Smart and Accurate State-of-Charge Indication in Portable Applications

Accurate State-of-Charge (SoC) and remaining run-time indication for portable devices is important for the user-convenience and to prolong the lifetime of batteries. However, the known methods of SoC indication in portable applications are not accurate enough under all practical conditions. The method presented in this paper aims at designing and testing an SoC indication system capable of predicting the remaining capacity of the battery and the remaining run-time with an accuracy of 1 minute or better under all realistic user conditions, including a wide variety of load currents and a wide temperature range. At the moment Li-ion is the most commonly used battery chemistry in portable applications. Therefore, the focus is on SoC indication for Li-ion batteries. The basis of the proposed algorithm is current measurement and integration during charge and discharge state and voltage measurement during equilibrium state. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the presented novel approach for improving the accuracy of the SoC indication

A Real-Time evaluation system for a state-of-charge indication algorithm

The known methods of State-of-Charge (SoC) indication in portable applications are not accurate enough under all practical conditions. This paper describes a real- time evaluation LabVIEW system for an SoC algorithm, that calculates the SoC in [%] and also the remaining run-time available under the valid discharge conditions. With the described system the accuracy of the SoC algorithm and its validity can be determined. The final goal of the SoC algorithm is to predict the remaining capacity of the battery and the remaining run-time with an accuracy of 1 minute or better under all realistic user conditions, including a wide variety of load currents and a wide temperature range. The basis of the SoC algorithm is current measurement and integration during charge and discharge state and voltage measurement during equilibrium state. Experimental results show the testing ability of the real-time evaluation system and the effectiveness of the novel approach for improving the accuracy of the SoC indication

Development and Evaluation of Pneumatic Powered Mobility Devices

The performance of battery-powered mobility devices (PMDs) has continually improved since their invention in the 1950s due to advances in electronics and their control systems. Yet they continue to experience increases in repairs and utilize battery technologies that require long recharge times and frequent, expensive replacement. Although advances in battery technologies are ongoing, the technology is expensive and raises safety concerns. The need for the development of alternative power sources has been voiced by consumers as well as providers of PMDs. Alternative forms of power need to be researched to further improve the performance of powered mobility devices. The purpose of this project was to develop a novel power system for powered mobility devices driven by compressed air and evaluate its performance in a real-world setting. This was accomplished by following the product development process with the addition of participatory action design to maximize the potential for meeting end user’s needs. Through the development of several iterations of mobility scooter prototypes, a pneumatic-powered system was created and optimized for efficiency. The results of the mobility scooter developments were later incorporated into the design of a powered wheelchair configuration. The two types of mobility devices were tested using ISO Wheelchair Standards to evaluate their safety, durability and maneuverability of which both devices performed comparatively to their battery-powered equivalents. Additionally, a pneumatic-powered shopping cart configuration was created to test its usage in a grocery store setting. K-Means clustering analysis was performed to evaluate whether certain demographics of individuals preferred to use the pneumatic-powered cart versus the battery-powered cart of which the results revealed individuals younger than 54 years old and those who do not own a mobility device preferred to use the pneumatic-powered shopping cart over the battery-powered shopping cart. Overall, the feasibility for pneumatic-powered mobility devices to serve as an alternative to battery-powered mobility devices is plausible. Although, further improvements as well as additional pilot tests are needed prior to commercialization

Adaptive neuro-fuzzy modeling of battery residual capacity for electric vehicles

This paper proposes and implements a new method for the estimation of the battery residual capacity (BRC) for electric vehicles (EVs). The key of the proposed method is to model the EV battery by using the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. Different operating profiles of the EV battery are investigated, including the constant current discharge and the random current discharge as well as the standard EV driving cycles in Europe, the U.S., and Japan. The estimated BRCs are directly compared with the actual BRCs, verifying the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed modeling method. Moreover, this method can be easily implemented by a low-cost microcontroller and can readily be extended to the estimation of the BRC for other types of EV batteries.published_or_final_versio

Technological adaptation for an electric wheelchair, applying a modular approach

Los productos de apoyo, como las sillas de ruedas eléctricas, ayudan a que las personas en situación de discapacidad se integren en la sociedad. Sin embargo, frecuentemente, en países en desarrollo, como Colombia, la industria en este campo aún está en proceso de consolidación abasteciendo de la demanda mediante importación. Adicionalmente, la situación socioeconómica de algunos usuarios demanda, comúnmente, el re-uso de este tipo de productos. En este contexto, es frecuente la realización de adaptaciones tecnológicas a estos productos. Considerando las graves consecuencias físicas que pueden inducir una inadecuada adaptación tecnológica a sillas de ruedas eléctricas, se hace necesario avanzar en la definición de acertados procedimientos que integren sinérgicamente teorías y herramientas de diseño en diferentes dominios, tales como: mecánica, electrónica y ciencias de la computación. Así, este articulo presenta la integración de herramientas de modelado, formales y semiformales, tales como: diseño centrado en usuario, IDEF0, UML, Red de Petri, CAD, CAE, entre otras, para asegurar adaptaciones tecnológicas usando un abordaje modular en una silla de ruedas eléctrica usada que permitiera su re-uso a las nuevas condiciones de operación impuestas por otro usuario. La flexibilidad estructural evidenciada por el abordaje utilizado favorece el cumplimiento de futuros requisitos por un posible re-uso de otro usuario.Supporting products, such as electric wheelchairs, help people with disabilities integrate into society. However, often, in developing countries such as Colombia, the industry in this field it is still in the process of supplying consolidation of demand through imports. In addition, the socioeconomic situations of some users commonly demand the re-use of these products. In this context, the technological realization of adaptations to these products is common. Considering the serious physical consequences that could induce an inadequate technological adaptation to electric wheelchairs, it is necessary to advance in the definition of successful procedures that integrate synergistically theories and design tools in different domains, such as: mechanical, electronic and science computing. Thus, this paper presents the integration of modeling tools, formal and semi-formal, such as user-centered, IDEF0, UML, Petri Network, CAD, CAE, among others, to ensure technological adaptations using a modular approach in a chair design used electric wheelchair that would allow their re-use to new operating conditions imposed by another user. The structural flexibility as evidenced by the approach used promotes compliance with future requirements for possible re-use of another user

Overview of Battery Monitoring and Recharging of Autonomous Mobile Robot

Mobile robots should be capable of operating with a great degree of autonomy to operate in real social environments. Mobile robotic systems draw power from batteries which have a limited power life. This poses a greater challenge for an autonomous robot. Monitoring the status of the battery power in the robot is therefore important for autonomous robotic systems. Docking and recharging are crucial abilities of autonomous mobile robot to ensure its performance. In this paper, the focus of attention is on the significance of power monitoring for long-term operation of autonomous robots and power estimation and auto-recharging. This paper attempts to brief about a literature review of complete solution for docking methods and recharging the battery of a mobile robot. Major progress is being done on both technology and exploitation of docking mechanism and recharging without any human intervention. This review paper gives the overview of related work in terms of immediate challenges for true energy autonomy in mobile robots with respect to battery technology, power estimation and auto recharging

Monitoring Electric Power Wheelchair Battery Consumption Level via Mobile

Nowadays, power wheelchair is one of the most important vehicles for people with physical disabilities such as paralysis, stroke, handicap and many more. Electric wheelchair which is also called electric - power wheelchair or powerchair can be moved by an el ectrically based power source, regularly motor or batteries. It is very important to have frequent monitoring battery level because power wheelchair need sufficient battery level for it to be moved around. Therefore, this project is developed to monitor th e battery consumption level and real time battery monitoring. Current sensor is used to measure the current state of the battery level. In this project, Internet of Things (IoT) concept is applied where sensor and mobile application is integrated and know n as BLife. Blife was designed using the visibility of the system status principles which consist of knowledge is power, appropriate feedback, compel user to action and communication creates trusts. If the battery is in the lower state, the power wheelcha ir users will be informed through mobile application via an indicator informing that it needs to be recharged. Moreover, the current location of the power wheelchair user is also notified to the users’ caretaker. Evaluation of Blife were conducted using fu nctionality and usability testing based on visibility of the system status technique. Most of the respondents are satisfied and gave positive feedback. This project is a great contribution to disable people who has limited access to charge battery and to a lert them on their battery level status

Assistive technology pricing: is it fair and reasonable?

Concerns about the price of assistive technology products (AT, also known as aids and equipment) arise regularly in public policy discourse and the media. These papers present the available evidence and essential contextual information regarding AT pricing in Australia.  Overview Concerns about the price of assistive technology products arise regularly in public policy discourse and the media. With the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Aged Care Reforms, clarity about the fairness (or not) of existing AT retail prices is central to ensuring effective AT public policy development and implementation for the one in ten Australians who rely on AT to do everyday tasks that others take for granted. Available evidence indicates that while AT can be expensive, it is in fact cheaper in Australia than in other comparable countries. Effective price comparisons require comparing like-with-like, not only in relation to the product but also services and other costs that are incorporated into retail prices. The Queensland Competition Authority recently compared like-with-like AT prices and found Australia was 24% lower than the best available overseas price when transportation to Australia was included in the calculation.  ATSA price comparisons using a different method produced similar results with Australian prices on average between 14-27% cheaper. Notwithstanding the general impression that the AT industry is about \u27aids and equipment, hardware and gadgets\u27, it is largely a service-based industry with an extensive range of services aimed at ensuring a good match between the individual and their AT incorporated into the retail price. The extent of these services is described in detail in the background paper. Yes, consumers can buy AT on the internet from internet-only AT sellers in the USA for about half the price of purchasing through a retail shop-front in Australia, but when transportation costs are factored in along with the lack of coverage by Australia\u27s strong consumer protection laws, the difficulty and costs of enforcing overseas warranties, and the purchaser carrying all responsibility for ensuring appropriateness of the AT for their needs; assembly/adjustment/customisation; sourcing spares, maintenance and repairs; training in safe use, etc. these may not be the bargains they appear to be. Particularly in relation to more complex AT such as a light-weight customised manual wheelchair for a very active person, a motorised wheelchair with customised seating and complex controls, or even something \u27simpler\u27 such as a hoist to help someone get in and out of bed, or a pressure care cushion, AT retailers typically trial and test a variety of products and options with the consumer and their therapist, with free in-home trials over a period of days or weeks commonplace to ensure the best available solution is achieved

Dynamic evaluation of a mini train powered by the hybrid fuel cell

Fuel cell system is widely used in the mobile devices and USA space program. This project studies the feasibility of powering a small train with a hybrid fuel cell system by employing electric power integration technology. Specifically, this study performs the dynamic tests on a mini train powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The original 12 V, 100 AH lead-acid battery, which can provide 12 V, 0.5 Hp for the locomotive and carry 9~12 people, is replaced by a hybrid Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. After an oval railroad and a low-pressure metal hydrogen storage canister recharging station are built, the mini train is tested on weekend and holidays at the outdoor park of National Science and Technology Museum, Taiwan. The dynamic performance of the PEMFC system is analyzed and the feasibility of applying this system to mini trains is evaluated. After one year of running, the mini train has been operated over 1,200 hours and has been transported over 30,000 passengers. The hybrid PEMFC system works perfectly and meets the original goal. Results also indicate that the temperature significantly affects system performance

Power system of the Guanay II AUV

Guanay II is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed to perform measurements in a water column. In this paper the aspects of the vehicle’s power system are presented with particular focus on the power elements and the state of charge of the batteries. The system performs both measurement and monitoring tasks and also controls the state of charge (SoC) of the batteries. It allows simultaneous charging of all batteries from outside the vehicle and has a wireless connection/disconnection mode. Guanay II uses a NiCd battery and for this reason the current integration as a SoC methodology has been selected. Moreover, it has been validated that it is possible to obtain instant consumption from the SoC circuit. Finally, laboratory and vehicle navigation tests have been performed to validate the correct operation of the systems and the reliability of the measured dataPostprint (published version