DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of Invention:
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING A CONDITIONING FLUID CIRCUIT OF A CONDITIONING STATION

APPLICANT:
EXPONENT ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED
An Indian entity
having address as:
No.76/2, Site No.16, Khatha No.69, Singasandra Village, Bengaluru (Bangalore) Urban, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA 560068

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application claims priority from the Indian provisional patent application, having application number 202241051343, filed on 8th January 2023, incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of energy storage systems for electric vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for prevention and removal of layering or dirt in a conditioning fluid circuit of a conditioning station.
BACKGROUND
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
In electric vehicles (EVs), thermal management makes it possible to not only improve the power and longevity of an energy storage system, but also to reduce the size of electric vehicles. Thus, the temperature is one of the most critical parameters that needs to be controlled in the energy storage system.
Therefore, to manage the temperature of the energy storage system a conditioning fluid circuit is employed. The conditioning fluid circuit transfers a conditioning fluid from a fluid tank to the energy storage system under a pre-set pressure.
However, over the period, as components in the conditioning fluid circuit starts aging and the material used to manufacture various components start wearing out. Especially the parts which are continuously in contact with the condition fluid, wear out more than the other parts which are not in contact with the conditioning fluid. Further, the conditioning fluid itself may have some impurities such as dirt particles injected accidentally in the conditioning fluid, which can clog the conditioning fluid circuit. Further, the wear out may lead to corrosion, layering or addition of impurities into the conditioning fluid. This situation leads to degradation of performance of the energy conditioning circuit. This leads to increased pressure requirements and reduction in efficiency of the conditioning operation. Further, this problem leads to damage to the fluid circuit which might be harmful to the user and may prove costly from monetary point of view. Traditionally, the various components of the condition fluid circuit are disassembled and cleaned individually which is a time consuming and costly process.
Thus, there is a long-standing need for a system and method for cleaning the conditioning fluid circuit to maintain the efficient functioning of the conditioning fluid circuit. There is a need to perform the cleaning operation in less time, preferably without disassembling the components of the conditioning fluid circuit and improve the life of the conditioning fluid circuit.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system and method cleaning a conditioning fluid circuit of an Energy Storage System (ESS) conditioning station. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one aspect of the present invention, a system for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit is disclosed. The system may comprise a short path component for connecting an inlet port of a connector to an outlet port of the connector. Further, the system may comprise one or more fluid reservoirs for storing conditioning fluid. Further, the system may comprise one or more fluid pumps for circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths. Further, the system may comprise one or more valves for controlling the fluid flow. The system may further comprise a plurality of fluid hoses and a control unit. Further, the control unit may be configured to clean the channels of the fluid circuit by passing the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs to the short path component returning back to the one or more fluid reservoirs via the one or more fluid pumps, one or more valves, and the plurality of fluid hoses.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit is disclosed. The method may comprise following steps: Initially, a primary pump may be connected to one or more fluid reservoirs via a plurality of fluid hoses. Further, the primary pump may be connected to an outlet port of a connector via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves. Further, at next step, a suction pump may be connected to one or more fluid reservoirs via the plurality of fluid hoses. Further in next step, the suction pump may be connected to an inlet port of the connector via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves. Further, the method may comprise a step of connecting the inlet port of the connector to the outlet port of the connector via a short path component. Further the method may comprise a step of receiving one or more input parameters indicating material deposits inside the channels of the fluid circuit. And finally, the channels of the fluid circuit may be cleaned using a control unit by circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram describing a method for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram describing a method for cleaning channels of the fluid circuit by circulating fluid into a first flow path, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram describing a method for cleaning channels of the fluid circuit by circulating fluid into a second flow path, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram describing a method for cleaning channels of the fluid circuit by circulating fluid into a third flow path, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The terminology “transmit”, “transmitting”, “transmitted”, “transfer”, “transferred”, “deliver”, “delivered”, “passing” and “circulating” have the same meaning and are used alternatively throughout the specification.
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for cleaning channels of a conditioning fluid circuit. The system and method for cleaning channels of the conditioning fluid circuit may be configured to prevent as well as remove layering formed along the walls of various components of the conditioning fluid circuit. Thereby improving the conditioning efficiency.
Now, referring to Figure 1, a system (100) for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit, is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In a non-limiting embodiment, the system (100) comprises one or more fluid reservoirs (103), one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more heat exchangers (102), one or more valves (1-10), a plurality of fluid hoses, a plurality of T-junctions (105a, 105b, collectively referred to as 105), an air interface (106), a connector (107) (also may be referred as station connector), a short path component (101), and a control unit (not illustrated). The channels of the fluid circuit may correspond to inner fluid flow path via the plurality of components of the system (100) such as, but not limited to, one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more valves (1-10), the plurality of fluid hoses, a plurality of T-junctions (105) and the connector (107).
In one embodiment, the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) may be configured for storing conditioning fluid. The one or more fluid reservoirs (103) may be a large container made of durable plastic or stainless steel and may be capable of holding gallons of conditioning fluid. Further, the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) may be a container that holds the conditioning fluid. It may provide a sufficient volume of fluid to ensure continuous operation during the conditioning and cleaning process. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) are designed to store one of hot fluid, cold fluid or a combination thereof. In a related embodiment, the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) comprise a first reservoir for storing the hot fluid and a second reservoir for storing the cold fluid.
In addition, the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) may be configured for circulating the conditioning fluid into multiple components of the system (100). The one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) may be configured for circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths. The one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) comprises a primary pump (104a) and a suction pump (104b). In an embodiment, the primary pump (104a) may be a high-powered electric pump, similar to those used in industrial applications. It may have a motor and impeller mechanism that generates sufficient pressure to circulate the fluid throughout the system. The primary pump (104a) is responsible for generating the necessary pressure to circulate the conditioning fluid throughout the system (100). The primary pump (104a) is designed with one or more different and/or pulsating speeds which is used to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid by the primary pump (104a). In an exemplary embodiment, the primary pump (104a) is configured to extract the conditioning fluid out of the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) and pass the conditioning fluid into various components of the system (100).
In another embodiment, the suction pump (104b) may be a small electric or pneumatic pump designed to create a vacuum within the system (100). An example may be a diaphragm pump that uses the expansion and contraction of a flexible diaphragm to create suction, aiding in the removal of air or excess fluid. The suction pump (104b) may create a vacuum or negative pressure within the system (100). It may help in drawing out any trapped air or excess fluid, ensuring proper fluid circulation and may prevent the formation of air pockets. In an exemplary embodiment, the suction pump (104b) is configured to remove the fluid from other components of the system (100) and pass the fluid towards the one or more fluid reservoirs (103).
Further, the one or more heat exchangers (102) may resemble a compact radiator with fins. It may have tubes through which the fluid flows while being in contact with a cooling or heating medium. An example may be a plate heat exchanger that transfers heat between the conditioning fluid and a coolant or ambient air. The heat exchanger (102) may be responsible for regulating the temperature of the conditioning fluid. It may either cool down or heat up the fluid as required, optimizing the conditioning process and maintaining the desired temperature range. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more heat exchangers (102) comprise a heating circuit for heating the conditioning fluid. In a related exemplary embodiment, one or more heat exchangers (102) comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the conditioning fluid.
Additionally, the one or more valves (1-10) may be configured for controlling the fluid flow inside the system (100). Further, the one or more valves may be a cylindrical device with electrical coils and a movable plunger. It may be a 12V DC valve that controls the flow of fluid to a specific channel or component. The valve may be energized, and it may open, allowing the fluid to pass through. When de-energized, it may close, blocking the flow of conditioning fluid. In an embodiment, the one or more valves (1-10) comprise one of electric actuated solenoid valves, mechanical actuated valves, pneumatic valves, or a combination thereof.
Further, the plurality of fluid hoses may be flexible tubes serving as conduits for the conditioning fluid. The fluid hoses may connect various components of the system (100), enabling the fluid to flow smoothly between them. In an embodiment of the present disclosure the plurality of fluid hoses comprises one of a linear hose, a bend hose, an L-shape hose, a plurality of T-junctions (105a, 105b), or a combination thereof. The T junctions (105) may comprise one inlet and two outlets. The T-junction (105) may be configured to allow the transfer of the conditioning fluid from the inlet and discharge from either of the two outlets. The T-junction (105) may be T-shaped connectors with three openings, allowing fluid to flow in different directions. For example, T-junction (105) may be a plastic T-junction that connects the main fluid hose to two separate hoses, enabling the fluid to reach various parts of the system simultaneously. T-shaped connectors may allow for the branching of fluid flow. They may facilitate the connection of multiple hoses, ensuring the fluid may reach various parts of the system (100) simultaneously.
Further, the air interface (106) is a small opening with a controllable valve or vent. For example, it may be a manual valve or an electronically controlled vent that allows controlled entry of air into the system (100) during the circuit cleaning process, preventing any potential vacuum or airlock situations. The air interface (106) may provide a controlled entry point for air into the system (100). It may allow for the displacement of fluid during the circuit cleaning process, ensuring effective fluid circulation and preventing any potential blockages. In an exemplary embodiment, the air interface (106) is configured to push air into other components of the system (100) leading to pushing the conditioning to the one or more reservoir (103), or remove air from the plurality of fluid hoses of the system (100).
Further, the connector (107) (or the station connector) is a connector for connecting the fluid conditioning station to outside environment. The connector (107) may correspond to a connector of the charging station (or ESS conditioning station), used for conditioning ESS coupled with an electric vehicle. The conditioning of ESS corresponds to providing electric charge along with conditioning fluid to the ESS. The connector (107) may comprise an electric connection port, one or more fluid connection ports, one or more data signal ports. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric connection port of the connector (107) may be used provide electric charge to an electric vehicle coupled with the charging station through the connector (107). Further the one or more fluid connection ports of the connector (107) comprises an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet port is used to transmit the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the ESS of the electric vehicle and the inlet port is used to pull back the conditioning fluid from the ESS of the electric vehicle to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) of the charging station. Further, the one or more data signal ports in the connector (107) is used to exchange data signals between the charging station and the coupled electric vehicle (or any other outer unit). The data signals may be used to provide status information and to give control commands to corresponding controllers of each other. Similarly in another exemplary embodiment, the connector (107) is used to connect the fluid circuit to the short path component (101). The short path component (101) is a connector which connects the inlet port of the connector (107) with the outlet port of the connector (107).
In an embodiment, the control unit (may also be referred to as a station controller) may comprise a standard microprocessor, microcontroller, central processing unit (CPU), programmable logic controller (PLC), distributed or cloud processing unit, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions and/or other processing logic that accommodates the requirements of the present invention. In a related embodiment, the station controller may be coupled with all components of the system (100) such as, but not limited to, one or more heat exchangers (102), one or more fluid reservoirs (103), one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more valves (1-10), the plurality of fluid hoses, the plurality of T-junctions (105), the air interface (106), the connector (107) and the short path component (101). The station controller may be configured to exchange data/information and to control all the components of the system (100) it is coupled with. In a related embodiment, the station controller is configured to control the operations of one of the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more valves (1-10), or a combination thereof. Controlling operation of one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) correspond to selectively activating or deactivating the primary pump (104a) or the suction pump (104b). Controlling the operations of one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), by the control unit, corresponds to operate the primary pump (104a) at different and/or pulsating speeds in order to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid passes through the plurality of channel cleaning paths of the fluid circuit. Pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid may causes scraping off the material deposited inside the channels of the fluid circuit. Further, controlling operation of the one or more valves (1-10) corresponds to selectively opening or closing the one or more valves (1-10) for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths.
In one embodiment, the system (100) the control unit may be configured to receive one or more parameters indicating material deposits inside the channels of the fluid circuit. The said one or more input parameters may comprise fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of channels, and conditioning channels area etc. The control unit may be configured to clean the channels of the fluid circuit, based on the input parameters, by passing the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the short path component (101) returning back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) via the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more valves (1-10), and the plurality of fluid hoses. Further, the control unit may be also configured to automatically control the operations of one of the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more valves (1-10), or a combination thereof, based on the input parameters. Further, the control unit may control the operations of the one or more valves (1-10) by selectively opening or closing the one or more valves (1-10) for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters. Further, the operation of the one or more heat exchangers (102) may be controlled by the control unit based on the input parameters. Controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (102) corresponds to activate the heating circuit for heating the fluid. Alternatively, controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (102) may correspond to activate the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
In an embodiment, the plurality of fluid hoses of the system (100) may be used to connect all components of the system (100) (as illustrated in Figure 1). The one or more fluid reservoirs (103) may be directly connected, via the plurality of fluid hoses, to the primary pump (104a), the suction pump (104b) via valve (9) and the one or more heat exchangers (102). The primary pump (104a) may be connected to an outlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (2, 5, 10) and T-junction (105b). Further, the suction pump (104b) may be connected to an inlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with valve (3) and T-junction (105a).
Further, in the system (100) one or more filters may be placed before the one or more fluid reservoirs (103). The one or more filters may be used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the channels of the fluid circuit.
Furthermore, the plurality of channel cleaning paths the system (100) may comprise a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The first flow path may corresponds to flow of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) to the outlet port of the connector (107), via one or more valves (2, 5 and 10) and a T-junction (105b), to the short path component (101) to the inlet port of the connector (107) to the suction pump (104b) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with the valve (3) and the T-junction (105a) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103).
The second flow path may corresponds to flow of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b) via the valve (8), to the inlet port of the connector (107) via valve (3) and T-junction (105a), to the short path component (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107) to the one or more heat exchangers (102) via one or more valves (2, 7) and T-junction (105b), back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the plurality of fluid hoses.
The third flow path may corresponds to flow of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with valve (8), to the inlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1, 2, 3, 5) and T-junction (105a), to the short path component (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107) to the air interface (106) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with the valve (4) and T-junction (105b).
All the embodiments of the system (100) as mentioned above may be installed in a conditioning station. The system (100) may be configured to clean the fluid circuit in the conditioning station or may otherwise be used to circulate the conditioning fluid into an energy storage system (ESS) coupled with an electric vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning a conditioning fluid circuit is disclosed. The method may comprise the following fluid flow combinations with respect to the conditioning fluid circuit status, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Now referring to Figure 2, a flow diagram describing a method (200) for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method (200) may comprise following steps. The method comprises a step (201) for connecting a primary pump (104a) to one or more fluid reservoirs (103) via a plurality of fluid hoses. Further, the method comprises a step (202) for connecting the primary pump (104a) to an outlet port of a connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (2, 5, 10) and T-junction (105b). Further, the method comprises a step (203) for connecting a suction pump (104b) to one or more fluid reservoirs (103) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with valve (9). Further, the method comprises a step (204) for connecting the suction pump (104b) to an inlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with the valve (3) and T-junction (105a). Furthermore, the method comprises a step (205) for connecting the inlet port of the connector (107) to the outlet port of the connector (107) via a short path component (101). Further, the method comprises a step (206) for receiving one or more input parameters indicating material deposits inside the channels of the fluid circuit. Further, the method comprises a step (207) for cleaning the channels of the fluid circuit using a control unit by circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters. The plurality of channel cleaning paths may comprise a first flow path, a second flow path and a third flow path.
Now referring to Figure 3, a flow diagram describing a method (300) for cleaning channels of the fluid circuit by circulating fluid into the first flow path, is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. At step (301) conditioning fluid may be pumped from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a). Further at step (302) the conditioning fluid moves to the outlet port of the connector (107) via the one or more valves (10?5?2) and the T-junction. Further, at step (303) the conditioning fluid moves to the short path component (101). Then at step (304) the conditioning fluid moves from the short path component (101) to the inlet port of the connector (107). Further, at step (305) the conditioning fluid flows to the suction pump (104b) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with the valve (3) and the T-junction (105a). Finally, at step (306) the conditioning fluid moves back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with the valve (9).
In one exemplary embodiment, the first flow path may comprise following steps. Initially, the 1st, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th solenoid valves from the plurality of valves (1 - 10) may be closed. Further, the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 9th, 10th solenoid valves may be opened. Then, the primary pump (104a) may be switched on and the fluid may be allowed to flow from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a). Further, the fluid may be sequentially pumped through the 10th solenoid valve, the 5th solenoid valve, then the 2nd solenoid valve, T-junction (105b), outlet port of connector (107), the short path (101), inlet port of connector (107), T-junction (105a), the 3rd solenoid valve, the suction pump (104b), the 9th solenoid valve. Finally, the fluid may be pumped back to the the one or more fluid reservoirs (103).
Now referring to Figure 4, a flow diagram describing a method (300) for cleaning channels of the fluid circuit by circulating fluid into the second flow path, is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Initially at step (401) the conditioning fluid in pumped from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a). Further, at step (402) the conditioning fluid moves from the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b) via the plurality of fluid hoses and the valve (8). Further, at step (403) the conditioning fluid moves from the suction pump (104b) to the inlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with T-junction (105a) and the valve (3). Further, at step (404) the conditioning fluid moves from the inlet port of the connector (107) to the short path component (101). Further, at step (405) the conditioning fluid moves from the short path (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107). Further, at step (406) the conditioning fluid moves from the outlet port of the connector (107) to one or more heat exchangers (102) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with T-junction (105b) and the one or more valves (2?7). Finally, at step (407) the conditioning fluid moves from one or more heat exchangers (102) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the plurality of fluid hoses.
In one exemplary embodiment, the second flow path of the method (400) may comprise following steps. Initially, the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th solenoid valves, from the plurality of solenoid valves (1-10) may be closed. Further, rest of the solenoids may be opened. After this, the primary pump (104a) switched on. Furthermore, the fluid to flow from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) may be allowed. Further, the fluid may be sequentially pumped through the 8th solenoid, the suction pump (104b), the 3rd solenoid, T-junction (105a), inlet port of the connector (107), the short path (101), the outlet port of the connector (107), T-junction (105b), the 2nd solenoid, the 7th solenoid and the one or more heat exchanger (102). Finally, the fluid may be pumped back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103).
Now referring to Figure 5, a flow diagram describing a method (500) for cleaning channels of the fluid circuit by circulating fluid into the third flow path, is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Initially, at step (501) the conditioning fluid in pumped from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a). Further, at step (502) the conditioning fluid moves from the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b) via the plurality of fluid hoses and the valve (8). Further, at step (503) the conditioning fluid moves from the suction pump (104b) to the inlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with T-junction (105a) and the valve (3). Furthermore, at step (504) the conditioning fluid moves from the inlet port of the connector (107) to the short path component (101). Further, at step (505) the conditioning fluid moves from the short path component (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107). Finally, at step (506) the conditioning fluid moves from the outlet port of the connector (107) to the air interface (106) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with the valve (4) and the T-junction (105b).
In one exemplary embodiment, the third flow path of the method (500) may comprise steps of fluid flow combinations for cleaning the fluid circuit. Initially, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th solenoid valves, from the plurality of solenoid valves (1-10) may be opened and rest of the solenoids may be closed. Further, the primary pump (104a) may be switched on. Further, the fluid to flow from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) may be allowed. Furthermore, the fluid may be sequentially pumped through the 8th solenoid valve, the suction pump (104b), the 3rd solenoid valve, T-junction (105a), the 1st solenoid valve, the 5th solenoid valve, the 2nd solenoid valve, T-junction (105b), inlet port of the connector (107), the short path (101), outlet port of the connector (107), T-junction (105b), the 4th solenoid valve, the air interface (106). Finally, the fluid from the fluid circuit may be pumped out.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connections with respect to the plurality of solenoid valves (1 to 10) and the one or more T-junctions (105a, 105b), may be modified with respect to their placement in the conditioning fluid circuit. Further, the placement and connections of the other components like the one or more heat exchanger (102), the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), the primary pump (104a), and the suction pump (104b) may be modified for achieving higher efficiency of the cleaning operation.
The presently disclosed system for cleaning channels of the conditioning fluid circuit may have the following advantageous functionalities on the conventional art:
¦ Systematic and faster cleaning of the conditional fluid circuit.
¦ Cost of cleaning the conditional fluid circuit is reduced since cleaning is performed is single operation.
¦ No need to dissemble the conditioning fluid circuit.
Although the implementations of the system have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations of the system.
The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit, characterized in that, the system (100) comprises:
a short path component (101) for connecting an inlet port of a connector (107) to an outlet port of the connector (107);
one or more fluid reservoirs (103) for storing conditioning fluid;
one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) for circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths;
one or more valves (1-10) for controlling the fluid flow;
a plurality of fluid hoses;
a control unit;
and wherein the control unit is configured to clean the channels of the fluid circuit by passing the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the short path component (101) returning back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) via the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more valves (1-10), and the plurality of fluid hoses.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to receive one or more parameters indicating material deposits inside the channels of the fluid circuit, wherein the one or more input parameters comprise fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of channels, and conditioning channels area.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the control unit is configured to automatically control the operations of one of the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), one or more valves (1-10), or a combination thereof, based on the input parameters.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein controlling the operations of one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), by the control unit, is to operate the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) at different and/or pulsating speeds in order to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid passes through the plurality of channel cleaning paths of the fluid circuit, wherein pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid causes scraping off the material deposited inside the channels of the fluid circuit.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein controlling operations of the one or more valves (1-10), by the control unit, is to selectively opening or closing the one or more valves (1-10) for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) stores one of hot fluid, cold fluid or a combination thereof.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) comprise a first reservoir for storing the hot fluid and a second reservoir for storing the cold fluid.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises one or more heat exchangers (102) coupled with the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), for conditioning the fluid stored in the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), wherein the one or more heat exchangers (102) comprise a heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein the one or more heat exchangers (102) comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the one or more heat exchangers (102) based on the one or more input parameters, wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (102) corresponds to activate the heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (102) corresponds to activate the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) comprising a primary pump (104a) and a suction pump (104b), wherein the primary pump (104a) is configured to extract the conditioning fluid out of the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) and passing the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths towards the short path component (101), wherein the suction pump (104b) is configured to remove the fluid from the plurality of channel cleaning paths and passing the fluid towards the one or more fluid reservoirs (103).
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more valves (1-10) comprise one of electric actuated solenoid valves, mechanical actuated valves, pneumatic valves, or a combination thereof.
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of fluid hoses comprises one of a linear hose, a bend hose, an L-shape hose, one or more T-junctions (105a, 105b), or a combination thereof.
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of fluid hoses are used to connect all components of the system (100), wherein the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) are directly connected, via the plurality of fluid hoses, to the primary pump (104a), the suction pump (104b) and the one or more heat exchangers (102), wherein the primary pump (104a) is connected to an outlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10), wherein the suction pump (104b) is connected to an inlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10).
14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more filters are placed before the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), wherein the one or more filters are used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the channels of the fluid circuit.
15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of channel cleaning paths corresponds to a first flow path of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) to the outlet port of the connector (107) to the short path component (101) to the inlet port of the connector (107) to the suction pump (104b) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10).
16. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 8, wherein the plurality of channel cleaning paths corresponds to a second flow path of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b) to the inlet port of the connector (107) to the short path component (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107) to the one or more heat exchangers (102) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10).
17. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises an air interface (106), wherein the air interface (106) is configured to either push air into the plurality of fluid hoses or remove air from the plurality of fluid hoses.
18. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 17, wherein the plurality of channel cleaning paths corresponds to a third flow path of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b) to the inlet port of the connector (107), to the short path component (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107) to the air interface (106) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10).
19. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 17, wherein the system is installed in a conditioning station, wherein the system (100) is configured to clean the fluid circuit in conditioning station, wherein the system (100) is otherwise configured to circulate the conditioning fluid in an energy storage system coupled with an electric vehicle.
20. A method (200) for cleaning channels of a fluid circuit, characterized in that, the method (200) comprising:
connecting (201), a primary pump (104a) to one or more fluid reservoirs (103) via a plurality of fluid hoses;
connecting (202), the primary pump (104a) to an outlet port of a connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10);
connecting (203), a suction pump (104b) to one or more fluid reservoirs (103) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10);
connecting (204), the suction pump (104b) to an inlet port of the connector (107) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10);
connecting (205), the inlet port of the connector (107) to the outlet port of the connector (107) via a short path component (101);
receiving (206), one or more input parameters indicating material deposits inside the channels of the fluid circuit,
cleaning (207), the channels of the fluid circuit using a control unit by circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters.
21. The method (200) as claimed in claim 20, wherein circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths correspond to a first flow path of the conditioning fluid in following steps:
at step (301), from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a);
at step (302), from the primary pump to the outlet port of the connector (107);
at step (303), from the outlet port of the connector (107) to the short path component (101);
at step (304), from the short path component (101) to the inlet port of the connector (107);
at step (305), from inlet port of the connector (107) to the suction pump (104b);
at step (306), from the suction pump (104b) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10).
22. The method (200) as claimed in claim 20, wherein circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths correspond to a second flow path of the conditioning fluid in following steps:
(401), from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a);
(402), from the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b);
(403), from the suction pump (104b) to the inlet port of the connector (107);
(404), from the inlet port of the connector (107) to the short path component (101);
(405), from the short path (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107);
(406), from the outlet port of the connector (107) to one or more heat exchangers (102);
(407), from one or more heat exchangers (102) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10).
23. The method (200) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the method (200) comprises placing an air interface (106) to the output port of the connector (107), wherein the air interface (106) is configured to either push air into the plurality of fluid hoses or remove air from the plurality of fluid hoses.
24. The method (200) as claimed in claims 20 and 23, wherein circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths correspond to a third flow path of the conditioning fluid in following steps:
(501), from the one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to the primary pump (104a);
(502), from the primary pump (104a) to the suction pump (104b);
(503), from the suction pump (104b) to the inlet port of the connector (107);
(504), from the inlet port of the connector (107) to the short path component (101);
(505), from the short path component (101) to the outlet port of the connector (107);
(506), from the outlet port of the connector (107) to the air interface (106) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (1-10).
25. The method (200) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the one or more input parameters comprise fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of channels, and conditioning channels area.
26. The method (200) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the method (200) comprises controlling, by the control unit, the operation of one of the primary pump (104a), the suction pump (104b), one or more valves (1-10), or a combination thereof, based on the one or more input parameters.
27. The method (200) as claimed in claim 26, wherein controlling the operations of the primary pump (104a) and/or the suction pump (104b), by the control unit, is to operate the primary pump (104a) and/or the suction pump (104b) at different and/or pulsating speeds in order to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid passes through the plurality of channel cleaning paths, wherein pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid causes scraping off the material deposited inside the channels of the fluid circuit.
28. The method (200) as claimed in claim 26, wherein controlling operations of the one or more valves (1-10), by the control unit, is to selectively open or closing the one or more valves (1-10) for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters.
29. The method (200) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the method is used in a conditioning station, wherein the method (200) is configured to clean the fluid circuit in a conditioning station, wherein the method (200) is otherwise configured to circulate the conditioning fluid into in an energy storage system.
Dated this 08th day of January 2023

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454