Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for managing batteries in a vehicle and more particularly in vehicles which run at least partly on electric power such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and the like. The present application is a patent of addition with respect to the Indian patent application 202241019770.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Today, technological development and research is directed towards producing environment-friendly vehicles keeping in mind the reduction of fossil fuels. Accordingly, electric vehicles are a more suitable option as they are non-polluting and reliable in terms of linear performance. Pollution has been a major concern and electric vehicles are quite a relief as they are far better for the environment. Whereas vehicles with combustion engines running on fuel such as diesel, petrol and the like burn fuel and emit harmful gases, electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gases and air pollution.
[0003] With electric vehicles (EVs) gaining popularity, it is important to ensure the proper functioning and safety of their battery systems. The battery is a crucial component of an EV, and its performance impacts the vehicle's range, efficiency, and overall driving experience. Therefore, there is a need to provide timely information to the driver about the battery status and health to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle.
[0004] In addition to the battery information displayed on the vehicle's dashboard, remote alerts are also important to ensure that the driver is constantly informed about the battery's status and health. By receiving alerts on their smartphone or other mobile device, drivers can monitor the battery from anywhere, which provides an added level of convenience and peace of mind. This feature allows drivers to stay informed about the battery's condition even when they are not physically present in the vehicle. It is a practical solution that helps drivers stay on top of their vehicle's maintenance needs and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
[0005] In addition, alarms regarding malfunction and damages in the battery system are necessary to detect any potential danger as soon as possible and alert the driver and the people in the vicinity of the vehicle to take appropriate action. This is particularly important because EV battery malfunctions and damages can be dangerous and pose a significant safety risk to the driver and the people in the vicinity of the vehicle.
[0006] Moreover, to ensure the safety of people in the vicinity of the vehicle, it is crucial to provide alarms that can be heard by them in case of any malfunction or damages in the battery system. This is especially important when the driver is not in the area.
[0007] Also, anti-theft alert system is highly effective at preventing unintended handling or unauthorized access and thus are coveted. In the event of any unauthorized intrusion or tampering, the alarm will promptly sound, alerting you and deterring potential threats.
[0008] Further, keeping the vehicle up-to-date is a easier with our Over-the-Air (OTA) software update capability. This feature ensures that the vehicle's software is always current and functioning at its best, enhancing performance and safety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00010] Figures 1 illustrates a system for managing a set of batteries in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[00011] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustration of a method for managing batteries in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00012] Petrol/diesel vehicles are getting replaced by Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles. A hybrid vehicle runs on both combustion engine and battery depending upon the power needs while driving. An EV consist of mainly battery, a Vehicle Control unit (VCU), a Motor control unit (MCU), a motor and a wiring harness. Battery plays a major role in the vehicle performance, weight, and cost.
[00013] Battery consists of cells, interconnectors and a BMS (a Battery Management System). Different types of cells are available in the market today. The cell selection of batteries is mainly based on their capacity and operating voltage that can meet the vehicle requirements if arranged in a particular configuration that is selected based on the size of the battery pack.
[00014] In such batteries, failing of one cell can cause damage to other cells as well which has the potential to affect the safety and performance of the complete battery. Cells dissipate heat while charging and discharging process of the cell i.e., heat is produced by each cell when the energy is stored and when energy is consumed. This may be due to reasons such as overcharging, frozen electrolyte, damaged cells, low electrolyte level, etc. Damage caused to electrodes during assembly, manufacturing and during tab welding creates a risk of short circuit in the battery, causing cell failure. Therefore, when cell failure occurs due to short circuits, the cells typically release considerable quantity of hot gases. Since usually the energy storage device includes packs of multiple cells stacked together, the hot gases generated due to short circuit of a cell have the capability of impacting the integrity of the neighbouring cells in the energy storage device and cause substantial damage to the other functional cells along with other critical components, placed in proximity of the failed cells. This can cause thermal runaway having potential of damaging the battery, cause fire hazards, user safety concern as well as safety concerns for the people around the vehicle. So, in addition to the battery information being communicated to the rider in normal running condition which is usually displayed on the vehicle's dashboard it is very important to monitor the health of battery and alert the rider and also the people in near vicinity before a mishap can happen. If the vehicle is already turned on, the same power path can be used to give updates on battery parameters, activate alarms and alert rider. However, if vehicle is switched off, and the battery health is unstable, in this case even though BMS can keep monitoring battery health, it is not able to raise an alarm because the main power line which is controlled via vehicle ignition key is turned off. This creates a potential safety hazard because the driver may not be aware of the battery's deteriorating health, leading to a possible breakdown or even a fire.
[00015] There are battery management systems known in the art which estimate a battery life based upon a first status of the battery and a second status of the battery and displaying the estimated battery life to the user. Such systems just display an estimated life of the battery, and a lot more remains to be desired from such systems.
[00016] Further some known arts, battery management systems are available which consider battery parameters and vehicle parameters to identify a limited number of problems in the battery health. There are such systems available which can take very limited preventive measures on its own as per the problems identified. These systems work as a black box and the user is not informed in real time for the preventive measures that can be taken to maintain better health.
[00017] Also, vehicle theft is a prevalent concern, and leaving a vehicle unattended, even when switched off, can expose it to potential theft or tampering. Anti-theft system in known arts serves to mitigate the problem of vehicle theft and unauthorized access but such system would not be redundant if they are not functioning when the vehicle is in switched off condition.
[00018] In some prior arts, over the air software update feature is provided, which tackles the problem of software obsolescence and the inconvenience of manual updates. In traditional vehicle software updates, owners often need to bring their vehicles to service centres, causing downtime and inconvenience. This approach ensures that the vehicle's software remains up to date, improving performance, addressing security vulnerabilities, and enhancing the overall functionality of the vehicle without the need for physical visits to a service centre. Over the air software updates offer a solution by allowing specific Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to be updated. But such updates being done when the vehicle is running can affect the functioning of the vehicle and can make the system unresponsive for the time interval in which the update is being done.
[00019] It can be appreciated that although the prior art tries to provide battery management systems, the systems provided are limited in application and limited with respect to the automatic preventive and corrective measures taken after identification of the problem.
[00020] Thus, there is a need in the art for a battery management system that can provide updates, alerts, anti-theft alerts and over the air software updates even when the vehicle is switched off. This system would ensure that drivers are alerted of any battery issues and vehicle condition even if they are not riding, allowing them to take necessary actions to prevent any potential safety hazards.
[00021] In addition to alerts that are provided to the driver, it's also important to have alerts that can be given to people in the vicinity of the vehicle, in case of a potential safety hazard. For example, if the battery is overheating or experiencing a significant voltage drop, an alert could be sent to nearby individuals, warning them to stay away from the vehicle until the issue has been resolved. This feature is especially important in public spaces, where there may be many people around the vehicle, and a potential safety hazard could put their lives at risk.
[00022] Therefore, this patent application proposes a system and method for providing remote alerts about battery status and health, as well as alarms regarding malfunction and damages in an EV battery, anti-theft alerts and provide over the air software updates even when the vehicle is in switched off condition. In the case where a particular Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in the vehicle requires a software update, this specific ECU can be powered up and updated independently while the rest of the vehicle remains switched off. These alerts and alarms are critical to keeping the driver informed and warning people in the vicinity of the vehicle of potential dangers. The proposed system and method can be implemented in a variety of EVs and can be adapted to various vehicles, battery types and configurations.
[00023] The present subject matter is an improvement over the Indian patent application 202241019770, herein called as ‘the application’. The application discloses a method and system for managing a set of batteries in a vehicle comprising battery management units for each of the batteries, a communication module for enabling communication within and with the system and a vehicle monitoring unit. The battery management units monitoring the respective batteries. The vehicle monitoring unit receives and monitors system information data including vehicle information data from the vehicle and battery information data pertaining to battery parameters of each of the batteries. The vehicle monitoring unit is configured to generate a failure estimation user message based upon a comparison of the system information data and predetermined standard acceptable system information values. A server is configured to process stored system information and generate a failure prediction user message. The user message is communicated to a user who is free to take action.
[00024] The subject matter in the application aid in managing batteries and enables a user to monitor and maintain battery health in real time and take discretionary decisions regarding preventive or corrective actions. The invention reduces the rate of battery capacity degradation, and this increases vehicle performance.
[00025] However, capability of providing updates regarding battery parameters and alerts to the rider and people in near vicinity of vehicle in case of any abnormal situations while the vehicle is still off is not achieved in this arrangement. Further, facilitating anti-theft alerts and over the air software updates while the vehicle is still off is also not talked about in the arrangement. Hence, there is a need of addressing the above circumstances and problems of the known arts.
[00026] The present subject matter has been devised in view of the above circumstances as well as solving other problems of the known art. To facilitate providing updates regarding battery parameters and alerts to the rider and people in near vicinity of vehicle in case of any abnormal situations, providing anti-theft alerts and over the air software updates while the vehicle is still off is achieved in the existing battery system by providing a redundant power line, auxiliary battery, and auxiliary relay. The invention provides a system and method that reduces the rate of battery capacity degradation and increases vehicle performance. By integrating an auxiliary battery into the equation, this invention mitigates the wear and tear on the battery units. The auxiliary battery takes on some of the load to perform tasks when the vehicle is in off condition, ensuring that the battery units can operate with reduced stress and extended longevity.
[00027] In one aspect, the present invention is directed at a system for providing redundant power to the vehicle to power the one or more battery management unit, the vehicle monitoring, one or more alarm units (eg. buzzer), and all other ECUs when vehicle is turned OFF. The system includes one or more battery management unit, an auxiliary battery, a communication module, an auxiliary relay, and a vehicle monitoring unit. The one or more battery management units manages one or more battery. The auxiliary relay acts as a switch to turn ON or OFF the redundant power line to the one or more alarm units (eg. buzzer), and selected ECUs of the vehicle.
[00028] The communication module enables communication of the vehicle monitoring unit with the auxiliary relay, the one or more battery management unit. The vehicle monitoring unit receives and monitors system information data including vehicle information data from the vehicle and battery information data of the one or more battery from the one or more battery management unit. The system information data is received and transmitted using the communication module. The vehicle monitoring system controls relay operations and turns on auxiliary relay as per user input or system information data. The vehicle monitoring unit is configured to generate a message based upon a comparison of the system information data and predetermined standard acceptable system information values. The message can be an alert regarding the real time failure estimate communicated via an instrument cluster, buzzer, message notification etc. to the user is displayed via an instrument console, an alarm unit, a message, a notification etc. The message is communicated to a user or to people in the vicinity of the vehicle of the vehicle.
[00029] In an embodiment, the auxiliary battery is configured to provide power to keep the one or more of the battery management unit, communication module and the vehicle monitoring unit working for monitoring main battery health even when the vehicle is turned off.
[00030] In an embodiment, the auxiliary battery is configured to provide power to the anti-theft alerts even when the vehicle is turned off. Anti-theft systems can send real-time alerts to designated users or authorities when unauthorized access or suspicious activities are detected. This allows for prompt action to be taken to prevent theft or misuse.
[00031] In an embodiment, the auxiliary battery is configured to provide power to the vehicle monitoring unit to facilitate over the air software updates to selected ECUs of the vehicle even when the vehicle is turned off.
[00032] In an embodiment, the server is configured to provide over the air software updates to selected ECUs of the vehicle.
[00033] In an embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit is configured to control the auxiliary relay based upon a comparison between the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit and the predetermined standard acceptable system information values.
[00034] In an embodiment, the auxiliary relay is configured to turn ON or OFF the redundant power line for the vehicle based upon the signal sent by the vehicle monitoring unit.
[00035] In an embodiment the one or more battery management unit monitor the one or more batteries and are configured to communicate the battery information to the vehicle monitoring unit at a predetermined vehicle interval of time.
[00036] In an embodiment, the battery management system includes a remote server for storing the system information data. The battery information data includes battery parameter values pertaining to the batteries. The vehicle information data includes vehicle parameter values pertaining to the vehicle. The vehicle monitoring unit sends the system information data to the remote server for storing at a predetermined server interval of time.
[00037] In another embodiment, the server is configured to generate the warning signal based upon a comparison between the system information data stored at the server and the predetermined standard acceptable system information values. The warning signal is communicated to the user of the vehicle.
[00038] In an embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit is configured to generate a warning signal based upon a comparison between the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit and the predetermined standard acceptable system information values.
[00039] In an embodiment, the communication module includes a cluster communication module for communicating the warning signal to the user via a cluster display of the vehicle. The communication is in the form of the message displayed on a display unit being read by the user.
[00040] In an embodiment, the user message is communicated using one or more alarm unit to warn the people in the vicinity of the vehicle of potential safety hazard.
[00041] In an embodiment, the one or more alarm unit is powered by the auxiliary battery.
[00042] In an embodiment, the user message is one chosen from a set of pre-set messages based upon the warning signal generated and communicated by the vehicle monitoring unit to the cluster communication module. The user takes an action based upon the user message.
[00043] In another aspect, the present invention is directed at a method for managing one or more battery in a vehicle. The one or more battery has one or more battery management unit. The vehicle has a vehicle monitoring unit. The method includes sourcing redundant power to battery management units, the vehicle monitoring unit and communication module in vehicle OFF condition, receiving battery information, receiving vehicle information, generating a real time failure estimation based upon the information received, controlling auxiliary relay operation, controlling redundant power supply to selected ECUs so as to facilitate providing a user alert regarding the failure estimation, alarms to alert people in the vicinity, anti-theft alerts, and over the air software updates. The method includes sourcing redundant power to the one or more battery management units, the vehicle monitoring unit and communication module in vehicle OFF condition. The method includes receiving the battery information via the one or more battery management unit. The battery information includes battery parameters relating to the one or more battery condition. The battery information is received by the vehicle monitoring unit. The method includes receiving the vehicle information via the communication module. The vehicle information includes vehicle parameters relating to the vehicle driving conditions. The method includes generating the real time failure estimation via the vehicle monitoring unit based upon a comparison between the information received and a predetermined threshold parameter value. The method includes controlling auxiliary relay operations via the vehicle monitoring unit based on real time failure estimation. The method includes controlling redundant power supply to selected ECUs via the auxiliary relay. The alert message regarding the failure estimation to the user is communicated via an instrument console, one or more alarm units (eg. Buzzer, lights), a message, a notification etc. Further the system can be used to provide anti-theft alerts and over the air software updates. The invention provides a system and method that reduces the rate of battery capacity degradation and increases vehicle performance. By integrating an auxiliary battery into the equation, this invention mitigates the wear and tear on the battery units. The auxiliary battery takes on some of the load to perform tasks when the vehicle is in off condition, ensuring that the battery units can operate with reduced stress and extended longevity. Further, anti-theft systems can send real-time alerts to designated users or authorities when unauthorized access or suspicious activities are detected. This allows for prompt action to be taken to prevent theft or misuse. Also, over the air software updates allows software changes to be deployed remotely, eliminating the need for physical access to devices.
[00044] In an embodiment, the method includes sending, via the vehicle monitoring unit, the battery information, and the vehicle information to a remote server at predetermined intervals of time. The remote server stores the battery information and the vehicle information so received.
[00045] In an embodiment, the method includes generating, via a telematics unit, a failure prediction based upon the stored battery information and the stored vehicle information. The stored information includes parameters pertaining to vehicle driving pattern, battery charging pattern, load on the vehicle and the like.
[00046] In an embodiment, the method includes detecting, via a vehicle handling unit unit, a theft attempt based upon the stored battery information and the stored vehicle information. The stored information includes parameters pertaining to vehicle condition, load on the vehicle and the like.
[00047] Exemplary embodiments detailing features regarding the aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. 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.
[00048] The present invention relates to a method and system for managing batteries in a vehicle and more particularly in vehicles which run at least partly on electric power such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and the like.
[00049] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for managing a set of batteries 110 in a vehicle 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Also shown in the figure is a user 190 of the vehicle 150 and people in the vicinity of the vehicle 150. The number of batteries in the set of batteries 110 may vary with different embodiments and depends upon the vehicle power requirements.
[00050] The battery management system 100 includes one or more battery, one or more battery management unit 120, an auxiliary battery 175, an auxiliary relay 176, a communication module 130, and a vehicle monitoring unit 140. The one or more battery management unit 120 manage the one or more battery 110.
[00051] The auxiliary battery 175 acts as a redundant power source for vehicle 150 to power the more or more battery management units, the vehicle monitoring unit 140, the control module 130, the communication module 130, one or more alarm units (eg. buzzer) 185, anti-theft alert system 186 and selected ECUs 187 when vehicle is turned OFF.
[00052] Anti-theft systems can send real-time alerts to designated users or authorities when unauthorized access or suspicious activities are detected. This allows for prompt action to be taken to prevent theft or misuse.
[00053] The auxiliary relay 176 acts as a switch to turn on or off the redundant power line 177 to the one or more alarm units (eg. buzzer) 185, and selected ECUs 187 of the vehicle 150.
[00054] The communication module 130 enables communication within the battery management system 100 for its various units and subsystems such as the battery managing unit 120, the auxiliary relay 176, the vehicle monitoring unit 140 and the like. The communication module 130 also enables communication of the battery management system 100 with external devices such as a host computer, the user 190 of the vehicle 150.
[00055] The vehicle monitoring unit 140 receives and monitors system information data. The vehicle monitoring unit 140 controls auxiliary relay operations and turns on auxiliary relay 176 as per user input or system information data. The system information data includes the vehicle information data from vehicle 150. The battery information data pertains to the one or more battery 110 and is received from the respective one or more battery management units 120. The system information data is sent and received using the communication module 130. The vehicle monitoring unit 140 is configured to generate a user signal message based upon a comparison of the system information data and predetermined standard acceptable system information values. The user signal message is communicated to a user 190 or to people in the vicinity of the vehicle of the vehicle 180.
[00056] In an embodiment, the battery management system 100 includes a remote server 160 for storing the system information data related to the vehicle information and the battery information. The battery information data includes battery parameter values pertaining to the batteries 110. The vehicle information data including vehicle parameter values pertaining to the vehicle 150.
[00057] In an embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit sends the system information data to the remote server 160 for storing at a predetermined server interval of time.
[00058] The system information data stored at the remote server 160 is accessible by a service person or owner of the vehicle 150 irrespective of the vehicle location and condition.
[00059] In an embodiment, the auxiliary battery 175 provides power to the one or more battery management units 120, communication module 130 and the vehicle monitoring unit 140 all the time for monitoring main battery health.
[00060] In an embodiment, the one or more battery management unit 120 monitor and control the one or more battery 110 and are configured to communicate the battery information to the vehicle monitoring unit 140 at a predetermined interval of time. The battery information includes the parameters of one or more battery 110 such as voltage, current, temperature and the like. The one or more battery management units 120 sends the battery information pertaining to such parameters to the vehicle monitoring unit 140 at predetermined vehicle intervals of time.
[00061] In an embodiment, the predetermined vehicle intervals of time are of the order of a few seconds. In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined vehicle intervals of time are of the order of few hundred seconds.
[00062] In an embodiment, one or more battery management unit 120 are configured to communicate a battery warning to the vehicle monitoring unit 140 based upon a comparison of the battery information and a predetermined threshold value. For example, the one or more battery management unit 120 monitor the temperature of the one or more battery 110 and when the temperature of a battery 112 exceeds the predetermined threshold value of 60 degrees, the one or more battery management unit 120 communicate a battery waring to the vehicle monitoring unit.
[00063] In an embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit 140 is configured to control the auxiliary relay 176 based upon a comparison between the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit 140 and the predetermined standard acceptable system information values.
[00064] In an embodiment, the auxiliary relay 176 is configured to turn ON or OFF the redundant power line 177 for the vehicle based upon the signal sent by the vehicle monitoring unit 140.
[00065] In an embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit 140 is configured to generate a warning signal based upon the battery warning and a comparison between the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit 140 and predetermined standard acceptable system information values. Here, the warning signal generated by vehicle monitoring unit 140 pertains to a real time failure estimation in the vehicle based upon the system information being received at the predetermined vehicle intervals of time duration.
[00066] In an embodiment, the vehicle monitoring unit 140 is configured to generate a alarm signal based upon the vehicle condition data and a comparison between the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit 140 and predetermined standard acceptable system information values.
[00067] The system information data includes the battery information data, the vehicle information data and other like parameter values which affect vehicle performance and battery health. The vehicle information data pertains to data related to the motor parameters of a motor of the vehicle, TPS data, ignition data, charging data, handle lock sensor data and the like. The vehicle information data also includes data pertaining to the number of times fast charging of batteries is done, the frequency of the fast charging, the driving pattern of user, and the like. The predetermined standard acceptable system information values pertain to the values of these parameters which are accepted as a standard for optimal vehicle and battery performance and secured vehicle condition. The predetermined standard acceptable system information values are customizable and set in the system 100.
[00068] In an embodiment, the server 160 is configured to process the stored system information and generate the warning signal based upon a comparison between the processed and stored system information data and the predetermined standard acceptable system information values. The warning signal is communicated to the user 190. Here, the warning signal generated by server 160 pertains to a failure prediction in the vehicle based upon the stored system information which is the historical data pertaining to battery usage and vehicle driving pattern.
[00069] In an embodiment, the server 160 is configured to provide over the air software updates to selected ECUs 187 of the vehicle 150. In an embodiment, the auxiliary battery is configured to provide power to the vehicle monitoring unit 140 to facilitate over the air software updates to selected ECUs 187 of the vehicle 150 even when the vehicle is turned off. This allows software changes to be deployed remotely, eliminating the need for physical access to devices.
[00070] In an embodiment, the communication module includes a cluster communication module for communicating the warning signal to the user via a cluster display of the vehicle 150. The communication is in the form of the user message. The user message is displayed on a display unit being read by the user. In an embodiment, the cluster communication module is a mobile device, remotely connected to display the user message. For example, the vehicle 150 may have been idle for months and battery may have been draining out on its own, the user 190 gets an alert on his mobile device at a remote location via a communication network regarding the same and is free to take an immediate action or delay his action as per circumstances.
[00071] In an embodiment, the message is given using one or more alarm unit 185 to warn the people in the vicinity of the vehicle of potential safety hazard.
[00072] In an embodiment, the buzzer 185 is powered by the auxiliary battery 175.
[00073] In an embodiment, the user message is one chosen from a set of pre-set messages based upon the warning signal generated. The user 190 is then free to take action as per the user message. Taking an action is as per the discretion of the user 190, who may or may not take an action depending upon the circumstances.
[00074] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustration of a method 200 for managing one or more battery 110 in a vehicle 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The one or more battery 110 is managed by one or more battery management unit 120 respectively. The vehicle 150 has a vehicle monitoring unit 140. The method 200 includes steps 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211 and 212.
[00075] At step 202, the method includes determining the vehicle is in off condition.
[00076] At step 203, the method includes sourcing redundant power via auxiliary battery to battery management units, vehicle monitoring units, communication module and ECUs monitoring vehicle health.
[00077] At step 204, the method includes receiving battery information from battery management unit and vehicle information from ECUs monitoring vehicle health.
[00078] At step 205, the method includes generating failure estimate value based on received battery and vehicle data. This can be achieved by the vehicle monitoring unit 140, by receiving vehicle data and battery information including battery parameters relating to a battery condition via the battery management units 120 of the batteries 110. A real time estimate value is generated based upon a comparison between the information received and a predetermined parameter value.
[00079] At step 208, the method includes determining via the vehicle monitoring unit (140), whether the failure estimate value is above threshold value.
[00080] At step 209, the method includes providing redundant power supply via auxiliary battery 175 to selective alarm units 185 by controlling the auxiliary relay 176 via the vehicle monitoring unit 140.
[00081] At step 210, the method includes providing alert regarding the real time failure estimate via one or more communication means. The one or more communication means includes an instrument cluster 105, one or more alarm units 185, anti-theft alert system 186, message, notification etc. to the user is displayed via an instrument console, a buzzer, a message, a notification etc.
[00082] In an embodiment, the method includes steps 206 and 207. At step 206, the method 200 includes sending, via the vehicle monitoring unit 140, the battery information and the vehicle information to a remote server 160 at predetermined intervals of time.
[00083] At step 207, the method includes storing, via the remote server 160, the battery information and the vehicle information so received at the remote server 160.
[00084] In an embodiment, at step 207, the method includes providing over the air software updates to selected ECUs 187 of the vehicle 150.
[00085] In an embodiment, at step 207 the method includes generating, via a telematics unit, a failure prediction based upon the stored battery information and the stored vehicle information.
[00086] In an embodiment, at step 208, if the battery parameters are not above threshold value, the step 205 is repeated.
[00087] In various embodiments, the stored information includes parameters pertaining to vehicle driving pattern, battery charging pattern, and load on the vehicle. Here, the warning signal generated by the telematics unit pertains to a failure prediction in the vehicle based upon the stored system information which is the historical data pertaining to battery usage and vehicle driving pattern.
[00088] Advantageously, the system and method for managing batteries provided by the invention provides a battery management system that can provide updates and alerts even when the vehicle is switched off. This system would ensure that drivers are alerted of any battery issues, even if they are not riding, allowing them to take necessary actions to prevent any potential safety hazards. Further, the invention provides a system and method that reduces the rate of battery capacity degradation and increases vehicle performance. By integrating an auxiliary battery into the equation, this invention mitigates the wear and tear on the battery units. The auxiliary battery takes on some of the load to perform tasks when the vehicle is in off condition, ensuring that the battery units can operate with reduced stress and extended longevity.
[00089] Further, the invention enables alerts that can be given to people in the vicinity of the vehicle, in case of a potential safety hazard. This feature is especially important in public spaces, where there may be many people around the vehicle, and a potential safety hazard could put their lives at risk.
[00090] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS


100: Battery management system
110: Battery
120: Battery management unit
130: Communication module
140: Vehicle monitoring unit
150: Vehicle
170: Telematics unit
160: Server
175: Auxiliary battery
176: Auxiliary relay
177: Redundant power line
180: People in vicinity
185: Alarm units
186: Anti-theft alert system
187: ECU
190: User
, Claims:We claim,

1. A battery management system (100), the battery management system (100) comprising:
one or more battery (110);
one or more battery management unit (120) monitoring the one or more battery (110);
a vehicle monitoring unit (140), wherein the vehicle monitoring unit being configured to receive vehicle information data from the vehicle (150) and battery information data pertaining to one or more battery (110) from the one or more battery management unit (120);
a communication module (130), wherein the communication module (130) being configured to enable communication of the vehicle monitoring unit (140) with the one or more battery management units (100);
an auxiliary battery (175), wherein the auxiliary battery being configured to provide redundant power based on vehicle running condition; and
an auxiliary relay (176) being configured to enable a redundant power line (177) from the auxiliary battery (175);
wherein
the vehicle monitoring unit (140) being configured to control the auxiliary relay (176) based on a comparison of the vehicle information data and battery information data with predetermined values.
2. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1 includes a remote server (160).
3. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the server (160) is configured to store the system information data, the system information data including battery parameter values pertaining to the one or more battery (110) and the vehicle information data including vehicle parameter values pertaining to the vehicle (150).
4. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vehicle monitoring unit (140) sends the system information data to the remote server (160) for storing at a predetermined server interval of time.
5. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the server (160) is configured to provide over the air software updates to selected ECUs (187) of the vehicle (150).
6. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the auxiliary battery is configured to provide power to the vehicle monitoring unit (140) to facilitate over the air software updates to selected ECUs (187) of the vehicle (150).
7. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary battery being configured to provide power to the one or more battery management units, the vehicle monitoring unit (140), and the communication module (130) when vehicle is turned OFF.
8. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary battery being configured to provide power one or more alarm units (185), anti-theft alert system (186), one or more ECU (187) of the vehicle (150) using a redundant power line (177).
9. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the auxiliary relay (176) being configured to enable or disable the redundant power line (177).
10. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication module (130) enables communication within the battery management system (100) between the subsystems (120, 140, 176).
11. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more battery management unit (120) monitor and control the one or more batteries and are configured to communicate the battery information to the vehicle monitoring unit (140) at a predetermined interval of time.
12. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more battery management unit (120) are configured to communicate a battery warning to the vehicle monitoring unit (140) based upon a comparison of the battery information and a predetermined threshold value.
13. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle monitoring unit (140) is configured to generate a warning signal based upon the battery warning and a comparison between the system information data received by the vehicle monitoring unit (140) and the predetermined standard acceptable system information values.
14. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the server (160) is configured to process the stored system information and generate the warning signal based upon a comparison between the processed and stored system information data and the predetermined standard acceptable system information values, the warning signal being communicated to the user.
15. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication module 130 includes a cluster communication module for communicating the warning signal to the user via a cluster display of the vehicle, the communication being in the form of the user message, the user message being displayed on a display unit being read by the user.
16. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the user message is one chosen from a set of pre-set messages based upon the warning signal generated.
17. A method (200) for managing one or more battery (110) in a vehicle (150), one or more battery having one or more battery management unit (120), the vehicle (100) having an auxiliary battery (175), an auxiliary relay (176), a vehicle monitoring unit (140), the method (200) comprising:
sourcing redundant power via the auxiliary battery to battery management units (122,124), the vehicle monitoring unit (140), communication module and ECUs monitoring vehicle health, based on vehicle running condition;
receiving by the vehicle monitoring unit (140), battery information from battery management unit (122,124) and vehicle information from ECUs monitoring vehicle health;
generating via the vehicle monitoring unit (140), a real time failure estimate value upon comparing the battery information and vehicle information received with predetermined parameter value;
determining via the vehicle monitoring unit (140), whether the failure estimate value is above threshold value;
providing redundant power supply via auxiliary battery (175) to selective alarm units (185) by controlling the auxiliary relay (176) via the vehicle monitoring unit (140) if the failure estimate value is above threshold value;
providing alert regarding the real time failure estimate via one or more communication means.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17 includes,
sending, via the vehicle monitoring unit (140), the battery information and the vehicle information to a remote server (160) at predetermined intervals of time;
storing, via the remote server (160), the battery information and the vehicle information so received at the remote server (160).
19. The method as claimed in claim 18 includes,
providing over the air software updates to selected ECUs (187) of the vehicle (150) via the remote server (160).