Dual Battery Pack Switching for Longer Runtime Engine Replacements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas engines in outdoor power equipment produce emissions and have limited configurability, while battery-powered replacements suffer from lower power density and shorter runtime compared to gasoline engines.
Innovation Solution
A gas engine replacement device with dual battery packs and a power switching network controlled by an electronic processor, which switches between battery packs based on state of charge to extend runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If battery packs are used to replace gas engines, then emissions are eliminated and adaptability is improved, but runtime is reduced due to lower power density of battery chemistry
Solution Approach 1:
The battery power system is segmented into multiple battery packs (first battery pack and second battery pack) that can be independently managed. Each battery pack has its own receptacle and can be selectively connected to the power switching network, allowing the system to divide the total energy storage across multiple units to extend operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic processor monitors the state of charge of battery packs in advance and proactively switches between packs before complete depletion occurs. The system determines when to connect or disconnect battery packs based on predetermined thresholds, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are added to extend runtime, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional switching network and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The power switching network serves multiple functions: it connects battery packs to the motor, monitors state of charge, manages charge/discharge pathways, and controls the switching between battery packs. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic processor automatically monitors battery state of charge levels and autonomously decides when to switch between battery packs without user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of coordinating multiple battery packs, eliminating the need for manual switching or complex user interface controls.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery packs are sequentially switched based on state of charge, then runtime is extended, but loss of time occurs during switching transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic processor continuously monitors the state of charge of the active battery pack and determines when switching is needed before complete depletion occurs. By proactively managing battery pack transitions based on predetermined thresholds, the system minimizes interruption time and ensures seamless power delivery to the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The power switching network is designed to maintain continuous power flow to the motor during battery pack transitions. The system ensures that the second battery pack is ready to immediately take over when the first battery pack reaches low charge, eliminating gaps in useful action and maintaining uninterrupted operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Battery configuration for gas engine replacement device. One embodiment provides a gas engine replacement device (10) including a housing (14) and a first battery pack (50) and a second battery pack (50) connected to the housing (14). The gas engine replacement device (10) also includes a motor (36) within the housing (14) and a power switching network (310) coupled to the motor (36), the first battery pack (50), and the second battery pack (50) and configured to drive the motor (36). The gas engine replacement device (10) further includes an electronic processor (302) coupled to the power switching network (310) and configured to sequentially discharge the first battery pack (50) and the second battery pack (50) to the power switching network (310) to drive the motor (36).