Patent Publication Number: US-2021194332-A1

Title: Remote controlled power unit

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,970, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application relates to a gas engine replacement device and, more particularly, to remote control for recognizing and controlling a gas engine replacement device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Small, single or multi-cylinder gasoline engines can be mounted to power equipment to drive the equipment with a power take-off shaft. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein provide a remotely controllable gas engine replacement device including a housing, a battery receptacle coupled to the housing, the battery receptacle configured to removably receive a battery pack, a motor located within the housing, a power take-off shaft receiving torque from the motor and protruding from a side of the housing, a power switching network configured to selectively provide power from the battery pack to the motor, and one or more remote control device interfaces configured to communicate with the remote control device. The remotely controllable gas engine replacement device also includes an electronic processor coupled to the power switching network and the remote control device interface. The electronic processor configured to control the power switching network to rotate the motor, receive a control signal from the remote control device, and execute a responsive action to the control signal from the remote control device. 
     In some embodiments, the remotely controllable gas engine replacement device includes an electrical interface supported on the housing for providing charge from the battery pack to a battery of the remote control device. 
     In some embodiments, the remotely controllable gas engine replacement device includes a wireless receiver, where the one or more remote control device interfaces configured to communicate with the remote control device include a wireless interface. The control signal received by the electronic processor from the remote control device is received via the wireless interface and the wireless receiver. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more remote control device interfaces configured to communicate with the remote control device include a wire line interface configured to receive a cable connected to the remote control device. The control signal received by the electronic processor from the remote control device is received via the wire line interface and the cable connected to the remote control device. 
     In some embodiments, the wire line interface configured to receive a cable connected to the remote control device includes media for providing power from the battery to the remote control device. 
     In some embodiments, the remotely controllable gas engine replacement device includes a reel for spooling the cable, wherein the cable is retractable onto the reel. 
     In some embodiments, the control signal received by the electronic processor from the remote control device includes a command for at least one of turning the motor on, turning the motor off, controlling a speed of the motor, or controlling a forward or reverse direction of the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the remotely controllable gas engine replacement device includes a light, wherein the control signal received by the electronic processor from the remote control device includes a command for turning the light on or off. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic processor is further configured to transmit information to the remote control device via the remote control device interface for indicating in a user interface of the remote control device. The information includes at least one of a level of charge of the battery pack, time remaining for use of the battery pack, a work cycle applied to the motor, a speed of the power take-off shaft, torque applied to the motor, or efficiency of the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic processor is further configured to transmit to the remote control device one or both of an identity of specified power equipment attached to and driven by the gas replacement engine for configuring the remote control device for use with the specified power equipment, and parameters for configuring the remote control device for use with the specified power equipment. 
     Embodiments described herein provide a method for remotely controlling a gas engine replacement device. The method includes controlling, by an electronic processor, a power switching network to rotate a motor. The power switching network is configured to selectively provide power from a battery pack to the motor. The battery pack is removably received by a battery receptacle coupled to the housing. The motor provides torque to a power take-off shaft protruding from a side of the housing. The electronic processor receives a control signal from the remote control device, and executes a responsive action to the control signal from the remote control device to control the gas engine replacement device. 
     Embodiments described herein provide a remote control device for controlling a gas engine replacement device. The remote control device includes a housing, one or more communication interfaces configured to communicate with the gas engine replacement device. The gas engine replacement engine device includes a power switching network to rotate a motor. The power switching network is configured to selectively provide power from a battery pack of the gas engine replacement device to the motor. The motor provides torque to a power take-off shaft. The remote control device for controlling a gas engine replacement device also includes one or more user interfaces and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is coupled to the one or more communication interfaces and the one or more user interfaces. The electronic processor is configured to receive input via the one or more user interfaces and transmit a control signal to the gas engine replacement device via the one or more communication interfaces for execution of a responsive action to the control signal by the gas engine replacement device based on the received input. 
     In some embodiments, the remote control device also includes a battery receptacle supported by the housing. The battery receptacle is configured to removably receive a battery pack. 
     In some embodiments, the remote control device of claim  13  includes one or more electrical interfaces supported by the housing for receiving power to charge the battery pack. The power is received from the gas engine replacement device or from a separate power source. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more communication interfaces configured to communicate with the gas engine replacement device includes a wireless interface. The control signal transmitted to the gas engine replacement device via the one or more communication interfaces for execution of a responsive action to the control signal by the gas engine replacement device is transmitted via the wireless interface. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more communication interfaces configured to communicate with the gas engine replacement device includes a wire line interface configured to receive a cable connected to the gas engine replacement device. The control signal transmitted to the gas engine replacement device via the one or more communication interfaces for execution of a responsive action to the control signal by the gas engine replacement device is transmitted via the wire line interface and the cable. 
     In some embodiments, the wire line interface receives media of the cable that delivers power to the remote control device from the gas engine replacement device. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces includes at least one of an LED indicator, a display device, an interactive display device, and a physical actuatable input mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces includes user actuatable components for the receiving of the input. The user actuatable components include at least one of an on and off control for activating or deactivating the motor of the gas engine replacement device, a motor speed variation control for varying the speed of the motor of the gas engine replacement device, a communication pairing control for pairing the remote control device with the gas engine replacement device for communication via the one or more communications interfaces, an on and off control for activating or deactivating a light of the gas engine replacement device, and a motor forward and motor reverse control for changing the direction of the rotation of the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces includes user actuatable components for switching the remote control device to turn on or turn off and switching the remote control device between communication with the gas replacement engine device via a wireless interface or via a wire line interface of the one or more communication interfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces is configured to indicate one or more of a level of charge of the battery pack, time remaining for use of the battery pack, a work cycle applied to the motor, a speed of the power take-off shaft, torque applied to the motor, or efficiency of the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic processor is configured to receive from the gas engine replacement device one or both of an identity of specified power equipment attached to and driven by the gas replacement engine, and parameters for configuring the remote control device. The electronic processor controls the one or more user interfaces for use with the specified power equipment based on the identity of the specified power equipment or the parameters for configuring the remote control device. 
     Embodiments described herein provide a method for controlling a gas engine replacement device with a remote control device. The method includes receiving, by an electronic processor, input via one or more user interfaces of the remote control device, and transmitting a control signal to the gas engine replacement device via one or more communication interfaces of the remote control device for execution of a responsive action to the control signal by the gas engine replacement device. The gas engine replacement engine includes a power switching network to rotate a motor of the gas engine replacement device for driving power equipment. The power switching network is configured to selectively provide power from a battery pack of the gas engine replacement device to the motor. The motor provides torque to a power take-off shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes removably receiving a battery pack in a battery receptacle supported by the housing of the remote control device. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, from the gas engine replacement device or from a separate power source, via one or more electrical interfaces supported by the housing of the remote control device, power to charge the battery pack of the remote control device. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more communication interfaces includes a wireless interface, and the control signal transmitted to the gas engine replacement device via the one or more communication interfaces for execution of a responsive action to the control signal by the gas engine replacement device is transmitted via the wireless interface. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more communication interfaces includes a wire line interface configured to receive a cable connected to the gas engine replacement device, and the control signal transmitted to the gas engine replacement device via the one or more communication interfaces for execution of a responsive action to the control signal by the gas engine replacement device is transmitted via the wire line interface and the cable. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes receiving power from the gas engine replacement device via the wire line interface, where the wire line interface receives media of the cable that delivers power to the remote control device from the gas engine replacement device. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces includes at least one of an LED indicator, a display device, an interactive display device, and a physical actuatable input mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces includes user actuatable components for the receiving of the input. The user actuatable components include at least one of an on and off control for activating or deactivating the motor of the gas engine replacement device, a motor speed variation control for varying the speed of the motor of the gas engine replacement device, a communication pairing control for pairing the remote control device with the gas engine replacement device for communication via the one or more communications interfaces, an on and off control for activating or deactivating a light of the gas engine replacement device, and a motor forward and motor reverse control for changing the direction of the rotation of the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces includes user actuatable components for switching the remote control device to turn on or turn off and switching the remote control device between communication with the gas replacement engine device via a wireless interface or via a wire line interface of the one or more communication interfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces is configured to indicate one or more of a level of charge of the battery pack, time remaining for use of the battery pack, a work cycle applied to the motor, a speed of the power take-off shaft, torque applied to the motor, or efficiency of the motor. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes receiving from the gas engine replacement device one or both of an identity of specified power equipment attached to and driven by the gas replacement engine, and parameters for configuring the remote control device. The method further includes controlling the one or more user interfaces for use with the specified power equipment based on the identity of the specified power equipment or the parameters for configuring the remote control device. 
     Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a gas engine replacement device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a battery pack of the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack of  FIG. 4 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a battery receptacle of the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a motor of the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a motor, a gear train, and a power take-off shaft of the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1  configured to operate based on communications with a remote control device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a remote control device for communicating and controlling the gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a remote control device in wireless communication with a gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a remote control device in communication with a gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1  via a wire line connection, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates a remote control device in communication with a gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1  via a wireless connection, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are diagrams illustrating user interfaces of a remote control device for controlling a gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a method for controlling a gas engine replacement device of  FIG. 1  using a remote control device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a pump system attached to a gas engine replacement device and is controlled by a remote control device, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Embodiments described herein are capable of being practiced in or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limited. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Additionally, as used herein with a list of items, “and/or” means that the items may be taken all together, in sub-sets, or as alternatives (for example, “A, B, and/or C” means A; B; C; A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C). 
     It should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be utilized to implement embodiments described herein. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended as example embodiments and other alternative configurations are possible. The terms “processor” “central processing unit” and “CPU” are interchangeable unless otherwise stated. Where the terms “processor” or “central processing unit” or “CPU” are used as identifying a unit performing specific functions, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, those functions can be carried out by a single processor, or multiple processors arranged in any form, including parallel processors, serial processors, tandem processors or cloud processing/cloud computing configurations. 
     In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic-based aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units, such as a microprocessor and/or application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). As such, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components, may be utilized to implement the embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a gas engine replacement device  10  for use with a piece of power equipment includes a housing  14  with a first side  18 , a second side  22  adjacent the first side  18 , a third side  26  opposite the second side  22 , a fourth side  28  opposite the first side  18 , a fifth side  30  extending between the second and third sides  22 ,  26 , and a sixth side  32  opposite the fifth side  30 . The gas engine replacement device  10  also includes a flange  34  coupled to the housing  14  on the first side  18 , an electric motor  36  located within the housing  14 , and a power take-off shaft  38  that protrudes from the second side  22  and receives torque from the motor  36 . As explained in further detail below, in some embodiments, the power take-off shaft  38  protrudes from the first side  18  and from the flange  34 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the gas engine replacement device  10  also includes control electronics  42  positioned within the housing  14  and including wiring and a controller  46  that is electrically connected to the motor  36 . A similar gas engine replacement device  10  is described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/551,197, filed Aug. 26, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the gas engine replacement device  10  also includes a battery pack  50  that is removably received in a battery receptacle  54  in the housing  14  to transfer current from the battery pack  50  to the motor  36  via the control electronics  42 . With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the battery pack  50  includes a battery pack housing  58  with a support portion  62  and a first terminal  66  that is electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells  68  supported by the pack housing  58 . The support portion  62  provides a slide-on arrangement with a projection/recess portion  70  cooperating with a complementary projection/recess portion  74  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the battery receptacle  54 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , the projection/recess portion  70  of the battery pack  50  is a guide rail and the projection/recess portion  74  of the battery receptacle  54  is a guide recess. A similar battery pack is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0006980 filed Jul. 2, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the battery cells  68  have a nominal voltage of up to about 80 V. In some embodiments, the battery cells  68  have a nominal voltage of up to about 120 V. In some embodiments, the battery pack  50  has a weight of up to about 6 lb. In some embodiments, each of the battery cells  68  has a diameter of up to 21 mm and a length of up to about 71 mm. In some embodiments, the battery pack  50  includes up to twenty battery cells  68 . In some embodiments, the battery cells  68  are connected in series. In some embodiments, the battery cells  68  are operable to output a sustained operating discharge current of between about 40 A and about 60 A. In some embodiments, each of the battery cells  68  has a capacity of between about 3.0 Ah and about 5.0 Ah. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 9-15 , the a gas engine replacement device  10  includes one or more remote control device interfaces  152  supported on the housing  14  for communication with a remote control device  150 . The one or more remote control interfaces  152  may include a wireless interface  152  and/or a wire line interface  152 . The wire line interface  152  may be configured to receive a cable  1024  ( FIG. 10 ) that is configured to connect to the remote control device  150 . In some embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  includes one or more accessories  154 . For example, an accessory  154  of the gas engine replacement engine may include a cord retract reel  154  such that the cable  1024  connected to the remote control device  150  may retract onto the cord retract reel  154  for easy storage. In some embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  includes an electrical interface  154  that is supported on the housing  14 . In some embodiments, the accessory  154  includes a work light that receives power from the battery pack  50  and can be activated by the remote control device  150  or a switch on the gas replacement engine device  10 . The electrical interface  156  is configured to provide an electrical connection and mechanical support to receive the remote control device  150  or a cable from the remote control device for providing power from the battery pack  50  to the remote control device  150  for powering the remote control device  150  and/or for charging a battery  1014  (see  FIG. 10 ) of the remote control device  150 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the battery receptacle  54  of the gas engine replacement device  10  in accordance with some embodiments. The battery receptacle  54  includes the projection/recess  74 , a second terminal  78 , a latching mechanism  82 , and a power disconnect switch  86 . The projection/recess  74  cooperates with the projection/recess  70  of the battery pack  50  to attach the battery pack  50  to the battery receptacle  54  of the gas engine replacement device  10 . When the battery pack  50  is attached to the gas engine replacement device  10 , the second terminal  78  and the first terminal  66  are electrically connected to each other. The latching mechanism  82  protrudes from a surface of the battery receptacle  54  and is configured to engage the battery pack  50  to maintain engagement between the battery pack  50  and the battery receptacle  54 . Thus, the battery pack  50  is connectable to and supportable by the battery receptacle  54  such that the battery pack  50  is supportable by the housing  14  of the gas engine replacement device  10 . In some embodiments, the battery pack receptacle  54  is arranged on the housing  14  in a position to create a maximum possible distance of separation between the motor  36  and the battery pack  50 , in order to inhibit vibration transferred from the motor  36  to the battery pack  50 . In some embodiments, elastomeric members are positioned on the battery pack receptacle  54  in order to inhibit vibration transferred from the motor  36 , via the housing  14 , to the battery pack  50 . 
     In other embodiments (not shown), the latching mechanism  82  may be disposed at various locations (e.g., on a sidewall, an end wall, an upper end wall etc., of the battery receptacle  54 ) such that the latching mechanism  82  engages corresponding structure on the battery pack  50  to maintain engagement between the battery pack  50  and the battery receptacle  54 . The latching mechanism  82  includes a pivotable actuator or handle  90  operatively engaging a latch member  94 . The latch member  94  is slidably disposed in a bore  98  of the receptacle  54  and is biased toward a latching position by a biasing member  102  (e.g., a spring) to protrude through a surface of the battery receptacle  54  and into a cavity in the battery pack  50 . 
     The latching mechanism also  82  includes the power disconnect switch  86  (e.g., a micro-switch) facilitating electrical connecting/disconnecting the battery pack  50  from the battery receptacle  54  during actuation of the handle  90  to withdraw the latch member  94  from the battery pack  50 . The power disconnect switch  86  may act to electrically disconnect the battery pack  50  from the gas engine replacement device  10  prior to removal of the battery pack  50  from the battery receptacle  54 . The power disconnect switch  86  is actuated when the latch member  94  is moved from the latched position (i.e., when the latch member  94  is completely within the cavity of the battery pack  50 ) to an intermediate position. The power disconnect switch  86  is electrically connected to the controller  46  and may generate an interrupt to indicate that the battery pack  50  is being disconnected from the gas engine replacement device  10 . When the controller  46  receives the interrupt, the controller  46  begins a power down operation to safely power down the control electronics  42  of the gas engine replacement device  10 . A similar latching mechanism and disconnect switch is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0006980, which has been incorporated herein by reference. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the motor  36  includes a motor housing  96  having an outer diameter  97 , a stator  98  having a nominal outer diameter  102  of up to about 80 mm, a rotor  102  having an output shaft  106  and supported for rotation within the stator  98 , and a fan  108 . A similar motor is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0006980, which has been incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the motor  36  is a brushless direct current motor. In some embodiments, the motor  36  has a power output of at least about 2760 W. In some embodiments, the power output of the motor  36  may drop below 2760 W during operation. In some embodiments, the fan  108  has a diameter  109  that is larger diameter  97  of the motor housing  96 . In some embodiments, the motor  36  can be stopped with an electronic clutch (not shown) for quick overload control. In some embodiments, the motor  36  has a volume of up to about 443,619 mm 3 . In some embodiments, the motor has a weight of up to about 4.6 lb. The housing  14  includes an inlet vent and an outlet vent, such that the motor fan  108  pulls air through the inlet vent and along the control electronics  42  to cool the control electronics  42 , before the air is exhausted through the outlet vent. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the motor  36  is an internal rotor motor, but in other embodiments, the motor  36  can be an outer rotor motor with a nominal outer diameter (i.e. the nominal outer diameter of the rotor) of up to about 80 mm. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , the motor  36  can transfer torque to the power take-off shaft  38  in a variety of configurations. In some embodiments, the output shaft  106  is also the power take-off shaft  38 , such that the motor  36  directly drives the power take-off shaft  38  without any intermediate gear train. For example, the motor  36  may be a direct drive high pole count motor. As shown in  FIG. 8 , in other embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  includes a gear train  110  that transfers torque from the motor  36  to the power take-off shaft  38 . In some embodiments, the gear train  110  can include a mechanical clutch (not shown) to discontinue the transfer of torque from the motor  36  to the power take-off shaft  38 . In some embodiments, the gear train  110  may include a planetary transmission that transfers torque from the output shaft  106  to the power take-off shaft  38 , and a rotational axis of the output shaft  106  is coaxial with a rotational axis of the power take-off shaft  38 . In some embodiments, the gear train  110  includes a spur gear engaged with the output shaft  106  of the rotor, such that the rotational axis of the output shaft  106  is offset from and parallel to the rotational axis of the power take-off shaft  38 . In some embodiments, the gear train  110  includes a bevel gear, such that the rotational axis of the output shaft  106  is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the power take-off shaft  38 . In other embodiments utilizing a bevel gear, the rotational axis of the output shaft  106  is not perpendicular, parallel, or coaxial to the rotational axis of the power take-off shaft  38 , and the power take-off shaft  38  protrudes from the flange  34 . 
     In some embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  includes ON/OFF indicators (not shown). In some embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  includes a filter (not shown) to keep airborne debris out of the motor  36  and control electronics  42 . In some embodiments, the filter includes a dirty filter sensor (not shown) and a self-cleaning mechanism (not shown). In some embodiments, the motor  36  will mimic a gas engine response when encountering resistance, such as slowing down or bogging. In some embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  includes a heat sink  202  in the housing  14  for air-cooling the control electronics  42  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In some embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  is liquid cooled. 
     In some embodiments, the output shaft  106  of the rotor  102  has both forward and reverse capability as further described below. In some embodiments, the forward and reverse capability is controllable without shifting gears of the gear train  110 , in comparison to gas engines, which cannot achieve forward/reverse capability without extra gearing and time delay. Thus, the gas engine replacement device  10  provides increased speed, lower weight, and lower cost. Because the gas engine replacement device  10  has fewer moving parts and no combustion system, as compared with a gas engine, it also provides additional speed, weight, and cost advantages. 
     The gas engine replacement device  10  is able to operate in any orientation (vertical, horizontal, upside down) with respect to a ground surface for a prolonged period of time, giving it an advantage over four-cycle gas engines, which can only be operated in one orientation and at slight inclines for a shorter period of time. Because the gas engine replacement device  10  does not require gas, oil, or other fluids, it can run, be transported, and be stored upside down or on any given side without leaking or flooding. The gas engine replacement device  10  may be configured to be attached to and drive various types of power equipment, for example, and without limitation, a compactor, a rammer, a jetter, a cement mixer, an sprayer (e.g., an agricultural sprayer), and a pump system. 
     In operation, the gas engine replacement device  10  can be used to replace a gas engine system. Specifically, the gas engine replacement device  10  can be mounted to the piece of power equipment having a second bolt pattern by aligning a first bolt pattern defined by the plurality of apertures in the flange  34  with the second bolt pattern. In some embodiments, the flange  34  may include one or more intermediate mounting members or adapters arranged between the flange  34  itself and the flange of the piece of power equipment having the second bolt pattern, such that the adapter(s) couple the flange  34  to the piece of power equipment. In these embodiments, the adapter includes both the second bolt pattern and the first bolt pattern, such that the first bolt pattern of the flange  34  aligns with the first bolt pattern of the adapter and the second bolt pattern of the adapter aligns with the second bolt pattern defined in the piece of power equipment, thereby allowing the flange  34  of the gas engine replacement device  10  to be coupled to the piece of power equipment. 
     Alternatively, the gas engine replacement device  10  can be connected to a piece of power equipment using a belt system by providing a belt that operatively connects the power take-off shaft and an equipment bit. Thus, the power take-off shaft  38  of the gas engine replacement device  10  can be used to drive the equipment. 
     During operation, the housing  14  of the gas engine replacement device  10  is comparably much cooler than the housing of an internal combustion unit because there is no combustion in the gas engine replacement device  10 . Specifically, when a gas engine unit runs, the housing of the gas engine unit is 220 degrees Celsius or higher. In contrast, when the gas engine replacement device  10  runs, all of the exterior surfaces of the housing  14  are less than 95 degrees Celsius. Tables 1 and 2 below list with further specificity the temperature limits of different components on the housing  14  of the gas engine replacement device  10 . 
     Table 1 below lists the Underwriter&#39;s Laboratories (UL) temperature limits of different components typically used in power tools, with respect to whether those components are formed of metal, plastic, rubber, wood, porcelain, or vitreous. For example, at least in some embodiments, the plastic rated temperatures are never exceeded by the gas engine replacement device  10 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Plastic/ 
                 Porcelain/ 
               
               
                   
                 Metal 
                 Rubber/Wood 
                 Vitreous 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Casual Contact 
                 85° C. 
                 85° C. 
                 85° C. 
               
               
                 Handles and knobs that are 
                 55° C. 
                 75° C. 
                 65° C. 
               
               
                 continuously held 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Handles and knobs that are only 
                 60° C. 
                 80° C. 
                 70° C. 
               
               
                 briefly held (i.e. switches) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 2 below lists the UL temperature limits of different components of the battery pack housing  58  of the battery pack  50 , with respect to whether those components are formed of metal, plastic or rubber. For example, at least in some embodiments, the plastic rated temperatures are never exceeded by the gas engine replacement device  10 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Metal 
                 Plastic/Rubber 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Casual Contact 
                 70° C. 
                 95° C. 
               
               
                 Handles and knobs that are continuously held 
                 55° C. 
                 75° C. 
               
               
                 Handles and knobs that are only briefly  
                 60° C. 
                 85° C. 
               
               
                 held (i.e. switches) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 9  illustrates a simplified block diagram of the gas engine replacement device  10  according to one example embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the gas engine replacement device  10  includes an electronic processor  302 , a memory  306 , the battery pack  50 , a power switching network  310 , the motor  36 , a rotor position sensor  314 , a current sensor  318 , a user input device  322  (e.g., a trigger or power button), a transceiver  326 , indicators  330  (e.g., light-emitting diodes), and a communications manager  340 . In some embodiments, the gas engine replacement device  10  includes fewer or additional components than those shown in  FIG. 9 . For example, the gas engine replacement device  10  may include a battery pack fuel gauge, work lights, additional sensors, kill switch, the power disconnect switch  86 , etc. In some embodiments, elements of the gas engine replacement device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 9  including one or more of the electronic processor  302 , memory  306 , power switching network  310 , rotor position sensor  314 , current sensor  318 , user input device  322  (e.g., a trigger or power button), transceiver  326 , and indicators  330  (e.g., light-emitting diodes) form at least part of the control electronics  42  shown in  FIG. 3 , with the electronic processor  302  and the memory  306  forming at least part of the controller  46  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The memory  306  includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), other non-transitory computer-readable media, or a combination thereof. The electronic processor  302  is configured to communicate with the memory  306  to store data and retrieve stored data. The electronic processor  302  is configured to receive instructions and data from the memory  306  and execute, among other things, the instructions. In particular, the electronic processor  302  executes instructions stored in the memory  306  to perform the methods described herein. 
     As described above, in some embodiments, the battery pack  50  is removably attached to the housing of the gas engine replacement device  10  such that a different battery pack  50  may be attached and removed to the gas engine replacement device  10  to provide different amount of power to the gas engine replacement device  10 . Further description of the battery pack  50  (e.g., nominal voltage, sustained operating discharge current, size, number of cells, operation, and the like), as well as the motor  36  (e.g., power output, size, operation, and the like), is provided above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     The power switching network  310  enables the electronic processor  302  to control the operation of the motor  36 . Generally, when the user input device  322  is depressed (or otherwise actuated), electrical current is supplied from the battery pack  50  to the motor  36 , via the power switching network  310 . When the user input device  322  is not depressed (or otherwise actuated), electrical current is not supplied from the battery pack  50  to the motor  36 . In some embodiments, the amount in which the user input device  322  is depressed is related to or corresponds to a desired speed of rotation of the motor  36 . In other embodiments, the amount in which the user input device  322  is depressed is related to or corresponds to a desired torque. In other embodiments, a separate input device (e.g., slider, dial, or the like) is included on the gas engine replacement device  10  in communication with the electronic processor  302  to provide a desired speed of rotation or torque for the motor  36 . 
     In some embodiments, the user input device  322  may be a forward/reverse switch actuated by a user or a mode selection switch that allows the user to select a mode of operation. The user input device  322  provides a control signal to the electronic processor  302  to switch the direction of rotation of the motor  36  based on the actuation of the user input device  322 . In some embodiments, the input may be received from one or more sensors of the gas engine replacement device  10  or a power equipment coupled to the gas engine replacement device  10 . In some embodiments, the input may be received from, for example, a smart phone through the communication network  334 . 
     In response to the electronic processor  302  receiving a drive request signal from the user input device  322 , the electronic processor  302  activates the power switching network  310  to provide power to the motor  36 . Through the power switching network  310 , the electronic processor  302  controls the amount of current available to the motor  36  and thereby controls the speed and torque output of the motor  36 . The power switching network  310  may include numerous field-effect transistors (FETs), bipolar transistors, or other types of electrical switches. For instance, the power switching network  310  may include a six-FET bridge that receives pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals from the electronic processor  302  to drive the motor  36 . 
     The rotor position sensor  314  and the current sensor  318  are coupled to the electronic processor  302  and communicate to the electronic processor  302  various control signals indicative of different parameters of the gas engine replacement device  10  or the motor  36 . In some embodiments, the rotor position sensor  314  includes a Hall sensor or a plurality of Hall sensors. In other embodiments, the rotor position sensor  314  includes a quadrature encoder attached to the motor  36 . The rotor position sensor  314  outputs motor feedback information to the electronic processor  302 , such as an indication (e.g., a pulse) when a magnet of a rotor of the motor  36  rotates across the face of a Hall sensor. In yet other embodiments, the rotor position sensor  314  includes, for example, a voltage or a current sensor that provides an indication of a back electro-motive force (back emf) generated in the motor coils. The electronic processor  302  may determine the rotor position, the rotor speed, and the rotor acceleration based on the back emf signals received from the rotor position sensor  314 , that is, the voltage or the current sensor. The rotor position sensor  314  can be combined with the current sensor  318  to form a combined current and rotor position sensor. In this example, the combined sensor provides a current flowing to the active phase coil(s) of the motor  36  and also provides a current in one or more of the inactive phase coil(s) of the motor  36 . The electronic processor  302  measures the current flowing to the motor based on the current flowing to the active phase coils and measures the motor speed based on the current in the inactive phase coils. 
     Based on the motor feedback information from the rotor position sensor  314 , the electronic processor  302  can determine the position, velocity, and acceleration of the rotor. In response to the motor feedback information and the signals from the user input device  322 , the electronic processor  302  transmits control signals to control the power switching network  310  to drive the motor  36 . For instance, by selectively enabling and disabling the FETs of the power switching network  310 , power received from the battery pack  50  is selectively applied to stator windings of the motor  36  in a cyclic manner to cause rotation of the rotor of the motor  36 . The motor feedback information is used by the electronic processor  302  to ensure proper timing of control signals to the power switching network  310  and, in some instances, to provide closed-loop feedback to control the speed of the motor  36  to be at a desired level. For example, to drive the motor  36 , using the motor positioning information from the rotor position sensor  314 , the electronic processor  302  determines where the rotor magnets are in relation to the stator windings and (a) energizes a next stator winding pair (or pairs) in the predetermined pattern to provide magnetic force to the rotor magnets in a direction of desired rotation, and (b) de-energizes the previously energized stator winding pair (or pairs) to prevent application of magnetic forces on the rotor magnets that are opposite the direction of rotation of the rotor. 
     The current sensor  318  monitors or detects a current level of the motor  36  during operation of the gas engine replacement device  10  and provides control signals to the electronic processor  302  that are indicative of the detected current level. The electronic processor  302  may use the detected current level to control the power switching network  310  as explained in greater detail below. 
     The transceiver  326  allows for communication between the electronic processor  302  and an external device  338  (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, or laptop computer) over a wired or wireless communication network  334 . In some embodiments, the transceiver  326  may comprise separate transmitting and receiving components. In some embodiments, the transceiver  326  may comprise a wireless adapter attached to the gas engine replacement device  10 . In some embodiments, the transceiver  326  is a wireless transceiver that encodes information received from the electronic processor  302  into a carrier wireless signal and transmits the encoded wireless signal to the external device  338  over the communication network  334 . The transceiver  326  also decodes information from a wireless signal received from the external device  338  over the communication network  334  and provides the decoded information to the electronic processor  302 . 
     The communication network  334  provides a wired or wireless connection between the gas engine replacement device  10  and the external device  338 . The communication network  334  may comprise a short range network, for example, a BLUETOOTH network, a Wi-Fi network or the like, or a long range network, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the indicators  330  are also coupled to the electronic processor  302  and receive control signals from the electronic processor  302  to turn on and off or otherwise convey information based on different states of the gas engine replacement device  10 . The indicators  330  include, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), or a display screen. The indicators  330  can be configured to display conditions of, or information associated with, the gas engine replacement device  10 . For example, the indicators  330  are configured to indicate measured electrical characteristics of the gas engine replacement device  10 , the status of the gas engine replacement device  10 , the mode of the gas engine replacement device  10 , etc. The indicators  330  may also include elements to convey information to a user through audible or tactile outputs. In some embodiments, the indicators  330  include an eco-indicator that indicates an amount of power being used by the load during operation. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 9  are the remote control device  150  and the one or more remote control device interfaces  152 . The one or more remote control device interfaces  152  are coupled to the electronic processor  302 . The electronic processor  302  may be configured to receive signals from the remote control device  150  and generate commands for controlling the gas engine replacement device  10  based on information or commands included in the signals received from the remote control device  150 . The commands may configure the electronic processor  302  to initiate execution of a running state of the gas engine replacement device  10 , control speed of the motor  36 , control a work light connected to the gas engine replacement device  10 , or control the direction of rotation of the motor  36 , for example. The one or more remote control device interfaces  152  may include a wireless interface  152  and/or a wire line interface  152  that are configured for receiving information from and/or communicating information to the remote control device  150 . In some embodiments, the user input device  322  may include an actuatable component for switching a configuration of the gas replacement engine device  10  between wireless and wire line communication modes (see also  FIGS. 12A and 12B ). 
     In some embodiments, a wireless interface  152  may include a wireless receiver and/or transmitter and is configured to communicate with the remote device  150  using one or more wide area, local area, or personal area wireless technologies including Bluetooth Low-Energy, Bluetooth, 433 MHz, WiFi, infrared, and cellular (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE), etc. The electronic processor  302  may be configured to communicatively pair with the remote control device  150 , for example, to discover and identify the remote control  150  based on user input at the gas engine replacement device  10  user input device  322  and/or at the user interface  1018  of the remote control device  150 . In some embodiments, the electronic processor  302  communicates with the remote control  150  via the transceiver  326 . The remote interface  152  may communicate with the electronic processor  302  via a communications link, for example, using UART, SPI, RS485, and/or signals that designate a running state. 
     A wire line interface  152  may be configured for communicating information and/or data with the gas engine replacement device  10  via the cable  1024  ( FIG. 10 ) connected between the remote control device  150  and the gas engine replacement device  10 . In some embodiments, the wire line interface  152  may be configured for communicating data and for providing electrical energy from the battery pack  50  to the remote control device  150 . Also shown in  FIG. 9  is the accessory  154 , such as the cord retract reel for retracting the cable  1024  into or onto the gas engine replacement device  10 , or a working light. Also shown in  FIG. 9  is the electrical interface  156  that is coupled to the battery pack  50  and configured to provide an electrical connection and mechanical support to receive the remote control device  150  or a cable from the remote control device  150  (e.g., a USB connector and cable). The electrical interface  156  is configured for providing power from the battery pack  50  to the remote control device  150  for charging a battery  1014  (see  FIG. 10 ) of the remote control device  150  and/or for powering the remote control device  150 . 
     The connections shown between components of the gas engine replacement device  10  are simplified in  FIG. 9 . In practice, the wiring of the gas engine replacement device  10  is more complex, as the components of a gas engine replacement device are interconnected by several wires for power and control signals. For instance, each FET of the power switching network  310  is separately connected to the electronic processor  302  by a control line; each FET of the power switching network  310  is connected to a terminal of the motor  36 ; the power line from the battery pack  50  to the power switching network  310  includes a positive wire and a negative/ground wire; etc. Additionally, the power wires can have a large gauge/diameter to handle increased current. Further, although not shown, additional control signal and power lines are used to interconnect additional components of the gas engine replacement device  10 . 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic view of the remote control device  150  that is used for communicating and controlling the gas engine replacement device  10 .  FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating the remote control device  150  in wireless communication with the gas engine replacement device  10 .  FIGS. 12A-12B  are schematic views of the remote control device  150  in communication with the gas engine replacement device  10  via the wire line connection  1022  and cable  1024  ( FIG. 12A ), and the remote control device  150  in communication with the gas engine replacement device  10  via the wireless interface  1020  ( FIG. 12B ).  FIGS. 13A and 13B  are diagrams illustrating user interfaces  1018  of the remote control device  150  for controlling the gas engine replacement device  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10, 11, 12A-12B, and 13A-13B , the remote control device  150  includes an electronic processor  1010  and a memory  1012 . The remote control also includes a battery receptacle  1014  for receiving a battery and a battery charging interface  1016 . The remote control  150  also includes one or more user interfaces  1018 , a wireless interface  1020 , a wire line interface  1022 , a cable for connecting the remote control device  150  to the gas engine replacement device  10 , and a remote control device on/off switch  1026 . In some embodiments, the remote control device  150  includes fewer or more components than those depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
     The electronic processor  1010  is coupled to one or more communication interfaces including the wireless interface  1020  and/or the wire line interface  1022 . The electronic processor  1010  is configured to communicate with the gas engine replacement device  10  via the wireless interface  1020  and/or the wire line interface  1022 . The wire line interface  1022  is configured to receive a cable  1024  that is configured to provide a connection between the remote control device  150  and the gas engine replacement device  10  via the remote interface  152 . In some embodiments, the cable  1024  includes media that carries information such as data to and/or from the remote control device  150  (e.g., from and/or to the electronic controller  302  of the gas engine replacement device  10 ) and delivers power from the battery  50  to the remote control device  150  for running the remote control device  150 . As noted above, the remote control  150  and the gas engine replacement device  10  may communicate wirelessly using one or more of wide area, local area, or personal area wireless technologies including Bluetooth Low-Energy, Bluetooth, 433 MHz, WiFi, infrared, and cellular (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE), etc. The electronic processor  1010  may be configured to communicatively pair with the gas engine replacement device  10 , for example, to discover and identify the gas engine replacement device  10  based on user input at the user interface  1018  of the remote control device  150  and/or at the user input device  322  of the gas engine replacement device  10 . In some embodiments, the electronic processor  1018  communicates with the gas engine replacement device  10  via the wireless interface  1020 . 
     The electronic processor  1010  is coupled to one or more user interfaces  1018  and is configured to receive user input via the one or more user interfaces  1018 . The electronic processor  1010  is configured generate a control signal based on user input received via the one or more user interfaces  1018  and transmit the control signal to the gas engine replacement device  10  via the wireless interface  1020  or the wire line interface  1022 . The control signal may include a command and the electronic controller  302  of the gas engine replacement device  10  may execute a responsive action based on the control signal. For example, the electronic controller  302  may control the motor  36  or other components of the gas engine replacement device  10  based on the input received via the one or more user interfaces  1018 . 
     The one or more user interface(s)  1018  may include a light emitting diode (LED) indicator  1018 A or a series of LED indicators  1018 A (see  FIG. 13A ) for communicating a status or operation state(s) of the gas engine replacement device  10  or the remote control device  150 . The one or more user interface(s)  1018  may include any suitable display device  1018 B (see  FIG. 13A ), for example, an LCD display or another type of display. The one or more remote interfaces  1018  may be configured to indicate a status or state of one or more components of the gas engine replacement device  10  or of the power equipment attached to and driven by the gas engine replacement device  10 . For example, the one or more user interfaces may be configured to indicate one or more of a level of charge of the battery pack  50 , time remaining for use of the battery pack  50 , a work cycle applied to the motor  36 , a speed of the motor  36  or the power take-off shaft  38 , torque applied to the motor  36 , or efficiency of the motor  36 . In some embodiments, the one or more user interface(s)  1018  includes an interactive display device  1018 B, for example, a touch screen display device that may display a graphical user interface and receive user selections for controlling the gas engine replacement device  10  via the touch screen display device  1018 B. Moreover, in some embodiments, the one or more user interface(s)  1018  includes physical actuatable input mechanisms  1018 C (see  FIGS. 13A and 13B ), such as buttons, knobs, dials, sliders, or switches for actuation by a user to initiate control of the gas engine replacement system  10  or the remote control  150 . The information for display on the remote device  150  may be received by the remote device  150  from the electronic processor  302  via the remote interface  152 . 
     The one or more user interfaces  1018  include user actuatable components for at least one of an on and off control for activating or deactivating the motor  36  of the gas engine replacement device  10 , a motor speed variation control for varying the speed of the motor  36  of the gas engine replacement device  10 , a communication pairing control for pairing the remote control device  150  with the gas engine replacement device  10  for communication via the one or more communications interfaces (e.g.,  1020  and/or  1022 ), an on and off control for activating or deactivating an accessory  154 , such as a work light  154  of the gas engine replacement device  10 , and a control for selecting a forward or reverse rotation direction for the motor  36 . In some embodiments, the one or more user interfaces  1018  include user actuatable components for switching the remote control device  150  to turn on or turn off, and/or switching the remote control device  105  between communication with the gas replacement engine device  10  via the wireless interface  1020  or via the wire line interface  1022  of the one or more communication interfaces. 
     The battery receptacle  1014  is supported by the housing  1110  (see  FIG. 11 ) and is configured to receive a battery pack or a battery for providing power to the remote control device  150 . In some embodiments, the remote control device  150  includes one or more electrical interface(s)  1016  that are supported by the housing  1110  and receive power to charge the battery pack that is received in the battery receptacle  1014 , or to run the remote control device  150 . In some embodiments, the electrical interface  1016  is configured to receive the battery recharge interface  156  of the gas engine replacement device  10  to receive power from the battery pack  50 . In other embodiments, the electrical interface  1016  is configured to receive another type of electrical connector. For example, the electrical interface(s)  1016  may include a USB port for receiving power via a USB cable. In another example, the electrical interface(s)  1016  include an induction coil configured to receive energy transferred from a charging station or inductive pad (e.g., at the battery recharge interface  156 ) via an inductive coupling. In some embodiments, the battery or battery pack is removably received by the battery receptacle  1014  and may be removed and recharged in a separate battery charging device. 
     In some embodiments, components of the remote control device  150  may be configured for operation with the gas engine replacement engine  10  depending on the type of power equipment that is attached to and driven by the gas engine replacement device  10 . For example, commands for controlling a pump system or for providing feedback on status or state of a pump system may be different than commands and feedback for a compactor system or a jetter system driven by the gas engine replacement system  10 . The electronic processor  1010  may be configured to receive one or both of an identity of specified power equipment attached to and driven by the gas replacement engine, and parameters for configuring the remote control device. The electronic processor  1010  may be configured to control the one or more user interfaces  1018  for use with the specified power equipment based on the identity of the specified power equipment or the parameters for configuring the remote control device  150  received from the gas engine replacement device  10 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a method for controlling a gas engine replacement device  10  using the remote control device  150 . In step  1400 , communication is established between the remote control device  150  and the gas engine replacement device  10 . For example, in some embodiments, the remote control  150  and the gas engine replacement device  10  may communicate wirelessly via the wireless transceiver  1020  and the remote interface  152  using Bluetooth protocol and may be configured for discovery and pairing for communication. In some embodiments, user input at the user interface  1018  of the remote control device  150  and/or at the user input device  322  of the gas engine replacement device  10  may initiate the pairing process, which may include a broadcast advertisement message and reply message between the devices. In some embodiments the remote control device may use another communication technology, such as 433 MHz, WiFi, infrared, or cellular and the pairing process may not be necessary. 
     In step  1402 , in some embodiments, the remote control device  150  determines the type of power equipment that is attached to and driven by the gas replacement device  10 . For example, the remote control device  150  may receive an identifier or configuration parameters from the gas replacement device  10  that indicates which type of power equipment is to be controlled. 
     In step  1404 , the electronic processor  1010  is configured based on the identifier or configuration parameters received from the gas replacement device  10 . The electronic processor  1010  may be configured to control the one or more user interfaces  1018  for use with the specified power equipment based on the identity of the specified power equipment or the parameters for configuring the remote control device  150  received from the gas engine replacement device  10 . For example, incremental motor speed control signals may be different depending on which type of power equipment is driven by the gas engine replacement device  10 . Additionally, some power equipment may include a motor driven element that is able to rotate only in one direction. Accordingly, the configuration of the remote device  150  may disable a forward-reverse rotation direction selection feature of the remote device  150 , such that the permitted rotation direction is not able to be changed by a user. In another example, a gas engine replacement device  10  may not include a worklight or other accessory  154 , and the configuration of the remote device  150  disables an accessory control feature of the remote device  150 . Of course, in embodiments of the power equipment and gas engine replacement device  10  that include forward and reverse motor rotation capabilities or controllable accessories, as indicated by the information received at block  1402 , the remote device  150  is configured in block  1404  to enable control of these features. In other embodiments, the remote control device may be pre-configured, for example, by an OEM, and may not be reconfigurable by an end user. 
     In step  1406 , user input is received via the one or more user interfaces  1018  of the remote control device  150  to control the gas engine replacement device  10 . For example, a user may actuate an input component on the remote control device  15 . The electronic processor  1010  may determine a control action based on the received input, for example, by retrieving data configured in a look-up table. The look-up table may be associated with the particular type of power equipment or gas engine replacement device  10  with which the remote control device  150  is in communication, and may be selected from among a plurality of look-up tables in the memory  1020  based on the configuration information received in block  1404 , for example. 
     In step  1408 , the electronic processor  1010  may transmit a control signal via the wireless interface  1020  or the wire line interface  1022  based on the determined control action to the gas engine replacement device  10  for operating the gas engine replacement device  10 . In response to receiving the control signal, the electronic processor  302  of the gas engine replacement system  10  may initiate a command to turn-on the motor  36 , turn-off the motor  36 , vary a speed of the motor  36 , control a direction of rotation of the motor  36  in a forward or reverse direction, or the accessory  154  (e.g., to turn on, turn off, or adjust an operating parameter). 
     In some embodiments, the remote control device  150  receives a status or state of the gas engine replacement system  10  from the gas engine replacement system  10  via the wireless interface  1020  or the wire line interface  1022 . The electronic processor  1010  may transmit a signal to the one or more user interfaces  1018  to indicate the status or state. For example, the one or more user interfaces  1018  may indicate a level of charge of the battery pack  50 , time remaining for use of the battery pack  50 , a work cycle applied to the motor  36 , a speed of the motor  36  or the power take-off shaft  38 , torque applied to the motor  36 , efficiency of the motor  36 , or status of the accessory  154  (e.g., on, off, or value of an operating parameter). 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a pump system  1520  attached to a gas engine replacement device  10  and is controlled by the remote control device  150 . The pump system  1520  includes a frame  1524  supporting the gas engine replacement device  10  and a pump  1528  with the gas engine replacement device  10  operable to drive the pump  1528 . The illustrated pump  1528  (i.e., power equipment) is a centrifugal pump having an impeller positioned within a housing  1532  of the pump  1528  that is rotatable about an axis to move material from an inlet  1536  of the pump  1528  to an outlet  1540  of the pump  1528 . Specifically, the pump  1528  is a “trash pump” that includes enough clearance between the impeller of the pump  1528  and the housing  1532  (e.g., 8 millimeters) to provide a mixture of a liquid (e.g., water) and debris (e.g., solid material like mud, small rocks, leases, sand, sludge, etc.) to pass through the pump  1528  from the inlet  1536  to the outlet  1540  without the debris getting trapped within the pump  1528  and decreasing the performance of the pump system  1520 . 
     Typically gas engine pumps include only one mode of operation. Particularly, the gas engine may rotate the motor only in one direction, which limits the functionality of the pump. In contrast, the pump system  1520  includes the gas engine replacement device  10  including a motor  36  that can be rotated in both the forward and reverse directions. Accordingly, the pump system  1520  is adapted to perform different functions based on the rotation direction of the motor  36 . When the electronic processor  302  rotates the motor  36  in a first direction, the pump  1528  may drive the impeller in a forward direction to move material from an inlet  1536  of the pump  1528  to an outlet  1540  of the pump  1528 . When the electronic processor  302  rotates the motor  36  in a second direction (e.g., as in block  420 ), the pump  1528  may drive the impeller to clear jams or clear the pump  1528  if debris is stuck within the pump  1528  (without utilizing a transmission including a forward gear and a rearward gear). In some embodiments, the motor  36  may controlled by the electronic processor  302  to rotate at slower speed in the second direction than in the first direction to clear jams in the pump  1528 . For example, the electronic processor  302  may provide PWM signals to the FETs of the power switching network  310  with a higher duty ratio when driving in the first direction than the duty ratio when driving in the second direction, to rotate the motor  36  at a higher speed in the first direction than in the second direction. 
     The pump includes sensors  1541  and  1542 . The sensor  1541  detects an amount of liquid being moved through the pump  1528 . Based on output from the sensor  1541  a signal may be sent to the remote control device  150  for display of an indication of the amount of liquid being moved through the pump  1528  via one or more of the user interfaces  1018 . Based on input received via the one or more user interfaces  1018 , a signal is transmitted by the electronic processor  1010  to the electronic processor  302  of the gas engine replacement device  10  to enable or disable operation of the pump  1528  (e.g., drive the motor  36 ). For example, the display  1018  may indicate that the amount of liquid is at or above a threshold level or below a threshold and the user may actuate a user interface  1018  input to stop operation of the pump  1528  if the amount of liquid is below the threshold level. However, in other embodiments, the electronic processor  302  can simply monitor the current drawn by the motor  36  to determine whether to slow down or stop the motor  36 . 
     The sensor  1542  on the pump  1528  is connected to the electronic processor  302  via a power equipment interface (not shown) and is arranged in an impeller reservoir of the pump  1528 . The sensor  1542  monitors suction or fluid level in the impeller reservoir. The electronic processor  302  receives output from the sensor  1542  and transmits an indicator signal to the remote control device  150  via the wireless interface  1020  or the wire line interface  1022 . In response, the electronic processor  1010  may output a signal to an indicator (e.g., an LED or display device) of the user interface  1018  when output of the sensor  1542  output indicates that the pump  1528  is not adequately primed. In some embodiments, the electronic processor  1010  may receive user input via the one or more user interfaces  1018  and may transmit a signal to the electronic processor  302  of the gas engine replacement device  10  to shut off the pump  1528  to protect the pump system  1520  based on the user input. Alternatively or in addition, based on the user input, the electronic processor  302  may transmit a signal to an electronically controlled valve  1543  on the pump  1528  to adjust an exhaust opening to support an auto-priming capability to protect the pump system  1520 . 
     The gas engine replacement device  10  may be coupled to and drive other types of power equipment such as a compactor, a rammer, a jetter, and a pump system, etc.