The construction industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by an increased focus on environmental sustainability and workplace safety, and the growing importance of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. In the last three years alone, there have been over 27,000 patents filed and granted in the construction industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Batteries in construction: compactor battery management. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 240,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the construction industry, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Compactor battery management is a key innovation area in batteries
Compactor battery management encompasses the strategies and techniques employed to regulate and optimize the utilization of energy storage systems within compactors and similar machinery. These systems are dedicated to efficiently overseeing battery charging, discharging, and overall usage, aiming to enhance operational efficiency while minimizing overall energy consumption. Tailored to the specific demands of compactor batteries, these management systems are engineered to endure harsh conditions, including intense vibrations and extreme temperatures. Their resilience ensures reliable performance, playing a crucial role in the secure and efficient operation of compactor batteries. By monitoring and safeguarding the battery pack’s cells, compactor battery management systems contribute to prolonging battery life and mitigating the risk of downtime.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 45+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of compactor battery management.
Key players in compactor battery management – a disruptive innovation in the construction industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
| Company | Total patents (2021 - 2023) | Premium intelligence on the world's largest companies |
| Hitachi | 246 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sumitomo Heavy Industries | 147 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Komatsu | 83 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Kobe Steel | 45 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Caterpillar | 44 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Liebherr-International | 21 | Unlock Company Profile |
| AB Volvo | 18 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Kubota | 17 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Denso | 11 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Kia | 8 | Unlock Company Profile |
| KYB | 8 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Wobben Properties | 8 | Unlock Company Profile |
| XCMG Construction Machinery | 8 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Hyundai Motor | 8 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Renault | 8 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology | 6 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Doosan Infracore | 6 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Wacker Neuson | 6 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Porsche Automobil | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Takeuchi Mfg. | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Sany Group | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Bouygues | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| SNCF Group | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Kohler | 5 | Unlock Company Profile |
| REHAU Automotive | 4 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Deere | 4 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Zeppelin-Stiftung | 4 | Unlock Company Profile |
| HD Hyundai | 3 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Yanmar (Tokyo Office) | 3 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies | 3 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Doosan | 2 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Shanghai Huaxing Digital Technology | 2 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek | 2 | Unlock Company Profile |
| CNH Industrial | 2 | Unlock Company Profile |
| General Electric | 2 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Wittur | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Audineau | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Furuno Electric Co. | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Furuno Electric | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Yanmar (Amagasaki Plant) | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| J C Bamford Excavators | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Samsung Heavy Industries | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| LG | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Nabtesco | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Microsoft | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
| Panasonic | 1 | Unlock Company Profile |
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Hitachi is the leading patent filer in compactor battery management, followed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Komatsu.
Hitachi is a global conglomerate involved in information technology, electronics, power systems, social infrastructure, industrial systems, and construction machinery. Operating across diverse industries such as manufacturing, communications, finance, healthcare, and technology, Hitachi manufactures and sells a wide range of products and services.
In the realm of compactor battery management, Hitachi is at the forefront of research and development. Acknowledging the significance of efficient battery management for compactor performance and longevity, Hitachi researchers are exploring advanced algorithms to balance cell charge and discharge. This addresses common challenges in compactor batteries, such as uneven load distribution leading to cell imbalance.
To enhance maintenance strategies, Hitachi is incorporating predictive maintenance techniques, utilizing machine learning and data analytics to anticipate and address potential battery failures proactively. By doing so, the company aims to reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of compactor batteries.
Considering the demanding environments compactor batteries operate in, Hitachi is investigating advanced thermal management strategies, including active cooling systems and phase change materials. These innovations are designed to optimize battery temperature and prevent overheating, ensuring consistent performance and safety.
Moreover, Hitachi is developing cutting-edge battery health monitoring systems capable of providing real-time insights into the condition of compactor batteries. This includes monitoring critical parameters such as cell voltage, current, temperature, and internal resistance to detect potential issues early in their development. Overall, Hitachi's commitment to compactor battery management showcases its dedication to technological advancements and sustainable solutions.
In terms of application diversity, LG leads the pack, while Furuno Electric and Hyundai Motor stood in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, Liebherr-International held the top position, followed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Hitachi.
LG is a diversified holding company with a focus on manufacturing and selling electronic products, chemicals, and telecommunication products through its subsidiaries and affiliates. Its diverse product portfolio spans consumer electronics, mobile communications, home appliances, petrochemicals, household and cosmetic products, IT and electronic materials, and energy solutions. Operating globally, LG has a significant business presence in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, with its headquarters situated in Seoul, South Korea.
In line with its commitment to innovation, LG is actively involved in the research and development of compactor battery management systems. Recognizing the crucial role of efficient battery management in optimizing the performance and lifespan of compactor batteries, the company is dedicated to advancing battery management systems (BMS) solutions. LG's research focuses on sophisticated cell monitoring, cutting-edge battery modeling, AI-powered management, and seamless system interoperability. These efforts contribute to elevating compactor battery performance, ensuring longevity, and facilitating seamless integration within systems.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Construction.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
