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.
BACKGROUND 5
[0002] The global energy transition to cleaner renewable energy resources has placed a huge dependency on rechargeable electrical energy storage systems. Rechargeable electrical energy storage systems (also referred to as REESS) provide electric energy for electrical propulsion. One of the significant challenges of rechargeable electrical energy storage systems used in mobility, have 10 limitations of driving range which requires frequent charging.
[0003] The presently developed rechargeable electrical energy storage systems have imperative constraints, some of them being associated with long charging time durations and over-heating. With reference to long charging time associated with rechargeable electrical energy storage systems, the installation of fast 15 charging stations 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%.
[0004] An effective drawback limiting market preference when it comes to the usage of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles has been linked to long charging 20 duration. The inclusion of battery swapping technology in the in-built infrastructure in electric driven vehicles and hybrid vehicles, would allow the flexibility of re-fueling that internal combustion engine vehicles have been providing all this time.
[0005] Battery swapping refers to the method of exchanging the discharged or 25 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 30 equipment using the electrical energy storage system, is the time required for
removal of the depleted electrical energy storage system and swapping it with a charged electrical energy storage system. [0006] Additionally, recent market research has demonstrated that battery swapping technology provides a more cost-effective alternative for daily consumption rates of 120 km and higher by reducing the overall cost per kilo watt
5 hour. Further, 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 vehicle framework have adopted battery swapping for enabling effective, efficient, safe and reliable battery-swapping infrastructure in 10 conjunction with the policy makers. Battery swapping also addresses space constraints of including multiple charging stations to serve the growing electric and hybrid vehicle demand.
[0007] In view of the requisite shift pertaining to development of electric mobility solutions towards a swappable nature of rechargeable electrical energy storage 15 system, 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 to circumvent the weariness, 20 exhaustiveness and space constraint associated with long charging duration at the charging stations of the energy storage packs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] 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 25 described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0009] 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 30
or more energy storage units comprising a plurality of external surfaces and a first set of connection terminal disposed on a top external surface of the plurality of external surfaces and configured to supply energy from the one or more energy storage units. The enclosure comprising a plurality of members is configured to cover the one or more energy storage units, wherein the plurality of members 5 comprising a top member, a second set of connection terminal being disposed on a pre-defined portion of the top member. The second set of connection terminal is electrically connected to one or more external loads at one end, and wherein the top member is operable between at least two pre-set positions. [00010] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention 10 additionally provides a first pre-set position of the at least two pre-set positions where the second set of connection terminal of the top member engages with the first set of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the 15 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.
[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 20 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 top perspective view of an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more components of the energy storage enclosure assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present 25 disclosure.
[00014] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more components of the energy storage
enclosure assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00015] Figure 3 illustrates rear perspective view of the energy storage enclosure assembly depicting one or more embodiments in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
5
[00016] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the energy storage enclosure assembly depicting the assembly of the one or more energy storage units in the enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00017] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the 10 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 system may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs 15 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.
[00018] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an 20 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, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an 25 embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00019] 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 forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be 30
thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. [00020] 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 5 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.
[00021] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will 10 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 spirit and scope of this subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at 15 suitable places.
[00022] 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, and 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 an external load configured to draw the 25 electrical energy from the energy storage device.
[00023] It is an object of the present subject matter to effectuate the application of swappable rechargeable electrical energy storage systems in existent infrastructure of vehicles.
[00024] To this end, the present subject matter provides an energy storage 30 enclosure assembly comprising of one or more energy storage units and an
enclosure. The enclosure is configured to cover the one or more energy storage units. In accordance with the disclosed configuration, a first set of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage units is configured to electrically connect with a second set of connection terminal of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is further electrically connected to one or more external loads. 5 [00025] The enclosure comprises a top member movably attached to the enclosure and operable between at least two pre-set positions. In the first pre-set position of the at least two pre-set positions, an electrical connection between the one or more energy storage units and one or more external loads is established through the enclosure. In the second pre-set position, the top member is configured to permit 10 removal of the one or more energy storage units from the enclosure.
[00026] The disclosed configuration of the enclosure with the one or more energy storage units promotes a swappable infrastructure in the electric vehicle framework, where the one or more energy storage units may be removed and placed in the enclosure as per charging requirements of the one or more energy 15 storage units.
[00027] Additionally, the present subject matter provides a flexibility of application of the one or more energy storage units based on the ethos of swappable technology.
[00028] The enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure is electrically 20 connected to one or more external loads. The one or more external loads may be 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 vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles and other forms of propulsion and mobility incorporating usage of one or more energy storage units configured to 25 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 assembly is designed with an intent of ease of adaptability in a variety of vehicle segments. 30
[00029] 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 where the energy storage enclosure assembly may be disposed in a designated charging station. The enclosure is connected to the output terminal of the charging station and is 5 configured to charge the one or more energy storage units through the electrical connection established between the output terminal of the charging station, the second set of connection terminal of the enclosure and the first set of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage units.
[00030] Additionally, even in-vehicle, the enclosure may be electrically connected 10 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.
[00031] With reference to the object of the present energy storage enclosure assembly relating to flexibility of application, the present configuration comprising of the one or more energy storage units enclosed in an enclosure can 15 be deployed in a charging station as well as a vehicle, and can be electrically connected with multiple varieties of loads capable of drawing electrical energy from the one or more energy storage units.
[00032] It is an object of the present subject matter to ensure secure charging of the one or more energy storage units disposed in the enclosure of the energy 20 storage enclosure assembly.
[00033] To this end, the enclosure comprises of a top member, where the second set of connection terminal is disposed on a pre-defined portion of the top member. In a closed position of the top member, the second set of connection terminal disposed on the top member engages with the first set of connection terminal of 25 the one or more energy storage units to establish a secure electrical connection. In an open position of the top member, the top member is configured to facilitate an ease of removal of the one or more energy storage units from the enclosure. In the open position of the top member, the second set of connection terminal disengages with the first set of connection terminal thus disconnecting the 30 established electrical connection and permitting removal of the one or more
energy storage units. In accordance with the present disclosure, the second set of connection terminal of the enclosure in conjunction with the first set of connection terminal of the one or more energy storage units engages and disengages to connect and disconnect the established electrical connection. [00034] Further, the moveable configuration of the top member of the enclosure 5 permits convenience and efficiency of removal of the one or more energy storage units from the enclosure. The top member disposition is achieved by at least one of removable, rotation based and sliding based.
[00035] In energy storage units involving conventional swapping technology, the energy storage units are disposed in a storage space using a plurality of locking 10 units which are operator enabled. Additionally, the electrical connection between the energy storage unit and the external load is established by wire connections which are again enabled by an operator.
[00036] The present subject matter relating to energy storage enclosure assembly negates the requirement of any manual intervention by an operator for 15 establishing a secure electrical connection further eliminates the cumbersome nature of including a plurality of locking units.
[00037] In accordance with the present disclosure, the one or more energy storage units are easily disposed in the enclosure by the disclosed configuration of the top member to an open position, which negates the requirement of plurality of locking 20 units disposed along the periphery of the one or more energy storage units. Additionally, the configuration of the top member to a closed position, secures the electrical connection between the one or more energy storage unit and the one or more external loads through the enclosure.
[00038] The elimination of requirements of plurality of locking units and wire 25 connection substantially reduces the overall component cost as well as maintenance cost. Wire connections are typically subjected to wear and tear owing to frequent usage by operators for connecting and disconnecting.
[00039] As per the present disclosure, one or more metal protrusions of the first set of connection terminals is configured to engage with one or more mating 30 provisions of the second set of connection terminals and vice versa. A disposition
of the top member in a closed position engages the first set of connection terminals with the second set of connection terminals. Thereby, the time take in connecting the energy storage unit with the external loads by wire connections is substantially reduced, improving the efficiency of the swappable technology. [00040] The present subject matter provides a venting portion on the enclosure to 5 ventilate the one or more energy storage units as well as facilitate removable of undesirable gases from the energy storage enclosure assembly in the event of thermal runaway.
[00041] In accordance with the disclosed configuration, at least one member of the enclosure is provided with a venting portion comprising of a plurality of 10 venting slots. The plurality of venting slots are aligned with reference to the one or more venting valves of the one or more energy storage units to facilitate easy removal of the undesirable gases and smoke generated in the one or more energy storage units during thermal runaway. In the event the energy storage enclosure assembly is used in a vehicle, the plurality of venting slots is positioned such that 15 the undesirable gases expelled during thermal runaway are directed towards a rear portion of the vehicle to ensure rider safety.
[00042] An additional advantage of the present subject matter is the disposition of the one or more energy storage units in the enclosure ensures protection of the one or more energy storage units against external environmental factors such as dirt, 20 mud and water as well as protects the one or more energy storage units against impact loads. A plurality of padding units configured to absorb vibrational loads and arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units inside the enclosure is provided in the energy storage enclosure assembly.
[00043] The present subject matter provides a combination of a first locking 25 member and a second locking member in conjunction with a plurality of padding units to effectively implement the application of the energy storage enclosure assembly in vehicles.
[00044] The combination of the first locking member and the second locking member arrests movement of the one or more energy storage units inside the 30 enclosure in a plurality of axes to ensure constant connection between the first set
of connection terminals of the one or more energy storage units and the second set of connection terminals of the enclosure. Vehicles during operation may be subjected to a variety of acting loads owing to road and weather conditions, in this situation it is deemed essential to ensure that a secure connection be maintained between the one or more energy storage units and the one or more external loads 5 through the enclosure. The plurality of padding units synchronously operate with the first locking member and the second locking member to internally restrict movement of the one or more energy storage units. [00045] In an embodiment, a keyhole configured to engage with a designated key may be provided in the top member of the enclosure in further enhance the safety 10 and anti-theft nature of the energy storage enclosure assembly.
[00046] 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.
[00047] The present subject matter discloses an energy storage enclosure 15 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 top member of the enclosure is configured to engage with the first set of connection terminal to establish an electrical connection. 20
[00048] In an embodiment, the energy storage enclosure assembly comprises of a venting portion for facilitating ventilation of the one or more energy storage units and providing a guideway for removal of undesirable gases from the energy storage enclosure assembly in the event of thermal runaway in the one or more energy storage units. 25
[00049] In another embodiment, the energy storage enclosure assembly comprises of a mechanism to arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units in the enclosure by providing a plurality padding units for absorbing vibrations and a combination of a first locking member and a second locking member for arresting movement of the one or more energy storage units inside the enclosure. 30
[00050] 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 5 principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00051] 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 10 described through the following embodiments depicting an energy storage unit.
[00052] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an energy storage enclosure assembly comprising of one or more components of the energy storage enclosure assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 15
[00053] With reference to figure 1, 100 denotes an energy storage enclosure assembly, 102 denotes one or more energy storage units, 104 denotes a first set of connection terminals, 106 denotes an enclosure, 108 denotes one or more venting valves. Further, 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e and 102f denote a plurality of external surfaces of the one or more energy storage units (102) while 106a, 106b, 20 106c, 106d, 106e and 106f denote a plurality of members of the enclosure (106).
[00054] The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) comprises one or more energy storage units (102) and an enclosure (106). The one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) and a first set of connection terminal (104). The enclosure (106) 25 comprises a plurality of members ((106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f), wherein the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) are configured to cover the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00055]
The one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a first set of connection terminal (104) disposed on at least one side of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f). The first set of connection terminal (104) 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). 5
[00056] In an embodiment, the first set of connection terminal (104) is disposed in a top external surface (102a) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00057] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units (102) used in the present disclosure shall be construed to include any electrical equipment configured to store electrical energy and may include a plurality of cells, a 10 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 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, 15 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 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 20 engine-based vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicle’s development and functioning.
[00058] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units (102) may rechargeable 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 25 a charged and a discharged state.
[00059] 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 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 30
(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). [00060] In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a battery management system and other suitable circuitry interfaces, and/or code 5 that is configured to work in cooperation with the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00061] In another embodiment, at least one external surface of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) is provided with a plurality of heat radiating units such as fins. 10
[00062] In an aspect, the first set of connection terminal (104) provide the electrical energy to one or more external loads, wherein the electrical energy supplied being dependent on the available state of charge of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00063] In an aspect, the enclosure (106) comprises the plurality of members 15 (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) which includes a top member (106e) movably attached to the enclosure (106). The top member (106e) is at least one of removable, rotation based and sliding based. In an embodiment, while the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106) are configured to be structurally integrated, the top member (106e) is the only 20 member of the enclosure permitting ingress and egress of the one or more energy storage units (102) from the enclosure (106).
[00064] The top member (106e) is configured to operate between at least two pre-set positions. A first pre-set position of the at least two pre-set positions being when the top member (106e) is in a closed position. In the closed position, the top 25 member (106e) of the enclosure (106) is disposed parallel to the at least the top external surface (102a) of the plurality of external surface (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) with an internal surface of the top member (106e) facing the at least one external surface (102a) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the 30
one or more energy storage units (102), thereby restricting movement of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00065]
A second pre-set position of the at least two pre-set position is an open position of the top member (106e). In the open position, the top member (106e) is at a disposition facilitating ease of removal of the one or more energy storage 5 units (102) from the enclosure (106). In the open position of the top member (106e), the one or more energy storage units (102) are permitted to ingress into the enclosure (106) as well as egress from the enclosure (106).
[00066] In an embodiment, the top member (106e) is configured to be removable from at least one direction of the enclosure (106). 10
[00067] In another embodiment, the top member (106e) is rotation based wherein the rotation of the top member (106e) being established along an edge of the top member (106e). As illustrated in Figure 1, the edge along with rotation of the top member (106e) is established is the edge existent between the top member (106e) and an adjacent member (106b) of the enclosure (106). 15
[00068] In another embodiment, the top member (106e) is sliding based when the top member (106e) is configured to slide along one of a longitudinal axis (XX’) or a lateral axis (YY’) of the top member (106e) along at least two opposite edges of the top member (106e). The top member (106e) may be configured to slide along the longitudinal axis (XX’) along the edges of a pair of adjacent members (106c, 20 106a). In another embodiment, the top member (106e) may be configured to slide along the lateral axis (YY’) along the edges of a pair of adjacent members (106d, 106b). In an aspect, the sliding nature of the top member (106e) being established by at least one of a slider mechanism and a plurality of ball bearings.
[00069] In an aspect, in a closed position of the top member (106e) when the one 25 or more energy storage units (102) are disposed in the enclosure (106), a pre-defined clearance exists between the plurality of external surface (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106).
The pre-defined clearance facilitates easy removal or egress and ingress of the one or more energy storage units (102) from the enclosure (106). Further, the pre-defined clearance also restricts movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) along one or more axes when disposed in the enclosure (106).
[00070] In an embodiment, the enclosure (106) is composed of a material being at
5 least one of plastic, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, stainless steel.
[00071] 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 and shape of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00072] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an energy storage 10 enclosure assembly comprising of one or more components of the energy storage enclosure assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00073] With reference to Figure 2, 202 denotes a second set of connection terminals and 204 denotes a plurality of padding units. 15
[00074] In an aspect, a second set of connection terminal (202) is disposed in a pre-defined portion of the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106). The second set of connection terminals (202) is configured to connect with the first set of connection terminals (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102) structurally and electrically. To this end, the first set of connection terminals (104) 20 being provided with one or more metal protrusions configured to engage with one or more mating provisions of the second set of connection terminals (202), and vice versa.
[00075] In an aspect, the pre-defined portion of the top member (106e) is an inner surface of the top member (106e) facing a top external surface (102a) of the one 25 or more energy storage units (102) comprising of the first set of connection terminal (104).
[00076] Further, the first set of connection terminal (104) 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 top member (106e). The first set of connection terminal (104) and the second set of connection terminal (202) being aligned along a same axis A-A' ensures secure engagement of the first set of connection terminal (104) with the second set of connection terminal (202).
[00077]
Further, in an exemplary embodiment the pre-defined portion for the 5 disposition of the second set of connection terminal (202) in in the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106) is determined based on the axis A-A’.
[00078] The disclosed configuration of the pre-defined portion is purposed to ensure secure connection or engagement of the second set of connection terminal (202) with the first set of connection terminal (104) in a first pre-set position of 10 the top member (106e) which is a closed position.
[00079] In an aspect, the second set of connection terminal (202) of the top member (106e) in a first pre-set position of the at least two pre-set positions is configured to engage with the first set of connection terminal (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102). Upon engagement of the second set of 15 connection terminal (202) of the top member (106e) with the first set of connection terminal (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102), the one or more energy storage unit (102) establishes an electrical connection with the second set of connection terminal (202).
[00080] In an aspect, a plurality of padding units (204) is disposed along at least 20 one of the longitudinal axis (XX’) and the lateral axis (YY’) of at least one of the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106). The plurality of padding units (204) may be composed of foam material or fibre material configured to absorb vibrational shocks the one or more energy storage units (102) may be subjected to. Further, an ancillary function of the plurality of 25 padding units (204) is to arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) inside the enclosure (106).
[00081] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the energy storage enclosure assembly depicting one or more embodiments in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00082] With reference to figure 3, 302 denotes a venting portion of the enclosure (106) and 304 denotes an edge of the enclosure (106). 5
[00083] In an aspect, a venting portion (302) comprising of a plurality of venting slots are provided on at least one member (106b) of the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106). The plurality of venting slots being positioned adjacent one or more venting valves (108) provided on a venting external surface (102e) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 10 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
[00084] The venting portion (302) is configured to facilitate ventilation of the one or more energy storage units (102) as well as direct undesirable gases generated in the one or more energy storage units (102) during thermal runaway towards an external environment. 15
[00085] In an embodiment, the plurality of venting slots of the enclosure (106) are positioned along co-linear axes to the one or more venting valves (108) provided on a venting external surface (106b) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102). The disclosed configuration of the venting portion (302) aligning with the one or more 20 venting valves (108) facilitates quick removal of undesirable gases from the one or more energy storage units (102) to the external environment in the event of thermal runaway.
[00086] Further, a venting channel of pre-defined gap is formed between the venting external surface (102e) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and 25 the at least one member (106b) of the enclosure (106) provided with the venting portion (302). The venting channel facilitates the release of undesirable gases from the one or more energy storage units (102) through the plurality of venting slots.
[00087] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the energy storage enclosure assembly depicting the assembly of the one or more energy storage units in the enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00088] With reference to figure 4, 402 denotes one or more external loads, 404 denotes a first locking member and 406 denotes a second locking member. 5
[00089] In an aspect, the second set of connection terminals (202) of the enclosure (106) is electrically connected to one or more external loads (402) at one end.
[00090] In an embodiment, the one or more external loads (402) 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 10 as headlights, instrument cluster, tail lamps, or any other electrical and electronic component configured to draw electric current for its operation. In a vehicle, the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) is disposed in at least one of: below a floorboard of the vehicle and below a utility space of the vehicle. The utility space in a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four wheeler or multi-axle vehicles are 15 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.
[00091] In the event the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) being disposed below a floorboard of the vehicle, a surface of the floorboard is configured to 20 interface with the top member (106e) of the enclosure to allow easy access to the one or more energy storage units (102) disposed in the floorboard region of the vehicle.
[00092] In the event the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) is disposed below a utility space of the vehicle, a surface of the utility space is configured to 25 interface with the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106). In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the utility space interfaces with the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106).
[00093] In another embodiment,
energy storage enclosure assembly (100) is disposed in a charging station configured to supply electrical energy to one or more energy storage units (102) simultaneously.
[00094] In operation, the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106) is configured to operate in at least two pre-set positions. In a first pre-set position of the at least 5 two pre-set positions, the second set of connection terminals (202) of the top member (106e) engages with the first set of connection terminals (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102). In the first pre-set position being a closed position of the top member (106e), an electrical connection is established between the first set of connection terminals (104) of the one or more energy storage units 10 (102) and the second set of connection terminals (202) of the enclosure (106). Additionally, as the second set of connection terminals (202) are externally connected to one or more external loads (402), a secure electrical connection is established between the one or more energy storage units (102) to the one or more external loads (402) through the enclosure (106). In this configuration, the one or 15 more energy storage units (102) supplies electrical energy to the one or more external loads (402) or when disposed in a charging station the one or more energy storage units (102) draws electrical energy from an output terminal of the charging station.
[00095] In a second pre-set position of the at least two pre-set positions, the 20 second set of connection terminals (202) of the top member (106e) disengages with the first set of connection terminals (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102). In the second pre-set position being an open position of the top member (106e), the electrical connection established between the first set of connection terminals (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and the 25 second set of connection terminals (202) of the enclosure (106) is disconnected. Subsequently, the electrical connection established between the one or more energy storage units (102) and the one or more external loads (402) is disconnected. In the second pre-set position, the top member (106e) is configured
to facilitate ingress and egress of the one or more energy storage units (102) from the enclosure (106).
[00096] Thus, the second set of connection terminal (202) of the enclosure (106) in conjunction with the first set of connection terminal (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102) engages and disengages to connect and disconnect the 5 established electrical connection with the one or more external loads (402).
[00097] In an aspect, the enclosure (106) comprises a first locking member (404) disposed on an edge of the top member (106e), and a second locking member (406) disposed on at least one member (106d) of the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106f) adjacent to the top member (106e). The first locking 10 member (404) is configured to engage with the second locking member (406) when the top member (106e) is in the first pre-set position being the closed position. The first locking member (404) is configured to disengage with the second locking member (406) when the top member (106e) is in the second pre-set position being an open position. 15
[00098] In operation, the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) when used in a vehicle, is subjected to vibrational and impact loads owing to riding as well as road conditions. The disclosed configuration of the first locking member (404) and the second locking member (406) in the first pre-set position arrests movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) inside the enclosure 20 (106) thereby ensuring a secure electrical connection between the first set of connection terminals (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and the second set of connection terminals (202) of the enclosure (106).
[00099] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some 25 embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “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. 30
[000100] The disclosed claimed limitations and the disclosure provided herein provides an energy storage enclosure assembly. The claimed invention in an 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. 5
[000101] In an aspect, the disclosed configuration of the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) incorporates mechanisms directed to arrest movement of the one or more energy storage units (102) in the enclosure (106) by providing a plurality of padding units (204) and a combination of a first locking member (404) and a second locking member (406). 10
[000102] Additionally, to facilitate removal of undesirable gases from the enclosure (106) in the event of thermal runaway occurring in the one or more energy storage units (102) a venting portion (302) is provided in at least one member of the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106). 15
[000103] 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,
[000104] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally 20 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, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not 25 limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[000105] 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
and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. [000106] 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 5 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.
[000107] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various 10 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 15 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 (104) disposed on a top external surface (102a) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) and configured to supply energy 10 from the one or more energy storage units (102); and
an enclosure (106), the enclosure (106) comprising a plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) configured to cover the one or more energy storage units (102),
wherein a top member (106e) of the plurality of members 15 (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) being movably attached to the enclosure (106) ,
wherein a second set of connection terminal (202) being disposed on a pre-defined portion of the top member (106e),
wherein the top member (106e) being operable between at 20 least two pre-set positions,
wherein in a first pre-set position of the at least two pre-set positions, the second set of connection terminal (202) of the top member (106e) engages with the first set of connection terminal (104) of the one or more energy 25 storage units (102).
2. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pre-set position being a closed position:
wherein the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106) being disposed parallel to at least the top external surface (102a) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f), and 5
wherein an internal surface of the top member (106e) facing at least the top external surface (102a) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f).
3.The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, 10 wherein a second pre-set position of the at least two pre-set positions being an open position:
wherein the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106) being at a disposition facilitating ease of removal of the one or more energy storage units (102) from the enclosure (106), 15
wherein the disposition of the top member (106e) being achieved by at least one of removable, rotation based and sliding based configuration.
4. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, 20 wherein the top member (106e) being:
rotation based when rotation of the top member (106e) being established along an edge (304) of the top member (106e); and
sliding based when the top member (106e) being configured to slide along one of a longitudinal axis (XX’) or a lateral axis (YY’) of the 25 top member (106e) along at least two opposite edges of the top member (106e).
5. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined portion of the top member (106e) being: 30
an inner surface of the top member (106e) facing at least the top external surface (102a) of the one or more energy storage units (102) comprising the first set of connection terminal (104), and
wherein the first set of connection terminal (104) and the second set of connection terminal (202) being aligned along a same axis A-A', 5 wherein the axis A-A' being perpendicular to the top member (106e).
6. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon engaging of the second set of connection terminal (202) of the top member (106e) with the first set of connection terminal (104) of 10 the one or more energy storage units (102), the one or more energy storage unit (102) establishes an electrical connection with the second set of connection terminal (202),
wherein the second set of connection terminal (202) being electrically connected to one or more external loads (402). 15
7. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of connection terminals (104) being provided with one or more metal protrusions configured to engage with one or more mating provisions of the second set of connection terminals (202), and vice versa. 20
8. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more external loads (402) being one or more components of a vehicle, wherein the energy storage enclosure assembly (100) being disposed in at least one of: 25
below a floorboard of the vehicle; and
below a utility space of the vehicle,
wherein the utility space being at a rear portion of the vehicle below a seat frame and above an axis passing through the floorboard, 30
wherein a surface of the utility space interfacing with the top member (106e) of the enclosure (106).
9. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure (106) comprising: 5
a first locking member (404) disposed on an edge of the top member (106e),
a second locking member (406) disposed on at least one member (106d) of the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106f) adjacent to the top member (106e), 10
wherein the first locking member (404) being configured to engage and disengage with the second locking member (406).
10. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of padding units (204) being disposed along at least 15 one of the longitudinal axis (XX’) and the lateral axis (YY’) of at least one of the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106).
11.The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, 20 wherein a pre-defined clearance existing between the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106) when the one or more energy storage units (102) being disposed in the enclosure (106). 25
12. The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one member (106b) of the plurality of members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, 106f) of the enclosure (106) being provided with a venting portion (302) comprising of a plurality of venting slots, 30
wherein the plurality of venting slots being positioned adjacent one or more venting valves (108) provided on a venting external surface (102e) of the plurality of external surfaces (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
5
13.The energy storage enclosure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12,wherein a venting channel of a pre-defined gap being formed between
the venting external surface (102e) of the one or more energy storage units (102), and
the at least one member (106b) of the enclosure (106) provided 10 with the venting portion (302),
wherein the venting channel being configured to facilitate the release of undesirable gases from the one or more energy storage units (102)to an external environment.