DESC: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 OF DETECTING BLOCKAGE IN CONDITIONING CHANNELS OF 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 202241051342, filed on 8th January 2023, incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of conditioning channels of an energy storage system. More specifically, the present application discloses a system and method for detecting blockages in 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.
Generally, an energy storage system comprises at least one cell, a bus bar, and a conditioning channel. The energy storage system is charge conditioned and temperature conditioned by circulating a charge and a fluid respectively from a conditioning station to the conditioning channels. The major challenges faced while using the energy storage system is a high temperature which causes the energy storage system to degrade, and is the primary difficulty encountered while conditioning the energy storage system. The high temperature leads to poor performance, short lifetime and a risk of thermal runaway energy storage system. Therefore, the fluids are used in order to either cool or heat the energy storage system. But the fluid might create a material layer inside the conditioning channel, wherever the fluid comes in contact with the conditioning channel. This may block the conditioning channel, which might lead to degradation of the energy storage system and further lead to corrosion. The degradation leads to compromised fluid flow rate and thus leading to inadequate and unbalanced conditioning of the energy storage system which leads to premature degradation of the energy storage system. Corrosion leads to compromised structure of the conditioning channel leading to fluid leaks. The fluid leaks may result in short circuits and loss of cells in the energy storage system (ESS).
In addition to that if the conditioning channels are blocked (partially or fully), fluid may not flow adequately inside the conditioning channels, leading to inadequate conditioning of ESS leading to deterioration of ESS life and in worst cases thermal runaway.
As known in the art, there are systems which detect the blockages in the conditioning channels but do not remove these blockages immediately after their detection of blockages.
Thus, there is a need to have a system for detecting blockage formation in the conditioning channels and then cleaning the conditioning channels of the energy storage system.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to detecting blockage in the conditioning channel of the energy storage system. 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 non-limiting embodiment, a system for detecting blockage in 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 sensors configured to detect one or more input parameters of the energy storage system. Further, the system may comprise a control unit coupled with the one or more sensors. The control unit is configured to perform multiple steps to detect blockage in conditioning channels of the energy storage system. The control unit may be configured for receiving the one or more input parameters from the one or more sensors. The control unit may be configured for comparing the received parameters with a predefined threshold value corresponding to each of the one or more parameters. Further the control unit may be configured for detecting blockage in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system based on the comparison of the received parameters with their corresponding predefined threshold value.
In another embodiment, 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. The system may further comprise one or more valves for controlling the fluid flow and plurality of fluid hoses for passing the conditioning fluid within various components of the system. Further, the system may comprise 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. Furthermore, after blockage detection, the control unit is configured to clean the conditioning channel 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. Furthermore, the conditioning fluid returns 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 one or more filters.
In another non-limiting embodiment, a method for detecting blockage in conditioning channels of an energy storage system is disclosed. The method may comprise a set of steps for detecting blockage in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system. The method may comprise a step of detecting one or more input parameters of the energy storage system using one or more sensors. Further, the method may comprise a step of receiving the one or more input parameters from the one or more sensors. Further, the method may comprise a step of comparing the received parameters with a predefined threshold value corresponding to each of the one or more parameters. Further, the method may comprise a step of detecting blockage in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system based on the comparison of the received parameters with their corresponding predefined threshold value. In another embodiment, 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 detection of blockage in 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.
The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a system (100) to detect blockages in the conditioning channels of an energy storage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary system (200) for detecting blockages in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart describing a method (300) for detecting blockage in conditioning channels of an energy storage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles 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 “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.
Figure 1 illustrates a system (100) for detecting blockage in conditioning channels of an energy storage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one non-limiting embodiment, the system (100) comprise one or more fluid reservoirs (101), one or more fluid pumps (102, 103), one or more heat exchangers (104), one or more valves (109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114), a plurality of fluid hoses, a plurality of fluid T-junctions (106a, 106b, collectively referred to as 106), an air inlet (107), one or more filters (108), one or more sensors (not illustrated) and a control unit (not illustrated). The system (100), for detecting blockage in the conditioning channel, is connected to an energy storage system (105). The energy storage system (105) comprises a set of fluid conditioning channels for conditioning one or more electric components (for e.g. Cells) of the energy storage system (105). Further, the energy storage system (105) comprises an inlet port and an outlet port. In another embodiment, the system (100) may detect blockage in conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) during charging of the energy storage system (105).
In one embodiment, the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) may be configured for storing conditioning fluid. 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 blockage detection and 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 addition, the one or more fluid pumps (102, 103) may be configured for circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths. 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 (105).
In another embodiment, the suction pump (103) 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 (103) 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 (103) 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 one or more heat exchangers (104) 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 (104) 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 (104) comprise a heating circuit for heating the fluid. In a related exemplary embodiment, one or more heat exchangers (104) comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
Additionally, the one or more valves (109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114) may be configured for controlling the fluid flow. 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 fluid. In an embodiment, the one or more valves 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 cleaning and 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 fluid T-junctions (106a, 106b, collectively referred to as 106), or a combination thereof. The fluid T junctions (106) may comprise one inlet and two outlets. The fluid T-junction (106) 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 (106) may be T-shaped connectors with three openings, allowing fluid to flow in different directions. For example, T-junction (106) 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 air inlet (107) 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 (107) 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 (107) is configured to push air into the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
Further, the one or more filters (108) 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 (108) are used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
Further one or more sensors (not illustrated) may correspond to the sensors for detecting one or more input parameters of the energy storage system (105). In another implementation, the one or more input parameters may comprise of fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of conditioning channels, temperature of the energy storage system (105), conditioning channels area, and state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage system (105).
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 may be configured to detect blockage in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105). In another implementation, the control unit may be configured to clean the conditioning channel of the energy storage system (105) 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 from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the energy storage system (105) and returning back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) using the one or more fluid pumps (102, 103), one or more valves (109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114), the plurality of fluid hoses, and the one or more filters (108).
In yet another embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect material deposits inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105). Further based on the detection of material deposition inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105), the control unit is configured to start cleaning the conditioning channels by passing the conditioning fluid, through the plurality of channel cleaning paths. The control unit may be configured for receiving one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105). In one implementation. the one or more input parameters may indicate material deposition inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105). In another implementation, the one or more input parameters may comprise of fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of conditioning channels, temperature of the energy storage system (105), conditioning channels area, and state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage system (105). The control unit may be configured to compare values of the one or more input parameters with a predefined threshold to conclude whether there is any material layer formed inside the conditioning channels of the energy conditioning system (105). In a specific implementation, the control unit may check whether flow rate of the conditioning fluid is less than predefined fluid flow rate of the system, or measure fluid pressure of the system (100) and check if the pressure moves beyond preset pressure for the same pump speed or may check if the temperature of the energy storage system (105) goes beyond the preset battery temperature for charge conditioning. Further, the control unit may check change in fluid volume in the conditioning channels goes below the preset fluid volume. Further, the control unit may check if change in temperature of conditioning channels goes beyond a preset change limit, to detect blockage. Further, the control unit may check if change in conditioning channels area goes beyond a preset change limit, to detect blockage in energy storage system (105). Further, the control unit may check if rate of change in SOC of the energy storage system (105) is below a preset charge rate, to detect blockage in the energy storage system (105).
In a specific implementation, the control unit may be configured for automatically controlling the operations of one of the one or more fluid pumps (102, 103), one or more valves, or a combination thereof, based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105). 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 (105) and due to the pulsating effect, may cause scraping off the material deposited inside walls of the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105). Further, controlling the operations of the suction pump (103) may corresponds to variably increasing or decreasing the suction power of the suction pump (103) based on the requirement of the invention.
In another implementation, the control unit may operate the one or more valves to selectively open or close the one or more valves for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105). In yet another embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105). Controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) may correspond to either activating of the heating circuit for heating the fluid or controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) corresponds to activating of the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 1, the inlet port of the energy storage system (105) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction (106a). The fluid T-junction (106a) is connected to the valve (110) located at the left of the fluid T-junction (106a) through the fluid hose. The valve (110) is connected to the primary fluid pump (102) located at the left of the valve (110). 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 (110). Further, the fluid T-junction (106a) is be connected to valve (111) located at the right of the fluid T-junction T1(106a) through the fluid hose. The valve (111) may be configured to open and shut the transfer of the conditioning fluid based on the condition. The valve (111) is connected to the filter (108) located at the left of the valve (111). The filter (108) may be configured to filter the conditioning fluid by removing all the material layer deposits carried by the conditioning fluid. The filter (108) is further connected to the suction pump (103) (located at the left of the filter). The suction pump (103) is connected to the fluid reservoir (101) located at the left of the suction pump (103). The suction pump (103) may be configured to remove the filtered conditioning fluid from the filter (108) and deliver it to the fluid reservoir (101). Further the outlet port of the energy storage system (105) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction (106b). The fluid T-junction (106b) on the left outlet unit is connected to a valve (113) which is further connected to the heat exchanger (104) through another valve (114). The heat exchanger (104) is further connected to the fluid reservoir (101). The fluid T-junction (106b) on the right outlet unit is connected to the valve (112) which is further connected to the Air intel (107).
In an exemplary embodiment, on the system (100) architecture as shown in Figure 1, based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105), the control unit may trigger the cleaning process. The control unit triggers activation of primary pump (102), opening of one or more valves (109, 111, 113) and closing of the remaining valves (110, 112, 114). 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 (109) to valve (111) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (105), via fluid T-junction (106b) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (105) to valve (111) via the fluid T-junction (106a) to the one or more filters (108) to the suction pump (103) 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 (105).
In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 2, the inlet port of the energy storage system (205) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction (206a). The fluid T-junction (206a) is connected to the valve (210) located at the left of the fluid T-junction (206a) through the fluid hose. The valve (210) is connected to the primary fluid pump (202) located at the left of the valve (210). The primary fluid pump (202) is connected to the fluid reservoir (201) located at the left of the primary fluid pump (202). The primary fluid pump (102) may be configured to pump the conditioning fluid from the fluid reservoir (201) to valve (210). Further, the fluid T-junction (206a) is be connected to valve (211) located at the right of the fluid T-junction (206a) through the fluid hose. The valve (211) may be configured to open and shut the transfer of the conditioning fluid based on the condition. Valve (211), in one instance, is connected to Valve (212) which is connected to the filter (208) via T-junction (206c) located at the left of the valve (212). The filter (208) may be configured to filter the conditioning fluid by removing all the material layer deposits carried by the conditioning fluid. The filter (208) is further connected to the fluid reservoir (201). Valve (211), in another instance, is connected to Valve (213) via the T-junction (206c). Valve (213) is further connected to the suction pump (203). The suction pump (203) is connected to the fluid reservoir (201) located at the left of the suction pump (203). The suction pump (203) may be configured to remove the conditioning fluid and deliver it to the fluid reservoir (201). Further the outlet port of the energy storage system (205) is connected to an inlet of the fluid T-junction (206b). The fluid T-junction (206b) on the left outlet unit is connected to a valve (215) which is further connected to the heat exchanger (204) through another valve (216). The heat exchanger (204) is further connected to the fluid reservoir (201). The fluid T-junction (206b) on the right outlet unit is connected to the valve (214) which is further connected to the Air intel (207).
In another exemplary embodiment, on the system (200) architecture as shown in Figure 2, based on the detection of material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (205), the control unit may trigger the cleaning process. The control unit triggers activating of primary pump (202), opening of one or more valves (209, 211, 213, 215) and closing of the remaining valves (210, 212, 214, 216). Further, the control unit is configured to pass the conditioning fluid from one or more fluid reservoirs (201) to the primary fluid pump (202) to valve (209) to valve (215) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (205), via fluid T-junction (206b) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (205) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (205) to valve (211) via the fluid T-junction (206a) to valve (213) to the suction pump (203) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (201). In yet another exemplary embodiment, the control unit may trigger the cleaning process without using suction pump (203). The control unit triggers activating of primary pump (202), deactivating suction pump (203), opening of one or more valves (209, 211, 212, 214, 215) and closing of the remaining valves (210, 213, 216). Further, the control unit is configured to pass the conditioning fluid from one or more fluid reservoirs (201) to the primary fluid pump (202) to valve (209) to valve (215) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (205), via fluid T-junction (206b) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (205). Simultaneously, compressed air passes to the outlet port of the energy storage system (205), via fluid T-junction (206b). The air will push the conditioning fluid to the inlet port of the energy storage system (205) to valve (211) via the fluid T-junction (206a) to valve (212) to the filter (208) to the one or more fluid reservoirs (201). The pulsating effect of the conditioning fluid pump, by the primary fluid pump (202), causes scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (205).
Figure 3 illustrates a method (300) for detecting blockage in conditioning channels of an energy storage system (105), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (300) may comprise a step (301) of detecting one or more input parameters of the energy storage system (105) using one or more sensors. The method (300) may further comprise a step (302) of receiving the one or more input parameters from the one or more sensors. The method (300) may further comprise a step (303) of comparing the received parameters with a predefined threshold value corresponding to each of the one or more parameters. The method (300) may further comprise a step (304) of detecting blockage in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) based on the comparison of the received parameters with their corresponding predefined threshold value. In another embodiment, the method (300) may further comprise a step of cleaning the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) using a control unit by circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
In one embodiment, the method (300) may comprise a step of placing one or more filters (108) between the channel cleaning paths and the suction pump (103). In addition, the one or more filters (108) may be used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
In another embodiment, circulation of the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths may correspond to first flow path of the conditioning fluid. In the first flow path, the conditioning fluid flows from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (105) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (105) to the one or more filters (108) to the suction pump (103) and back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (109, 113, 111).
In yet another embodiment, the method (300) may further comprise placing an air inlet (107) to the output port of the energy storage system (105). The air inlet (107) may be configured to push (or supply) air into the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
In one embodiment, circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths may correspond to second flow path of the conditioning fluid. In the second flow path, the conditioning fluid flows from the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to the primary fluid pump (102) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (105), simultaneously pushing of air from the air inlet (107) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (105), pushing of the fluid and air to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (105) to the one or more filters (108) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (109, 111, 112, 113).
In another embodiment, the one or more input parameters may indicate material deposition inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105). The one or more input parameters may comprise fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of conditioning channels, temperature of the energy storage system (105), conditioning channels area, and state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage system (105).
In yet another embodiment, the method (300) may further comprise a step of controlling, by the control unit, the operation of one of the primary fluid pump (102), the suction pump (103), one or more valves, or a combination thereof, based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
In one embodiment, controlling the operations of the primary fluid pump (102) and/or the suction pump (103), by the control unit, may correspond to operating of the primary fluid pump (102) and/or the suction pump (103) at different and/or pulsating speeds in order to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid. The said conditioning fluid may pass (or flow) through the plurality of channel cleaning paths including the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105). In addition, the pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid may cause scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
In another embodiment, controlling operations of the one or more valves, by the control unit, may correspond to selective opening or closing the one or more valves for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
In yet another embodiment, the method (300) may further comprise a step of coupling one or more heat exchangers (104) with the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), for conditioning the fluid stored in the one or more fluid reservoirs (101). In addition, the one or more heat exchangers (104) may comprise a heating circuit for heating the fluid. Also, the one or more heat exchangers (104) may comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
In yet another embodiment, the method (300) may further comprise a step of controlling, by the control unit, the operations of the one or more heat exchangers (104) based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105). In one implementation, the controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) may correspond to activation of the heating circuit for heating the fluid. In another implementation, the controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) may correspond to activation of the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
In one exemplary embodiment, the method for detection of blockages in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system may comprise the step of initialization of conditioning of the energy storage system. The method may further comprise step of comparison of flow rate of the fluid in the temperature conditioning channel with the preset threshold values of the flow rate, pressure of the system (100)/energy storage system (105) with the preset pressure of the system (100)/energy storage system (105), temperature of the fluid in the temperature conditioning channels with the preset threshold value of the temperature for the same pump speed. The method may further comprise the step of detection of blockages based on the said comparison. The method may further comprise the step of ramping down the current in the energy storage system (105) to attain temperature value below the preset value of temperature of the fluid. The method may further comprise the step of completion of charging of energy storage system (105). The method may further optionally comprise the step of cleaning of the conditioning channels in case of blockage detection. In one implementation, the method may be configured to detect the blockages in the temperature conditioning channels of the energy storage system based on the flow rate of the temperature conditioning fluid flowing in the temperature conditioning channel. The energy storage system (105) may be configured to circulate the temperature conditioning fluid from the conditioning station to the temperature conditioning channels. If the flow rate of the temperature conditioning fluid in the temperature conditioning channel may be less than predefined threshold flow rate, then the blockage detection system may detect that a blockage is developed in the temperature conditioning channel. In another implementation, the method may be configured to detect the blockages in the temperature conditioning channel of the energy storage system based on the pressure of the system. If the pressure of the system goes beyond the predefined threshold pressure for the same pump speed, then the system may detect that a blockage is developed in the temperature conditioning channel. In yet another implementation, the method may be configured to detect the blockages in the temperature conditioning channel of the energy storage system based on the temperature of the energy storage system. The system may be configured to detect the temperature of the energy storage system. If the temperature of the energy storage system goes beyond the predefined threshold temperature during the charge conditioning of the energy storage system, then the system may detect that a blockage is developed in the temperature conditioning channel. Further, if the system meets one or all or combination of aforementioned parameters, then the system may conclude that there may be a blockage in the temperature conditioning channel of the energy storage system. Furthermore, once the system detects layer formation or blockage in the temperature conditioning channel, the system may decide to stop charge conditioning and may initialize the cleaning process and start charge conditioning again.
The presently disclosed system and method for detecting blockage in 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:1. A system (100) for detecting blockage in conditioning channels of an energy storage system (105), the system (100) comprising:
one or more sensors configured to detect one or more input parameters of the energy storage system (105);
a control unit coupled with the one or more sensors, wherein the control unit is configured for:
receiving the one or more input parameters from the one or more sensors;
comparing the received parameters with a predefined threshold value corresponding to each of the one or more parameters;
detecting blockage in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) based on the comparison of the received parameters with their corresponding predefined threshold value.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein comparing the one or more input parameters with the corresponding threshold, indicates material deposition inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105), wherein the one or more input parameters comprise fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of conditioning channels, temperature of the energy storage system (105), conditioning channels area, and state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage system (105).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises:
one or more fluid reservoirs (101) for storing conditioning fluid;
one or more fluid pumps (102, 103) for circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths;
one or more valves for controlling the fluid flow;
a plurality of fluid hoses;
one or more filters (108) for filtering out the conditioning fluid; and
wherein the control unit is configured to clean the conditioning channel of the energy storage system (105), after blockage detection, 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 (105) returning back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) via the one or more fluid pumps (102, 103), one or more valves, the plurality of fluid hoses, and the one or more filters (108).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein the control unit is configured to compare the fluid flow rate with a predefined flow rate of the system to detect blockage; wherein the control unit is configured to compare the fluid pressure with a predefined fluid pressure corresponding to speed of fluid pumps (102, 103) to detect blockage; wherein the control unit is configured to detect change in fluid volume to detect blockage; wherein the control unit is configured to compare the temperature of the energy storage system (105) with a preset battery temperature to detect blockage; wherein the control unit is configured to detect change in temperature of conditioning channels to detect blockage; wherein the control unit is configured to detect change in conditioning channels area to detect blockage; wherein the control unit is configured to detect change in SOC of the energy storage system (105) to detect blockage.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to automatically control the operations of one of the one or more fluid pumps (102, 103), one or more valves, or a combination thereof, based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein controlling the operations of one or more fluid pumps (102, 103), by the control unit, corresponds to operating the one or more fluid pumps (102, 103) at different and/or pulsating speeds in order to create a pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid passing through the plurality of channel cleaning paths including the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105), wherein pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid causes scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein controlling operations of the one or more valves, by the control unit, corresponds to selective opening or closing of the one or more valves for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) detects blockage in conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) during charging of the energy storage system (105).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more fluid reservoirs (101) stores one of hot fluid, cold fluid or a combination thereof.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, 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.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the system (100) comprises one or more heat exchangers (104) 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 (104) comprises a heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein the one or more heat exchangers (104) comprises a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105), wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) corresponds to activating of the heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) corresponds to activating of the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein one or more fluid pumps (102, 103) comprising a primary fluid pump (102) and a suction pump (103), 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 (105), wherein the suction pump (103) 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).
14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more valves comprise one of electric actuated solenoid valves, mechanical actuated valves, pneumatic valves, or a combination thereof.
15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of fluid hoses comprises one of a linear hose, a bend hose, an L-shape hose, a T-junction hose (106a, 106b), or a combination thereof.
16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of fluid hoses 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, to the primary fluid pump (102), to the suction pump (103) and to the one or more heat exchangers (104), wherein the primary fluid pump (102) is connected to an outlet port of the energy storage system (105) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (109, 113), wherein the suction pump (103) is connected to an inlet port of the energy storage system (105) via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (111).
17. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more filters (108) are placed between the plurality of channel cleaning paths and the suction pump (103), wherein the one or more filters (108) are used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
18. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, 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 (105) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (105) to the one or more filters (108) to the suction pump (103) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (109, 113, 111).
19. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises an air inlet (107), wherein the air inlet (107) is configured to push air into the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
20. The system (100) as claimed in claims 3 and 19, 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 (105), simultaneously pushing of air from the air inlet (107) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (105), pushing of the fluid and air to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (105) to the one or more filters (108) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (109, 113, 112, 111).
21. A method (300) for detecting blockage in conditioning channels of an energy storage system (105), the method (300) comprising:
detecting (301) one or more input parameters of the energy storage system (105) using one or more sensors;
receiving (302) the one or more input parameters from the one or more sensors;
comparing (303) the received parameters with a predefined threshold value corresponding to each of the one or more parameters; and
detecting (304) blockage in the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) based on the comparison of the received parameters with their corresponding predefined threshold value.
22. The method (300) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method (300) comprises cleaning (306), the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) using a control unit by circulating the conditioning fluid into a plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
23. The method (300) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method (300) comprises placing one or more filters (108) between the channel cleaning paths and a suction pump (103), wherein the one or more filters (108) are used to filter the conditioning fluid mixed with the material deposits from the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
24. The method (300) as claimed in claim 22, wherein circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths correspond to first flow path of the conditioning fluid from one or more fluid reservoirs (101) to primary fluid pump (102) to an outlet port of the energy storage system (105) to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) to an inlet port of the energy storage system (105) to one or more filters (108) to the suction pump (103) and back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via a plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (109, 113, 111).
25. The method (300) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method (300) comprises placing an air inlet (107) to the output port of the energy storage system (105), wherein the air inlet (107) is configured to push air into the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
26. The method (300) as claimed in claim 25, 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 (105), simultaneously pushing of air from the air inlet (107) to the outlet port of the energy storage system (105), pushing of the fluid and air to the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105) to the inlet port of the energy storage system (105) to the one or more filters (108) back to the one or more fluid reservoirs (101), via the plurality of fluid hoses along with one or more valves (109, 111, 112, 113).
27. The method (300) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the one or more input parameters indicates material deposition inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105), wherein the one or more input parameters comprise fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, fluid volume, temperature of conditioning channels, temperature of the energy storage system (105), conditioning channels area, and state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage system (105).
28. The method (300) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method (300) comprises controlling, by the control unit, the operation of one of the primary fluid pump (102), the suction pump (103), one or more valves, or a combination thereof, based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
29. The method (300) as claimed in claim 28, wherein controlling the operations of the primary fluid pump (102) and/or the suction pump (103), by the control unit, corresponds to operating of the primary fluid pump (102) and/or the suction pump (103) 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 (105), wherein pulsating effect in the conditioning fluid causes scraping off the material deposited inside the conditioning channels of the energy storage system (105).
30. The method (300) as claimed in claim 28, wherein controlling operations of the one or more valves, by the control unit, corresponds to selective opening or closing of the one or more valves for circulating the conditioning fluid into the plurality of channel cleaning paths, based on the one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105).
31. The method (300) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method (300) comprises coupling one or more heat exchangers (104) 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 (104) comprise a heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein the one or more heat exchangers (104) comprise a cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
32. The method (300) as claimed in claim 31, wherein the method (300) comprises controlling, by the control unit, the operations of the one or more heat exchangers (104) based on one or more input parameters from the energy storage system (105), wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) corresponds to activating of the heating circuit for heating the fluid, wherein controlling operation of the one or more heat exchangers (104) corresponds to activating of the cooling circuit for cooling the fluid.
Dated this 08th day of January 2023

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454