Control Unit Battery Testing Using Existing System Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery testing methods for control units in building automation/security/safety systems are cumbersome, time-consuming, and disruptive, requiring battery disconnection and external testers, which can lead to system downtime and reduced connector life expectancy.
Innovation Solution
The control unit utilizes existing loads within the system to autonomously discharge batteries without disconnection, using components like speakers, horns, or built-in resistors, allowing for non-disruptive and automated testing that meets standards like NFPA 72 and ULC, with options for remote initiation and cascaded testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery testing methods are used requiring battery disconnection and external testers, then battery performance can be tested, but system downtime increases and connector life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery testing function from the external tester and relocates it to the control unit itself. The control unit autonomously controls existing system loads to discharge the battery and monitors voltage/current to determine battery health, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and battery disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs self-testing by utilizing its own internal resources (processor, existing loads, voltage measurement circuitry) to conduct battery discharge tests and evaluate battery performance without requiring external intervention or system shutdown.
2Reliability
If traditional battery testing methods are used requiring battery disconnection, then battery performance can be tested, but connector life expectancy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery disconnection step from the testing process by extracting the testing function to the control unit, which can access the battery through existing connected interfaces without requiring physical disconnection and reconnection of connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery remains continuously connected to the control unit throughout the testing process, maintaining uninterrupted electrical contact and avoiding the repeated connection/disconnection cycles that degrade connector reliability over time.
3Reliability
If manual battery testing procedures are used, then battery performance can be evaluated, but testing time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously executes the entire battery testing sequence without manual intervention. The processor automatically controls loads to discharge the battery, monitors electrical parameters, evaluates battery health against predetermined criteria, and generates test results, eliminating the need for technician involvement and significantly reducing testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit prepares for battery testing by pre-configuring test parameters, selecting appropriate loads from available system components, and establishing measurement thresholds before the actual discharge test begins, enabling rapid execution of the complete testing procedure.
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
This approach reduces testing time, minimizes system disruptions, extends connector life, and enables automated reporting, while ensuring batteries meet performance standards without the need for external testers.
Implementation Method 1
testing, by the control unit, a battery of the control unit by using the existing load to discharge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects include methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable medium for battery testing, including selecting, by a control unit of a system, an existing load configured in the system, wherein the existing load is connected to the control unit; and testing, by the control unit, a battery of the control unit by using the existing load to discharge the battery.