Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A semi-automated system (100) for electric vehicles, the system (100) comprising:
- a battery storage unit (102) configured to store a battery capacity as a reserve capacity, wherein the reserve capacity is automatically determined on the basis of a state of health (SoH) of the battery; and
- a reserve mode (104) for activating the reserve mode function in a battery management system (BMS) (108) for utilizing the reserve capacity for providing additional power to the electrical vehicles.
2. The semi-automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user sets a battery capacity as a reserve capacity.
3. The semi-automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the state of health (SoH) of the battery is an indication of battery health.
4. The semi-automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the state of health (SoH) of the battery determines the age and degradation of the battery over usage and time.
5. The semi-automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reserve mode (104) is an external switch for activating the battery management system (BMS) (108).
6. The semi-automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) gives a continuous indication of the state of the charge (SoC) to the user.
7. A semi-automated method (400) for electric vehicles, the method (300) comprises:
- determining a battery capacity as a reserve capacity on the basis of a state of health (SoH) of a battery; and
- activating a reserve mode (104) for activating a reserve mode function in a battery management system (BMS) (108) to utilize the reserve capacity for providing additional power to the electrical vehicles.
8. The semi-automated method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the battery reserve capacity is set by a user.
9. The semi-automated method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the battery reserve capacity is automatically determined on the basis of the state of health (SoH) of the battery.
10. The semi-automated method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the state of health (SoH) of the battery is an indication of battery health.

11. The semi-automated method (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the state of health (SoH) of the battery determines the age and degradation of the battery over usage and time.
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present embodiment relates to the field of electrical vehicles, and more particularly relates to a semi-automated system and method for providing power supply during unforeseen situations to the electrical vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The increasing number of vehicles on road has put a strain on the fossil fuel such as diesel and petrol. Therefore, there is a need for vehicles that can run on alternate fuels. The electrical vehicles that run on electrical energy have gained a major interest in recent times.
Though the electrical vehicles have a variety of advantages vis-à-vis less emissions and reduced run-time cost per km, people are still hesitant to shift to the battery operated electric vehicles. One of the reasons is due to the uncertainty of when the battery will die down, popularly known as “range anxiety”. The electrical vehicles do not have a reserve mode for the unforeseen situations as normally available in an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and leads to a natural range anxiety in the driver.
The ICE engine (Internal Combustion Engine) for 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers has a reserve mode function. Once the fuel in the fuel tank comes below a certain minimum level, then it not only gives an indication but also there is a reserve switch. The rider can flip the reserve switch so that they will use extra reserve fuel which will help them to reach the desired destination or reach the nearest petrol station.
Recently, the reserve mode has been implemented in the electrical vehicles. However, they store a fixed energy/power of the battery capacity as a reserve capacity, irrespective of the health of the battery (new or old). Also, the user cannot change the amount of battery capacity that can be reserved for the unforeseen situations.
Therefore, there is a need of a system and a method that helps in determining the reserve capacity based on the health of the battery. There is also a need of a semi-automated system and method for adjusting the battery capacity as a reserve capacity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an aspect, a semi-automated system for electrical vehicles having a reserve mode is provided. The semi-automated system includes a battery storage unit and a reserve mode. The certain portion of the battery capacity in the battery storage unit is allocated as a reserve capacity. The reserve capacity is determined on the basis of a state of health (SoH) of the battery. The reserve capacity is set by the user or is automatically determined on the basis of the state of health (SoH) of the battery. During the unforeseen situations, the user can activate the reserve mode that in turn, activates a battery management system (BMS). The battery management system (BMS) utilizes the reserve capacity stored in the battery storage unit for providing additional power to the electrical vehicles.
In another aspect, a semi-automated method for electrical vehicles having a reserve mode is provided. The method includes: 1) Determining a battery capacity as a reserve capacity on the basis of a state of health (SoH) of the battery. The reserve capacity is set by the user or is automatically determined on the basis of state of health (SoH) of the battery. 2) Activating a reserve mode function setting in the battery management system (BMS) utilizes the reserve capacity stored in the battery storage unit for providing additional power to the electrical vehicles.
The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some aspects of embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a semi-automated system (100) for electric vehicles, according to an embodiment herein;
Figure 2 illustrates a pictorial representation of a battery capacity, according to an embodiment herein;
Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart (300) for the computation of a State of Health (SoH) of the battery, according to an embodiment herein; and
Figure 4 illustrates a semi-automated method (400) for electric vehicles, according to an embodiment herein.
To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRPTION
As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to.
The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.
Figure 1 illustrates a semi-automated system (100) for electrical vehicles. The semi-automated system (100) implements a reserve mode in the electrical vehicles. The semi-automated system (100) helps in providing power to the electrical vehicles during unforeseen conditions. The semi-automated system (100) helps in providing additional power when the electric vehicle is to come to a stop for want of power from the battery pack.
The semi-automated system (100) includes a battery storage unit (102) for storing energy/power that helps in the propulsion of the electrical vehicles. In an embodiment, the battery storage unit (102) is an electrical battery that provides power to the electrical vehicles. In an embodiment, the battery storage unit is a battery such as, but not limited to, lithium-ion battery, nickel-zinc battery, nickel metal hydride, nickel-cadmium battery and solid state battery. In a preferred embodiment, the battery is a lithium-ion battery of various lithium-ion chemistries such as, but not limited to, LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate), NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), LTO (Lithium Titanate Oxide) and LMO (Lithium Manganese Oxide).
The battery storage unit (102) stores the power/energy in the form of electrical energy. In an embodiment, the electrical energy is transmitted to the battery storage unit (102) through a power supply device.
In an embodiment the power to the electrical vehicles is provided in the form of electrical energy from the battery storage unit via the vehicle control unit. The battery storage unit (102) stores and indicates the electrical energy as a percentage of total capacity of a battery. The battery storage unit (102) stores the battery capacity as a normal battery capacity and a reserve capacity and the battery unit charging/discharging is controlled by the Battery Management System (BMS).
The normal battery capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy that is provided to the electrical vehicles during a normal mode (106). In an embodiment, the normal battery capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy above a threshold value. The reserve capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy that is provided to the electrical vehicles during the reserve mode (104). In an embodiment, the reserve capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy below the threshold value.
For example, a threshold value is set as 25%, the normal battery capacity ranges from 25% to 100% and the reserve capacity ranges from 10% to 25% (shown in figure 2).
The reserve capacity is determined on the basis of a state of health (SoH) of the battery. In an embodiment, the state of health (SoH) is an indication of the health of the battery. In an embodiment, the state of health (SoH) specifies an age and degradation of the battery capacity over time and usage. In an embodiment, the threshold value for the battery capacity is determined on the basis of the state of health (SoH).
In an embodiment, the reserve capacity is a predetermined threshold value set by a user. In another embodiment, the reserve capacity is automatically determined based on a State of Health (SoH) of the electrical battery. In an embodiment, the State of Health (SoH) is computed on the basis of a maximal releasable capacity and a rated capacity of the battery (shown in figure 3). In an embodiment, the State of Health (SoH) is computed on the basis of the following equation:
SoH = (C-max)/(C-rated) * 100%
In an embodiment, C-max is the maximal releasable capacity of the battery. The maximal releasable capacity is the releasable capacity when the battery is fully charged. In an embodiment, C-rated is the rated capacity of the battery. The rated capacity is the capacity of the battery rated by a manufacturer.
In an embodiment, C-max is 100 for a new battery and C-max is equal to C-rated. In an embodiment, the older battery undergoes degradation over time and usage. In another embodiment, the age of the older battery increases. In an embodiment, C-max for an older battery is less than 100 and C-max is not equal to C-rated. For example, a battery goes degradation of (say 5%) so C-max will be 95% for an older battery.
In an embodiment, the SoH for the older battery is less as compared to the new battery. In an embodiment, the threshold and the reserve mode capacity is adjusted automatically so that the reserve mode capacity is not changed with respect to the degradation of the battery capacity.
In an embodiment, the reserve capacity is automatically determined by a charging sensor in the electrical vehicles. In an embodiment, the battery management system monitors the charge/discharge level of the electrical vehicles for determining the reserve capacity.
A battery management system (BMS) (108) communicates with the electrical vehicle regarding the amount of power. The battery management system (BMS) (108) controls the power supplied to the electrical vehicles on the basis of the threshold value. In an embodiment, the battery management system (BMS) (108) cuts off the power supply when the battery capacity reaches the preset threshold value.
The reserve mode (104) is activated by an external switch provided on the electrical vehicles. In an embodiment, the reserve mode (104) is a trigger that is pulled by the user. In an embodiment, the reserve mode (104) is activated by the user during unforeseen situations. In an embodiment, the reserve mode (104) is activated when the power supply is stopped during the normal mode. In an embodiment, the reserve mode (104) is activated when the battery capacity reaches the preset threshold value.
The reserve mode (104) activates the reserve-mode function in the battery management system (BMS) (108) that in turn, provides additional power to the electrical vehicles. The reserve mode (104) utilizes the reserve capacity for providing additional power to the electrical vehicles. The battery management system (BMS) (108) communicates with the electric vehicle regarding the amount of power. For example, when the reserve mode is switched on, the battery management system (BMS) (108) is activated that provides electrical energy to be supplied to the electrical vehicles during the reserve mode.
In an embodiment, a continuous indication of the state of charge (SoC) is given to the user. In an embodiment, the indication of the state of charge (SoC) indicates the user that the battery capacity will be reaching the threshold value soon and will be needing the reserve mode (104) for providing the additional reserve power to the electrical vehicles.
Figure 3 illustrates the semi-automated method (400) for the electrical vehicles. The semi-automated method (400) implements a reserve mode (104) in the electrical vehicles. The semi-automated method (400) helps in providing power to the electrical vehicles during unforeseen conditions. The semi-automated method (400) helps in providing additional power after the electrical vehicles has stopped working.
At step 402, the battery capacity is divided into the normal battery capacity and the reserve capacity. The battery capacity is the charging level that helps in the propulsion of the electrical vehicles. The battery capacity is stored in the form of an electrical energy that is retrieved from the chemical energy stored in the electrochemical battery cell.
The normal battery capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy that is provided to the electrical vehicles during a normal mode (106). In an embodiment, the normal battery capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy above a threshold value. The reserve capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy that is provided to the electrical vehicles during the reserve mode (104). In an embodiment, the reserve capacity is the percentage of the electrical energy below the threshold value.
The reserve capacity is determined on the basis of a state of health (SoH) of the battery. In an embodiment, the state of health (SoH) is an indication of the health of the battery. In an embodiment, the state of health (SoH) specifies an age and degradation of the battery capacity over time and usage. In an embodiment, the threshold value for the battery capacity is determined on the basis of the state of health (SoH).
In an embodiment, the reserve capacity is a predetermined threshold value set by a user. In another embodiment, the reserve capacity is automatically determined based on a State of Health (SoH) of the electrical battery. In an embodiment, the State of Health (SoH) is computed on the basis of a maximal releasable capacity and a rated capacity of the battery (shown in figure 3). In an embodiment, the State of Health (SoH) is computed on the basis of the following equation:
SoH = (C-max)/(C-rated) * 100%
In an embodiment, C-max is the maximal releasable capacity of the battery. The maximal releasable capacity is the releasable capacity when the battery is fully charged. In an embodiment, C-rated is the rated capacity of the battery. The rated capacity is the capacity of the battery rated by a manufacturer.
In an embodiment, C-max is 100 for a new battery and C-max is equal to C-rated. In an embodiment, the older battery undergoes degradation over time and usage. In another embodiment, the age of the older battery increases. In an embodiment, C-max for an older battery is less than 100 and C-max is not equal to C-rated. For example, a battery goes degradation of (say 5%) so C-max will be 95% for an older battery.
In an embodiment, the SoH for the older battery is less as compared to the new battery. In an embodiment, the threshold and the reserve mode capacity is adjusted automatically so that the reserve mode capacity is not changed with respect to the degradation of the battery capacity.
The amount of power supplied to the electrical vehicles is determined by the battery management system (BMS) (108) on the basis of the preset threshold value. In an embodiment, the power supply is stopped when the battery capacity reaches the preset threshold value. In an embodiment, the power supply can be re-started by switching on the reserve mode (104).
At step 404, the reserve mode (104) is activated when the power supply is stopped. The reserve mode (104) is activated by an external switch provided on the electrical vehicles. In an embodiment, the reserve mode (104) is activated by the user during unforeseen situations.
The reserve mode (104), when turned ON, activates the reserve mode function in the battery management system (BMS) (108) that in turn, provides additional power to the electrical vehicles. The battery management system (BMS) (108) communicates with the electrical vehicle regarding the amount of power.
In an embodiment, when the electrical vehicles are in either the reserve mode (104) or the normal mode (106), a continuous indication of the state of charge (SoC) is given to the user. In an embodiment, the indication of the state of charge (SoC) indicates the user that the battery capacity will be reaching the threshold value soon and will be needing the reserve mode (104) for providing the additional power to the electric vehicles.
The present system (100) and method (400) helps in implementing the reserve mode (104) in the electrical vehicles similar to the vehicles based on internal combustion engine.
The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.
Moreover, though the description of the present invention has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.