DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping solutions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for battery swapping that allows electric vehicle owners to exchange their discharged batteries with fully charged ones during their period of traveling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Transportation is a significant contributor to pollution, particularly air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, such as cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes, releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions have detrimental effects on air quality and contribute to climate change. Therefore, to mitigate the adverse effects of transportation on air pollution decarbonization of the transport sector is critical to net zero ambition worldwide. As the 4th largest automotive market in the world, India has the opportunity to lead this global transition from a traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powertrain to an efficient Electric Vehicle (EV). The Indian E2W market stood at USD 893 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.3% to reach USD 6161 million by 2030. In FY23 a total of 1.2 lakh low-speed electric scooters were sold, and 8,46,976 units of high-speed electric two-wheelers were sold.
India is the 2nd largest 2W (two-wheelers) and largest 3W (three-wheelers) vehicle producer globally, with rapid urbanization, road infrastructure development, and a push for decarbonization that has provided tailwinds to the clean mobility sector (EV). Hence there is expected demand to drive higher electrification of vehicles and present a unique opportunity for EV battery charging infrastructure/Battery swapping.
Electric vehicle charging refers to the process of supplying electrical energy to recharge the batteries of electric vehicles (EVs). It involves connecting an EV battery to an external power source, typically an electric vehicle charging station or an outlet, to replenish the energy consumed during driving. While electric vehicle charging offers numerous advantages, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, it also has some disadvantages that are listed below:
The availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure vary across regions. Some areas may have a lack of public charging stations, especially in rural or less developed areas. This can cause "range anxiety" for EV owners, worrying about finding a charging station when needed.
Compared to refueling a conventional vehicle with gasoline or diesel, charging an electric vehicle takes around 1.5 hrs to 8hrs to charge electric vehicles. Even with fast-charging options, it typically requires more time to charge an EV battery fully compared to filling up a tank with fuel.
To address the present battery charging problem there are some existing solutions like Mobility as a Service (MaaS), Battery as a Service (BaaS) with different business models like Dealer Owned Dealer Operated (DODO), Dealer Owned Company Operated (DOCO), Franchising and Outsourcing, etc. In all these different solutions there are one or more associated shortcomings like scalability, substantial Capex & Opex investment, the requirement of huge land banks in cities, and challenges in the reliability and interoperability of batteries.
Battery swapping is a process of exchanging depleted or low-charge batteries with fully charged ones. It is a method commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) to overcome the limitations of charging time and range. Rather than waiting for an EV to charge its battery, which can take a significant amount of time, battery swapping allows for a quick exchange of batteries, similar to refueling a conventional vehicle with gasoline.
However, the widespread adoption of battery swapping faces certain challenges. Standardization of battery sizes, shapes, and connection interfaces across different vehicle models is crucial for compatibility and interoperability. Additionally, the establishment of an extensive network of battery-swapping stations and the logistics of managing large battery inventories require significant investment and coordination.
Another challenge with the conventional battery swapping system is the unavailability or prior accessibility of the battery inventories at the battery swapping station.
Hence, there is a need for an improved system that is cost-effective with minimum capex and no requirement of land, no worry of reliability, interoperability and also having an integrated battery management and recycling system in place.
Therefore, to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings the present invention is provided with a system and method for battery swapping with a dense network of battery swapping points and an efficient management of battery charging system utilizing renewable sources of energy.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system for tracking, locating, and pre-booking a charged battery from remotely available battery swapping points, which features quick battery swapping for an electric vehicle, thereby overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art system.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for battery swapping, where user can exchange their depleted battery with a charged one, thereby eliminating the need for spending time on battery charging of two-wheeler or three-wheeler vehicles at any remote battery charging stations.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that enables users to monitor the availability of battery inventories present at remote battery swapping points/stations, thereby providing real-time information about the status of batteries at these locations, ensuring a seamless and convenient battery swapping process.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that enables a user/client to enter their vehicle's details for easy accessibility of their battery requirements.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that enables the user/client to visually identify the location of the battery swapping station on the digital map integrated within the system, thereby enabling easy tracking of the battery swapping points.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that has a network of battery-swapping stations that can be accessed via a mobile application through which the user can access their details and book a charged electric battery based on availability.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that enables the users to customize the battery collection time for hassle-free battery collection during peak hours or in areas of high demand for battery swapping service.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system having a renewable source of battery charging at the battery swapping point for efficient electricity management.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for station operators with a dashboard or interface to monitor the availability and stocking of battery inventories and maintenance requirements remotely.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system integrated with a secure payment gateway, thereby enabling users to pay for battery-swapping services conveniently and securely.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein below, in which various embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of various components of the battery swapping system.
Fig. 2 illustrates a process flowchart for battery swapping for an electric vehicle using the battery swapping system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and method for battery swapping of an electric vehicle using an interactive system platform that is made up of a network of registered battery swapping points in one or more channels connected by a mobile application that determines the availability of a charged battery on a specific location defined by a GPS (global positioning system) unit.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery-swapping system for an electric vehicle comprises a network of a plurality of battery-swapping points, a GPS unit, a digital map unit, an interactive system, a communication network, a processor, and a user device. The pluralities of battery swapping points are physically present at a specific location that can be located by a user/client using the GPS unit (global positioning system). The GPS unit is configured to track/navigate the location of the registered battery swapping points. The interactive system is a battery booking platform where a user/client can book a charged battery from a registered battery swapping point present on the way of their journey using their user device. The communication network sends the battery booking details received on the interactive system to the registered battery swapping point via WiFi Modem or GSM (3G/4G/5G) telecom network. The digital map is configured to visually display the location of the registered battery swapping points over the user’s device. The system allows users to pre-book a battery based on its availability while they are on their way.
The interactive system has secured user/operator access based on specific roles for different users – client, battery swapping operator, and system administrators. The access is controlled through Login IDs and passwords.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system for battery swapping of an electric vehicle provides real-time accessibility, availability, and booking for a charged battery inventory of an electric vehicle present at any remote battery swapping point.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the battery-swapping system is integrated with a secure payment system into the platform, thereby enabling users to pay for the battery-swapping service conveniently and securely.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein below, in which various features and functionalities of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definition.
The term “a” or “an”, as used herein, is defined as one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or more than one. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more.
The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).
The term “comprising” is not intended to limit the present invention with such terminology, rather is used in a wider sense. Any invention using the term ``comprising could be separated into one or more claims using “consisting” or “consisting of”. The term “comprising” may be used interchangeably with the terms “having” or “containing”.
Reference in this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, and “yet another embodiment” or similar terms, throughout the document means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places, this specification throughout are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, or characteristics are combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.
The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or more combinations. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts are in mutually exclusive, inherently.
As used herein, the term "one or more" generally refers to, but is not limited to, the singular as well as the plural form of the term.
The drawings featured in the figures are to illustrate certain convenient embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as a limitation to that. The term "means" preceding a present participle of operation indicates the desired function for which there are one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term "means" is not intended to be limiting.
The present invention relates to a system and method for battery swapping of an electric vehicle. The system comprises an interactive system platform for reserving a pre-charged battery for an electric vehicle from a registered battery swapping point present at any remote location on the way of the user’s journey.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system and method for battery swapping of an electric vehicle are made up of a network of registered battery swapping points in one or more channels connected by a mobile application that determines the availability of a charged battery on a specific location defined by a GPS (global positioning system) unit.
The battery swapping system for an electric vehicle comprises a network of a plurality of battery swapping points, a GPS unit, a digital map, an interactive system, a communication network, a processor, and a user device. The pluralities of battery swapping points are physically present at a specific location that can be located by a user/client using the GPS unit (global positioning system). The GPS unit is configured to track/navigate the location of the registered battery swapping points. The interactive system is a battery booking platform that enables users/clients to reserve/book a charged battery from a registered battery swapping point present on the way of their journey using their user device. The communication network sends the battery booking details received on the interactive system to the registered battery swapping point via WiFi Modem or GSM (3G/4G/5G) telecom network. The digital map is configured to visually display the location and availability of electric batteries at battery swapping stations. The system allows users to pre-book a battery based on its availability while they are on their way.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor is in communication with one or more interactive systems over the network, after receiving the booking request and a memory configured to store and retrieve data from the interactive system.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of battery swapping further comprises portable and renewable charging equipment that receives power from solar energy to charge a plurality of batteries at a single time.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the interactive system has secured user/operator access based on specific roles for different users – client, battery swapping operator, and system administrators. The access is controlled through Login IDs and passwords.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system for battery swapping of an electric vehicle provides real-time accessibility, availability, and booking of a charged battery inventory for an electric vehicle present at each battery swapping point. The users can check the number of available batteries before arriving at the station, reducing the chances of finding no available batteries.
Fig. 1 discloses the battery swapping system used for booking a charged battery present at any remote battery swapping point. Concerning Fig. 1 the system comprises parties including the clients/user (101) who request for booking/reserving a charged battery, battery swapping points that are registered with the battery swapping system, and an interactive platform through which the user requests for a charged battery (102). The battery-swapping points register (103) with the platform to form a network of a plurality of battery-swapping points present at a specific location defined by a GPS unit. The user/client receives a charged battery from remote battery swapping points (104).
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the interactive digital map that displays the location of each battery-swapping point is marked with relevant icons or markers on the map. Furthermore, the users can zoom in and out of the map, search for nearby stations, and view detailed information about each station's inventory.
Battery swapping points registration: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery swapping point registration requires the battery swapping operator who is interested in joining the platform to create a network. The battery swapping points are registered with the battery swapping system using their contact number, name of battery swapping points, availability of battery inventories, address, PIN code, and geo-location. The size of the network is visible on a real-time basis and is available for booking a charged battery after registration is completed.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the registered battery swapping point can download the application to their user device.
User/client registration: According to another embodiment of the present invention, the user/client can book a battery for an electric vehicle after registration. The user/client requests a charged battery through the application downloaded on the user's device based on the geographical location of the battery swapping point that comes across between his origin to destination.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the user registers to the battery swapping system by providing details of their contact number, email ID, passwords, Vehicle Name, Vehicle Model No., and any other battery requirements.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the battery-swapping system is integrated with secure payment gateways into the interactive platform, thereby enabling users to pay for the battery-swapping services conveniently and securely. The user can initiate payment by providing details of their account no., UPI ID, or any other suitable method.
Fig. 2 illustrates the method for battery swapping of electric vehicles. The method comprises the steps of login into the system by the user/client using their login credentials; entering details of the starting and ending point of the user’s journey on the interactive system platform, in the user's device; initiating a request for booking a charged battery on the interactive system by providing details of user’s battery requirement, communicating the battery booking request over a communication network to the plurality of battery swapping points, accepting the booking request by the battery swapping operator on their user’ device, tracking the geo-location of the battery swapping points by the user using GPS tracking unit, battery swapping of electric vehicles by collecting a charged battery by replacing the discharged battery at the remote battery swapping points.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the user’s battery requirements include battery model number, battery capacity, or like.
According to the present invention, the user or the client can also customize the battery swapping by providing details of their expected arrival at the battery swapping points.
Advantages of the present invention:
1. The present invention provides a convenient and efficient solution for electric vehicle owners to swap their discharged batteries with fully charged ones without the need for time-consuming charging processes.
2. The system enables users to pre-book batteries while on their way, ensuring they can easily find and swap batteries without any delay.
3. Additionally, the invention includes a renewable source of battery charging at the battery swapping points for efficient electricity management. This promotes the use of sustainable energy sources and reduces dependence on traditional grid-based charging systems.
The present invention can be better understood by way of the following example illustrated below:
Let's consider a scenario to illustrate the use of the battery swapping system for an electric vehicle using the interactive platform:
User: X is the owner of an electric scooter and frequently commutes to work using it. However, his daily commute takes him through various routes, and he faces challenges in spending his precious time, charging his scooter's electric battery at the battery charging stations along the way.
Battery swapping points: There are multiple battery swapping points registered with the interactive platform in the city. These points are strategically located at key locations to provide easy access to electric vehicle owners.
User X can solve his problem using the battery-swapping system of the present invention using the below-mentioned steps:
1. X opens the mobile application of the battery swapping system on his smartphone and logs in with his credentials.
2. He enters the starting point of his journey and destination on the interactive system platform.
3. The system's digital map displays all the registered battery swapping points along his route, marked with relevant icons or markers.
4. X can view the availability of charged batteries at each battery swapping point on the digital map in real time.
5. Based on the availability displayed on the map, X pre-books a charged battery from the nearby battery swapping point for his electric vehicle.
6. The booking request is communicated over the communication network to the registered battery swapping point via a WiFi modem or GSM (3G/4G/5G) telecom network.
7. The battery swapping operator at the chosen battery swapping point receives the booking request on their device and accepts it.
8. X receives a confirmation on his mobile application that his reservation has been successful and that a fully charged battery will be ready for him at the battery swapping point.
9. As X continues his journey, X uses the GPS unit of the battery swapping in his electric vehicle to navigate to the battery swapping point he booked.
10. Upon reaching the battery swapping point, the battery swapping operator replaces X's depleted battery with a fully charged one in a quick and seamless process.
11. X is now ready to continue his trip without any significant delay, thanks to the pre-booking and battery swapping service. ,CLAIMS:1. A battery-swapping system for electric vehicles, comprising:
a. a plurality of registered battery swapping points physically located at a specific location, wherein each battery swapping point is equipped to exchange a discharged battery from an electric vehicle with a fully charged battery;
b. a renewable battery charging source to charge a plurality of battery inventories at the battery swapping points;
c. a GPS unit configured to track and navigate the locations of the registered battery swapping points;
d. an interactive system platform accessible through a mobile application, allowing users to book fully charged batteries from the registered battery swapping points along their journey based on the availability of battery swapping points displayed on a digital map, wherein, the digital map unit is integrated into the interactive system to visually display the locations and availability of electric batteries at the battery swapping stations; and
e. a communication network that is configured to communicate battery booking details from the interactive system to the registered battery swapping points; and
f. a processor in communication with the interactive system platform and a memory to store and retrieve data related to battery bookings.
wherein, the battery swapping system is characterized as real-time booking and accessibility of batteries at the registered battery swapping points.
2. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the interactive system provides secured user/operator access with specific roles for clients, battery swapping operators, and system administrators, is controlled through login IDs and passwords.
3. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the user/clients customize the battery booking by providing details regarding expected battery collection time.
4. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the system enables real-time remote monitoring of the battery’s inventories present at the battery swapping points.
5. A method for battery swapping of electric vehicles, comprising:
a. logging into an interactive system platform using user credentials by the user;
b. entering details of the starting and ending points of the user's journey on the interactive system;
c. initiating a battery booking request on the interactive system, specifying the user's battery requirements;
d. transmitting the battery booking request to the registered battery swapping points via a communication network;
e. accepting the booking request by the battery swapping operator through their user device;
f. tracking the geo-location of the battery swapping points using a GPS tracking unit;
g. swapping the electric vehicle's discharged battery with a fully charged battery at the remote battery swapping points;
h. collecting the charged battery based on the user's expected arrival time; and
i. providing real-time updates on battery availability and inventory monitoring at the battery swapping points.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the user’s battery requirements include but are not limited to battery model number, electric vehicle number, electric vehicle model, and battery capacity.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the battery swapping process is customized based on the user's expected arrival time at the battery swapping point.
8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the battery inventories at the remote battery swapping points are monitored and measured in real-time from a remote location.
9. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the battery swapping points utilize renewable energy sources for efficient electricity management during the charging process.