Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates in general to one or more energy storage units and more particularly but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to an energy storage enclosure assembly for swappable technology.
BACKGROUND 5
[0002] A prioritized energy transition globally towards renewable energy resources has led to exemplary research and development pertaining to electrical energy storage devices. Electrical energy storage devices conventionally may exist in two forms – a rechargeable energy storage device or a non-rechargeable energy storage device. In furtherance of concepts of reusability and recyclability 10 in the spectrum of renewable energy resources, rechargeable electrical energy storage systems (hereinafter referred to as REESS) has been ubiquitously accepted in critical applications.
[0003] The applicability of REESS is majorly in the mobility field to provide electric energy for electrical propulsion. One of the significant challenges or 15 limitations of the REESS used in mobility, is relating to constraints of driving range which requires frequent charging and the long duration of time required for charging of the REESS. An additional disadvantage associated with variants of REESS is over-heating when the REESS is used over a pro-longed period of time. Additional causes of overheating in REESS may be due to cell imbalances, 20 thermal runaway, malfunctioning cooling mechanism, loose terminal connections, short circuiting, as well as improper charger use.
[0004] A concerning drawback limiting market preference of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles has been linked to long charging duration. The applicability of REESS in mobility engulfs constraint particularly with long charging time. To 25 address concerns of long charging time, the electric vehicle framework has been benefitted with the installation of fast charging stations. Fast charging stations in comparison to conventional slow charging methods, increases the amount of usable energy per day however there is still a minimum requirement of at least an hour to charge the electrical energy storage system to 100%. 30
[0005] The development of battery swapping technology in the in-built infrastructure in electric driven vehicles and hybrid vehicles, would allow the flexibility that re-fueling in internal combustion engine vehicles have been providing all this time.
[0006] Battery swapping refers to the method of exchanging the discharged or 5 depleted electrical energy storage system in the vehicle with already charged one, thus allowing the discharged electrical energy storage system to charge in the meantime. Battery swapping technology has the potential to improve long-range travel in terms of convenience and efficiency, as it reduces the traditional charging time to almost negligible. The only time spent in restoring operability of the 10 equipment or vehicle using the REESS, is the time required for removal of the depleted electrical energy storage system and swapping it with a charged electrical energy storage system.
[0007] Additionally, recent studies have demonstrated that battery swapping technology provides a more cost-effective alternative for daily consumption rates 15 of 120 km and higher by reducing the overall cost per kilo watt hour. In addition, owing to the innovation potential of electric and hybrid vehicles, several jurisdictions have designed policies promoting the development of a battery swapping framework for better interoperability. Various stakeholders in the electric mobility framework have adopted battery swapping for enabling effective, 20 efficient, safe and reliable mobility infrastructure in conjunction with the policy makers. Battery swapping furthermore addresses financial and space constraints of including multiple charging stations to serve the growing electric and hybrid vehicle demand.
[0008] In view of the requisite shift pertaining to development of electric mobility 25 solutions towards a swappable nature of REESS, there is a need for infrastructure effectuating the shift to swappable technology. The requisite swapping infrastructure is to be effectuated at the charging station front as well as the vehicle front where the electrical energy storage system is used. Additionally, the industry requires facilitating ease of swapping mechanism of energy storage packs 30
to circumvent the weariness, exhaustiveness and space constraint associated with long charging duration at the charging stations of the energy storage packs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features 5 described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[00010] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention provides an energy storage enclosure assembly, the energy storage enclosure assembly comprising: one or more energy storage units and an enclosure. The one 10 or more energy storage units comprises a plurality of external surfaces and a first set of connection terminal disposed on a bottom external surface of the plurality of external surfaces and configured to supply energy from the one or more energy storage units. The enclosure is configured to receive the one or more energy storage units, and wherein the enclosure comprises a base member, and a second 15 set of connection terminals being disposed on a pre-defined portion of the base member. The second set of connection terminals is electrically connected to one or more external loads, and wherein the second set of connection terminals is configured to detachably engage with the first set of connection terminals of the one or more energy storage units. 20
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and therein. 25
[00012] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a battery pack. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s). In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and components.
[00013]
Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an energy storage enclosure assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00014] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more components, in accordance with some 5 embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more component, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 10
[00016] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may 15 extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. 20
[00017] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, 25 property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00018] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set 30
forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. [00019] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely 5 illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. 10
[00020] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present subject matter may be applied to any kind of electrical equipment or vehicle within the scope of this subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present subject 15 matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[00021] The present invention is illustrated with one or more energy storage units. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to an energy storage unit and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be extended to other forms of energy 20 storage devices and battery packs used with various types of vehicles such as vehicles having internal combustion engines, electric vehicle and hybrid vehicles, as well as other forms of electrical and electronic equipment requiring an energy storage device. The energy storage device relates to any device configured to supply energy in the form of electrical energy to one or more external loads 25 configured to draw the electrical energy from the energy storage device.
[00022] An object of the present subject matter is to provide an energy storage enclosure assembly configured to expedite the applicability of swappable rechargeable electrical energy storage system in the existent mobility infrastructure. 30
[00023] In conventional vehicles using one or more energy storage units, long charging time being borne has become extremely cumbersome and has been a dire reason of reluctance in accepting mobility driven by energy storage systems or units. To address this exact limitation of conventional vehicles, as well as other equipment using energy storage systems and units, the present disclosure provides 5 an energy storage enclosure assembly which provides a flexibility of adaptability of swappable technology in existent vehicle and equipment layouts to recuperate the cumbersome wait time for charging.
[00024] The present disclosure provides an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising one or more energy storage units and an enclosure configured to 10 receive the one or more energy storage units. A first set of connection terminal is disposed on a bottom external surface of the one or more energy storage units. The first set of connection terminal supply the energy stored in the one or more energy storage units. A second set of connection terminal is disposed on a base member of the enclosure. The second set of connection terminal is connected to 15 one or more external load. The second set of connection terminal of the enclosure detachably engages with the first set of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage units, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the one or more energy storage units and the one or more external load.
[00025] As an illustration, the engagement of the first set of connection terminal 20 with the second set of connection terminal is deemed satisfied when the one or more energy storage units sits on the base member of the enclosure. Further, the plurality of side members of the enclosure may partially or fully cover one or more external surfaces of the one or more energy storage units and the first set of connection terminals engaging with the second set of connection terminals. 25 Thereby by simple ingress and egress of the one or more energy storage units from the enclosure, the electrical path between the one or more energy storage units and the one or more external loads are connected and disconnected. For facilitating swapping, a discharged one or more energy storage units can be replaced by a charged one or more energy storage units and be disposed in the 30 enclosure.
[00026] Additionally, in accordance with the present disclosure no changes are required in the layout of the equipment or vehicle using the one or more energy storage units. Only an electrical connection is to be established between the component drawing the electrical energy being the one or more external loads and the second set of connection terminals of the enclosure. Thus, the present subject 5 matter proposes flexibility of adaptability in numerous equipment and vehicle layouts.
[00027] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more external loads are one or more components of a vehicle drawing electrical energy from the one or more energy storage units. The term “vehicle” includes electric vehicles, hybrid electric 10 vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles and other forms of propulsion and mobility incorporating usage of one or more energy storage units configured to supply electrical energy. The energy storage enclosure assembly may be disposed at one or more pre-defined locations of the vehicle from where it may be connected to the one or more components of the vehicle. The energy storage enclosure 15 assembly is designed with an intent of ease of adaptability in a variety of vehicle segments.
[00028] In another aspect, the energy storage enclosure assembly may be disposed in a charging station. The one or more external loads connected to the enclosure may be an output terminal of a charging station. 20
[00029] In another aspect, even in-vehicle, the enclosure may be electrically connected to the output terminal of the charging station where it can be subjected to conventional charging in the event of long durations of waiting cycles.
[00030] An object of the present subject matter is to provide a secure reliable electrical connection between the enclosure and the one or more energy storage 25 units to extract the convenience of swappable technology.
[00031] The simple ingress and egress of the one or more energy storage units from the enclosure leads to connecting and dis-connecting of the electrical connection between the one or more energy storage units and the one or more external loads through the enclosure. The convenience of connection proffered by 30 swapable technology can be truly perceived when the engagement of the first set
of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage units and the second set of connection terminal of the enclosure is consistently maintained during the cycle of operation of the one or more energy storage units. An ancillary effect of the reliable connection by maintenance of consistent engagement is perceived with the optimal performance of the equipment or vehicle. 5 [00032] In accordance with the present disclosure, the weight of the one or more energy storage units is sufficient to securely hold the position of the one or more energy storage units in coordination with the plurality of side members of the enclosure arresting sideward movement of the one or more energy storage units. The weight of the one or more energy storage units applies a pressure on the first 10 set of connection terminals disposed at a bottom external surface of the enclosure to engage and maintain the engagement with the second set of connection terminals of the enclosure.
[00033] In some conventional vehicle layout using swappable technology, the electrical connection between the energy storage unit and the external load is 15 established by a plurality of wire connections which are manually undertaken by an operator. A concern associated with manual connections is the reliability of the connection, further there is a minimum level of skill involved in ensuring that the negative terminal and positive terminals of the energy storage units are connected accurately. The conventional mechanisms involving swappable technology, 20 pushes an unreliable dependency on skill and availability of an operator.
[00034] In accordance with the present disclosure, the first set of connection terminals and the second set of connection terminals can be conveniently engaged and disengaged by ingress and egress of the one or more energy storage unit. To further provide an infallible disposition of the one or more energy storage units, 25 the plurality of side members of the enclosure comprises one or more guiding slots which are configured to interface with one or more guiding protrusions provided on the one or more energy storage units. A pre-defined gap is provided between the adjacent guiding slots which configures a specific guiding protrusion to mate with its complementary guiding slot. The disclosed configuration thus 30 ensures that the one or more energy storage units be disposed in the enclosure in
only one correct manner preventing possibility of differing connections and permitting the user to directly connect and disconnect the one or more energy storage units from the one or more external loads. [00035] Additionally, usage of wire connections in connecting the energy storage unit to the external load is prone to wear and tear owing to frequent operator 5 interference and the harshness with which the operator handles the plurality of wires.
[00036] The present subject matter eliminates the usage of plurality of wires by using metallic ports for engagement and disengagement of the one or more energy storage units with the enclosure. The elimination of wire connections reduces 10 material costs and maintenance costs associated with wire connections. Additionally, the wire routing from the enclosure to the one or more external load is maintained internally and without accessibility being provided to an operator to maintain the sanctity of the wire routing between the one or more external loads and the enclosure. The wire routing can only be accessed by a skilled mechanic 15 during authorized servicing of the equipment or vehicle in which the one or more energy storage units are deployed.
[00037] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an energy storage enclosure assembly which addresses contact resistance malfunction and arrests movement of the one or more energy storage units in the enclosure. 20
[00038] In accordance with the present disclosure, a contact resistance malfunction between the first set of connection terminals and the second set of connection terminals is skilfully avoided by way of providing the configuration of one or more guiding slots with its complementary one or more guiding protrusions and by providing a pre-defined clearance between the one or more external 25 surfaces of the one or more energy storage units and the internal surfaces of the enclosure. The pre-defined clearance is determined so as to allow easy removal and insertion of the one or more energy storage units into the enclosure and at the same time arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units inside the enclosure. 30
[00039] In an embodiment, one or more latching members are disposed along one or more side members of the enclosure configured to engage and disengage with latching knobs provided on the one or more energy storage units. The configuration of one or more latching members further arrests movement of the one or more energy storage units and ensures reliability of the connection, while 5 additionally presenting a theft proof design of the energy storage enclosure assembly.
[00040] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a safe interaction between a user and the energy storage enclosure assembly during egress and ingress of the one or more energy storage units inside the enclosure. 10
[00041] In accordance with the present disclosure, the second set of connection terminals are provided in a pre-defined portion of the enclosure. The pre-defined portion being an internal surface of a base member and such that the first set of connection terminal and the second set of connection terminal being aligned along a same axis A-A', wherein the axis A-A' being perpendicular to the base member. 15
[00042] . The pre-defined portion is determined with an intent to make it inaccessible to the user. The disposition of the second set of connection terminals at the base member restricts interference by the user and thereby prevents any injury being caused to the user in the event of electrical malfunctioning in the wire harness connecting the one or more external loads, short circuiting as well as high 20 temperature. An ancillary advantage of the inaccessible disposition of the second set of connection terminals is the avoidance of any form of tarnishing or manipulation of the sanctity of the second set of connection terminals and the wiring harness from unauthorized users.
[00043] In accordance with the present disclosure, a plurality of perforations are 25 provided along at least one of the plurality of side members of the enclosure to provide sufficient ventilation to the one or more energy storage units. The plurality of perforations additionally assists in venting of the undesirable gases and smoke from the energy storage enclosure assembly in the event of thermal runaway. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of perforations are 30
positioned such that the undesirable gases expelled during thermal runaway are directed towards a rear portion of a vehicle or equipment to ensure user safety. [00044] An additional object of the present subject matter is to ensure protection of the one or more energy storage units in the enclosure. The enclosure comprising the base member and the plurality of side members ensures protection 5 of the one or more energy storage units against external environmental factors such as dirt, mud and water as well as against impact loads.
[00045] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs. 10
[00046] The present subject matter discloses an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more energy storage units and an enclosure. A first set of connection terminals disposed on the one or more energy storage units are configured to supply energy. A second set of connection terminals disposed on a pre-defined portion of a base member of the enclosure is configured to detachably 15 engage with the first set of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage unit to establish an electrical connection.
[00047] In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage units are provided with a handle for convenience of insertion and removal of the one or more energy storage units from the enclosure. 20
[00048] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting 25 principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00049] The present subject matter may be implemented in any form of energy storage devices. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are 30 described through the following embodiments depicting an energy storage unit.
[00050]
Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an energy storage enclosure assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00051] With reference to figure 1, 100 denotes an energy storage enclosure assembly, 102 denotes one or more energy storage units, 104 denotes an 5 enclosure, 106 denotes one or more latching members, 108 denotes one or more latching knobs and 110 denotes a handle.
[00052] The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) comprises one or more energy storage units (102) and an enclosure (104).
[00053] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units (102) used in the 10 present disclosure shall be construed to include any electrical equipment configured to store electrical energy and may include a plurality of cells, a plurality of battery modules or other forms of electrical energy storage equipment. The one or more energy storage units (102) is configured to be a source of electrical energy which is supplied to an electrical load or one or more external 15 loads for its functioning. The one or more energy storage units (102) may consist of a plurality of electrochemical cells which are electrically connected in parallel, series or a combined configuration of parallel and series, based on the requisite power output and current output to be supplied by the one or more energy storage units (102) to the one or more external loads. The one or more energy storage 20 units (102) may be employed in a broad spectrum of industrial applications and equipment and are also serve as a critical component in internal combustion engine-based vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicle’s development and functioning.
[00054] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units (102) may rechargeable 25 or non-rechargeable dependent on the application for which the one or more energy storage units (102) is used. The one or more energy storage units (102) has a charged and a discharged state.
[00055] In an aspect, the plurality of electrochemical cells comprising the one or more energy storage units (102) is disposed in one or more cell holders which 30
hold each cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells in the required position to maintain cell arrangement and cell spacing. The one or more energy storage units (102) includes one or more interconnectors which establish an electrical connection between the plurality of cells disposed in the one or more energy storage units (102). 5 [00056] In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a battery management system and other suitable circuitry interfaces, and/or code that is configured to work in cooperation with the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00057] In an aspect, the enclosure (104) is configured to receive the one or more 10 energy storage units (102) and thereby securely enclose the one or more energy storage units (102). The enclosure (104) accords protection to the one or more energy storage units (102) against external environmental factors as well as vibrations and impact from components disposed in the vicinity of the one or more energy storage units (102). 15
[00058] In an aspect, the enclosure (104) is composed of a material having structural strength and rigidity capable of withstanding the vibrations and movement of the one or more energy storage units (102). In an embodiment, the enclosure (104) is composed of a material being at least one of plastic, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, stainless steel, wood. In an exemplary embodiment, internal 20 surfaces of the enclosure (104) is provided with passing material configured to absorb any vibration or impact loads which may be generated during disposition of the one or more energy storage unit (102) in the enclosure (104).
[00059] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units (102) is permitted to be of any shape and size, while the enclosure (106) is designed to suit the dimensions 25 and shape of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00060] In an embodiment, one or more latching members (106) is provided on one or more side members of the enclosure (104). Associatively, one or more latching knobs (108) are provided on one or more external surfaces of the one or more energy storage units (102). The one or more latching members (106) is 30 configured to structurally engage and disengage with the one or more latching
knobs (108). The disclosed configuration is intended to arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) inside the enclosure (104). [00061] As an illustration, in the event the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) is disposed in a vehicle, owing to generic vehicle movement and interaction with the road surface, the propulsion path of the vehicle is subjected to bumps and 5 vibrations, these vibrations are transmitted onto internal components of the vehicle. The vibrations transmitted to the one or more energy storage units (102) would lead to wobbling of the one or more energy storage units (102) inside the enclosure (104) which may disrupt a connection existing between the one or more energy storage units (102) and the enclosure. In order to arrest the movement of 10 the one or more energy storage units (102), a combination of one or more latching members (106) with the complementary one or more latching knobs (108) are provided in the energy storage enclosure assembly (100).
[00062] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination of the one or more latching members (106) and the one or more latching knobs (108) can be linked to 15 a locking unit (not shown) which secures only authorized access to the one or more energy storage units (102). The locking unit may comprise of a control unit connected to a memory which authorizes access upon receipt of an authenticated pattern, key, alphanumeric code, or even the scanning of a matrix barcode or barcode by an authorized user’s electronic device such as a personal digital 20 assistant. In another embodiment, the locking unit may comprise of a mechanical lock configured to receive a key. In another embodiment, the locking unit permits access to the one or more energy storage units (102) upon receipt of a signal through wireless communication such as Bluetooth, infrared, electromagnetic, radio wave, IEEE 802.11, ethernet, WLAN from an authorized electronic device. 25
[00063] Figure 1 illustrates a simple mechanical lock where the one or more locking members (106) are provided with a cavity configured to engage with the one or more locking knobs (108).
[00064] In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage units (102) is integrated with a handle (110) provided in a top external surface of the one or 30
more energy storage units (102). The handle (110) permits ease of egress of the one or more energy storage units (102) when disposed in the enclosure (104).
[00065] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
5
[00066] With reference to Figure 2, 102a – 102f denotes a plurality of external surfaces of the one or more energy storage units, 104a-104d denotes a plurality of side members of the enclosure, 104e denotes a base member of the enclosure, 202 denotes a second set of connection terminals, 204 denotes one or more guiding protrusions and 206 denotes one or more guiding slots. 10
[00067] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f). The enclosure (104) comprises a base member (104e) and a plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d). The enclosure (104) additionally comprises a second set of connection terminals (202) disposed on a pre-defined portion of the base member 15 (104e). One or more guiding protrusions (204) are provided along one or more external surfaces (102c, 102e) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102). Further, one or more guiding slots (206) are provided along the internal surfaces of at least one of the plurality of side members (104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104). 20
[00068] In an aspect, the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) illustrates a quadrilateral shape extended in a third dimension, however the same shall not be construed as a limitation but merely an illustration on the shape of the one or more energy storage units (102) which may be any type of polygonal. The plurality of 25 external surfaces 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e illustrates a plurality of sides of each energy storage unit (102) of the one or more energy storage units (102). 102a illustrates a top external surface of each energy storage unit (102) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and 102f illustrates a bottom external surface of each energy storage unit (102) of the one or more energy storage units (102). In an 30
embodiment, one or more energy storage units (102) is integrated with the handle (110) provided on the top external surface (102a) of the one or more energy storage units (102). [00069] In an aspect, the enclosure (104) comprises a base member (104e) and a plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d). Figure 2 illustrates the base
5 member (104e) to have a quadrilateral shape, however the same shall not be construed as limitative but must be perceived as an illustration. The base member (104e) is to have a polygonal shape configured to accommodate the one or more energy storage units (102). The base member (104e) as illustrated forms the bottom surface of the enclosure (104) on which the one or more energy storage 10 units (102) is disposed. In an embodiment, the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) extend perpendicularly along an up-down axis (ZZ’) of the base member (104e). In association with the shape of the base member (104e) the number of side members vary so as to securely enclose the one or more energy storage units (102) disposed within the enclosure (104). 15
[00070] In an aspect, the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are configured to interface with the plurality of external surfaces (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e) comprising the plurality of sides of the one or more energy storage units (102) to enclose the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00071] In an embodiment, the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 20 104d) extend perpendicularly along an up-down axis (ZZ’) from the periphery of the base member (104e) up to the height of the one or more energy storage units (102) so as to completely enclose the one or more energy storage units (102) from the plurality of sides (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e). The complete enclosure of the plurality of sides (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e) of the one or more energy storage units 25 (102) by the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure protects the one or more energy storage units (102) against external environmental factors, impacts from vicinity, as well as arrests movement of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00072] In another embodiment, the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) extend perpendicularly along an up-down axis (ZZ’) from the periphery of the base member (104e) up to a pre-defined height of the one or more energy storage units (102). The pre-defined height being based on the material strength and the minimum height of plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d)
5 required to arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) in the enclosure (104). In another embodiment, the pre-defined height is in the range of 5cm to 15cm to arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) and save on material costs of the enclosure.
[00073] As an illustration, in the event the energy storage enclosure assembly 10 (100) be disposed in a vehicle, owing to vehicle riding and road conditions, vibrations are imperatively transmitted onto the internal components of the vehicle. To restrict the movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) in the enclosure (104), the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are configured to extend up to a pre-defined height being up to a height of the one or 15 more energy storage units.
[00074] In an aspect, a second set of connection terminals (202) is disposed on a pre-defined portion of the base member (104e).
[00075] In an aspect, a pre-defined clearance is maintained between the one or more external surfaces (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy 20 storage units (102) and the internal surfaces of the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) to ensure secure disposition of the one or more energy storage units (102) in the enclosure (104). The pre-defined clearance facilitates easy removal or egress and ingress of the one or more energy storage units (102) from the enclosure (104). Further, the pre-defined clearance also restricts 25 movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) along one or more axes when disposed in the enclosure (104).
[00076] In an embodiment, the enclosure (104) is provided with one or more latching members (106) disposed along one or more side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104), wherein the one or more latching members 30
(106) is configured to structurally engage and disengage with one or more latching knobs (108) provided on one or more external surfaces (102a) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102). The configuration of the one or more latching knobs (108) with the one or more latching members (106) ensures secure 5 disposition and arrested movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) in the enclosure (104).
[00077]
Figure 2 additionally illustrates an embodiment of the one or more locking knobs (108) comprising of a protrusion extending from a top external surface of the one or more energy storage units (102) configured to snap fit into a 10 cavity provided in the one or more locking members (106).
[00078] In another embodiment, a plurality of perforations (not shown) is provided along at least one of the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104) to provide ventilation to the one or more energy storage units (102). In another embodiment, the plurality of perforation on the at 15 least one of the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104) are disposed in a region adjacent to a surface of the one or more energy storage unit (102) having one or more venting valves (not shown). The disclosed configuration would provide a shorter path for the removal of the smoke and other undesirable gases from the one or more energy storage units (102) 20 during thermal runaway.
[00079] In an exemplary embodiment, when the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) is disposed in a vehicle, the plurality of perforations on the one or more side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure is provided such that in the event of thermal runaway, the plurality of perforations direct the smoke 25 and undesirable gases expelled from the one or more energy storage units (102) towards a rear of the vehicle to ensure occupant safety.
[00080] In an aspect, at least one side member (104c, 104d) of the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104) comprises one or more guiding slots (206) provided along the internal surfaces of the at least one of the 30
plurality of side members (104c, 104d). Additionally, a plurality of guiding protrusions (204) is provided along one or more external surfaces (102c, 102e) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
The one or more guiding slots (206) of the enclosure (104) is designed so as to interface with the one or more guiding 5 protrusions (204) provided on the one or more energy storage units (102). [00081]
In an aspect, a pre-defined gap (a) is provided between adjacent guiding slots (206) of the one or more guiding slots (206) and the same pre-defined gap (a) is provided between the one or more guiding protrusions (204) of the one or more energy storage unit (102). The customization of the pre-defined gap for 10 disposition of the one or more energy storage units (102) into the enclosure (104) ensures that only a specific disposition of the one or more energy storage units (102) is achieved without any scope for misalignment in the enclosure (104).
[00082] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more components, in accordance with 15 some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00083] With reference to Figure 3, 302 denotes a first set of connection terminal, 304 denotes one or more external loads connected to the enclosure (104).
[00084] In an aspect, the first set of connection terminal (302) disposed on a top external surface (102f) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 20 102d, 102e, 102f). The first set of connection terminal (302) serve as an output terminal for the one or more energy storage units (102) to supply energy from the one or more energy storage units (102). The energy supplied is dependent on the available state of charge of the one or more energy storage units and the requisite electrical energy of the one or more external loads (304). 25
[00085] In an aspect, the one or more external loads (304) is electrically connected to the second set of connection terminals (202) of the enclosure (104). A wiring harness extends from an external surface of the base member (104e) of the enclosure (104) to connect the second set of connection terminals (202) to the
one or more external loads (304). To ensure the sanctity and safety of the wiring harness connecting the enclosure (104) and the one or more external loads (304) the wiring harness disposed in an accessible portion below the base member (104e) of the enclosure (104). The configuration of the wiring harness protects the electrical connection from unauthorized access, manipulation and external
5 impacts. [00086] In an embodiment, the one or more external loads (304) is one or more components of vehicle. The one or more components of the vehicle may be a powertrain of a vehicle such as a motor, ancillary components of the vehicle such as headlights, instrument cluster, tail lamps, or any other electrical and electronic
10 component configured to draw electric current for its operation.
[00087] In an aspect, the second set of connection terminals (202) of the enclosure is configured to detachably engage with the first set of connection terminals (302) of the one or more energy storage units (102) upon disposition of the one or more energy storage unit (102) in the enclosure (104). 15
[00088] In an aspect, the enclosure (104) is disposed in a vehicle or an electrical equipment configured to draw energy from one or more energy storage units (102). The second set of connection terminals (202) disposed in a pre-defined portion of a base member (104e) of the enclosure (104) is electrically connected to one or more external loads (304). 20
[00089] During operation of the one or more external loads (304), the one or more energy storage units (102) are disposed in the enclosure (104) such that the first set of connection terminals (302) of the one or more energy storage units (102) engages with the second set of connection terminals (202) of the enclosure (104). The disposition of the one or more energy storage units (102) in the enclosure 25 (104) with an electrical connection being established between the first set of connection terminals (302) and the second set of connection terminals (202) deems a secure electrical connection being established. Thereby, an electrical connection is established between the one or more energy storage units (102) and the one or more external loads (304) through the enclosure (104), allowing the one 30
or more external loads (304) to draw energy from the one or more energy storage units (102). [00090]
In the operational configuration of the energy storage enclosure assembly (100), the one or more energy storage units (102) supplies electrical energy to the one or more external loads (304) or when disposed in a charging station the one or 5 more energy storage units (102) draws electrical energy from an output terminal of the charging station.
[00091] In an embodiment, when the one or more energy storage units (102) securely sits on the base member (104e) of the enclosure (104) with the first set of connection terminals (302) securely engaging with the second set of connection 10 terminals (202), the plurality of side members (104a-104d) surrounding the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102). Thereby, the one or more external surfaces (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) interfaces 15 with the internal surface of the base member (104e) and the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104).
[00092] In an aspect, to ensure that the first set of connection terminals (302) engages securely with the second set of connection terminals (202), the second set of connection terminals (202) is disposed in a pre-defined portion of the base 20 member (104e) of the enclosure (104). The pre-defined portion of the base member (104e) is an internal surface of the base member (104e), such that the external surface (102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) provided with the first set of connection terminals (302) interfaces with the internal surface of the base member (104e). Additionally, the pre-defined portion is a portion of 25 the base member (104e) where the first set of connection terminal (302) and the second set of connection terminal (202) being aligned along a same axis A-A', wherein the axis A-A' being perpendicular to the base member (104e). The disposition of the second set of connection terminals (202) is the pre-defined portion ensures that by simple disposition of the one or more energy storage units 30
(102) upon the base member (104e), the
first set of connection terminals (302) securely engages with the second set of connection terminals (202). Further, the provision of one or more guiding slots (206) along the internal surfaces of the at least one of the plurality of side members (104c, 104d) deters the interchangeability of disposition of the one or more energy storage units (102), 5 further validating the positioning of the second set of connection terminals (202) in the pre-defined portion. [00093] The second set of connection terminal (202) of the enclosure (104) in conjunction with the first set of connection terminal (202) of the one or more energy storage units (102) engages and disengages to connect and disconnect the 10 established electrical connection with the one or more external loads (304).
[00094] In an embodiment, one of the first set of connection terminals (302) and the second set of connection terminal (202) is provided with one or more metal protrusions configured to engage with one or more mating provisions being provided on the remaining of the first set of connection terminals (302) and the 15 second set of connection terminal (202).
[00095] In another embodiment, the structure of one of the second set of connection terminals (202) and the first set of connection terminals (302) comprises of at least two metal protrusions extending from a base metal plate, where the at least two metal protrusions are a positive terminal and a negative 20 terminal configured to engage with the remaining of the second set of connection terminals (202) and the first set of connection terminals (302). The structure of the remaining of the first set of connection terminals (302) and the second set of connection terminals (202) comprises of at least two depressions existent on a base metal plate, where the at least two depressions are a positive and negative 25 terminal configured to engage with the one of the first set of connection terminals (302) and the second set of connection terminals (202).
[00096] In an embodiment, when the one or more energy storage units (102) is not disposed in the enclosure (104), the second set of connection terminal (202) is covered by a rotatable plate made of a material having minimal thickness such 30
that it does not disrupt the pre-defined clearances existent between the energy storage units and the enclosure. [00097] In a vehicle, the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) is disposed in at least one of: below a floorboard of the vehicle, below a seat and below a utility space of the vehicle. The utility space in a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-
5 wheeler or multi-axle vehicles are conventionally disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle. In a two-wheeler, the utility space is at a rear portion of the vehicle below a seat frame and above an axis passing through the floorboard.
[00098] In an embodiment, energy storage enclosure assembly (100) is disposed in a charging station configured to supply electrical energy to one or more energy 10 storage units (102).
[00099] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms 15 “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[000100] The disclosed claimed limitations and the disclosure provided herein provides an energy storage enclosure assembly. The claimed invention in an 20 aspect provides enhanced operational environmental safety and promotes inculcation of principles of swappable technology in the electric vehicle infrastructure in accordance with the disclosure of the present subject matter.
[000101] he present disclosure provides an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising one or more energy storage units and an enclosure 25 configured to receive the one or more energy storage units. A first set of connection terminal is disposed on a bottom external surface of the one or more energy storage units. The first set of connection terminal supply the energy stored in the one or more energy storage units. A second set of connection terminal is disposed on a base member of the enclosure. The second set of connection 30
terminal is connected to one or more external load. The second set of connection terminal of the enclosure detachably engages with the first set of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage units, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the one or more energy storage units and the one or more external load. 5 [000102] As an illustration, the engagement of the first set of connection terminal with the second set of connection terminal is deemed satisfied when the one or more energy storage units sits on the base member of the enclosure. Further, the plurality of side members of the enclosure may partially or fully cover one or more external surfaces of the one or more energy storage units and the first 10 set of connection terminals engaging with the second set of connection terminals. Thereby by simple ingress and egress of the one or more energy storage units from the enclosure, the electrical path between the one or more energy storage units and the one or more external loads are connected and disconnected. For facilitating swapping, a discharged one or more energy storage units can be 15 replaced by a charged one or more energy storage units and be disposed in the enclosure.
[000103] In an aspect, the disclosed configuration of the energy storage enclosure assembly also incorporates mechanisms directed to arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units in the enclosure to ensure reliable secure engagement of 20 the first set of connection terminal with the second set of connection terminal.
[000104] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. 25
[000105] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, 30
the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims. [000106] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration 5 and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[000107] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further 10 appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[000108] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various 15 changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the 20 present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We claim:
1. An energy storage enclosure assembly (100), the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) comprising:
one or more energy storage units (102), the one or more energy storage units (102) comprising: 5
a plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f), and
a first set of connection terminal (302) disposed on a bottom external surface (102f) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) and configured to supply 10 energy from the one or more energy storage units (102); and
an enclosure (104), the enclosure (104) configured to receive the one or more energy storage units (102), and wherein the enclosure (104) comprising:
a base member (104e), 15
wherein a second set of connection terminal (202) being disposed on a pre-defined portion of the base member (104e), and
wherein the second set of connection terminal (202) being configured to securely and detachably engage with 20 the first set of connection terminal (302) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
2. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure (104) comprising a plurality of side members (104a, 25 104b, 104c, 104d) extending from the base member (104e) and being configured to enclose the one or more energy storage units (102);
wherein a pre-defined clearance being maintained between the one or more external surfaces (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and internal surfaces of the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) to ensure secure disposition of the one or more energy storage units (102) in the enclosure (104). 5
3. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined portion of the base member (104e) being:
an internal surface of the base member (104e); and
the first set of connection terminal (302) and the second set of 10 connection terminal (202) being aligned along a same axis A-A', wherein the axis A-A' being perpendicular to the base member (104e).
.
4. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, 15 wherein the second set of connection terminals (202) being electrically connected to one or more external loads (304), and upon engagement of the first set of connection terminal (302) with the second set of connection terminal (202) an electrical connection being formed between the one or more external loads (304) and the one or more energy storage units (102). 20
5. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one side member (104c, 104d) of the plurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104) comprising of 25 one or more guiding slots (206) being provided along the internal surfaces of at least one of the plurality of side members (104c, 104d); and
wherein the one or more guiding slots (206) of the enclosure (104) being configured to interface with the one or more guiding protrusions (204) provided along one or more external surfaces (102c, 102e) of the 30
plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
6.The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5,wherein a pre-defined gap (a) being provided between adjacent guiding5 slots (206) of the one or more guiding slots (206) configured to interfacewith the one or more guiding protrusions (204) of the one or more energystorage unit (102) separated by the pre-defined gap (a).
7.The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,10 wherein a plurality of perforations being provided along at least one of theplurality of side members (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104)to provide sufficient ventilation to the one or more energy storage units(102).
15
8.The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,wherein the enclosure (104) being provided with one or more latchingmembers (106) disposed along one or more side members (104a, 104b,104c, 104d) of the enclosure (104), wherein the one or more latchingmembers (106) being configured to structurally engage and disengage with20 one or more latching knobs (108) provided on one or more externalsurfaces (102a) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c,102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
9.The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1,25 wherein the one or more energy storage units (102) being integrated with ahandle (110) provided in a top external surface (102a) of the one or moreenergy storage units (102).