Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of compressors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a simple, compact, and efficient compressor system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).

BACKGROUND
[0002] In various systems utilizing air convection for cooling purposes, particularly in heavy-duty equipment such as chargers and mechanical devices, maintaining cleanliness and preventing dust accumulation is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Conventional methods rely on air filters positioned at an inlet to capture dust particles and debris before they enter the system. However, while effective in trapping contaminants, these filters inherently introduce resistance to airflow due to dust blocking the pores of the system, impacting an efficiency of a cooling process. An air filter membrane accumulates dust over time, its pore spaces become increasingly clogged, leading to a significant rise in the airflow resistance. Therefore, performance of electrical and mechanical components in the system gradually deteriorates, resulting in reduced cooling efficiency, or, in severe cases, complete airflow obstruction.
[0003] Moreover, the existing solutions to mitigate the above problem involves either periodic replacement of the air filters or utilizing filters with low porosity to minimize dust accumulation. However, both solutions present significant drawbacks. The former is operationally burdensome and costly, relying on a reactive maintenance model that disrupts system operation and incurs high operating expenses. Meanwhile, the latter compromises the primary function of air filtration, as the filters with low porosity may fail to adequately capture fine dust particles, thus failing to maintain a desired level of cleanliness within the system.
[0004] Further, another prevalent issue encountered in existing systems is reliant on air convection cooling. The external ambient air, serving as the primary coolant, introduces a degree of unpredictability into a thermal regulation process. The inherent variability in external ambient temperatures directly impacts the utilization temperature of the entire system. Consequently, the input temperature, coupled with the thermal dissipation resulting from electrical or mechanical operations, yields an output temperature subjected to fluctuations by uncontrollable environmental factors.
[0005] This dependency on external ambient air temperature leads to diminished efficiency and compromised performance across various electrical and mechanical systems. The electrical components may experience derating as the temperatures exceed prescribed thresholds, hampering functionality, and potentially compromising safety. Concurrently, the mechanical systems may suffer from accelerated wear and reduced lifespan due to prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.
[0006] There is, therefore, a well-established need in the art to overcome the above-mentioned problems by providing a simple, compact, and efficient compressor system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] A general object of the present disclosure is to overcome the problems associated with the existing compressors, by providing a simple, compact, efficient, and cost-effective system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to clean an air filter without any human intervention.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to detect choking up of the air filter.
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to clean the air filter at desired intervals.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to circulate compressed air through the intake air filter to lower a temperature within the EVSE which is raised by heat emitted by electrical and mechanical components within the EVSE.

SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to the field of compressors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a simple, compact, and efficient compressor system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
[0013] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a compressor system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). The compressor system includes an air filter. The air filter is disposed within a housing and electrically connected to the EVSE. The compressor system in addition includes an air compressor which is operatively connected to the air filter. The air compressor is configured to clean the air filter by blowing compressed air towards the air filter. The compressor system in addition includes a microcontroller which is electrically connected to the air compressor. The microcontroller is configured to monitor one or more parameters within the compressor system. The microcontroller performs at least one action based on the one or more parameters.
[0014] In an embodiment, the air compressor of the compressor system may be configured to expel dust accumulated in the air filter out of the compressor system. The dust may be expelled by blowing the compressed air towards the air filter through a dispensing mechanism.
[0015] In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the compressor system may be operatively connected to a sensing unit.
[0016] In an embodiment, the sensing unit of the compressor system may include at least one of air flow sensors and at least one temperature sensor.
[0017] In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the compressor system may be configured to measure an air velocity within the compressor system using the sensing unit. The microcontroller may actuate the air compressor to facilitate cleaning of the air filter upon detection of the air velocity being less than a predetermined threshold value.
[0018] In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the compressor system may be configured with an alerting mechanism when the air velocity continues to be less than the predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold valve of the air velocity may be determined subsequent to an initial actuation of the air compressor for cleaning the air filter.
[0019] In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the compressor system may be configured to continuously monitor internal and external temperatures of the EVSE through the sensing unit. The microcontroller in addition may be configured to detect that the internal temperature of the EVSE raises above a predefined threshold limit. Further, the microcontroller may trigger the air compressor to direct the compressed air to flow into the EVSE to facilitate cooling of one or more electrical and mechanical components of the EVSE.
[0020] In an embodiment, the at least one action performed by the microcontroller may include at least one of cleaning of the air filter and cooling of the EVSE.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example schematic view of an electric vehicle.
[0024] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate block diagrams of a compressor system with air flow sensors integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate block diagrams of the compressor system with temperature sensors integrated with an EVSE, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0027] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0028] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.
[0029] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0030] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0031] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in FIG. 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in FIG. 2.
[0034] An Electric Vehicle (EV) or a battery powered vehicle including, and not limited to, two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles; three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV. Furthermore, the electric vehicle may have at least one wheel which is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member which allows traversal of the electric vehicle over a path. The types of EVs include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
[0035] In construction, as shown in FIG. 1, an EV (10) typically comprises a battery or battery pack (12) enclosed within a battery casing and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board charger (14), a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor (16) and an electric transmission system (18). The primary function of the above-mentioned elements is detailed in the subsequent paragraphs: The battery of an EV (10) (also known as Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or traction battery) is re-chargeable in nature and is the primary source of energy required for the operation of the EV, wherein the battery (12) is typically charged using the electric current taken from the grid through a charging infrastructure (20). The battery may be charged using Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC), wherein in case of AC input, the on-board charger (14) converts the AC signal to DC signal after which the DC signal is transmitted to the battery via the BMS. However, in case of DC charging, the on-board charger (14) is bypassed, and the current is transmitted directly to the battery via the BMS.
[0036] The battery (12) is made up of a plurality of cells which are grouped into a plurality of modules in a manner in which the temperature difference between the cells does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. The terms “battery”, “cell”, and “battery cell” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any of a variety of different rechargeable cell compositions and configurations including, but not limited to, lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver zinc, or other battery type/configuration. The term “battery pack” as used herein may be referred to multiple individual batteries enclosed within a single structure or multi-piece structure. The individual batteries may be electrically interconnected to achieve a desired voltage and capacity for a desired application. The Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system whose primary function is to ensure that the battery (12) is operating safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously monitors different parameters of the battery such as temperature, voltage, current and so on, and communicates these parameters to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Motor Controller Unit (MCU) in the EV using a plurality of protocols including and not limited to Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol which facilitates the communication between the ECU/MCU and other peripheral elements of the EV (10) without the requirement of a host computer.
[0037] The MCU primarily controls/regulates the operation of the electric motor based on the signal transmitted from the vehicle battery, wherein the primary functions of the MCU include starting of the electric motor (16), stopping the electric motor (16), controlling the speed of the electric motor (16), enabling the vehicle to move in the reverse direction and protect the electric motor (16) from premature wear and tear. The primary function of the electric motor (16) is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, wherein the converted mechanical energy is subsequently transferred to the transmission system of the EV to facilitate movement of the EV. Additionally, the electric motor (16) also acts as a generator during regenerative braking (i.e., kinetic energy generated during vehicle braking/deceleration is converted into potential energy and stored in the battery of the EV). The types of motors generally employed in EVs include, but are not limited to DC series motor, Brushless DC motor (also known as BLDC motors), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), Three Phase AC Induction Motors and Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM).
[0038] The transmission system (18) of the EV (10) facilitates the transfer of the generated mechanical energy by the electric motor (16) to the wheels (22a,22b) of the EV. Generally, the transmission systems (18) used in EVs include single speed transmission system and multi-speed (i.e., two-speed) transmission system, wherein the single speed transmission system comprises a single gear pair whereby the EV is maintained at a constant speed. However, the multi-speed/two-speed transmission system comprises a compound planetary gear system with a double pinion planetary gear set and a single pinion planetary gear set thereby resulting in two different gear ratios which facilitates higher torque and vehicle speed.
[0039] In one embodiment, all data pertaining to the EV (10) and/or charging infrastructure (20) are collected and processed using a remote server (known as cloud) (24), wherein the processed data is indicated to the rider/driver of the EV (10) through a display unit present in the dashboard (26) of the EV (10). In an embodiment, the display unit may be an interactive display unit. In another embodiment, the display unit may be a non-interactive display unit.
[0040] Embodiments explained herein relate to a simple, compact, and efficient compressor system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
[0041] According to an aspect, the compressor system which is integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) includes an air filter which is placed inside a housing. The air filter is connected to the EVSE for cleaning the air within the system. The compressor system can include an air compressor. The air compressor is configured for cleaning the air filter where the air compressor blows air towards the air filter to remove dust and debris. The compressor system comprises a microcontroller which is connected to the air compressor to monitor various aspects of the system and performs corresponding action to maintain optimum temperatures within the EVSE. This facilitates efficient functioning of the electrical and mechanical components. The microcontroller includes a sensing unit which includes sensors like air flow sensors and temperature sensors to gather data about the ambient temperature within the EVSE and outside the EVSE.
[0042] The microcontroller uses data from the sensors to make decisions. For example, if the microcontroller detects that the air velocity within the system is below a certain threshold, the microcontroller activates the air compressor to clean the air filter. The microcontroller of the compressor system can monitor one or more parameters within the compressor system. The one or more parameters may include, but are not limited to, the air velocity within the compressor system, the temperature within the compressor system, and the like. The microcontroller is configured for performing at least one action based on the one or more parameters. The at least one action can be cleaning of the air filter and/or cooling of the EVSE. In addition, the microcontroller monitors the temperature of the EVSE, such that upon detecting high temperature within the EVSE, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor to direct compressed air to cool down the EVSE's components. The microcontroller can perform another action of cooling down the electrical and mechanical components of the EVSE upon receiving the data received from the sensors. Moreover, the air compressor includes a nozzle, such that, when integrated with chargers or convection-based cooling systems, the air compressor blows a stream of air-jet into the electrical and mechanical components of the EVSE to cool off the heated components through the convection process.
[0043] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to FIGs. 2A-3B.
[0044] Referring to FIGs. 2A to 3B, in an aspect, the proposed compressor system (collectively designated as 100 herein) integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 200 is described. In an embodiment, the compressor system 100 can include an air filter 102, an air compressor 106, a microcontroller 108, and an exhaust fan 112.
[0045] In an embodiment, the air filter 102 may be positioned within a housing 104 of the compressor system 100. The air filter 102 may be electrically connected to the EVSE 200. In an embodiment, the air compressor 106 may be operatively connected to the air filter 102 to clean the air filter 102 positioned within the housing 104. In an embodiment, the air compressor 106 may blow air towards the air filter 102 through a dispensing mechanism, for example, a nozzle.
[0046] In an embodiment, the microcontroller 108 may be configured to monitor one or more parameters within the compressor system 100, and perform at least one action based on the one or more parameters. The one or more parameters may include, but are not limited to, an air velocity within the compressor system 100, a temperature within the compressor system 100, and the like. The at least one action can be cleaning of the air filter 102 and/or cooling of the EVSE 200.
[0047] In an embodiment, the microcontroller 108 may be configured for actuating the air compressor 106 to facilitate cleaning of the air filter 102, upon detecting that the air velocity is less than a predetermined threshold value using the sensing unit 110. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 108 may be operatively connected to a sensing unit 110. The sensing unit 110 may include, but not limited to, at least one air flow sensor 110-A, as illustrated in FIGs. 2A and 2B. The air flow sensor 110-A may be, for example, an anemometer. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 108 may include an alerting mechanism to alert an operator for cleaning the air filter 102 when the air velocity continues to be less than the predetermined threshold value subsequent to an initial actuation of the air compressor 106.
[0048] In an embodiment, the microcontroller 108 may be configured to continuously monitor internal and external temperatures of the EVSE 200 through the sensing unit 110, for example, the at least one temperature sensor 110-B, as illustrated in FIGs. 3A and 3B. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 108 may be configured to detect an increase or a decrease in the internal temperature of the EVSE 200. If the internal temperature of the EVSE 200 raises above a predefined threshold limit, the microcontroller 108 may be configured to trigger the air compressor 106 to direct the compressed air to flow into the EVSE 200. This may facilitate cooling of one or more electrical and mechanical components of the EVSE 200. The one or more electrical components of the EVSE 200 may include, but not limited to, a power input, a charging controller, a communication interface, and the like. The one or more mechanical components of the EVSE 200 may include, but not limited to, a charging connector, a cable management system, and the like.
[0049] In an embodiment, the air compressor 106-1 may be configured within the housing 104, as shown in FIG.2A. In an embodiment, the air compressor 106-2 may be configured outside the housing 104, as shown in FIG.2B. The air compressor 106-1, 106-2 may blow the compressed air towards the air filter 102 through a dispensing mechanism, for example, a nozzle.
[0050] In an embodiment, the air compressor 106-1,106-2 upon actuation may facilitate cleaning of the air filter 102 based on the air velocity measured within the compressor system 100 through the sensing unit 110. In an embodiment, the air compressor 106-1,106-2 may be configured to expel dust accumulated in the air filter 102 out of the compressor system 100 by blowing the compressed air towards the air filter 102 through the dispensing mechanism.
[0051] In an embodiment, the compressor system 100 in addition may perform another action of blowing an air-jet. In an embodiment, the air compressor 106-1 may be configured within the housing 104, as shown in FIG.3A. In an embodiment, the air compressor 106-2 may be configured outside the housing 104, as shown in FIG.3B. The air compressor 106-1,106-2 may blow the compressed air towards one or more electrical and mechanical components 202 of the EVSE 200 through the nozzle coupled to a hose of the air compressor 106-1,106-2.
[0052] In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 110-B1 within the housing 104 may measure the temperature within the housing 104 as the electrical and mechanical components 202 of the EVSE 200 emit heat while operating. The microcontroller 108 may be configured to actuate the air compressor 106-1,106-2 for blowing compressed air into the one or more electrical and mechanical components 202 of the EVSE 200 upon detecting that the temperature within the housing 104 is greater than the ambient temperature outside the housing 104, thereby reducing the heat therewithin by convection.
[0053] In an embodiment, the exhaust fan 112 of the compressor system 100 may be configured within the housing 104 such that the ambient air within the housing 104 can be sucked out. This may maintain an optimum temperature within the housing 104 for efficient performance and longevity of the one or more electrical and mechanical components 202 of the EVSE 200.
[0054] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0055] The present disclosure provides a simple, compact, efficient, and cost-effective system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
[0056] The present disclosure cleans an air filter without any human intervention.
[0057] The present disclosure detects choking of the air filter and takes necessary action in advance.
[0058] The present disclosure cleans an air filter at desired intervals.
[0059] The present disclosure circulates compressed air through an intake air filter to lower a temperature, within the EVSE, which is raised by heat emitted by the electrical and mechanical components within the EVSE.
, Claims:1. A compressor system integrated with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), the compressor system (100) comprising:
an air filter (102) disposed within a housing (104) and electrically connected to an EVSE (200);
an air compressor (106) operatively connected to the air filter (102) and configured to clean the air filter (102) by blowing compressed air towards the air filter (102); and
a microcontroller (108) electrically connected to the air compressor (106), wherein the microcontroller (108) is configured to monitor one or more parameters within the compressor system (100), and perform at least one action based on the one or more parameters.
2. The compressor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air compressor (106) is configured to expel dust accumulated in the air filter (102) out of the compressor system (100) by blowing the compressed air towards the air filter (102) through a dispensing mechanism.
3. The compressor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) is operatively connected to a sensing unit (110).
4. The compressor system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sensing unit (110) comprises at least one of: one or more air flow sensors (110-A) and one or more temperature sensors (110-B).
5. The compressor system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the microcontroller (108) is configured to measure, via the sensing unit (110), an air velocity within the compressor system (100), and actuate the air compressor (106) to facilitate cleaning of the air filter (102) based on a detection that the air velocity is less than a predetermined threshold value.
6. The compressor system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the microcontroller (108) is configured with an alerting mechanism when the air velocity continues to be less than the predetermined threshold value subsequent to an initial actuation of the air compressor (106) for cleaning the air filter (102).
7. The compressor system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the microcontroller (108) is configured to:
continuously monitor internal and external temperatures of the EVSE (200) through the sensing unit (110);
detect that the internal temperature of the EVSE (200) raises above a predefined threshold limit; and
trigger the air compressor (106) to direct the compressed air to flow into the EVSE (200) to facilitate cooling of one or more electrical and mechanical components of the EVSE (200).
8. The compressor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one action comprises at least one of: cleaning of the air filter (102) and cooling of the EVSE (200).