Claims:We claim:
1. A method (300, 400) for managing a main battery pack (201) and a range extender battery pack (101) of a vehicle, the method (300, 400) comprising:
determining, by a BMS (202) of the main battery pack (201), State of Charge (SoC) of the main battery pack (201) and SoC of the range extender battery pack (101); and
selecting, by the BMS (202), one of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101) for operating the vehicle based on at least one of inputs from an user interface (203), the SoC of the main battery pack (201), and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101).

2. The method (300, 400), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the range extender battery pack (101) is selected if the inputs from the user interface (203) indicate an intent to select the range extender battery pack (101) and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is greater than a predefined SoC of the range extender battery pack (101); and
the user interface (203) is at least one of a switch, an application present on a user device, a user interface on a vehicle infotainment system and a user interface on a vehicle dashboard.

3. The method (300, 400), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main battery pack (201) is selected if the inputs from the user interface (203) indicate an intention to de-select the range extender battery pack (101) and the SoC of the main battery pack (201) is greater than the predefined SoC of the main battery pack (201).

4. The method (300, 400), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main battery pack (201) is selected if the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is less than the predefined SoC of the range extender battery pack (101).

5. The method (300, 400), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the range extender battery pack (101) is selected if the SoC of the main battery pack (201) is less than the predefined SoC of the main battery pack (201).

6. The method (300, 400), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the BMS (202) of the main battery pack (201) communicates with a BMS (102) of the range extender battery pack (101) to perform at least one of measuring voltage, current and temperature of the range extender battery pack (101), passive balancing of the cells of the range extender battery pack (101), and interfacing High Voltage (HV) electrical components of the vehicle with the range extender battery pack (101).

7. The method (300, 400), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (300, 400) comprises selecting, by the BMS (202), an order for charging the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), based on the inputs from the user interface (203).

8. The method (300, 400), as claimed in claim 7, wherein selecting, by the BMS (202), an order for charging the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), based on the inputs from the user interface (203) comprises,
charging the range extender battery pack (101) first and charging the main battery pack (201) second.

9. The method (300, 400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein selecting, by the BMS (202), an order for charging the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), based on the inputs from the user interface (203) comprises,
charging the main battery pack (201) first and charging the range extender battery pack (101) second.

10. The method (300, 400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101) are charged by an off-board charger (104), wherein the charging of the range extender battery pack (101) is triggered by the BMS (202).

11. A system (200) for managing a main battery pack (201) and a range extender battery pack (101) of a vehicle, the system (200) configured to:
determine, by a BMS (202) of the main battery pack (201), State of Charge (SoC) of the main battery pack (201) and SoC of the range extender battery pack (101); and
select, by the BMS (202), one of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101) for operating the vehicle based on at least one of inputs from an user interface (203), the SoC of the main battery pack (201), and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101).

12. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the range extender battery pack (101) is selected if the inputs from the user interface (203) indicate an intent to select the range extender battery pack (101) and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is greater than a predefined SoC of the range extender battery pack (101).

13. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the main battery pack (201) is selected if the inputs from the user interface (203) indicate an intention to de-select the range extender battery pack (101) and the SoC of the main battery pack (201) is greater than the predefined SoC of the main battery pack (201).

14. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the main battery pack (201) is selected if the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is less than the predefined SoC of the range extender battery pack (101).

15. The system (200) as claimed in claim11, wherein the range extender battery pack (101) is selected if the SoC of the main battery pack (201) is less than the predefined SoC of the main battery pack (201).

16. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the range extender battery pack (101) is charged by at least one of an on-board charging unit and an off-board charger (104), wherein the charging of the range extender battery pack (101) is triggered by the BMS (202) of the main battery pack (201) based on at least one of the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) and inputs from the user interface (203).

17. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the BMS (202) communicates with a BMS (102) of the range extender battery pack (101) to perform at least one of measuring voltage, current and temperature of the range extender battery pack (101), passive balancing of the cells of the range extender battery pack (101), and interfacing high Voltage (HV) electrical components of the vehicle (200) with the range extender battery pack (101).

18. The system (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the BMS (202) selects an order for charging the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), based on at least one of the inputs from the user interface (203) and SOC of the main battery pack (201) and SOC of the range extender battery pack (101).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to battery management systems (BMS) in vehicles and more particularly, to methods and systems for managing a main battery pack and a portable range extender battery pack in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] If the charging period of a battery pack in a vehicle is high, then multiple charging stations may be required. There may not have adequate space (area), for accommodating the required number of charging stations. In such cases, an alternative is to have a facility to swap a discharged battery with a charged battery. The process of swapping the discharged battery can facilitate drivers, as drivers need not wait for longer periods to ensure that the battery pack in the vehicle is fully charged.
[003] Swapping of the battery pack has been suggested as a possible solution to the high charging time. However, swapping of a main battery pack in the vehicle may not be a simple procedure, primarily due to the shape, weight and capacity of the main battery pack. If a smaller battery pack is used as the main battery pack to facilitate swapping, the swappable battery packs have to support relatively higher discharge rates (C-rates) to ensure that vehicle performance is adequate, which in turn can decrease life expectancy/usability of the main battery pack.

OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide methods and systems for managing charging and dis-charging of a main battery pack, and a modular and portable range extender battery pack, wherein the range extender battery pack can be used to extend the driving range of the vehicle and the range extender battery pack can be installed multiple times in the vehicle.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide an interface, which allows connecting a portable range extender battery management system (RE-BMS) to a BMS of a main battery pack in the vehicle, wherein the BMS of the main battery pack can communicate with the range extender battery pack using the interface, wherein the communication can comprise controlling the charging of the range extender battery pack, selecting the range extender battery pack for driving the vehicle, and determining or receiving a State Of Charge (SoC) value of the range extender battery pack.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a user interface which allows users/drivers to select/de-select either the range extender battery pack or the main battery pack for charging or dis-charging based on the inputs from the user interface.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to select/de-select either of the main battery pack and the range extender battery pack based on input(s) from the user interface, the SoC of the main battery pack, and the SoC of the range extender battery pack.
[008] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] Fig. 1 depicts an off-board charging of a range extender battery pack, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] Fig. 2 depicts an architecture of a system for managing a main battery pack and the range extender battery pack, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] Fig. 3a depicts a flowchart indicating a method for selecting the main battery pack or the range extender battery pack for operating the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0013] Fig. 3b depicts a flowchart indicating a method for providing an order in which the main battery pack and the range extender battery pack of the vehicle can be charged, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0015] Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for managing dis-charging and charging of a main battery pack and a portable range extender battery pack in a vehicle. Each of the battery packs comprises of a battery management system (BMS). The BMS of the main battery pack can control the BMS of the range extender battery pack. In an embodiment herein, the vehicle comprises of a user interface, which can be adjusted/controlled by a user/driver of the vehicle. The user interface can allow the user/driver to select either of the main battery pack or the range extender battery pack for charging or dis-charging. In an embodiment herein, the BMS of the main battery pack can control the selection of either of the main battery pack or range extender battery pack for operating the vehicle. The BMS of the main battery pack can determine that the user/driver has selected the range extender battery pack for operating the vehicle.
[0016] The user interface can allow the user/driver to set an order to be followed for charging the main battery pack and the range extender battery pack. In an embodiment herein, the BMS of the main battery pack, based on inputs received from the user interface, can charge the main battery pack followed by the range extender battery pack or charge the range extender battery pack followed by the main battery pack.
[0017] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the user interface is considered to be a switch. In another embodiment, the user interface is considered to be an application present on a user device (such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a computer, a laptop, and so on), a user interface on the vehicle infotainment system, a user interface on the vehicle dashboard, and so on. When the switch is in the ON position, the BMS of the main battery pack can determine that the user/driver has selected the range extender battery pack for operating the vehicle. The BMS of the main battery pack can measure State of Charge (SoC) of each of the main battery pack and the range extender battery pack. If the SoC of the range extender battery pack is greater than a predefined threshold and the user interface has been used to switch ON the range extender battery pack, the BMS of the main battery pack can connect the range extender battery pack for connecting to a drive system of the vehicle to operate the vehicle. On the other hand, if the SoC of the range extender battery pack is less than the predefined threshold and the user interface has been used to switch ON the range extender battery pack, the BMS of the main battery pack can operate the vehicle using the main battery pack. The BMS of the main battery pack can utilize the range extender battery pack if the SoC of the main battery pack is less than the predefined threshold even if the user interface has been used to switch OFF the range extender battery pack.
[0018] In an embodiment, if the switch is in OFF position, the BMS of the main battery pack can charge the main battery pack first and charge the range extender battery pack second. However, if the SoC of the main battery pack is equal to or greater than the predefined SoC and the SoC of the range extender battery pack is below the predefined SoC, the BMS of the main battery pack can charge the range extender battery pack first and charge the main battery pack second when the switch is in OFF position. On the other hand, if the switch is in ON position, the BMS of the main battery pack can charge the range extender battery pack first and charge the main battery pack second. However, if the SoC of the range extender battery pack is equal to or greater than the predefined SoC and the SoC of the main battery pack is below the predefined SoC, the BMS of the main battery pack can charge the main battery first and charge the range extender battery pack second when the switch is in ON position. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the switch is considered to be a resistive based switch. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other type of switches without otherwise deterring the intended function of the switch as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The switch is flipped up or down to select the main battery pack or range extender battery pack. In both the cases input is fed to BMS of main battery pack to perform the operation.
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 3b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0020] Fig. 1 depicts off-board charging of a range extender battery pack (101), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As depicted in Fig.1, the range extender battery pack (101) includes a BMS, i.e., RE-BMS (102) for managing the functioning and operation of the range extender battery pack (101). The range extender battery pack (101) includes a DC-DC converter (103). The range extender battery pack (101) can be connected to a BMS (202) of a main battery pack (201), as shown in fig. 2). The range extender battery pack (101) and can be charged using an off-board charger (105). The range extender battery pack (101) can be charged through a charging point of a charging station.
[0021] The charging station can include the off-board charger (105), which can draw power from the Mains (106) power supply. The range extender battery pack (101) is connected to a charging point connector (104). The range extender battery pack (101) can be charged through the charging point connector 104.
[0022] Fig. 2 depicts architecture of a system (200) for managing a main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. As depicted in FIG. 2, the system (200) includes the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101). The main battery pack (201) includes a BMS (202), which can be referred to as main battery BMS. The main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101) can be charged using the off-board charger (105), through the charging port connector (104). The system (200) includes a DC-DC converter (206) and a battery (207). In an example, the battery (207) can be a low voltage battery. The DC-DC converter (206) can be connected to the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101), using a DC bus (205).
[0023] The system (200) comprises of a user interface (203). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the user interface (203) is considered to be a switch. In another embodiment, the user interface (203) is considered to be at least one of an application present on a user device (such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a computer, a laptop, and so on), a user interface on the vehicle infotainment system, a user interface on the vehicle dashboard, and so on.
[0024] In an embodiment, the user interface (203) can be utilized for selecting the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) for operating the vehicle. In an embodiment, the user interface (203) can be utilized for selecting an order in which the battery packs in the vehicle are charged.
[0025] In an embodiment, the BMS (202) of main battery pack (201) can measure the SoC of the main battery pack (201) and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101). The values of the SoC of the main battery pack (201) and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) can be used for deciding whether to use the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) for driving the vehicle, and whether the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) is to be charged first.
[0026] The BMS (202) of main battery pack (201) can measure the SoC of the main battery pack (201) and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101). In an example, SoC estimation can be performed using coulomb counting method, which involves integrating a battery current over a time period of charging or discharging. The result of integration can be divided by battery capacity to obtain a SoC value.
[0027] The BMS (202) of main battery pack (201) can control the charging of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101). In an embodiment, the BMS (202) of main battery pack (201) is connected to the RE-BMS (102) using a suitable means (204) such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, FlexRay, FlexCAN, Local Interconnect Network, and so on. The RE-BMS (102) can receive commands from the BMS (202), through the means (204).
[0028] Based on inputs received from the user interface (203) and SoC values of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), the BMS (202) can select either of the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) for driving the vehicle. The BMS (202) can send commands to the RE-BMS (102) in order to select the range extender battery pack (101) to operate the vehicle.
[0029] In an embodiment, based on inputs received from the user interface (203) and the SoC values of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), the BMS (202) can select the main battery pack (201) to charge first, which can be followed by charging the range extender battery pack (101), in the same charging cycle. Similarly, based on inputs received from the user interface (203) and the SoC values of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), the BMS (202) can send commands to the RE-BMS (102), through the means (204), for charging the range extender battery pack (101) first followed by charging the main extender battery pack (201), in the same charging cycle.
[0030] Based on the SoC measurements and the user inputs received through the user interface (203), the BMS (202) can charge the main battery pack (201) and/or the range extender battery pack (101) using the off-board charger (105). The BMS (202) can provide indications to the user/driver using at least one of a visual means, and an audio means. The BMS (202) can provide indications to the user/driver using at least one of an instrument console in the vehicle, the dashboard in the vehicle, an interface present in the vehicle, a user device (such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop, a computer, and so on), a dedicated device, and so on.
[0031] Based on the inputs received from the user interface (203) and the measured SoC of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101), the BMS (202) can select one of the battery packs to drive the vehicle or charge one of the battery packs first. Embodiments herein are explained using a switch as an example of the user interface (203).
[0032] The BMS (202) of main battery pack (201) can determine a position of the switch. Embodiments herein consider the switch to be ON, if the switch is in an ON position and switch to be OFF, if the switch is in an OFF position. If the BMS (202) detects that the position of the switch is ON, then the BMS (202) determines that the user/driver desires to use the range extender battery pack (101) to operate the vehicle. If the position of the switch is OFF, then the BMS (202) can choose whether to use the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) to operate the vehicle based on the SoC of the main battery pack (201) and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101).
[0033] In an embodiment, if the switch is turned ON, and if the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is equal to or is above a predefined threshold SoC, then the BMS (202) can connect the range extender battery pack (101) to a driving system of the vehicle. Thus, the range extender battery pack (101) is used to drive the vehicle.
[0034] In an embodiment, if the switch is ON, and if the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is below the predefined threshold SoC, then the BMS (202) connects the main battery pack (201) to the driving system of the vehicle. It can be noted that if the main battery pack (201) is used to drive the vehicle and if the BMS (202) detects that the switch has been turned ON and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is below the predefined threshold SoC, the BMS (202) continues to use the main battery pack (201) to drive the vehicle.
[0035] In an embodiment, if the main battery pack (201) is used to drive the vehicle and the SoC of the main battery pack (201) goes below the predefined threshold SoC, and if the switch is detected to be OFF, then the BMS (202) can connect the range extender battery pack (101) to the driving system of the vehicle. Thus, the range extender battery pack (101) is used to drive the vehicle, when the switch is in ON position and if the SOC of the range extender battery pack (101) is equal to or above the predefined threshold SOC.
[0036] In an embodiment, if the SoC of the main battery pack (201) is equal to or above the predefined threshold SoC, and if the switch is detected to be OFF, then the BMS (202) can connect the main battery pack (201) to the driving system of the vehicle. Thus, the main battery pack (201) is used to drive the vehicle.
[0037] The DC-DC converter (206) can receive DC voltage from either of the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) and step down the received DC voltage to a level based on the battery (207), considering the voltage of the battery (207) to be 12V), in order to charge the battery (207). The battery (207) can be used for powering low voltage loads, when the vehicle is in the idle mode. When the vehicle is connected to the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101), the DC-DC converter (206) can power the low voltage loads and charge battery (207).
[0038] In an embodiment, the RE-BMS (102) can monitor and measure voltage, current, temperature, and so on, of the range extender battery pack (101) and accordingly provides the information to the main battery BMS (202). The RE-BMS (102) can have a dedicated energy management system for safe operation of range extender battery pack (101). The BMS (202) can determine the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) based on the measured values. In an embodiment, the RE-BMS (102) can measure the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) and report the measured SoC to the BMS (202) of the main battery pack (201). The BMS (202) can perform passive balancing of the cells of the main battery pack (201). The RE-BMS (102) can perform passive balancing of the cells of the range extender battery pack (101). The charge in the cells of the range extender battery pack (101) having additional charge can be drained; and drained energy is dissipated as heat. The BMS (202) can connect high voltage (HV) electrical components of the vehicle with the range extender battery pack (101).
[0039] Fig. 2 show exemplary units of the system (200) for managing the main battery pack (201) and the portable range extender battery pack (101), but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the system (200) may include less or more number of units. Further, the labels or names of the units are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the embodiments. One or more units can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function in the system (200).
[0040] Fig. 3a depicts a flowchart indicating a method (300) for selecting the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) for operating the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 301, the method (300) includes detecting by, a BMS (202) of a main battery pack (201), at least one input from the user interface (203), wherein the inputs from the user interface (203) can indicate an intention of the user/driver of the vehicle to utilize either the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) to operate the vehicle. The BMS (202) can select of either the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) for operating the vehicle based on the inputs received from the user interface 203.
[0041] At step 302, the method (300) includes determining by, the BMS (202), the SoC of the main battery pack (201) and the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101). Based on the respective values of the SoC, the embodiments include choosing whether to connect the main battery pack (201) or range extender battery pack (101) to the driving system of the vehicle.
[0042] In an embodiment, the RE-BMS (102) can measure voltage, current, temperature, and so on, of the range extender battery pack (101) and send the measured values to the BMS (202). The BMS (202) can determine the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) based on the measured values. The BMS (202) can determine the SoC of the main battery pack (201). In another embodiment, the RE-BMS (102) can measure the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) and report the measured SoC to the BMS (202).
[0043] At step 303, the method (300) includes selecting by, the BMS (202), either of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101) based on the inputs received from the user interface (203) and the values of the SoC of each of the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the user interface (203) is considered to be a switch. In another embodiment, the user interface (203) is considered to be an application present on a user device (such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a computer, a laptop, and so on), a user interface on the vehicle infotainment system, a user interface on the vehicle dashboard, and so on. The embodiments include selecting the range extender battery pack (101) for connecting to the drive system of the vehicle, if the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold SoC and if the position of the switch is detected to be ON position. The embodiments include selecting the range extender battery pack (101) for connecting to the drive system of the vehicle, if the SoC of the main battery pack (201) is determined to be less than the predefined threshold SoC, regardless of the position of the switch.
[0044] The embodiments include selecting the main battery pack (201) for connecting to the drive system of the vehicle, if the SoC of the main battery pack (201) is determined to be greater than the predefined threshold SoC and if the position of the switch is detected to be OFF position. The embodiments include selecting the main battery pack (201) for connecting to the drive system of the vehicle, if the SoC of the range extender battery pack (101) is determined to be less than the predefined threshold SoC, regardless of the position of the switch.
[0045] The various actions in the flowchart 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in Fig. 3a may be omitted.
[0046] Fig. 3b depicts a flowchart indicating a method (400) for providing an order in which the main battery pack (201) and the range extender battery pack (101) of the vehicle can be charged, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 401, the method (400) includes detecting by, a BMS (202) of a main battery pack (201), at least one input from the user interface (203), wherein the inputs indicate an intention of the user/driver of the vehicle to charge either the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) first. The BMS (202) can select the main battery pack (201) or the range extender battery pack (101) for charging based on the inputs from the user interface (203).
[0047] At step 402, the methods (400) includes charging the main battery pack (201) first and the range extender battery pack (101) second, or charge the range extender battery pack (101) first and the main battery pack (201) second based on the inputs received from the user interface (203). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the user interface (203) is considered to be a switch. In another embodiment, the user interface (203) is considered to be an application present on a user device (such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a computer, a laptop, and so on), a user interface on the vehicle infotainment system, a user interface on the vehicle dashboard, and so on. The embodiments include selecting the range extender battery pack (101) first and the main battery pack (201) second, if the position of the switch is detected to be ON position. The embodiments include selecting the main battery pack (201) first and the range extender battery pack (101) second, if the position of the switch is detected to be OFF position.
[0048] The various actions in the flowchart 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in Fig. 3b may be omitted.
[0049] The range extender battery pack can relieve users/drivers from range anxiety, which can occur if the drivers are not sure whether the charge in the main battery pack of the vehicle is sufficient to reach a charging point, complete a journey, or reach an intended destination. The range extender battery pack can allow drivers to save time involved in charging the main battery pack (particularly if the charging time is high), as the driver can switch to the range extender battery pack quickly if the main battery pack is discharged or if the SoC the main battery pack is very low. The range extender battery pack increases the driving range of the vehicle to meet last mile connectivity. The range extender battery pack can be installed permanently or if there is a requirement for having an increased driving range capacity and freedom from range anxiety. The flexibility of installation of the range extender battery pack provides convenience to the customers/drivers.
[0050] The embodiments provide flexibility to the user/driver of the vehicle to charge the range extender battery pack on the vehicle using the charger. This allows saving time, which could have been otherwise expended in charging the range extender battery pack at the off-board charging station. The embodiments relieve users/drivers from range anxiety as the range extender battery pack can be charged on-board. The range extender pack is portable, modular, and designed for easy swap along with standalone charging option.
[0051] The range extender battery pack with the RE-BMS can be integrated in the vehicle. The range extender battery pack is having an optimal size and reasonable cost. The architecture is centralized. The master controller and cell monitoring unit (main battery BMS 202) can integrated onto a single board capable of controlling, monitoring and balancing series-connected cells. The vehicle is having a control strategy to command the RE-BMS to communicate with the BMS to facilitate performing tasks such as measuring cell voltages and temperatures, and perform passive balancing of the cells, interfacing HV electrical components, and so on.
[0052] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Fig. 2 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0053] The embodiments disclosed herein describe methods and systems for managing operation of the main battery pack and the portable range extender battery pack in the vehicle. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in a preferred embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0054] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.