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 FOR FLUID TEMPERATURE CONDITIONING AND A METHOD THEREOF

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 patent application, having application number 202241029627, filled on 23rd May 2022, incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of temperature conditioning system of an energy storage system for electric vehicles (EVs) and EV/energy storage system charging stations. More specifically, the present application discloses a fluid transfer system and a fluid transfer method for temperature conditioning. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fluid circuit for maintaining a fluid and an energy storage system at its optimal temperature for charging.
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 improve energy storage system power and longevity. Thus, the temperature is the main parameter that needs to be controlled in an energy storage system, hence there is a need to use suitable electrical and thermal insulation materials.
The Thermal Management System of an energy storage system is a system responsible for managing/dissipating the heat generated during the electrochemical processes occurring in the energy storage system cells while charging, thus, allowing the energy storage system to operate safely and efficiently. The Thermal Management System of energy storage system´s objective is to prevent accelerated energy storage system deterioration by managing the heat generated by its components so that it operates continuously under optimum temperature conditions. Although the existing commercially available cells can operate safely between extremely low temperatures and extremely high temperatures, however, the operating range preferred by the manufacturers to maximize the performance is not an efficient one due to energy storage system heating consequences. Hence, it is also recommended that within the energy storage system pack, the temperature differential should be within narrow limit. Further, it should be noted that exposing the energy storage system to extreme conditions can have fatal consequences. For example, an energy storage system operating at very high temperatures can cause a thermal runaway, resulting in fire and, in the worst scenario, the explosion of the energy storage system with the consequent personal safety implications. The Thermal Management System of energy storage system is the energy storage system-pack component responsible for ensuring that the cells operate under the optimum temperature conditions specified by the energy storage system manufacturer.
As known in the art, there are Thermal Management System of energy storage systems, onboard the vehicle (hybrid/pure EV) as well as the energy storage system charging station, with fluid circulation systems comprising a heat exchanger and one or more fluid pumps. However, such Thermal Management System of energy storage systems are not efficient enough to maintain the fluid at an optimum operating temperature at the charging station as these systems work on indirect cooling/heating of the energy storage system through a complex fluid channel system.
Thus, there is this long-standing need for an efficient heat transfer system and method for temperature conditioning of the energy storage system so as to improve the efficiency in achieving temperature homogeneity between cells and the complexity of liquid-based systems. Further, as the heat transfer is directly affected by the temperature of the fluid media, it is important to maintain the fluid at a set temperature so that it can instantly perform the required heat transfer and bring the energy storage system to its critical operating temperature without any delay.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a heat transfer system and a heat transfer method for an energy storage system of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV/energy storage system charging stations, and more particularly, to a fluid circuit for maintaining a fluid at its optimal temperature for maintaining the energy storage system at its optimal temperature while charging. 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 an embodiment, a system for fluid temperature conditioning is disclosed. The fluid temperature conditioning system may comprise a fluid reservoir for storing the fluid, a heat exchanger for conditioning the fluid, wherein the conditioning of the fluid may correspond to either heating the fluid or cooling the fluid. The system may further comprises a plurality of valves, one or more fluid pumps to circulate the fluid in a plurality of fluid flow paths, wherein the one or more fluid pumps may comprises a primary pump, a suction pump or an air pump, wherein the plurality of fluid flow paths may corresponds to flowing of the fluid to at least one of, the fluid reservoir, the heat exchanger, the plurality of valves, the primary pump, the secondary pump, the air pump, an energy storage system and a combination thereof, wherein the energy storage system may be housed in a vehicle. Further, the system may enable one or more optimal fluid flow paths from the plurality of fluid flow paths to be configured to maintain an optimal temperature of the fluid, based on one or more required temperature conditions.
In another embodiment, a method for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in a fluid conditioning path is disclosed. The method may comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of a fluid reservoir to an inlet of a primary pump. The method may further comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of the primary pump to an inlet of a heat exchanger. Further, the method may comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of the heat exchanger to an inlet of the fluid reservoir.
In another embodiment, a method for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in an energy storage system temperature conditioning path is disclosed. The method may comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of a fluid reservoir to an inlet of a primary pump. The method may further comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of the primary pump to an inlet of an energy storage system inlet, via a valve from a plurality of valves through a junction from a plurality of junctions. Further, the method may comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of the energy storage system to an inlet of a heat exchanger, via another valve from the plurality of valves, through a junction from the plurality of junctions. Further, the method may comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of the heat exchanger to an inlet of the fluid reservoir.
In another embodiment, a method for draining out fluid from an energy storage system in a drain path is disclosed. The method may comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an inlet of the energy storage system to an inlet of a suction pump via a valve from a plurality of valves through a junction from a plurality of junctions. Further, the method may comprise a step of circulating the fluid from an outlet of the suction pump to an inlet of a fluid reservoir.
In another embodiment, a method for draining out fluid from an energy storage system in a drain path is disclosed. The method may comprise a step of supplying air from an air inlet to inlet of an air pump (104c). Further, the method may comprise step of circulating the air from an outlet of the air pump to the outlet of the energy storage system, via a junction from the plurality of junctions. Further, the method may comprise step of circulating, the fluid from the inlet of the energy storage system to inlet of one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via a junction (105a).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1a illustrates a block diagram of a system (100) connected to an energy storage system (101) for temperature conditioning, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 1b illustrates a block diagram of a system (100) connected to an energy storage system (101) for temperature conditioning, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram for a method (200) for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in a fluid conditioning path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram for a method (300) for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in an energy storage system temperature conditioning path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram for a method (400) for draining out fluid from an energy storage system (101) in a drain path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram for a method (500) for draining out fluid from an energy storage system (101) in a drain path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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 present disclosure relates to a heat transfer system and method for temperature conditioning of the fluid (interchangeably, coolant or refrigerant or the like) and the energy storage system at the critical temperature band of operation for optimal performance and life of the energy storage system.
Referring to Fig. 1a, a system (100) for fluid temperature conditioning is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) may comprise a fluid circuit arrangement for maintaining temperature of an energy storage system (101) and the fluid itself at its optimal temperature for charging. The energy storage system (101) may be housed in a vehicle external to the system (100). In one embodiment, the system (100) may be placed in a charging station infrastructure for the electric vehicles (EVs). The system (100) may comprise a heat exchanger (102), a fluid reservoir (103), one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b), a plurality of valves, a plurality of fluid junctions (105a, 105b), and an air inlet (106). The heat exchanger (102) may be configured to condition the fluid. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger (102) may be configured to receive fluid, directly or indirectly, from the fluid reservoir (103). In another embodiment, the heat exchanger (102) may be configured to receive fluid, directly or indirectly, from the energy storage system (101). In an embodiment, the conditioning of the fluid may correspond to either heating the fluid or cooling the fluid. The heat exchanger (102) may further be configured to act as a heat source or a heat sink depending on the requirement for heating or cooling the fluid. The fluid reservoir (103) may be used to store the fluid, which may be used for conditioning the energy storage system (101). In an embodiment, the fluid reservoir (103) may comprise multiple fluid containers. A first fluid container from the multiple fluid containers may correspond to store cold fluid. A second fluid container from the multiple fluid containers may correspond to store hot fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir (103) may comprise one or more inlet and one or more outlets. The one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) may be used to circulate the fluid in a plurality of fluid flow paths. In an embodiment, the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) may comprise a primary pump (104a) and a suction pump (104b). In one embodiment, the primary pump (104a) may be used to extract fluid from the fluid reservoir (103) and may be used to transport the fluid either to the energy storage system (101) or to the heat exchanger (102). In a related embodiment, the primary pump (104a) may be configured to extract one of, cold fluid from the first fluid container, hot fluid from the second fluid container, and a combination thereof, and may be used to transport the fluid either to the energy storage system (101) or to the heat exchanger (102). In another embodiment, the suction pump (104b) may be used to extract the fluid from the energy storage system (101) and to transport the fluid to the fluid reservoir (103). In a related embodiment, the suction pump (104b) may be configured to transport hot or cold fluid from the energy storage system (101) to either first fluid container or the second fluid container. In another related embodiment, the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) may comprise a single pump for performing the functionalities of both the primary pump (104a) and the suction pump (104b). The plurality of valves may comprise one or more control units to either shut off or allow fluid flow. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of valves may comprise at least one of solenoid valves, ball valves, check valves, butterfly valves, gate valves and a combination thereof. The plurality of fluid junctions may be configured to enable flow of fluid from one component to another component of the system (100). In one embodiment, the plurality of fluid junctions may comprise at least one of T-junction, Y-Junction, acute angle junction, staggered junction, multiple junction and a combination thereof. The air inlet (106) may be used to maintain pressure in the system (100).
In an exemplary embodiment, an arrangement for the system (100) for fluid temperature conditioning is defined. Based on the arrangement, the fluid reservoir (103) may comprise one outlet and two inlet. An inlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir (103). An outlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to a set of valves. An inlet of the suction pump (104b) may be connected to an inlet of an energy storage system (101), via a valve from the plurality of valves, via a junction (105a), and outlet of the suction pump (104b) may be connected to a one inlet of the fluid reservoir (103). In one embodiment, the outlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger (102) via a valve from the plurality of valves, in between to control the fluid flow. In another embodiment, the outlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to the inlet of the energy storage system (101) via another valve, from the plurality of valves, in between to control the fluid flow. Similarly, an outlet of the energy storage system (101) may be connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger (102) via a valve from the plurality of valves, via a junction (105b) for controlling the fluid outflow from the energy storage system (101). There may be a valve from the plurality of valves, placed at the energy storage system (101) outlet, via the junction (105b), for connection with the air inlet (106), so as to maintain the complete energy storage system (101) thermal/temperature conditioning system at the atmospheric pressure.
Now referring to Fig. 1b, a system (100) for fluid temperature conditioning is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) may comprise a fluid circuit arrangement for maintaining temperature of an energy storage system (101) and the fluid itself at its optimal temperature for charging. The energy storage system (101) may be housed in a vehicle external to the system (100). In one embodiment, the system (100) may be placed in a charging station infrastructure for the electric vehicles (EVs). The system (100) may comprise a heat exchanger (102), a fluid reservoir (103), one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104c), a plurality of valves, a plurality of fluid junctions (105a, 105b), and an air inlet (106). The heat exchanger (102) may be configured to condition the fluid. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger (102) may be configured to receive fluid, directly or indirectly, from the fluid reservoir (103). In another embodiment, the heat exchanger (102) may be configured to receive fluid, directly or indirectly, from the energy storage system (101). In an embodiment, the conditioning of the fluid may correspond to either heating the fluid or cooling the fluid. The heat exchanger (102) may further be configured to act as a heat source or a heat sink depending on the requirement for heating or cooling the fluid. The fluid reservoir (103) may be used to store the fluid, which may be used for conditioning the energy storage system (101). In an embodiment, the fluid reservoir (103) may comprise multiple fluid containers. A first fluid container from the multiple fluid containers may correspond to store cold fluid. A second fluid container from the multiple fluid containers may correspond to store hot fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir (103) may comprise one or more inlet and one or more outlets. The one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104c) may be used to circulate the fluid in a plurality of fluid flow paths. In an embodiment, the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104c) may comprise a primary pump (104a) and an air pump (104c). In one embodiment, the primary pump (104a) may be used to extract fluid from the fluid reservoir (103) and may be used to transport the fluid either to the energy storage system (101) or to the heat exchanger (102). In a related embodiment, the primary pump (104a) may be configured to extract one of, cold fluid from the first fluid container, hot fluid from the second fluid container, and a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the air pump (104c) may be used to extract the fluid from the energy storage system (101) and to transport the fluid to the fluid reservoir (103). In a related embodiment, the air pump (104c) may be configured to transport hot or cold fluid from the energy storage system (101) to either first fluid container or the second fluid container.
In an exemplary embodiment, an arrangement for the system (100) for fluid temperature conditioning is defined. Based on the arrangement, the fluid reservoir (103) may comprise one outlet and two inlet. An inlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir (103). An outlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to a set of valves. An air inlet may be connected to an air pump (104c) inlet. The air pump (104c) outlet may be connected to the energy storage system outlet via a junction from the plurality of junctions. Further, the energy storage system inlet may be connected to one inlet of the fluid reservoir (103), via a junction (105a). In one embodiment, the outlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger (102) via a valve from the plurality of valves, in between to control the fluid flow. In another embodiment, the outlet of the primary pump (104a) may be connected to the inlet of the energy storage system (101) via another valve, from the plurality of valves, in between to control the fluid flow. Similarly, an outlet of the energy storage system (101) may be connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger (102) via a valve from the plurality of valves, via a junction (105b) for controlling the fluid outflow from the energy storage system (101). There may be a valve from the plurality of valves, placed at the energy storage system (101) outlet, via the junction (105b), for connection with the air inlet (106), so as to maintain the complete energy storage system (101) thermal/temperature conditioning system at the atmospheric pressure.
In one embodiment, the fluid temperature conditioning system (100) may be configured to heat the energy storage system (101) when it is below its critical operating temperature as well as may be configured to cool the energy storage system (101) when it is above its critical operating temperature. The fluid at the fluid reservoir (103) may be maintained at a pre-defined temperature by the heat exchanger (102) so as to instantly perform the required conditioning so that the energy storage system (101) reaches its critical operating temperature without any delay. This pre-defined temperature may be termed as an optimal temperature for the fluid. Whether the energy storage system (101) is in connection or not, or in operation or not, the fluid may always be kept at the optimal temperature, in the fluid reservoir (103) through the heat exchanger (102) to perform the conditioning. Further, the fluid temperature conditioning system (100) may also keep the energy storage system (101) and the fluid at their respective optimal temperature values simultaneously irrespective of the energy storage system (101) operation/connection. The system (100) may further be configured to drain the fluid out back to the fluid reservoir (103) when the energy storage system (101) does not require further conditioning.
In another embodiment, a temperature conditioning method for fluid temperature conditioning may comprise the various combinations, connections, and fluid flow paths for the energy storage system (101) and fluid combinations with respect to the required temperature condition of the system (100), such as: a) when the energy storage system (101) not connected, b) when the energy storage system (101) connected but no temperature conditioning required, c) when the energy storage system (101) connected and temperature conditioning is required, d) when charging of the energy storage system (101) is completed but the temperature conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is required, and e) when charging of the energy storage system (101) is completed but the temperature conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is not required.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature conditioning method for fluid temperature conditioning may comprise the following fluid flow path combinations with respect to the required temperature conditions of the fluid temperature conditioning system (100), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure:
First Condition: Energy storage system (101) NOT Connected:
In one embodiment, at a stage where there is no electrical vehicle present on the charging station premise, the first condition may occur which states Energy storage system (101) is not connected. At this condition, the fluid at the fluid reservoir (103) may need to be maintained at the pre-defined temperature through the heat exchanger (102). The temperature of the fluid stored in the reservoir (103) may either be increased or decreased as per the requirement may either act as the heat source or the heat sink accordingly. In a related embodiment, the fluid may be allowed to flow through a shorter path starting from the fluid reservoir (103) to the primary pump (104a) to a valve, from the plurality of valves, to the heat exchanger (102) and back to the fluid reservoir (103). Once the temperature is achieved, pump stops and restarts again when, the temperature changes beyond a threshold.
Second Condition: Energy storage system (101) Connected but NO Temperature Conditioning Required:
In an embodiment, at a stage where the electrical vehicle reaches to the charging station premise, the second condition may occur which states that the Energy storage system (101) is connected to the fluid temperature conditioning system (100), but temperature conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is not required. At this condition also, there is no need to transfer conditioning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the energy storage system (101), but the fluid at the fluid reservoir (103) may need to be maintained at the pre-defined temperature through the heat exchanger (102), similar to the first condition. In a related embodiment, the fluid flow may be similar to the fluid flow of the first condition. Thus, the fluid may flow from the fluid reservoir (103) to the primary pump (104a) to a valve from the plurality of valves to the heat exchanger (102) and back to the fluid reservoir (103).
Third Condition: Energy storage system (101) Connected and Temperature Conditioning Required:
In another embodiment, when an electrical vehicle reaches the charging station and the energy storage system (101) is in a non-optimal temperature condition, the third condition may occur which states that the Energy storage system (101) is connected to the fluid temperature conditioning system (100), and temperature conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is required. At this condition, the conditioning fluid may need to pass from the fluid reservoir (103) to the energy storage system (101) of the vehicle to make the energy storage system (101) at an optimal temperature condition. Along with that, the fluid at the fluid reservoir (103) may also need to be maintained at the pre-defined temperature through the heat exchanger (102). Thus, in the related embodiment, the fluid may flow from the fluid reservoir (103) to the primary pump (104a) to a valve from the plurality of valves to an inlet of the energy storage system (101) then to an outlet of the energy storage system (101) to another valve from the plurality of valves, via the junction (105b) and then to the heat exchanger (102) and returns to the fluid reservoir (103). This fluid flow path may be called as an energy storage system temperature conditioning path. Along with the above fluid path, another fluid path similar to the fluid path of first and second condition may also need to be maintained. Thus, the energy storage system (101) exchanges its temperature with the fluid, which in turn exchanges thermal with the heat exchanger (102), allowing the maintenance of both the energy storage system (101) and the fluid at pre-defined optimal temperatures for charging.
Fourth Condition: Charge Conditioning of Energy Storage System (101) is Completed and Temperature of the Energy storage system (101) Require Temperature Conditioning:
In another embodiment, at a stage where charging of the electrical vehicle is completed and the energy storage system is in a non-optimal temperature condition, the fourth condition may occur which states that the charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed and temperature conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is required, At this condition, the conditioning fluid may need to pass from the fluid reservoir (103) to the energy storage system (101) of the vehicle to make the energy storage system (101) at an optimal temperature condition. Along with that, the fluid at the fluid reservoir (103) may also need to be maintained at the pre-defined temperature through the heat exchanger (102). Thus, in the related embodiment, the fluid path may be similar to the fluid path as defined in the third condition.
Fifth Condition: Charge Conditioning of Energy Storage System (101) is Completed and Temperature of the Energy storage system (101) is in Optimal Temperature Condition:
In another embodiment, at a stage where charging of the electrical vehicle is completed and the energy storage system is in an optimal temperature condition, the fifth condition may occur which states that the charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed and temperature conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is not required, At this condition, the fluid from the energy storage system (101) needs to be extracted out from the energy storage system (101) and needs to be drained into the fluid reservoir (103). Along with that, the fluid at the fluid reservoir (103) may also need to be simultaneously maintained at the pre-defined temperature through the heat exchanger (102). Thus, in the related embodiment, the fluid flow path may be configured to flow the fluid from the inlet of the energy storage system (101) to a valve from the plurality of valves, via the junction (105a) and via the suction pump (104b) or the air pump (104c) return to the fluid reservoir (103). This fluid flow path may be termed as a drain path. In another embodiment, the fluid flow path may be configured to flow the air from Air Inlet (106) to an inlet of the Air Pump (104c), which further flow the air from an outlet of the Air Pump (104c) to the outlet of the energy storage system (101) which further flows the fluid from the inlet of the energy storage system (101) to a valve from the plurality of valves, via the junction (105a) to the fluid reservoir (103). This fluid flow path may be termed as the drain path. Along with that the fluid path, as defined in the first condition, also executes simultaneously, which may be termed as a fluid conditioning path.
The drain path may ensure that the fluid is removed from the energy storage system (101), while in parallel, the fluid conditioning path may constantly maintain the fluid in the fluid reservoir (103) at the desired temperature based on the ambient conditions. This may ensure that the next energy storage system (101) is to be charged instantly after the drain is complete.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connections with respect to the valves and junctions may be modified with respect to their placement in the fluid temperature conditioning system (100). Further, the placement and connections of the other components like the heat exchanger (102), the fluid reservoir (103), the primary pump (104a), and the suction pump (104b) may be modified for achieving higher efficiency in the energy storage system (101) charging like energy storage system (101) fast charging or energy storage system (101) fast cooling, or the like.
Referring to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in a fluid conditioning path may be disclosed. The method may comprise various steps as described below.
Step (201) of circulating the fluid from a fluid reservoir (103) outlet to a primary pump (104a) inlet,
Step (202) of circulating the fluid from the primary pump (104a) outlet to a heat exchanger (102) inlet,
Step (203) of circulating the fluid from the heat exchanger (102) outlet to the fluid reservoir (103) inlet.
Referring to Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in an energy storage system temperature conditioning path may be disclosed. The method may comprise various steps as described below.
Step (301) of circulating fluid from a fluid reservoir (103) outlet to a primary pump (104a) inlet,
Step (302) of circulating fluid from the primary pump (104a) outlet to the energy storage system (101) inlet, via a valve from a plurality of valves through a junction (105a) from a plurality of junctions (105a, 105b),
Step (303) of circulating fluid from the energy storage system (101) outlet to a heat exchanger (102) inlet, via another valve from the plurality of valves, through a junction (105b) from a plurality of junctions (105a, 105b),
Step (304) of circulating fluid from the heat exchanger (102) outlet to the fluid reservoir (103) inlet.
Referring to Fig. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for draining out fluid from an energy storage system (101) in the drain path may be disclosed. The method may comprise various steps as described below.
Step (401) of circulating fluid from the energy storage system (101) inlet to a suction pump (104b) inlet via a valve from the plurality of valves through a junction (105a) from a plurality of junctions (105a, 105b),
Step (402) of circulating fluid from the suction pump (104b) outlet to a fluid reservoir (103) inlet.
Referring to Fig. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for draining out fluid from an energy storage system (101) in the drain path may be disclosed. The method may comprise various steps as described below.
Step for supplying (501), air from an air inlet (106) to inlet of an air pump (104c);
Step for circulating (502), the air from an outlet of the air pump (104c) to the outlet of the energy storage system (101), via a junction (105b) from the plurality of junctions (105a, 105b);
Step for circulating (503), the fluid from the inlet of the energy storage system (101) to inlet of one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via a junction (105a).
Further, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be additional component connections like an energy storage system (101) charging connector for connecting to the EV energy storage system (101) for charging at the charging station as well as for heating/cooling of the energy storage system (101) before/while charging at the charging station.
The presently disclosed heat transfer system (100) for maintaining the fluid at its optimal temperature for charging may have the following advantageous functionalities on the conventional art:
? To maintain the fluid temperature at a predefined value irrespective of the energy storage system (101) connection or the heat transfer requirement by the energy storage system (101).
? To maintain both energy storage system (101) and fluid at an optimal temperature simultaneously.
? To drain the fluid back to the fluid reservoir (103) from the energy storage system (101) when there may be no further temperature conditioning required by the energy storage system (101)
? To maintain the fluid at a predefined temperature while draining fluid from an existing energy storage system (101), in parallel. This ensures no delay so that the next energy storage system (101) in queue can be charged instantly after the drain is complete.
? In all of the aforementioned fluid flow combinations with respect to the system status, the fluid, as well as the energy storage system (101), may either be heated or cooled depending on the existing energy storage system (101) and ambient temperature.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for fluid temperature conditioning, characterized in that, the system (100) comprises:
one or more fluid reservoirs (103) for storing the fluid;
a heat exchanger (102) for conditioning the fluid, wherein conditioning corresponds to either heating the fluid or cooling the fluid;
a plurality of valves;
one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) to circulate the fluid in a plurality of fluid flow paths, wherein the one or more fluid pumps (104a, 104b) comprises a primary pump (104a), a suction pump (104b) or an air pump (104c), wherein the plurality of fluid flow paths corresponds to flowing of the fluid to at least one of, the one or more fluid reservoirs (103), the heat exchanger (102), the plurality of valves, the primary pump (104a), the secondary pump (104b), the air pump (104c), an energy storage system (101) and a combination thereof, wherein the energy storage system (101) is housed in a vehicle; and
one or more optimal fluid flow paths from the plurality of fluid flow paths are configured to maintain an optimal temperature of the fluid, based on one or more required temperature conditions.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more required temperature conditions comprise of:
a first condition, wherein the energy storage system (101) is not connected to the system (100);
a second condition, wherein the energy storage system (101) is connected to the system (100) but the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is optimal;
a third condition, wherein the energy storage system (101) is connected to the system (100) and the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is non-optimal;
a fourth condition, wherein charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed and the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is non-optimal; and
a fifth condition, wherein the charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed and the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is optimal.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of fluid flow paths comprises:
an energy storage system temperature conditioning path to maintain an optimal temperature of the energy storage system (101);
a fluid conditioning path to maintain the optimal temperature of the fluid; and
a drain path to drain out the fluid from the energy storage system (101).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more optimal fluid flow paths from the plurality of fluid flow paths is/are selected depending on the one or more required temperature conditions.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the energy storage system temperature conditioning path comprises:
an outlet of the fluid reservoir (103) connected to an inlet of the primary pump (104a);
an outlet of the primary pump (104a) connected to an inlet of the energy storage system (101), via a valve from the plurality of valves through a junction (105a) from a plurality of junctions (105a, 105b);
an outlet of the energy storage system (101) connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger (102), via another valve from the plurality of valves, through a junction (105b) from the plurality of junctions (105a, 105b); and
an outlet of the heat exchanger (102) connected to an inlet of the fluid reservoir (103), wherein the heat exchanger (102) is configured to return the fluid back to the fluid reservoir (103) after conditioning.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3 and 5, wherein the energy storage system temperature conditioning path is configured to operate in either the third condition or the fourth condition, from the one or more required temperature conditions.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fluid conditioning path comprises:
the outlet of the fluid reservoir (103) connected to the inlet of the primary pump (104a);
the outlet of the primary pump (104a) connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger (102), via a valve from the plurality of valves; and
the outlet of the heat exchanger (102) connected to the inlet of the fluid reservoir (103), wherein the heat exchanger (102) is configured to return the fluid back to the fluid reservoir (103) post conditioning.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3 and 7, wherein the fluid conditioning path is configured to operate in one or more of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, the fourth condition, the fifth condition, and a combination thereof.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the drain path comprises:
the inlet of the energy storage system (101) connected to an inlet of the suction pump (104b) via a valve from the plurality of valves through the junction (105a) from the plurality of junctions (105a, 105b), wherein the suction pump (104b) is configured to extract the fluid out of the energy storage system (101);
an outlet of the suction pump (104b) connected to the inlet of the fluid reservoir (103), wherein the suction pump (104b) is configured to drain the fluid to the fluid reservoir (103).
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the drain path comprises:
an air inlet (106) connected to inlet of an air pump (104c), for supplying air;
an outlet of the air pump (104c) connected to the outlet of the energy storage system (101), via a junction (105b) from the plurality of junctions (105a, 105b);
the inlet of the energy storage system (101) is connected to inlet of one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via the junction (105a).
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, 9 and 10, wherein the drain path is configured to drain the fluid out of the energy storage system (101) in the fifth condition of the one or more required temperature conditions.
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, the air inlet (106) is configured for maintaining the system (100) at the atmospheric pressure.
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of valves comprises either solenoid valves or a plurality of control units to either shut off or allow fluid flow.
14. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of junctions (105a, 105b) comprises of T-junctions.
15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the optimal temperature of the energy storage system (101) corresponds to a required operating temperature of the energy storage system (101) when connected for charging.
16. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the optimal temperature of the fluid depends on the optimal temperature of the energy storage system (101).
17. A method (200) for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in a fluid conditioning path, characterized in that, the method comprises steps of:
circulating (201), the fluid from an outlet of a fluid reservoir (103) to an inlet of a primary pump (104a);
circulating (202), the fluid from an outlet of the primary pump (104a) to an inlet of a heat exchanger (102); and
circulating (203) the fluid from an outlet of the heat exchanger (102) to an inlet of the fluid reservoir (103).
18. The method (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fluid conditioning path is operated in one or more required temperature conditions, wherein the one or more required temperature conditions comprise of:
wherein an energy storage system (101) is not connected to a system (100) for fluid temperature conditioning;
wherein the energy storage system (101) is connected to the system (100) but temperature of the energy storage system (101) is optimal, wherein the energy storage system (101) is housed in a vehicle;
wherein the energy storage system (101) is connected to the system (100) and the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is non-optimal,
wherein charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed and the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is non-optimal; and
wherein the charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed and the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is optimal.
19. A method (300) for temperature conditioning of a fluid flowing in an energy storage system temperature conditioning path, characterized in that, the method comprises steps of:
circulating (301), the fluid from an outlet of one or more fluid reservoirs (103) to an inlet of a primary pump (104a);
circulating (302), the fluid from an outlet of the primary pump (104a) to an inlet of an energy storage system (101) inlet, via a valve from a plurality of valves through a junction (105a) from a plurality of junctions (105a, 105b);
circulating (303), the fluid from an outlet of the energy storage system (101) to an inlet of a heat exchanger (102), via another valve from the plurality of valves, through a junction (105b) from the plurality of junctions (105a, 105b);
circulating (304), the fluid from an outlet of the heat exchanger (102) to an inlet of the fluid reservoir (103).
20. The method (300) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the energy storage system temperature conditioning path is operated in one or more required temperature conditions, wherein the one or more required temperature conditions comprise:
wherein the energy storage system (101) is connected to a system (100) for fluid temperature conditioning and an operating temperature of the energy storage system (101) is non-optimal; and
wherein a charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed and the temperature of the energy storage system (101) is non-optimal.
21. A method (400) for draining out fluid from an energy storage system (101) in a drain path, characterized in that, the method comprises steps of:
circulating (401), the fluid from an inlet of the energy storage system (101) to an inlet of a suction pump (104b) via a valve from a plurality of valves through a junction (105a) from a plurality of junctions (105a, 105b); and
circulating (402), the fluid from an outlet of the suction pump (104b) to an inlet of the fluid reservoir (103).
22. The method (400) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the drain path is operated in a required temperature condition, wherein the required temperature condition comprises:
wherein temperature of the energy storage system (101) is optimal and charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed.
23. A method (500) for draining out fluid from an energy storage system (101) in a drain path, characterized in that, the method comprises steps of:
supplying (501), air from an air inlet (106) to inlet of an air pump (104c);
circulating (502), the air from an outlet of the air pump (104c) to the outlet of the energy storage system (101), via a junction (105b) from the plurality of junctions (105a, 105b);
circulating (503), the fluid from the inlet of the energy storage system (101) to inlet of one or more fluid reservoirs (103), via a junction (105a).
24. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the drain path is operated in a required temperature condition, wherein the required temperature condition comprises:
wherein temperature of the energy storage system (101) is optimal and charge conditioning of the energy storage system (101) is completed.
Dated this 23rd day of May 2022

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454