Distributed VRLA battery management organisation with provision for embedded Internet interface

The paper suggests an organisation for a VRLA battery management environment that allows for integration with the rest of a telecommunication power system. The main areas of concern are (a) knowledge distribution and information/data structure, (b) local communication organisation, (c) Internet connectivity and remote communication organisation, and (d) remote sites collaboration. These areas form the infrastructure for the telecommunication battery management. The local network based on LonWorks/sup (R)/ provides the necessary environment for open system interconnection. The neuron chips allow, for knowledge elements to be embedded within the local node. The network is organised so as to provide access to the battery: bloc(s), string(s), and system. Each node is made responsible for a number of activities related to the associated bloc(s). Both real time and trend analyses are made locally. The Internet interface is based on an embedded Java environment. Internet access could be made available to any device within the network either through a common or specific gateway. Connectivity could be organised on a battery level or even a battery sub-net level, allowing each sub-net to be connected or isolated individually. The organisation facilitates an environment for structuring the battery knowledge that allows a consistent and effective user interface for battery management. Integration with the rest of the power system could be made through the Internet, allowing for full implementation of system management actions such as smart charge control.