Electric or hydraulic actuators used on trailers often require high power drive. Applications such as dump trailers, liftgates (on trailers or motorized vehicles), heavy load leveling systems and similar functions are frequently implemented on vehicles not equipped with high powered hydraulic or electric distribution systems. High power actuators for mobile systems typically require high intensity current pulses in the order of hundreds of amperes at low voltage such as ˜12V or 24V, to be sustained for periods in the order of the minute. Such power and energy usually exceeds the capacity of the inherent electrical distribution system and require the use of an auxiliary battery. Battery technologies used in such applications include Lead-acid and Lithium-ion.
Lead-acid batteries are frequently used because of their low cost and availability but can be considered relatively heavy/bulky and require long charging times. They provide a limited number of cycles through their lifetime when used in harsh environment with frequent charge/discharge cycles at high amplitude current pulses. They require maintenance and regular replacement. When left discharged and exposed to cold temperatures, they can freeze and suffer permanent internal damage leading to battery failure.
Lithium-ion batteries, when properly sized, are capable of handling high intensity and long duration current pulses. However, they typically require sophisticated battery chargers for reliable and long term use. Moreover, during long term storage of the system, Lithium-ion batteries must be cycled and recharged periodically to avoid internal damage and suffer degradation causing loss of performance, making them unsuitable for certain applications.
Accordingly, while the prior technology was satisfactory to a certain degree, there always remains room for improvement.