Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig is one of the best-selling philosophical novels of all time. In the book, the narrator has an older motorcycle that he is usually able to repair himself through problem-solving. In contrast, his friend has an expensive, new motorcycle which he does not learn how to maintain. As a result, he has to rely upon professional mechanics to repair it.
This short summary oversimplifies things, but the main idea of the book is to explain something called the "Metaphysics of Quality" (MOQ). In this book, “quality” doesn’t mean something is better or more expensive. Instead, “quality” is more like the foundation of reality — the way we experience the world before we put it into words.
The key idea is: before we describe or label anything, we already feel or sense its quality. Over time, these experiences settle into fixed patterns or habits — and that's what Pirsig calls "static quality."
These thoughts mean a lot to some people, and very little to some other philosophers. Being mostly concerned with the engineering and business of batteries and energy storage, I take the basic constructs of MOQ at their face value in this application field.
So, what are the static quality or reality patterns of an energy storage system?
1. Battery System Maintenance
2. Power Conversion System (PCS) Maintenance
- Inspection and testing of inverters, converters, and transformers
- Firmware updates
- Checking cooling systems (fans, liquid cooling loops)
3. Thermal Management System
- Inspecting and cleaning air filters, cooling fans, pumps, and radiators
- Verifying coolant levels (for liquid-cooled systems)
- Ensuring temperature uniformity across battery modules
4. Safety and Fire Suppression Systems
- Test gas detection systems, smoke detectors, alarms
- Inspect and service fire suppression agents
- Validate emergency shutdown procedures
5. Battery Management System (BMS) & Supervisory Controls
- Data integrity checks
- Reviewing alerts, fault logs, and diagnostics
- Software/ firmware updates
- Confirming network communication and integrations
6. Structural and Environmental Checks
- Inspect cabinets, racks, and cables for corrosion, wear, or rodent damage
- Ensure HVAC, humidity control, and dust filters are functional
7. Performance Data Analysis & Reporting
Returning to the thoughts of Pirsig, what about new experiences, or those that are deviations from the static patterns? That relates to repairs. Long-term service agreements or LTSAs usually cover routine maintenance like those described here, but not corrective maintenance. If a system is operating well, the OEM is typically responsible for keeping it in good working order. However, if the system is not working well, the owner or counterparty to the OEM on the LTSA must pay for repair or remediation. And yet, the OEM is incentivized to make these repairs to avoid liquidated damages from poor performance.
Energy storage system analytics is accordingly beneficial for both the owner of an ESS system and the OEM. The TWAICE analytics platform, in one sentence, serves up not only information if there is an issue in an ESS (pro for owner, con for OEM), but also what the nature of the issue is and what component it relates to (con for the owner as they have to pay, pro for the OEM as it leads to reduced risk of liquidated damages).
‍
“Thou art that, which asserts that everything you think you are, and everything that you think you perceive, are undivided. To fully realize this lack of division is to become enlightened” – Robert Pirsig
While not philosophical, here are some excellent further resources
.webp)
.webp)
