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 CONDITIONING CHANNELS OF AN ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

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 202241051345, filed on 8th January 2023, incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of conditioning channels for maintaining thermal management in an energy storage system for electric vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cleaning of the conditioning channels of the energy storage system.
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 the energy storage system but also to reduce the size of electric engines. Further the temperature also affects the charge capacity of the energy storage system. Thus, the temperature is the main parameter that needs to be controlled in an energy storage system, hence there is a need to maintain the temperature of the energy storage system by circulating conditioning fluid through the conditioning channels associated with the energy storage system.
Presently, the energy storage system of the electric vehicle during charging has temperature conditioned by circulating conditioning fluid from the conditioning station. The energy storage system is conditioned by passing conditioning fluid from the conditioning station to conditioning channels associated with the energy storage system to maintain temperature within predefined range. However, circulating the conditioning fluid for maintaining the temperature of the energy storage system within a predefined range over a period, resulting in the deposition of the material layer inside the conditioning channel due to contact between the conditioning fluid and the conditioning channel.
The deposition of the material layer inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system may lead to insufficient fluid flow rate resulting in inadequate and unbalanced conditioning of the energy storage system. This may further trigger premature degradation of cells/ thermal runaway. This may also lead to leaks in the conditioning channels resulting in short circuit and loss of the cells.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide a system for cleaning the material deposit inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system, to overcome the above-mentioned problems.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and method for cleaning conditioning channels of an energy storage system to prevent material layer deposition inside the conditioning channel of the energy storage system.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for cleaning the conditioning channels of an energy storage system has been disclosed. The system may correspond to a conditioning station having a fluid conditioning circuit for conditioning the energy storage system of an electric vehicle. The system may comprise one or more fluid reservoirs for storing conditioning fluid. Further the system may comprise a plurality of fluid hoses for passing the conditioning fluid within various components of the system. Further, the system may comprise one or more fluid pumps for circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths through the plurality of fluid hoses. The one or more fluid pumps may comprise a primary fluid pump, a suction pump, or the like. Further, the system may comprise one or more valves for controlling the fluid flow and one or more filters for filtering out the conditioning fluid. The one or more filters may be used to filter out the material deposits mixed with the conditioning fluid, resulting in a clean conditioning fluid. Further, the system may comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured to clean the conditioning channels of the energy storage system by passing the conditioning fluid to the plurality of channel cleaning paths. In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to pass the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs to the energy storage system, returning back to the one or more fluid reservoirs via the one or more fluid pumps, one or more valves, the plurality of fluid hoses, and the plurality of filters.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning conditioning channels of an energy storage system is disclosed. The method may comprise a set of steps for cleaning the conditioning channels of the energy storage system. The method may comprise a step of connecting a primary fluid pump to one or more fluid reservoirs via a plurality of fluid hoses. Further the method may comprise a step of connecting the primary fluid pump to an outlet port of the energy storage system via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves. Further the method may comprise a step of connecting a suction pump to one or more fluid reservoirs via the plurality of fluid hoses. Further, the method may comprise a step of connecting the suction pump to an inlet port of the energy storage system via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves. Further, the method may comprise a step of detecting material deposits inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system. The method may further comprise a step of cleaning the conditioning channels of the energy storage system using a control unit by circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system.
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.
Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(b) illustrate a system (100) for cleaning the conditioning channels of an energy storage system, in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates a method (200) for cleaning conditioning channels of an energy storage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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 “transfer”, “transferred”, “deliver” and “delivered” have the same meaning and are used alternatively throughout the specification.
The terminology “cleaning”, “clean”, “cleansing”, “removing” and “scraping” have the same meaning and are used alternatively throughout the specification.
The Conditioning station includes a charging source providing an electrical charge, a conditioning fluid source for providing conditioning fluid and a connector having both an electrical supply section delivering the electrical charge and a conditioning fluid supply section delivering the conditioning fluid.
Referring to Fig. 1(a), a system (100) for cleaning conditioning channels of an energy storage system is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) comprise one or more fluid reservoirs (101), a primary fluid pump (102), one or more valves (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e, 103f, collectively referred to as 103), a plurality of fluid hoses (104), a plurality of fluid T-junctions (105a, 105b, collectively referred to as 105), one or more filters (106), one or more heat exchangers (107), a suction pump(108), an air inlet (110), and a control unit (not illustrated). The system (100) for cleaning the conditioning channel connected to an energy storage system (109). The energy storage system (109) comprises a set of fluid conditioning channels for conditioning one or more electric components (for e.g. Cells) of the energy storage system (109). Further, the energy storage system (109) comprises an inlet port and an outlet port.
In one embodiment, the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) may be a large container made of durable plastic or stainless steel and may be capable of holding gallons of cleaning and conditioning fluid. Further, the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) may be a container that holds the cleaning and conditioning fluid. It may provide a sufficient volume of fluid to ensure continuous operation during the cleaning process. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) are designed to store one of hot fluid, cold fluid or a combination thereof. In a related embodiment, the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) comprise a first reservoir for storing the hot fluid and a second reservoir for storing the cold fluid.
In another embodiment, the primary fluid pump (102) 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 fluid pump (102) is responsible for generating the necessary pressure to circulate the cleaning and conditioning fluid throughout the system (100). It may ensure a steady flow of fluid through the channels, aiding in the removal of contaminants and debris. The primary fluid pump (102) is designed with one or more different and/or pulsating speeds which is used to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid pump by the primary fluid pump (102). In an exemplary embodiment, the primary fluid pump (102) is configured to extract the conditioning fluid out of the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) and pass the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths towards the energy storage system (109). Further, the one or more valves (103) 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 fluid. In an embodiment, the one or more valves (103) comprise one of electric actuated solenoid valves, mechanical actuated valves, pneumatic valves, or a combination thereof. Further, the plurality of fluid hoses (104) may be flexible tubes serving as conduits for the cleaning and conditioning fluid. The fluid hoses (104) may connect various components of the system (101), enabling the fluid to flow smoothly between them. In an embodiment of the present disclosure the plurality of fluid hoses (104) comprises one of a linear hose, a bend hose, an L-shape hose, a plurality of fluid T-junctions (105a, 105b, collectively referred to as 105), or a combination thereof. The fluid T junctions (105) may comprise one inlet and two outlets. The fluid T-junction may be configured to allow the transfer of the conditioning fluid from the inlet and discharge from either of the two outlets. The fluid T-junction (105) may be T-shaped connectors with three openings, allowing fluid to flow in different directions. For example, T1 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 simultaneously.
Further, the one or more filters (106) may be a cartridge filter with a fine mesh or porous material that captures particles and contaminants. For instance, it may be a pleated paper filter element or a stainless-steel mesh filter, effectively removing debris from the cleaning and conditioning fluid. It may help maintain the fluid's cleanliness and prevent any unwanted substances from entering or obstructing the energy storage system. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more filters (106) are used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109). Further, the one or more heat exchangers (107) 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 cleaning and conditioning fluid and a coolant or ambient air. The heat exchanger (107) may be responsible for regulating the temperature of the cleaning and conditioning fluid. It may either cool down or heat up the fluid as required, optimizing the cleaning process and maintaining the desired temperature range. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more heat exchangers (107) comprise a heating circuit for heating the fluid. In a related exemplary embodiment, one or more heat exchangers (107) comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid. Further, the suction pump (108) 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 (108) may create a vacuum or negative pressure within the system. 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 (108) is configured to remove the fluid from the plurality of channel cleaning paths and pass the fluid towards the one or more fluid reservoirs (101). Further, the air inlet (110) 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 during the cleaning process, preventing any potential vacuum or airlock situations. The air inlet (110) may provide a controlled entry point for air into the system (100). It may allow for the displacement of fluid during the cleaning process, ensuring effective fluid circulation and preventing any potential blockages. In an exemplary embodiment, the air inlet (110) is configured to push air into the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
In another embodiment, the control unit 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 one implementation, the control unit is configured to clean the conditioning channel of the energy storage system (109) by passing the conditioning fluid through a plurality of channel cleaning paths. The plurality of channel cleaning paths may correspond to one or more connection paths of one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the energy storage system (109) and returning connection to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) using the one or more fluid pumps (102, 108), one or more valves (103), the plurality of fluid hoses (104), and the plurality of filters (106). In yet another embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect material deposits inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109). Further based on the detection of material deposition inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109), the control unit is configured to start cleaning the conditioning channels by passing the conditioning fluid, through the plurality of channel cleaning paths. In a specific implementation, the control unit is configured to automatically control the operations of one of the primary fluid pumps (102), the suction pump (108), one or more valves (103), or a combination thereof. Controlling the operations of the primary fluid pump (102) corresponds to operating the primary fluid pump (102) at different and/or pulsating speeds in order to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid passing through it. The variable speed pulsating conditioning fluid may enter the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) and due to the pulsating effect, may cause scraping off the material deposited inside walls of the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109). Further, controlling the operations of the suction pump (108) corresponds to variably increasing or decreasing the suction power of the suction pump (108) based on the requirement of the invention. Further, controlling operations of the one or more valves (103), by the control unit, is to selectively open or close the one or more valves (103) for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths. In yet another embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the operation of one or more heat exchangers (107). The controlling operation of one or more heat exchangers (107) corresponds to either activating the heating circuit for heating the fluid or activating the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig. 1(a), the inlet end of the energy storage system (109) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction T1 (105a). The fluid T-junction T1(105a) is connected to the valve A1 (103a) located at the left of the fluid T-junction T1(105a) through the fluid hose (104). The valve A1(103a) is connected to the primary fluid pump (102) located at the left of the valve A1(103a). The primary fluid pump (102) is connected to the fluid reservoir (101) located at the left of the primary fluid pump (102). The primary fluid pump (102) may be configured to pump the conditioning fluid from the fluid reservoir (101) to the valve A1(103a). Further, the fluid T-junction T1 (105a) is be connected to valve B1(103c) located at the right of the fluid T-junction T1(105a) through the fluid hose (104). The valve B1 (103c) may be configured to open and shut the transfer of the conditioning fluid based on the condition. The valve B1 (103c) is connected to the filter (106) located at the left of the valve B1 (103c). The filter (106) may be configured to filter the conditioning fluid by removing all the material layer deposits carried by the conditioning fluid. The filter (106) is further connected to the suction pump (108) (located at the left of the filter). The suction pump (108) is connected to the fluid reservoir (101) located at the left of the suction pump (108). The suction pump (108) may be configured to remove the filtered conditioning fluid from the filter (106) and deliver it to the fluid reservoir (101). Further the outlet end of the energy storage system (109) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction T2 (105b). The fluid T-junction T2 (105b) on the left outlet unit is connected to a valve A2 (103b) which is further connected to the heat exchanger (107) through another valve D (103f). The heat exchanger (107) is further connected to the fluid reservoir (101). The fluid T-junction T2 (105b) on the right outlet unit is connected to the valve B2 (103d) which is further connected to the Air intel (110).
In an exemplary embodiment, on the system (100) architecture as shown in Fig. 1(a), based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109), the control unit may trigger the cleaning process. The control unit triggers activation of primary pump (102), opening of one or more valves (C, A2, B1) and closing of the remaining valves (A1, B2, D). Further, the control unit is configured to pass the conditioning fluid from one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to valve (C) to valve (A2) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), via fluid T-junction (105b) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (109) to valve (b1) via the fluid T-junction (105a) to the one or more filters (106) to the suction pump (108) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101). The pulsating effect of the conditioning fluid pump, by the primary fluid pump (102), causes scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig. 1(b), the inlet end of the energy storage system (109) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction T1 (105a). The fluid T-junction T1(105a) is connected to the valve A1 (103a) located at the left of the fluid T-junction T1(105a) through the fluid hose (104). The valve A1(103a) is connected to the primary fluid pump (102) located at the left of the valve A1(103a). The primary fluid pump (102) is connected to the fluid reservoir (101) located at the left of the primary fluid pump (102). The primary fluid pump (102) may be configured to pump the conditioning fluid from the fluid reservoir (101) to valve A1(103a). Further, the fluid T-junction T1 (105a) is connected to valve B1(103c) located at the right of the fluid T-junction T1(105a) through the fluid hose (104). The valve B1 (103c) may be configured to open and shut the transfer of the conditioning fluid based on the condition. Valve B1 (103c), in one instance, is connected to Valve F (103h) which is connected to the filter (106a) located at the left of the valve F (103h). The filter (106a) may be configured to filter the conditioning fluid by removing all the material layer deposits carried by the conditioning fluid. The filter (106a) is further connected to the fluid reservoir (101). Valve B1 (103c), in another instance, is connected to Valve E (103g) via a T-junction T3 (105c). Valve E (103g) is further connected to a filter (106b) which is connected to the suction pump (108) (located at the left of the filter). The suction pump (108) is connected to the fluid reservoir (101) located at the left of the suction pump (108). The suction pump (108) may be configured to remove the filtered conditioning fluid from the filter (106) and deliver it to the fluid reservoir (101). Further the outlet end of the energy storage system (109) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction T2 (105b). The fluid T-junction T2 (105b) on the left outlet unit is connected to a valve A2 (103b) which is further connected to the heat exchanger (107) through another valve D (103f). The heat exchanger (107) is further connected to the fluid reservoir (101). The fluid T-junction T2 (105b) on the right outlet unit is connected to the valve B2 (103d) which is further connected to the Air intel (110).
In another exemplary embodiment, on the system (100) architecture as shown in Fig. 1(b), based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109), the control unit may trigger the cleaning process. The control unit triggers activating of primary pump (102), opening of one or more valves (C, A2, B1, E) and closing of the remaining valves (A1, B2, D, F). Further, the control unit is configured to pass the conditioning fluid from one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to valve (C) to valve (A2) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), via fluid T-junction (105b) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (109) to valve (B1) via the fluid T-junction (105a) to valve (E) to the filter (106b) to the suction pump (108) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101). In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control unit may trigger the cleaning process without using suction pump (108). The control unit triggers activating of primary pump (102), deactivating suction pump (108), opening of one or more valves (C, A2, B1, B2, F) and closing of the remaining valves (A1, D, E). Further, the control unit is configured to pass the conditioning fluid from one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to valve (C) to valve (A2) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), via fluid T-junction T2 (105b) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109). Simultaneously, compressed air passes to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), via fluid T-junction T2 (105b). The air will push the conditioning fluid to the inlet port of the energy storage system (109) to valve (B1) via the fluid T-junction (105a) to valve (F) to the filter (106a) to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101). The pulsating effect of the conditioning fluid pump, by the primary fluid pump (102), causes scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
In the above implementation of the present disclosure, all the components of the fluid conditioning circuit and the energy storage system (109) may be connected to each other through the plurality of fluid hoses (104) (not illustrated).
In another exemplary embodiment as disclosed above, referring to Fig. 2, a method (200) for cleaning the conditioning channels of an energy storage system (109) has been disclosed. The method involves a series of steps that are seamlessly integrated to facilitate efficient cleaning while minimizing downtime as follows:
Step 201: Connecting a Primary Fluid Pump to Fluid Reservoirs: Begin by connecting a primary fluid pump (102) to one or more fluid reservoirs (101) through a plurality of fluid hoses (104). This step ensures a controlled and regulated fluid flow for the cleaning process.
Step 202: Connecting Primary Fluid Pump to Energy Storage System Outlet: Establish a connection (202) between the primary fluid pump (102) and an outlet port of the energy storage system (109) using the plurality of fluid hoses (104). Integrate one or more valves (103) into this connection to regulate the fluid flow and pressure.
Step 203: Connecting Suction Pump to Fluid Reservoirs: Connect a suction pump (108) to the same fluid reservoirs (101) through the plurality of fluid hoses (104). This connection (203) ensures a closed-loop system for fluid circulation during the cleaning process.
Step 204: Connecting Suction Pump to Energy Storage System Inlet: Establish a connection (204) between the suction pump (108) and an inlet port of the energy storage system (109) using the fluid hoses (104). Integrate one or more valves (103) into this connection to control the suction and flow direction.
Step 205: Detecting material deposits inside conditioning channels of Energy Storage System: A control unit determines using various ways for detecting deposition of blocking material inside the conditioning channels of the Energy storage system.
Step 206: Cleaning Conditioning Channels with Control Unit: Utilize the control unit to initiate the cleaning process (206) based on the detection of blocking material deposited inside the conditioning channels. Circulate the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, effectively removing contaminants, and ensuring optimal performance of the energy storage system.
In one embodiment, the method (200) may include the strategic placement of one or more filters (106) between the channel cleaning paths and the suction pump (108). These filters (106) could act as crucial gatekeepers, potentially positioned to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109). This embodiment may ensure that the circulated fluid, post-cleaning, is potentially free from contaminants, contributing significantly to the potential cleanliness and efficiency of the energy storage system.
In another embodiment, the method (200) could carefully define a specific flow path during the circulation of conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths. This structured flow path may orchestrate the movement of the fluid, ensuring a systematic and thorough cleaning process. The flow path might encompass the movement of the fluid through the fluid reservoirs (101), primary fluid pump (102), outlet and inlet ports of the energy storage system (109), conditioning channels, one or more filters (106), suction pump (108), and back to the fluid reservoirs (101) via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) and one or more valves (103). This embodiment might optimize the efficiency of material deposit removal.
The presently disclosed system and method for cleaning the conditioning channel of the energy storage system to prevent the material layer deposition may have the following advantageous functionalities on the conventional art:
? To maintain efficient flow of the conditioning fluid inside the conditioning channel.
? To maintain adequate and balanced conditioning of the energy storage system.
? To avoid premature degradation of the cells.
? To prevent thermal runaway of the conditioning channels.
? To prevent corrosion due to the deposition of material layers.
? To prevent leakage of the conditioning fluid inside the conditioning channel.
? To prevent short circuits and loss of cells due to leakage of the conditioning fluid.
Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
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 conditioning channels of an energy storage system (109), the system (100) comprising:
one or more fluid reservoirs (101) for storing conditioning fluid;
one or more fluid pumps (102, 108) for circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths;
one or more valves (103) for controlling the fluid flow;
a plurality of fluid hoses (104);
one or more filters (106) for filtering out the conditioning fluid;
a control unit ;
and wherein the control unit is configured to clean the conditioning channel of the energy storage system (109) by passing the conditioning fluid, through the plurality of channel cleaning paths, from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the energy storage system (109) returning back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) via the one or more fluid pumps (102, 108), one or more valves (103), the plurality of fluid hoses (104), and the plurality of filters (106).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to detect material deposits inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
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 (102, 108), one or more valves (103), or a combination thereof, based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein controlling the operations of one or more fluid pumps (102, 108), by the control unit, is to operate the one or more fluid pumps (102, 108) 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 including the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109), wherein pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid causes scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein controlling operations of the one or more valves (103), by the control unit, is to selectively opening or closing the one or more valves (103) for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) 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 (101) 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 (107) coupled with the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), for conditioning the fluid stored in the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), wherein the one or more heat exchangers (107) comprise a heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein the one or more heat exchangers (107) comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
9. The system 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 (107), wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (107) corresponds to activate the heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (107) 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 (102, 108) comprising a primary fluid pump (102) and a suction pump (108), wherein the primary fluid pump (102) is configured to extract the conditioning fluid out of the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) and passing the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths towards the energy storage system (109), wherein the suction pump (108) is configured to remove the fluid from the plurality of channel cleaning paths and passing the fluid towards the one or more fluid reservoirs (101).
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more valves (103) 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 (104) comprises one of a linear hose, a bend hose, an L-shape hose, a T-junction (105), or a combination thereof.
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of fluid hoses (104) are used to connect all components of the system (100), wherein the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) are directly connected, via the plurality of fluid hoses (104), to the primary fluid pump (102), the suction pump (108) and the one or more heat exchangers (107), wherein the primary fluid pump (102) is connected to an outlet port of the energy storage system (109) via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103), wherein the suction pump (108) is connected to an inlet port of the energy storage system (109) via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103).
14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more filters (106) are placed between the plurality of channel cleaning paths and the suction pump (108), wherein the one or more filters (106) are used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of channel conditioning paths corresponds to first flow path of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (109) to the one or more filters (106) to the suction pump (108) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103).
16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises an air inlet (110), wherein the air inlet (110) is configured to push air into the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
17. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 16, wherein the plurality of channel conditioning paths corresponds to second flow path of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), pushing of air from the air inlet (110) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), pushing of the fluid and air to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (109) to the one or more filters (106) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103).
18. A method (200) for cleaning conditioning channels of an energy storage system (109), the method (200) comprising:
connecting (201), a primary fluid pump (102) to one or more fluid reservoirs (101) via a plurality of fluid hoses (104);
connecting (202), the primary fluid pump (102) to an outlet port of the energy storage system (109) via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103);
connecting (203), a suction pump (108) to one or more fluid reservoirs (101) via the plurality of fluid hoses (104);
connecting (204), the suction pump (108) to an inlet port of the energy storage system (109) via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103);
detecting (205), material deposits inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109),
cleaning (206), the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) using a control unit by circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
19. The method (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method (200) comprises placing one or more filters (106) between the channel cleaning paths and the suction pump (108), wherein the one or more filters (106) are used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
20. The method (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths correspond to first flow path of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (109) to the one or more filters (106) to the suction pump (108) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103).
21. The method (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method (200) comprises placing an air inlet (110) to the output port of the energy storage system (109), wherein the air inlet (110) is configured to push air into the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
22. The method (200) as claimed in claims 18 and 21, wherein circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths correspond to second flow path of the conditioning fluid from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), pushing of air from the air inlet (110) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (109), pushing of the fluid and air to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (109) to the one or more filters (106) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses (104) along with one or more valves (103).
23. The method (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method (200) comprises controlling, by the control unit, the operation of one of the primary fluid pump (102), the suction pump (108), one or more valves (103), or a combination thereof, based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
24. The method (200) as claimed in claim 23, wherein controlling the operations of the primary fluid pump (102) and/or the suction pump (108), by the control unit, is to operate the primary fluid pump (102) and/or the suction pump (108) 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 including the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109), wherein pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid causes scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109).
25. The method (200) as claimed in claim 23, wherein controlling operations of the one or more valves (103), by the control unit, is to selectively open or closing the one or more valves (103) for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths.
26. The method (200) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the method (200) comprises coupling one or more heat exchangers (107) with the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), for conditioning the fluid stored in the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), wherein the one or more heat exchangers (107) comprise a heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein the one or more heat exchangers (107) comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
27. The method (200) as claimed in claims 18 and 26, wherein the method (200) comprises controlling, by the control unit, the operations of the one or more heat exchangers (107) based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (109), wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (107) corresponds to activate the heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (107) corresponds to activate the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.

Dated this 08th day of January 2023

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454