0488] G19. The cooling control system of paragraph G18, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower temperature threshold.

[0489] G20. The cooling control system of paragraph G18 or paragraph G19, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of one or more temperature parameters reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-temperature threshold.

[0490] G21. The cooling control system of either paragraph G19 or paragraph G20 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature.

[0491] G22. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G19 to paragraph G21 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

[0492] G23. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G18 to paragraph G22, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, reducing to below a predetermined lower current threshold.

[0493] G24. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G18 to paragraph G23, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-current threshold.

[0494] G25. The cooling control system of paragraph G23 or paragraph G24 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor.

[0495] G26. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph G18 to paragraph G25, wherein the controller is further configured to implement hysteresis control by maintaining the decreased rate of flow of cooling fluid or the deactivation of the cooling pump, until the parameter(s) that triggered the decrease in cooling rise(s) to corresponding predetermined upper threshold(s). G27. The cooling system of any one of paragraph GO to paragraph G26, wherein the controller is further configured to implement a predictive algorithm to anticipate future temperature decreases in the pressure washer assembly and trigger an increase in cooling before an actual reduced temperature is measured or detected.

[0496] G28. The cooling control system of any one of paragraph GO to paragraph G27, wherein the controller implements hysteresis control, maintaining a difference between an upper parameter threshold for activating the cooling pump or increasing the flow of cooling fluid, and a lower parameter threshold for deactivating the cooling pump or decreasing the flow of cooling fluid, for one or more of the monitored parameter(s).

[0497] G29. The cooling control system of paragraph G28, wherein the controller is configured to dynamically adjust the upper parameter threshold, the lower parameter threshold and / or the difference, for one or more monitored parameter(s), based on historical or current operating conditions of the pressure washer assembly.

[0498] G30. A pressure washer system comprising a pressure washer assembly as claimed in any one of paragraph AO to paragraph A75, or B0-B14, or C0-C2, and the cooling control system of any one of paragraphs G0-G29.

[0499] HO. A method of controlling a cooling system in a pressure washer assembly, the pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor and the cooling system comprising a cooling pump for driving the flow of a cooling fluid to cool the electric motor during operation, the method comprising: monitoring one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly; and generating control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.

[0500] Hl. The method of paragraph HO, wherein the one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly are indicative of a thermal state of the pressure washer assembly.

[0501] H2. The method of paragraph Hl, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a temperature parameter.

[0502] H3. The method of paragraph H2 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at or adjacent the electric motor.

[0503] H4. The method of paragraph H2 or paragraph H3 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at or adjacent a motor controller assembly and / or inverter associated with the electric motor. H5. The method of any one of paragraph H3 to paragraph H4 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at or adjacent a battery pack of the pressure washer assembly configured to power the electric motor.

[0504] H6. The method of any one of paragraph H3 to paragraph H5, wherein the step of monitoring comprising monitoring temperature parameter(s) via one or more sensors including at least one of: a thermistor, a thermocouple, and a resistance temperature detector (RTD).

[0505] H7. The method of any of paragraph HO to paragraph H6 wherein the at least one parameter includes current drawn by the electric motor.

[0506] H8. The method of any one of paragraph HO to paragraph H7, further comprising increasing a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate an elevated temperature condition and / or a potential future elevated temperature condition.

[0507] H9. The method of paragraph H8, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper temperature threshold.

[0508] H10. The method of paragraph H9 or paragraph H10, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper change-in-temperature threshold.

[0509] Hl l. The method of either paragraph H9 or paragraph H10 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature.

[0510] H12. The method of any one of paragraph H9 to paragraph Hl 1 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

[0511] H13. The method of any one of paragraph H9 to paragraph Hl 2, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, exceeding a predetermined upper current threshold.

[0512] H14. The method of any one of paragraph H9 to paragraph H13, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper changein-current threshold.

[0513] Hl 5. The method of paragraph H13 or paragraph H14 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor. H16. The method of any one of paragraph H8 to paragraph H15, further comprising maintaining the increased rate of flow of cooling fluid or the activation of the cooling pump, until the parameter(s) that triggered the increase in cooling decrease(s) to corresponding predetermined lower threshold(s).

[0514] H17. The method of any one of paragraph HO to paragraph H16, further comprising predicting, via a predictive algorithm, future temperature increases and based on the prediction, activating the cooling pump or drive the cooling pump to increase the flow rate of the cooling fluid.

[0515] Hl 8. The method of any one of paragraph HO to paragraph H17, further comprising decreasing a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate a reduced temperature condition and / or a potential future reduced temperature condition.

[0516] H19. The method of paragraph H18, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower temperature threshold.

[0517] H20. The method of paragraph H18 or paragraph H19, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of one or more temperature parameters reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-temperature threshold.

[0518] H21. The method of either paragraph H19 or paragraph H20 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature.

[0519] H22. The method of any one of paragraph H19 to paragraph H21 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

[0520] H23. The method of any one of paragraph Hl 8 to paragraph H22, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, reducing to below a predetermined lower current threshold.

[0521] H24. The method of any one of paragraph Hl 8 to paragraph H23, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-current threshold.

[0522] H25. The method of paragraph H23 or paragraph H24 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor.

[0523] H26. The method of any one of paragraph H18 to paragraph H25, further comprising maintaining the reduced rate of cooling when one or more of the monitored parameter(s) remain below a corresponding threshold that is higher than the corresponding predetermined lower threshold.

[0524] H27. The method of any one of paragraph HO to paragraph H26, further comprising predicting, via a predictive algorithm, future temperature decreases in the pressure washer assembly and triggering an increase in cooling before an actual reduced temperature is measured or detected. H28. The method of any one of paragraph HO to paragraph H27, further comprising implementing hysteresis control in relation to one or more monitored parameters to prevent rapid cycling of a cooling pump.

[0525] 10. A system for determining an environmental impact parameter of a washer assembly, the washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the system comprising: a monitoring module configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the washer assembly; and a processing module configured to calculate the environmental impact parameter based on the one or more operating parameters.

[0526] 11. The system of paragraph 10, wherein the environmental impact parameter is a gas emissions parameter.

[0527] 12. The system of paragraph II, wherein the gas emissions parameter is a CO2 emissions parameter.

[0528] 13. The system of paragraph 12, wherein the CO2 emissions parameter is a CO2 emissions saved parameter.

[0529] 14. The system of any one of paragraphs 10 to 13, wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise a total number of hours the washer assembly is actively used to clean.

[0530] 15. The system of any one of paragraphs 10 to 14, wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise a total amount of electrical energy consumed by the washer assembly.

[0531] 16. The system of any one of paragraphs 10 to 15, wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise data related to operational characteristics of the pump, electric motor and / or cleaning fluid moved by the pump.

[0532] 17. The system of paragraph 16, wherein the data related to operational characteristics of the pump, electric motor and / or cleaning fluid include motor speed or cleaning fluid flow rate, or both.

[0533] 18. The system of any one of paragraphs 10 to 17, wherein the processing module is configured to calculate a baseline CO2 emissions value representing the emissions that would have been generated by a comparable conventional washer assembly. 19. The system of paragraph 18, wherein the comparable conventional washer assembly is powered by a fossil-fuelled engine.

[0534] 110. The system of paragraph 18 or paragraph 19, wherein the processing module is configured to calculate the baseline CO2 emissions value based on a formula including hours in use, fuel consumption rate, and a CO2 emission factor.

[0535] 111. The system of any one of paragraphs 10 to 110, wherein the processing module is configured to calculate an actual CO2 emissions value associated with the operation of the washer assembly.

[0536] 112. The system of paragraph Il l, wherein the processing module is configured to calculate the actual CO2 emissions value based on a formula including kilowatt hours and an electricity emission factor.

[0537] 113. The system of any one of paragraphs 10 to 112, wherein the processing module is configured to calculate a CO2 emissions reduction value by subtracting the actual CO2 emissions from the baseline CO2 emissions.

[0538] 114. The system of any one of paragraphs 10 to 113, wherein the processing module is further configured to determine the number of trees required to offset the CO2 emissions.

[0539] 115. The system of paragraph 114, wherein the processing module is configured to calculate the number of trees offset based on a formula including the CO2 emissions and a CO2 absorption rate per tree.

[0540] 116. The system of paragraph any one of paragraph 10 to paragraph 115, wherein the processing module is further configured to determine a distance in car emissions offset by the CO2 emissions savings.

[0541] 117. The system of paragraph 116, wherein the processing module is configured to calculate the distance in car emissions offset based on a formula including the CO2 emissions and a CO2 emissions rate per vehicle kilometre.

[0542] 118. A pressure washer system comprising a pressure washer assembly as claimed in any one of paragraph A0 to paragraph A75, or B0-B14, or C0-C2, and the system of any one of paragraphs 10-117.

[0543] 119. The pressure washer system of paragraph 118 further comprising the cooling control system of any one of paragraphs G0-G29.

[0544] JO. A computer-implemented method for determining an environmental impact parameter of a washer assembly, the washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the method comprising: Monitoring one or more operating parameters of the washer assembly; and Calculating the environmental impact parameter based on the one or more operating parameters.

[0545] JI. The method of paragraph JO, wherein the environmental impact parameter is a gas emissions parameter.

[0546] J2. The method of paragraph JI, wherein the gas emissions parameter is a CO2 emissions parameter.

[0547] J3. The method of paragraph J2, wherein the CO2 emissions parameter is a CO2 emissions saved parameter.

[0548] J4. The method of any one of paragraphs JO to J3, wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise a total number of hours the washer assembly is actively used to clean.

[0549] J5. The method of any one of paragraphs JO to J4, wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise a total amount of electrical energy consumed by the washer assembly.

[0550] J6. The method of any one of paragraphs JO to J5, wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise data related to operational characteristics of the pump, electric motor and / or cleaning fluid moved by the pump.

[0551] J7. The method of paragraph J6, wherein the data related to operational characteristics of the pump, electric motor and / or cleaning fluid include motor speed or cleaning fluid flow rate, or both.

[0552] J8. The method of any one of paragraphs JO to J7, further comprising calculating a baseline CO2 emissions value representing the emissions that would have been generated by a comparable conventional washer assembly.

[0553] J9. The method of paragraph J8, wherein the comparable conventional washer assembly is powered by a fossil-fuelled engine.

[0554] J10. The method of paragraph J8 or paragraph J9, wherein calculating the baseline CO2 emissions value comprises using a formula including hours in use, fuel consumption rate, and a CO2 emission factor.

[0555] JI 1. The method of any one of paragraphs JO to J 10, further comprising calculating, using the processing module, an actual CO2 emissions value associated with the operation of the washer assembly.

[0556] J 12. The method of paragraph Jl l, wherein calculating the actual CO2 emissions value comprises using a formula including kilowatt hours and an electricity emission factor.

[0557] J13. The method of any one of paragraphs JO to J12, further comprising calculating a CO2 emissions reduction value by subtracting the actual CO2 emissions from the baseline CO2 emissions. J 14. The method of any one of paragraphs JO to J13, further comprising determining the number of trees required to offset the CO2 emissions.

[0558] J15. The method of paragraph J14, wherein determining the number of trees offset comprises using a formula including the CO2 emissions and a CO2 absorption rate per tree.

[0559] J16. The method of any one of paragraph JO to paragraph J15, further comprising determining a distance in car emissions offset by the CO2 emissions savings.

[0560] J17. The method of paragraph J16, wherein calculating the distance in car emissions offset comprises using a formula including the CO2 emissions and a CO2 emissions rate per vehicle kilometre.

[0561] KO. A computer-implemented method for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies via a computer program operating on a device remote to the washer assembly, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, and the method comprising: receiving, via a communication interface, data indicative of the operating parameters from each washer assembly; and presenting, on a display associated with the device, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

[0562] KI. The method of paragraph KO further comprising: displaying, on a display associated with the device, an interface configured to present a list of the one or more connected washer assemblies.

[0563] K2. The method of paragraph KI, further comprising enabling a user to locate a specific washer assembly within the list, via a search function of an input interface.

[0564] K3. The method of paragraph K2, further comprising enabling a user to narrow down the displayed washer assemblies based on criteria, via a filtering function of the interface.

[0565] K4. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K3, wherein the operating parameters include an output state of the washer assembly.

[0566] K5. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K4, wherein the operating parameters include a battery percentage indicating a remaining charge level of a battery pack powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0567] K6. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K5, wherein the operating parameters include a shunt amperes value indicating a current flow in a battery circuit powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0568] K7. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K6, wherein the operating parameters include a flow rate of cleaning fluid. K8. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K7, wherein the operating parameters include operating speed of the electric motor.

[0569] K9. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K8, wherein the operating parameters include operating power of the electric motor.

[0570] K10. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K9, wherein the operating parameters include at least one temperature selected from the group consisting of: electric motor temperature and temperature of a motor controller associated with the electric motor.

[0571] Kl l. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K10, wherein the operating parameters include a minimum cell temperature and / or a maximum cell temperature of a battery pack powering the washer assembly.

[0572] K12. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to Kl l, wherein the operating parameters include a minimum cell voltage and / or a maximum cell voltage of a battery pack powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0573] K13. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K12, wherein the operating parameters include a charging power level associated with a battery pack powering the washer assembly. K14. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K13, wherein the operating parameters include a remaining Ampere-hour (Ah) capacity of a battery pack powering the washer assembly.

[0574] K15. The method of claim any one of paragraphs KO to K14, further comprising displaying, on the display interface, a location of at least one of the connected washer assemblies on a map. K16. The method of paragraph K15, further comprising enabling a user to adjust a zoom level of the map via a control on an input interface.

[0575] K17. The method of paragraph K16, further comprising enabling a user to select different time periods for displaying a location history on the map via a control on an input interface.

[0576] KI 8. The method of any one of paragraphs KO to K17, further comprising calculating and displaying an environmental impact parameter of at least one of the connected washer assemblies.

[0577] K19. The method of paragraph KI 8, wherein the environmental impact parameter is selected from the group consisting of: an actual gas emissions value, a gas emissions saved value, a trees offset value, and a car emissions offset value.

[0578] L0. A device for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the device comprising: a communication interface configured to receive data indicative of operating parameters from each washer assembly; a display; and a processor configured to execute a computer program to present, on the display, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

[0579] LI. The device of paragraph L0, wherein the computer program is further configured to display, on the display, an interface configured to present a list of the one or more connected washer assemblies.

[0580] L2. The device of paragraph LI, further comprising an input interface configured to enable a user to locate a specific washer assembly within the list, via a search function.

[0581] L3. The device of paragraph L2, wherein the input interface is further configured to enable a user to narrow down the displayed washer assemblies based on criteria, via a filtering function of the interface.

[0582] L4. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L3, wherein the operating parameters include an output state of the washer assembly.

[0583] L5. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L4, wherein the operating parameters include a battery percentage indicating a remaining charge level of a battery pack powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0584] L6. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L5, wherein the operating parameters include a shunt amperes value indicating a current flow in a battery circuit powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0585] L7. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L6, wherein the operating parameters include a flow rate of cleaning fluid.

[0586] L8. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L7, wherein the operating parameters include operating speed of the electric motor.

[0587] L9. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L8, wherein the operating parameters include operating power of the electric motor.

[0588] LIO. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L9, wherein the operating parameters include at least one temperature selected from the group consisting of: electric motor temperature and temperature of a motor controller assembly associated with the electric motor.

[0589] LI L The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to LIO, wherein the operating parameters include a minimum cell temperature and / or a maximum cell temperature of a battery pack powering the washer assembly. L12. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to LI 1, wherein the operating parameters include a minimum cell voltage and / or a maximum cell voltage of a battery pack powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0590] L13. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L12, wherein the operating parameters include a charging power level associated with a battery pack powering the washer assembly.

[0591] L14. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L13, wherein the operating parameters include a remaining Ampere-hour (Ah) capacity of a battery pack powering the washer assembly.

[0592] L15. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L14, wherein the computer program is further configured to display, on the display, a location of at least one of the connected washer assemblies on a map.

[0593] L16. The device of paragraph L15, wherein the input interface is further configured to enable a user to adjust a zoom level of the map via a control.

[0594] L17. The device of paragraph L16, wherein the input interface is further configured to enable a user to select different time periods for displaying a location history on the map via a control. L18. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L17, wherein the computer program is further configured to calculate and display an environmental impact parameter of at least one of the connected washer assemblies.

[0595] L19. The device of paragraph L18, wherein the environmental impact parameter is selected from the group consisting of: an actual gas emissions value, a gas emissions saved value, a trees offset value, and a car emissions offset value.

[0596] L20. The device of any one of paragraphs L0 to L19, wherein the device is a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer.

[0597] MO. A system for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies, the system comprising: at least one washer assembly, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, and a communication module configured to transmit data indicative of operating parameters; and a remote device comprising: a communication interface configured to receive the data indicative of operating parameters from the at least one washer assembly; a display; and a processor configured to execute a computer program to present, on the display, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies. Ml. The system of paragraph MO, wherein the computer program is further configured to display, on the display, an interface configured to present a list of the one or more connected washer assemblies.

[0598] M2. The system of paragraph Ml, further comprising an input interface configured to enable a user to locate a specific washer assembly within the list, via a search function.

[0599] M3. The system of paragraph M2, wherein the input interface is further configured to enable a user to narrow down the displayed washer assemblies based on criteria, via a filtering function of the interface.

[0600] M4. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M3, wherein the operating parameters include an output state of the washer assembly.

[0601] M5. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M4, wherein the operating parameters include a battery percentage indicating a remaining charge level of a battery pack powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0602] M6. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M5, wherein the operating parameters include a shunt amperes value indicating a current flow in a battery circuit powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0603] M7. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M6, wherein the operating parameters include a flow rate of cleaning fluid.

[0604] M8. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M7, wherein the operating parameters include operating speed of the electric motor.

[0605] M9. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M8, wherein the operating parameters include operating power of the electric motor.

[0606] MIO. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M9, wherein the operating parameters include at least one temperature selected from the group consisting of: electric motor temperature and temperature of a motor controller associated with the electric motor.

[0607] Mi l. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to MIO, wherein the operating parameters include a minimum cell temperature and / or a maximum cell temperature of a battery pack powering the washer assembly.

[0608] M12. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to Mi l, wherein the operating parameters include a minimum cell voltage and / or a maximum cell voltage of a battery pack powering the pressure washer assembly.

[0609] M13. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M12, wherein the operating parameters include a charging power level associated with a battery pack powering the washer assembly. M14. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M13, wherein the operating parameters include a remaining Ampere-hour (Ah) capacity of a battery pack powering the washer assembly.

[0610] M15. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M14, wherein the computer program is further configured to display, on the display, a location of at least one of the connected washer assemblies on a map.

[0611] M16. The system of paragraph M15, wherein the input interface is further configured to enable a user to adjust a zoom level of the map via a control.

[0612] M17. The system of paragraph M16, wherein the input interface is further configured to enable a user to select different time periods for displaying a location history on the map via a control. Ml 8. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M17, wherein the computer program is further configured to calculate and display an environmental impact parameter of at least one of the connected washer assemblies.

[0613] M19. The system of paragraph Ml 8, wherein the environmental impact parameter is selected from the group consisting of: an actual gas emissions value, a gas emissions saved value, a trees offset value, and a car emissions offset value.

[0614] M20. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to Ml 9, wherein the remote device is a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer.

[0615] M20. The system of any one of paragraphs MO to M19, wherein each washer assembly comprises the pressure washer assembly of any one of paragraph A0-A75, or B0-B 14, or C0- C2.

[0616] M21. The system of paragraph M20 further comprising the system for determining an environmental impact parameter of any one of paragraphs 10-117.

[0617] M22. The system of paragraph M20 or M21, further comprising the cooling control system of any one of paragraphs G0-G29.

[0618] NO. A battery pack comprising: a plurality of electrically connected battery modules arranged in a battery pack housing, a battery management system, an onboard battery charger, a battery monitor, positive, negative and series bus bars, a contactor, and a plurality of temperature sensors.

[0619] Nl. The battery pack of paragraph NO, where the battery pack is a large capacity battery pack. 00. A battery pack for powering a pressure washer assembly, the battery pack comprising: housing; a plurality of electrically connected battery modules arranged within the housing; a battery management system (BMS) configured to monitor and manage performance parameters of the battery pack; and a switching mechanism configured to selectively connect and disconnect the battery pack's output.

[0620] 01. The battery pack of paragraph OO, further comprising an onboard battery charger configured to enable charging of the battery pack using mains electricity or solar energy.

[0621] 02. The battery pack of paragraph OO or 01, further comprising a power distribution network comprising a plurality of bus bars configured to facilitate the distribution of electricity from the battery modules.

[0622] 03. The battery pack of paragraph 02, wherein the plurality of bus bars include positive bus bars, negative bus bars, and series bus bars.

[0623] PO. A battery system for a washer assembly, the system comprising: a battery pack comprising a plurality of electrically connected battery modules arranged within a housing; and a remote monitoring system configured to monitor performance parameters of the battery pack and transmit data indicative of the performance parameters to a remote device.

[0624] Pl. The battery system of paragraph PO, wherein the remote monitoring system comprises a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the data to the remote device.

[0625] P2. The battery system of paragraph Pl, wherein the wireless transmitter comprises a Bluetooth transmitter, a Wi-Fi transmitter, or a cellular transmitter.

[0626] P3. The battery system of any one of paragraphs PO to P2, wherein the remote device is a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer.

[0627] QO. A battery pack system for providing motive power to a pressure washer assembly, the system comprising: a battery pack with a nominal voltage between 24V and 150V and a total usable capacity ranging from 10 kWh to 40 kWh; a battery management system (BMS) configured to provide cell balancing, overcharge protection, over discharge protection, and overcurrent protection.

[0628] QI. The battery pack system of paragraph QI, wherein the battery pack comprises lithium-ion battery modules.

[0629] Q2. The battery pack system of paragraph QI, wherein the lithium-ion battery modules utilize lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cell chemistry or lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry. RO. The battery pack or system of any of paragraphs N0-N1, 00-03, P0-P3, Q0-Q2, further comprising a cooling system configured to maintain at least one device of the battery pack or system within a predetermined operating range.

[0630] Rl. The battery pack or system of any of paragraphs N0-N1, 00-03, P0-P3, Q0-Q2, RO further comprising an enclosure that is water resistant and fire resistant.

[0631] R2. The battery pack or system of any of paragraphs N0-N1, 00-03, P0-P3, Q0-Q2, R0-R1 wherein the battery management system is further configured to determine a state of charge and a state of health of the battery pack.

[0632] SO. The washer assembly of any one of paragraph A0-A75, or B0-B 14, or C0-C2 and further comprising the battery pack or system of any one of paragraphs N0-N1, 00-03, P0-P3, QO- Q2, R0-R1.

[0633] TO. A computer program comprising processor instructions which when executed by a processor cause the processor to carry out the method of any one of paragraphs D0-D12, EO- D2, F0-F1, H0-H28, J0J17, or K0-K19.

[0634] Advantages, Features, and Benefits

[0635] The different embodiments and examples of pressure washer assemblies, systems and methods described herein provide one or more advantages over known solutions for pressure washing or water blasting. For example, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein may allow for extended run time, significantly extending the operating time of a battery-powered pressure washer assembly and eliminating the need for frequent recharges or fuel refills during a typical workday, thereby improving productivity and reducing downtime.

[0636] Additionally or alternatively, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein may allow for reduced environmental impact, by eliminating the use of fossil fuels, reducing noise pollution, and enabling the generation of carbon credits, particularly when the battery is charged using renewable sources.

[0637] Additionally or alternatively, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein may allow for enhanced portability and convenience, compared to mains- powered or fossil-fuelled pressure washers, as the battery pack eliminates the need for long extension cords or fuel sources.

[0638] Additionally or alternatively, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein may allow for precise control and optimisation, by enabling precise control and optimisation of the electric motor and pump, allowing for adjustments to be made based on the specific cleaning task and / or operating conditions, thereby improving energy efficiency and performance.

[0639] Additionally or alternatively, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein may allow for remote monitoring and management, by providing remote monitoring and management capabilities, allowing users to track the performance, battery status, and location of the pressure washer assembly from a remote location, enabling better fleet management and preventative maintenance.

[0640] Additionally or alternatively, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein may allow for reduced complexity and cost, by simplifying the cooling system design and reducing costs by using a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger that leverages the existing heat within the system.

[0641] Additionally or alternatively, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein may allow for increased reliability and longevity, by improving the reliability and longevity of the electric motor and other components by providing effective thermal management and protection.

[0642] No known system or device can perform these functions. However, not all embodiments and examples described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

[0643] Conclusion

[0644] Persons of ordinary skill can utilize the disclosures and teachings herein to produce other embodiments and variations without undue experimentation. All such embodiments and variations are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0645] Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure that later modifications, substitutions, and / or variations performing substantially the same function or achieving substantially the same result as embodiments described may be utilised according to such related embodiments. Thus, the claims are intended to encompass, within their scope, the modifications, substitutions, and variations to processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, compounds, means, methods, and / or steps disclosed herein.

[0646] For example, while specific materials and fabrications are set out, it will be understood that the components and component parts of this disclosure are not limited to any particular material / materials or fabrication / fabrications. Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine-readable medium such as a storage medium or other storage(s). A processor may perform the necessary tasks. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0647] In the foregoing, a storage medium may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and / or other machine-readable mediums for storing information. The terms "machine readable medium" and "computer readable medium" include, but are not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and / or various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and / or data.

[0648] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, elements, and / or components described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic component, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, circuit, and / or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing components, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a number of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0649] The methods or algorithms described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executable by a processor, or in a combination of both, in the form of processing unit, programming instructions, or other directions, and may be contained in a single device or distributed across multiple devices. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD- ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor.

[0650] One or more of the components and functions illustrated the figures may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component or embodied in several components without departing from the invention. Additional elements or components may also be added without departing from the invention. Additionally, the features described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, as a business method, and / or combination thereof.

[0651] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the embodiments. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0652] The description in this specification may contain subject matter that falls outside of the scope of the claimed invention. This subject matter is included to aid understanding of the embodiments.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A pressure washer assembly comprising: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; a heat exchanger having a fluid pathway coupled between the fluid inlet and the pump; a cooling system comprising a cooling conduit network coupled to and arranged to carry a cooling fluid between the heat exchanger and the electric motor; wherein the heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the cleaning fluid.

2. The pressure washer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cooling conduit network is configured as a closed loop and comprises a cooling pump arranged to drive the cooling fluid through the cooling conduit network.

3. The pressure washer assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning fluid comprises water and the cooling fluid comprise a non-corrosive liquid.

4. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding claim, wherein the cooling fluid is configured to flow within galleries within the electric motor and / or to a heat sink thermally coupled to the electric motor.

5. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding claim, comprising a motor heat sink thermally coupled to the electric motor and wherein the cooling fluid is configured to flow to the motor heat sink.

6. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding claim, comprising an inverter electrically coupled to and arranged to power the electric motor.

7. The pressure washer assembly of claim 6, comprising an inverter heat sink thermally coupled to the inverter and wherein the cooling fluid is configured to flow to the inverter heat sink.

8. The pressure washer assembly of claim 6 or 7, comprising a battery electrically coupled to and arranged to power the inverter.

9. The pressure washer assembly of any one preceding claim, comprising: an unloader valve coupled between an outlet of the pump and a high-pressure hose; a storage tank coupled to the unloader valve.

10. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the cooling system is configured maintain the temperature of at least one device of the pressure washer assembly within a predetermined operating range.

11. The pressure washer assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one device includes the electric motor.

12. The pressure washer assembly of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the at least one device includes a motor controller assembly.

13. The pressure washer assembly of claim 12, wherein the motor controller assembly comprises an inverter.

14. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 10 to claim 13, wherein the at least one device includes a battery electrically coupled to and arranged to power the electric motor.

15. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to preheat the cleaning fluid before it enters the pump.

16. The pressure washer assembly of claim 15 wherein the heat exchanger is positioned in a low-pressure cleaning fluid supply line upstream of the pump.

17. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a first fluid pathway for the cooling fluid and a second, separate fluid pathway for the cleaning fluid, and wherein the first and second fluid pathways are thermally and / or physically coupled.

18. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid reservoir.

19. The pressure washer assembly of claim 18, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, stainless steel, and durable plastics.

20. The pressure washer assembly of either claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir is thermally and / or physically coupled to a motor controller assembly and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

21. The pressure washer assembly of claim 20, further comprising a heat exchange plate coupled to a housing of the motor controller assembly and / or inverter.

22. The pressure washer assembly of claim 21, wherein the heat exchange plate is thermally and / or physically coupled to the cooling fluid reservoir.

23. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 18 to claim 22, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir incorporates a serpentine channel or pathway for retaining and conveying the cooling fluid.

24. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 18 to claim 23, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir includes an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet of the heat exchanger.

25. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 18 to claim 23 wherein the cooling fluid reservoir comprises an outlet fluidly coupled to a cooling conduit that is thermally and / or physically coupled to the electric motor.

26. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid pump configured to drive the flow of cooling fluid within the cooling fluid network and the heat exchanger.

27. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling fluid conduit network is constructed from flexible hoses, rigid tubing, or a combination thereof.

28. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a glycol mixture.

29. The pressure washer assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a solution of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

30. The pressure washer assembly of any preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger is a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger.

31. The pressure washer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cooling control system comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly, anda controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and to generate control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.31 A. The pressure washer assembly wherein the one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly is(are) indicative of a thermal state of the pressure washer assembly;32. The pressure washer assembly of claim 31, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a temperature parameter.

33. The pressure washer assembly of claim 32 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at the electric motor.

34. The pressure washer assembly of claim 32 or claim 33 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at a motor controller assembly and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

35. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 32 to claim 34 wherein the temperature parameter(s) correspond to temperature(s) monitored at a battery pack of the pressure washer assembly configured to power the electric motor.

36. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 32 to claim 35, wherein the one or more sensors include at least one of: a thermistor, a thermocouple, and a resistance temperature detector (RTD).

37. The pressure washer assembly of any of claim 31 to claim 36 wherein the at least one parameter includes current drawn by the electric motor.

38. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 31 to claim 37, wherein the controller is configured to increase a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate an elevated temperature condition and / or a potential future elevated temperature condition.

39. The pressure washer assembly of claim 38, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper temperature threshold.

40. The pressure washer assembly of claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of one or more temperature parameters exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper change-in-temperature threshold.

41. The pressure washer assembly of either claim 39 or claim 40 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature.

42. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 39 to claim 41 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

43. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 39 to claim 42, wherein the elevated temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, exceeding a predetermined upper current threshold.

44. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 39 to claim 43, wherein the elevated temperature condition and / or potential future elevated temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter exceeding a corresponding predetermined upper change-in-current threshold.

45. The pressure washer assembly of claim 43 or claim 44 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor.

46. pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 38 to claim 45, wherein the controller is further configured to implement hysteresis control by maintaining the increased rate of flow of cooling fluid or the activation of the cooling pump, until the parameter(s) that triggered the increase in cooling decrease(s) to corresponding predetermined lower threshold(s).

47. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 38 to claim 46, wherein the controller is further configured to implement a predictive algorithm to anticipate future temperature increases and based on the prediction, activate the cooling pump or drive the cooling pump to increase the flow rate of the cooling fluid.

48. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 31 to claim 47, wherein the controller is configured to decrease a rate of cooling by activating a cooling pump or driving the cooling pump to increase a flow rate of the cooling fluid when the one or more monitored parameter(s) indicate a reduced temperature condition and / or a potential future reduced temperature condition.

49. The pressure washer assembly of claim 48, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by one or more temperature parameters reducing below a corresponding predetermined lower temperature threshold.

50. The pressure washer assembly of claim 48 or claim 49, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate ofchange of one or more temperature parameters reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-temperature threshold.

51. The pressure washer assembly of either claim 49 or claim 50 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to the electric motor temperature.

52. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 49 to claim 51 wherein one of the temperature parameter(s) corresponds to a temperature of a motor controller and / or inverter associated with the electric motor.

53. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 48 to claim 52, wherein the reduced temperature condition is indicated by a current parameter, reducing to below a predetermined lower current threshold.

54. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 48 to claim 53, wherein the reduced temperature condition and / or potential future reduced temperature condition is indicated by a rate of change of a current parameter reducing to below a corresponding predetermined lower change-in-current threshold.

55. The pressure washer assembly of claim 53 or claim 54 wherein the current parameter corresponds to or indicative of a current drawn by the electric motor.

56. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 48 to claim 55, wherein the controller is further configured to implement hysteresis control by maintaining the decreased rate of flow of cooling fluid or the deactivation of the cooling pump, until the parameter(s) that triggered the decrease in cooling rise(s) to corresponding predetermined upper threshold(s).

57. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 31 to claim 56, wherein the controller is further configured to implement a predictive algorithm to anticipate future temperature decreases and based on the prediction, deactivate the cooling pump or drive the cooling pump to decrease the flow rate of the cooling fluid.

58. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 31 to claim 57, wherein the controller implements hysteresis control, maintaining a difference between an upper parameter threshold for activating the cooling pump or increasing the flow of cooling fluid, and a lower parameter threshold for deactivating the cooling pump or decreasing the flow of cooling fluid, for one or more of the monitored parameter(s).

59. The pressure washer assembly of claim 58, wherein the controller is configured to dynamically adjust the upper parameter threshold, the lower parameter threshold and / or the difference, for one or more monitored parameter(s), based on historical or current operating conditions of the pressure washer assembly.

60. The pressure washer assembly of claim 59, wherein the operating conditions comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of: motor current draw, outlet pressure, and cleaning fluid flow rate.

61. The pressure washer assembly of claim 59 or claim 60, wherein the controller is configured to learn usage patterns over time and adjust the hysteresis difference accordingly.

62. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 1 to claim 61 further comprising a control system arranged to switch a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode.

63. The pressure washer assembly of claim 62, wherein the control input is one or more of the following: input power level; input current level; input current frequency; input duty cycle; input voltage.

64. The pressure washer assembly of claim 62 or 63, wherein the monitored parameter is one or more of the following: speed; input current; input power.

65. The pressure washer assembly of claim any one of claims 62 to 64, comprising an inverter and a motor controller arranged to maintain the control input at a predetermined level during at least a part of the working or bypass modes.

66. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claims 62 to 65, wherein the change in the control input is responsive to detection of a signature change in the monitored parameter.

67. The pressure washer assembly of claim 66, wherein the monitored parameter is input power or current and the pressure washer assembly is configured to reduce the speed responsive to detection of a signature change in the input power or current.

68. The pressure washer assembly of claim 67, wherein the signature change is a threshold negative gradient in the input power or current.

69. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claims 66 to 68, wherein the monitored parameter is speed and wherein the speed to the electric motor is increased in response to determining a threshold negative speed gradient.

70. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claims 62 to 69, comprising an unloader valve coupled between an outlet of the pump and a high-pressure hose, the unloader valve configured to release the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the high-pressure hose responsive to said pressure exceeding an upper threshold.

71. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claims 62 to 70, wherein the control system is configured to detect a transition from bypass mode to working mode based on a parametersignature indicative of working mode, the parameter signature comprising a negative gradient of the motor speed having an absolute value greater than a predetermined threshold72. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claims 62 to 71, wherein upon detecting a transition to working mode, the control system increases the motor current corresponding to the electric motor to achieve a target operating speed or fluid pressure.

73. The pressure washer assembly of any one of claim 1 to claim 72 further comprising a monitoring system arranged to monitor a parameter of the electric motor, the monitoring system configured to calculate and output an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor.

74. The pressure washer assembly of claim 73, wherein the parameter of the electric motor is one or more of the following: revolutions; speed; and wherein the operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly is one or more of the following: cleaning fluid used; cleaning fluid flowrate; energy consumption.

75. The pressure washer assembly of claim 73 or 74, wherein the monitoring system is arranged to transmit the operational parameter to a server or device having an interface for displaying the operational parameter.

76. A pressure washer assembly comprising: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; a control system arranged to switch a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode.

77. A pressure washer assembly comprising: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; a monitoring system arranged to monitor a parameter of the electric motor, the monitoring system configured to calculate and output an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor.

78. A method of operating a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; and an electric motor coupled to drive a pump; the method comprising: driving the electric motor to drive the pump to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; switching a control input to the electric motor between a working mode and a bypass mode dependent on a monitored parameter of the electric motor, the control input associated with the working mode having a higher level than the control input associated with the bypass mode.

79. A method of generating operational parameters for a pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor coupled to drive a pump arranged to receive a low- pressure cleaning fluid and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure; the method comprising: monitoring a parameter of the electric motor; calculating an operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly using the parameter of the electric motor; outputting the operational parameter of the pressure washer assembly.

80. A method of cooling a pressure washer assembly comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; and an electric motor coupled to drive a pump; the method comprising: driving the electric motor to drive the pump to receive a low-pressure cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet and to deliver the cleaning fluid under a high-pressure to the fluid outlet; cooling the electric motor using a cooling circuit including a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the cooling circuit to the low-pressure cleaning fluid.

81. A cooling control system for a pressure washer assembly, the pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a cooling system including a cooling pump for driving the flow of a cooling fluid to cool the electric motor during operation, the control system comprising:one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly, and a controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and to generate control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.

82. A method of controlling a cooling system in a pressure washer assembly, the pressure washer assembly comprising an electric motor and the cooling system comprising a cooling pump for driving the flow of a cooling fluid to cool the electric motor during operation, the method comprising: monitoring one or more operating parameters of the pressure washer assembly; and generating control signals to drive a cooling pump based on the received sensor signals, thereby adjusting cooling of the pressure washer assembly.

83. A system for determining an environmental impact parameter of a washer assembly, the washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the system comprising: a monitoring module configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the washer assembly; and a processing module configured to calculate the environmental impact parameter based on the one or more operating parameters.

84. A computer-implemented method for determining an environmental impact parameter of a washer assembly, the washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the method comprising:Monitoring one or more operating parameters of the washer assembly; and Calculating the environmental impact parameter based on the one or more operating parameters.

85. A computer-implemented method for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies via a computer program operating on a device remote to the washer assembly, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for drivingflow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, and the method comprising: receiving, via a communication interface, data indicative of the operating parameters from each washer assembly; and presenting, on a display associated with the device, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

86. A device for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, the device comprising: a communication interface configured to receive data indicative of operating parameters from each washer assembly; a display; and a processor configured to execute a computer program to present, on the display, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

87. A system for monitoring and managing one or more washer assemblies, the system comprising: at least one washer assembly, each washer assembly comprising an electric motor and a pump for driving flow of a cleaning fluid through and out the washer assembly, and a communication module configured to transmit data indicative of operating parameters; and a remote device comprising: a communication interface configured to receive the data indicative of operating parameters from the at least one washer assembly; a display; and a processor configured to execute a computer program to present, on the display, operating parameters for one or more of the washer assemblies.

88. A battery pack comprising: a plurality of electrically connected battery modules arranged in a battery pack housing, a battery management system, an onboard battery charger, a battery monitor,positive, negative and series bus bars, a contactor, and a plurality of temperature sensors.

Images