Battery Pack Management via Project-Driven Charging Strategy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the availability of battery packs for complex projects involving multiple devices is challenging due to the time required for charging depleted batteries, leading to potential delays in project schedules.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a database for project scheduling and power tool selection, a storage device with chargers, and a control system to determine a charging strategy based on project needs, ensuring battery packs are charged or discharged as required to maintain optimal availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery packs are charged to full capacity, then availability for use is improved, but charging time increases and project schedule is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by determining a charging strategy in advance based on the project schedule. The control system identifies which battery packs need to be charged, their required charge levels, and schedules these charging operations before the project execution time, ensuring batteries are ready without delaying the project timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging strategy is dynamic and adaptable to the specific project schedule. The control system continuously monitors battery charge levels and adjusts charging operations in real-time, optimizing the balance between battery availability and charging time based on current project needs and battery status.
2Reliability
If multiple battery packs are charged simultaneously, then availability for multiple devices is improved, but energy consumption and charging infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into individual battery pack operations. The control system manages each battery pack's charging independently based on its specific needs and the project schedule, allowing optimized energy distribution across multiple batteries rather than simultaneous full charging of all packs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes charging parameters such as charge level targets and charging timing for different battery packs. By adjusting these parameters based on project requirements and current battery states, the system optimizes energy consumption while ensuring adequate battery availability for multiple devices.
3Reliability
If battery packs are stored at full charge, then immediate availability is improved, but battery lifespan is reduced due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining all battery packs at full charge continuously, the system performs preliminary charging only for those packs scheduled to be used in upcoming projects. This ensures immediate availability when needed while avoiding prolonged full-charge storage that causes degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors battery charge levels and automatically initiates charging operations for individual packs based on project schedules and current status. This self-service approach ensures batteries are charged to appropriate levels before use without requiring continuous full charging, thereby extending battery lifespan while maintaining availability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures that battery packs are available when needed, reducing the risk of project delays by determining the optimal charging and discharging schedule based on project requirements, and extending the lifespan of unused battery packs by maintaining them at a partial charge state.
Implementation Method 1
The storage device contains at least one charger for selectively charging and discharging each of the plurality of battery packs
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system (1) for project-related management of a plurality of battery packs (2) for one or more power tools includes a database for storing a project schedule and a selection of power tools to be used. The system (1) includes a storage device (4) for storing the plurality of battery packs (2), which contains at least one charger (5, 5') for selectively charging and discharging the battery packs (2). The system (1) includes a control system (6) configured to determine a charging strategy based on the project schedule and the selection of power tools, and to control the at least one charger (5, 5') according to the charging strategy to charge and/or discharge the plurality of battery packs (2).