LaufzeitLaden

LaufzeitLaden is a term used in German-language discussions of energy storage to describe charging that occurs during the operational runtime of a device or system. The word combines Laufzeit (runtime) and Laden (charging). It refers to approaches that replenish energy while equipment is in use rather than only during downtime.

Conceptually, it aims to extend service time by continuous or intermittent energy replenishment. Implementations can be passive, such as energy harvesting, or active, such as charging through infrastructure during operation. It requires coordination among power electronics, energy storage management, and sources of charging power.

Technologies associated with LaufzeitLaden include inductive or conductive dynamic charging, on-route charging for vehicles, battery swapping, and energy harvesting from motion or ambient power. In electronics, it is related to advanced battery management, partial-state charging strategies, and load balancing to reduce stress on cells.

Applications range from electric buses and trains to consumer devices and industrial equipment where uptime is critical. The concept is often discussed in terms of efficiency, reliability, and total cost of ownership, weighing charging losses against longer operation times.

Challenges include efficiency losses, added system complexity, safety and regulatory requirements, and potential battery degradation if managed improperly. The term is descriptive and overlaps with dynamic or in-motion charging in specific engineering contexts.