Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to cooling of a power source in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to provision of a cooling member for a power source in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Present day electric vehicles that use a battery as a primary source of power, have either a fixed rechargeable battery configuration, or a swappable/removable battery configuration. In a fixed rechargeable battery type configuration, the battery is charged by means of an external source and the vehicle must remain stationary near the external source for the duration of the charging. To reduce this duration for which the vehicle must remain stationary, and to reduce charging times, fast chargers are being increasingly used.
[003] Generally, the battery while operating to power the electric vehicle in a running condition, generates a substantial amount of heat. However, when the battery is being charged, especially during fast charging, the battery emits an extreme amount of heat. In conventional electric two wheelers, the batteries are air-cooled, and are cooled by natural flow of air channelized by vents. These vents are provided in exterior body panels surrounding the batteries and are designed for battery cooling only when the vehicle is in running condition. However, these vents are insufficient in aiding in cooling of the battery when the vehicle is not in a running condition or is in a charging condition. The rise in the temperature of the battery during fast charging remains a major roadblock for ensuring better battery life and performance, as the conventional vents are ineffective in cooling the battery during fast charging.
[004] In some conventional arrangements for cooling of the battery, liquid cooled batteries are provided, wherein liquid being circulated through the battery acts as a medium for heat exchange. Special provisions are made in the battery for allowing the circulation of the liquid coolant. To facilitate this, a separate leak proof casing is required to be provided over and above the existing battery case. This is because the battery case may leak in case of accidents or unforeseen circumstances, in addition to requiring a pump, which leads to increase in complexity and part count. In addition, liquid cooled batteries are costlier than air-cooled batteries with respect to not only initial costs, but also service, replacement and repair.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a cooling member for a power source in a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a cooling member for cooling a power source of a vehicle. The cooling member has a plurality of air paths that are configured to extend along the power source, and a centrifugal fan in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths. The centrifugal fan is configured to induct atmospheric air and transmit inducted atmospheric air towards the plurality of air paths, thereby allowing atmospheric air to pass over the power source for cooling the power source. The cooling member further has an air outlet in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths, and the air outlet is configured to receive the air from the plurality of air paths and discharge the air out into atmosphere.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the power source includes a battery pack.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of air paths are configured for enabling cooling of the power source when the vehicle is in a running condition.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal fan is configured to induct atmospheric air when the power source is in a charging condition, thereby cooling the power source when the power source is in the charging condition.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the air outlet is provided on one end of the cooling member.
[011] In another embodiment of the invention, centrifugal fan is provided below the plurality of air paths.
[012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of power sources configured to provide traction power for the vehicle. The plurality of power sources are disposed parallelly to each other. Each power source has an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side of each of the power source faces towards a vehicle centreline in a vehicle width direction and the outer side of each of the power source faces away from the vehicle centreline in the vehicle width direction. The plurality of power sources are disposed such that the inner side of each of the power sources faces each other with a gap therebetween. The vehicle further has one or more cooling members such that a cooling member is disposed on the inner side of each of the power sources. Each cooling member has a plurality of air paths that are configured to extend along the power source, and a centrifugal fan in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths. The centrifugal fan is configured to induct atmospheric air and transmit inducted atmospheric air towards the plurality of air paths, thereby allowing atmospheric air to pass over the power source for cooling the power source. The cooling member further has an air outlet in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths, and the air outlet is configured to receive the air from the plurality of air paths and discharge the air out into atmosphere.
[013] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the power source includes a battery pack.
[014] In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of air paths are configured for enabling cooling of the power source when the vehicle is in a running condition.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal fan is configured to induct atmospheric air when the power source is in a charging condition, thereby cooling the power source when the power source is in the charging condition.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the air outlet is provided on one end of the cooling member.
[017] In another embodiment of the invention, centrifugal fan is provided below the plurality of air paths.
[018] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has an auxiliary power source configured for powering the centrifugal fan.
[019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the battery pack has a first battery supported on a left side of the vehicle in a vehicle rear view, and a second battery supported on a right side of the vehicle in the vehicle rear view.
[020] In another embodiment of the invention, the one or more cooling members include a cooling member provided adjacent to the first battery, the first cooling member being provided on an inner side of the first battery in the vehicle width direction; and a second cooling member provided adjacent to the second battery, the second cooling member being provided on an inner side of the second battery in the vehicle width direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[021] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cooling member for a power source in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2A and 2B respectively illustrate a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the cooling member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3A and 3B respectively illustrate a front view and a side view of the cooling member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the vehicle with a power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates another perspective view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates an exploded of the view of the power source and the cooling member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[022] The present invention relates to cooling of a power source in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to provision of a cooling member for a power source in a vehicle. The cooling member of the present invention is typically used in a vehicle such as a two wheeled electric or hybrid vehicle, or a three wheeled electric or hybrid vehicle, or a four wheeled electric or hybrid vehicle, or other multi-wheeled electric or hybrid vehicles as required.
[023] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cooling member 100 for a power source 200 (shown in Figure 4) in a vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 4) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1, the cooling member 100 comprises a plurality of air paths 110. The plurality of air paths 110 are configured to extend along the power source 200. In an embodiment, the plurality of air paths 110 are configured such that each path is a louvre like structure that is configured to act as a channel for air to pass over the power source 200. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle and the power source 200 comprises a battery pack. Herein, one cooling member 100 each is provided on each of the batteries of the battery pack. The plurality of air paths 110 run along the battery and allow for air to be trapped and pass over the face of the battery, thereby allowing heat exchange for cooling of the power source. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of air paths 110 run parallel to each other and have an equal length to each other.
[024] As further illustrated in Figures 2A and Figure 2B, the cooling member 100 further comprises a centrifugal fan 120. The centrifugal fan 120 is in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths 110. Herein, the centrifugal fan 120 is configured to induct atmospheric air, wherein on rotation of the centrifugal fan 120, atmospheric air is inducted into the cooling member 100. Thereafter, the centrifugal fan 120 is configured to transmit inducted atmospheric air towards the plurality of air paths 110, thereby allowing the atmospheric air to pass over the power source 200 for cooling the power source 200. In an embodiment, an opening 122 is provided on the cooling member 100 for atmospheric air to be inducted into the cooling member 100, and then to be transmitted to the plurality of air paths 110. In an embodiment, the centrifugal fan 120 is capable of being powered by an auxiliary power source (not shown) and is capable of being switched on as per requirement.
[025] As illustrated in Figure 2A and Figure 2B, and further illustrated in Figure 3A and Figure 3B, the cooling member 100 further has an air outlet 130 in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths 110. Herein, the air outlet 130 is configured to receive the air passing over the power source 200 from the plurality of air paths 110, and thereafter the air outlet 130 discharges the air out into atmosphere.
[026] In an embodiment, the plurality of air paths 110 are configured for enabling cooling of the power source 200 when the vehicle 10 is in a running condition. To facilitate this, in operation, when the vehicle 10 is in running condition, atmospheric air hitting the vehicle 10 is inducted into the cooling member 100 by means of the opening 122 provided on the cooling member 100. This inducted atmospheric air is transmitted to the plurality of air paths 110, and by virtue of pressure differentials, the atmospheric air travels in the plurality of air paths 110 over the power source 200, thereby cooling the power source 200 when the vehicle 10 is in a running condition. This air is then vented again into atmosphere by means of the air outlet 130.
[027] In an embodiment, the centrifugal fan 120 is configured to induct atmospheric air when the power source 200 is in a charging condition, thereby cooling the power source 200 when the power source 200 is in the charging condition. In operation, when the power source 200 is a charging condition, and when the vehicle 10 is stationary, then atmospheric air without any assistance is insufficient for cooling the power source 200. Thus, the centrifugal fan 120 is switched on in this condition, and the centrifugal fan 120, on rotation creates a pressure differential for atmospheric air to be inducted into the cooling member 100. This inducted atmospheric air is transmitted to the plurality of air paths 110, the atmospheric air travels in the plurality of air paths 110 over the power source 200, thereby cooling the power source 200 when the power source 200 is in a charging condition. This air is then vented again into atmosphere by means of the air outlet 130. Thus, adequate cooling arrangements are made for the power source 200 for when the vehicle 10 is in the running condition, as well as when the power source 200 is in a charging condition and the vehicle 10 is stationary.
[028] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3A, the air outlet 130 is provided on one end of the cooling member 100. Herein, the centrifugal fan 120 is provided on a longitudinally opposite end of the cooling member 100. For example, if the air outlet 130 is provided on a top end of the cooling member 100, then the centrifugal fan 120 is provided on a bottom end of the cooling member 100. In an embodiment, the centrifugal fan 120 is provided below the plurality of air paths 110. This disposition allows for easy routing and transmission of inducted atmospheric air from the centrifugal fan 120 to the plurality of air paths 110. As a result, a smooth routing of atmospheric air is created from the centrifugal fan 120, through to the plurality of air paths 110 and then out through the air outlet 130.
[029] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 4, the vehicle comprises a plurality of power sources 200 configured to provide traction power for the vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 4, the plurality of power sources 200 are provided on the vehicle such that the plurality of power sources 200 are disposed parallelly to each other. In that, each power source 200 has an inner side 200A and an outer side. The inner side 200A of each of the power source faces towards a vehicle centreline (X-X’) in a vehicle width direction and the outer side of each of the power source 200 faces away from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) in the vehicle width direction. As further illustrated in Figure 4, the plurality of power sources 200 are disposed such that the inner side 200A of each of the power sources 200 faces each other with a gap therebetween.
[030] Reference is made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 along with Figure 4, wherein as illustrated, the vehicle 10 has one or more cooling members 100. As illustrated in Figure 7, the one or more cooling members 100 are provided such that a cooling member 100 is disposed on the inner side 200A of each of the power sources 200. This means that one cooling member 100 is disposed on the inner side 200A of each of the power sources 200.
[031] As explained hereinbefore, the cooling member 100 comprises the plurality of air paths 110. The plurality of air paths 110 are configured to extend along the power source 200. In an embodiment, the plurality of air paths 110, wherein each path is a louvre like structure that is configured to act as the channel for air to pass over the power source 200. The cooling member 100 further comprises the centrifugal fan 120. The centrifugal fan 120 is in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths 110 wherein, the centrifugal fan 120 is configured to induct atmospheric air. On rotation of the centrifugal fan 120, atmospheric air is inducted into the cooling member 100. Thereafter, the centrifugal fan 120 is configured to transmit inducted atmospheric air towards the plurality of air paths 110, thereby allowing the atmospheric air to pass over the power source 200 for cooling the power source 200. In an embodiment, the opening 122 is provided on the cooling member 100 for atmospheric air to be inducted into the cooling member 100, and then to be transmitted to the plurality of air paths 110. The cooling member 100 further has the air outlet 130 in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths 110 wherein, the air outlet 130 is configured to receive the air passing over the power source 200 from the plurality of air paths 110, and thereafter the air outlet 130 discharges air out into atmosphere.
[032] In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, and the power source 200 comprises a battery pack. As referenced in Figure 4, the battery pack comprises a first battery 210 supported on a left side of the vehicle 10 in a vehicle rear view, and a second battery 220 supported on a right side of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle rear view. Correspondingly, the one or more cooling members 100 comprise a first cooling member 100A provided adjacent to the first battery 210, wherein the first cooling member 100A is provided on an inner side of the first battery 210 in the vehicle width direction. The one or more cooling 100 members further comprise a second cooling member 100B provided adjacent to the second battery 220, wherein the second cooling member 100B is provided on an inner side of the second battery 220 in the vehicle width direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a saddle type electric vehicle and the first battery 210 and the second battery 220 are disposed on a left side and a right side of a frame structure (not shown) of the vehicle 10, respectively. In this embodiment, the first cooling member 100A is disposed between the first battery 210 and the frame structure in the vehicle width direction, and the second cooling member 100B is disposed between the second battery 220 and the frame structure in the vehicle width direction.
[033] In an embodiment, the plurality of air paths 110 are configured for enabling cooling of the power source 200 when the vehicle 10 is in a running condition. To facilitate this, in operation, when the vehicle 10 is in running condition, atmospheric air hitting the vehicle 10 is inducted into the cooling member 100 by means of the opening 122 provided on the cooling member 100. As illustrated in Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7, each battery 210, 220 of the battery pack has a plurality of outer fins 250 that extend along a breadth of the outer side of each battery 210, 220. During vehicle running condition, air is passed over the plurality of outer fins 250 which aids in heat transfer from the outer side of each battery 210, 220. Correspondingly, each battery 210, 220 of the battery pack has a plurality of inner fins 260 (shown in Figure 8) that extend along a length of the inner side of each battery 210, 220. As further illustrated in Figure 8, the plurality of air paths 110 of each cooling member 100 extend along the plurality of inner fins 260 of the corresponding battery 210, 220. In that, the inducted atmospheric air is transmitted to the plurality of air paths 110, and by virtue of pressure differentials, the atmospheric air travels in the plurality of air paths 110 over the power source 200. The atmospheric air particularly travels over the plurality of inner fins 260, and the plurality of air paths 110 allow for a greater volume of air to be trapped along the plurality of inner fins 260, thereby cooling the power source 200 when the vehicle 10 is in a running condition. This air is then vented again into atmosphere by means of the air outlet 130.
[034] In an embodiment, the centrifugal fan 120 is configured to induct atmospheric air when the power source 200 is in a charging condition, thereby cooling the power source 200 when the power source 200 is in the charging condition. In operation, when the power source 200 is in the charging condition, and when the vehicle 10 is stationary, the centrifugal fan 120 is switched on, and the centrifugal fan 120, on rotation creates a pressure differential for atmospheric air to be inducted into the cooling member 100. This inducted atmospheric air is transmitted to the plurality of air paths 110, and the atmospheric air travels in the plurality of air paths 110 over the plurality of inner fins 260 as explained hereinbefore, thereby cooling the power source 200 when the power source 200 is in a charging condition. This air is then vented again into atmosphere by means of the air outlet 130. Thus, adequate cooling arrangements are made for the power source 200 for when the vehicle 10 is in the running condition, as well as when the power source 200 is in a charging condition and the vehicle 10 is stationary.
[035] In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 comprises of an auxiliary power source (not shown) that is configured to drive and power the centrifugal fan 120. The auxiliary power source is configured to power one or more vehicle components such as headlight, taillight etc in addition to the centrifugal fan 120. Herein, in an embodiment, the vehicle 10 also has a control unit (not shown) configured to detect the temperature of the power source 200, and to detect the charging condition of the power source 200. Thus, in operation, the control unit, on determination of the charging condition of the power source 200, switches on the centrifugal fan 120 and powers the centrifugal fan 120 by means of the auxiliary power source as per requirement.
[036] Further, as explained earlier, in an embodiment, the air outlet 130 is provided on one end of the cooling member 100. Herein, the centrifugal fan 120 is provided on a longitudinally opposite end of the cooling member 100. For example, if the air outlet 130 is provided on a top end of the cooling member 100, then the centrifugal fan 120 is provided on a bottom end of the cooling member 100. In an embodiment, the centrifugal fan 120 is provided below the plurality of air paths 110. This disposition allows for easy routing and transmission of inducted atmospheric air from the centrifugal fan 120 to the plurality of air paths 110, both in the vehicle running and the vehicle static condition. As a result, a smooth routing of atmospheric air is created from the centrifugal fan 120, through to the plurality of first air paths 110 and then out through the air outlet 130.
[037] Advantageously, the present invention provides a cooling member for cooling a power source in a vehicle that ensures that adequate cooling arrangements are provided for the power source in a vehicle running condition, as well as a vehicle static condition wherein the power source is being charged. The adequate cooling arrangements both is a vehicle running and static condition ensures that the power source or the battery pack operates at the optimum performance throughout the life cycle. Further, the air circulation around the battery restricts overheating of the battery and ensures faster heat dissipation, thereby restricting the heat transfer from the battery to the adjacent vehicle parts and other electrical parts.
[038] Further, the present invention also eliminates the requirement of any liquid cooled battery or any leakage proof case over and above the battery case. The present invention provides a cooling member with a centrifugal fan and the plurality of air paths, which is not only simpler, but is also more cost effective and easier to service than liquid cooled batteries.
[039] The present invention also eliminates any requirement of a pump for circulation of coolant for the battery, which significantly brings down part count in addition to being associated with significantly lower costs. The present invention also allows for reduced risk of failure and reduced risk of leakages during accident like events.
[040] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Vehicle

100: Cooling Member
100A: First Cooling Member
100B: Second Cooling Member
110: Plurality of Air Paths
120: Centrifugal Fan
122: Opening
130: Air outlet
200: Power Source
200A: Inner Side of the Power Source
210: First Battery
220: Second Battery
250: Plurality of Outer Fins
260: Plurality of Inner Fins
, C , Claims:1. A cooling member (100) for cooling a power source (200) of a vehicle (10), the cooling member (100) comprising:
a plurality of air paths (110), the plurality of air paths (110) configured to extend along the power source (200);
a centrifugal fan (120) in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths (110), the centrifugal fan (120) being configured to induct atmospheric air, and transmit inducted atmospheric air towards the plurality of air paths (110), thereby allowing atmospheric air to pass over the power source (200) for cooling the power source (200); and
an air outlet (130) in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths (110), the air outlet (130) configured to receive the air from the plurality of air paths (110) and discharge the air out into atmosphere.

2. The cooling member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) is an electric vehicle, and the power source (200) comprises a battery pack.

3. The cooling member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of air paths (110) are configured for enabling cooling of the power source (200) when the vehicle (10) is in a running condition.

4. The cooling member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centrifugal fan (120) is configured to induct atmospheric air when the power source (200) is in a charging condition, thereby cooling the power source (200) when the power source (200) is in the charging condition.

5. The cooling member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air outlet (130) is provided on one end of the cooling member (100).

6. The cooling member (100) as claimed in claim 1, the centrifugal fan (120) is provided below the plurality of air paths (110).

7. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a plurality of power sources (200) configured to provide traction power for the vehicle (10), the plurality of power sources (200) being disposed parallelly to each other, each power source (200) having an inner side (200A) and an outer side, wherein the inner side (200A) of each of the power source (200) faces towards a vehicle centreline (X-X’) in a vehicle width direction and the outer side of each of the power source (200) faces away from the vehicle centreline (X-X’) in the vehicle width direction, and wherein the plurality of power sources (200) are disposed such that the inner side (200A) of each of the power sources (200) faces each other with a gap therebetween; and
one or more cooling members (100), the one or more cooling members (100) being provided such that a cooling member (100) is disposed on the inner side (200A) of each of the power sources (200), each cooling member comprising:
a plurality of air paths (110), the plurality of air paths (110) configured to extend along the power source (200);
a centrifugal fan (120) in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths (110), the centrifugal fan (120) configured to induct atmospheric air, and transmit inducted atmospheric air towards the plurality of air paths (110), thereby allowing the atmospheric air to pass over the power source (200) for cooling the power source (200); and
an air outlet (130) in fluid communication with the plurality of air paths (110), the air outlet (130) configured to receive the air from the plurality of air paths (110) and discharge air out into atmosphere.

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the vehicle (10) is an electric vehicle, and the power source (200) comprises a battery pack.

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of air paths (110) are configured for enabling cooling of the power source (200) when the vehicle (10) is in a running condition.

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the centrifugal fan (120) is configured to induct atmospheric air when the power source (200) is in a charging condition, thereby cooling the power source (200) when the power source (200) is in the charging condition.

11. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the air outlet (130) is provided on one end of the cooling member (100).

12. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the centrifugal fan (120) of the cooling member (100) is provided below the plurality of air paths of the cooling member (100).

13. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising an auxiliary power source configured for powering the centrifugal fan (120).

14. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the battery pack comprises a first battery (210) supported on a left side of the vehicle (10) in a vehicle rear view, and a second battery (220) supported on a right side of the vehicle (10) in the vehicle rear view.

15. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more cooling members (100) comprise a first cooling member (100A) provided adjacent to the first battery (210), the first cooling member (100A) being provided on an inner side of the first battery (210) in the vehicle width direction; and a second cooling member (100B) provided adjacent to the second battery (220), the second cooling member (100B) being provided on an inner side of the second battery (220) in the vehicle width direction.