DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for initializing charge conditioning based on backup power for draining out fluid from an energy storing unit (ESU) of a vehicle in case of a power failure at a conditioning station.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electric vehicles have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly nature and potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In general, an electric vehicle is a vehicle with an electric propulsion system. The Electric vehicle utilizes the power generated from an Energy Storage unit (ESU) of the electric vehicle to provide driving force to the vehicle. Currently, electric vehicles are either partially or fully powered by electric power.
[0003] It is necessary to charge the electric vehicle frequently at an energy conditioning system (ECS) in the long run, as the traveling range of the electric vehicle is shorter than an automobile equipped with an internal combustion engine. Hence, the energy conditioning system in the electric vehicle plays a crucial role in managing the flow of electric energy between the and the various components, ensuring efficient operation and optimal performance. The ECS is responsible for converting. regulating, and conditioning the electric power to match the requirements of the vehicle’s propulsion and auxiliary systems. However, during certain scenarios such as power failures or extended periods of vehicle inactivity, these energy storage units may be susceptible to fluid accumulation due to factors like temperature changes and chemical reactions within the ESU cells. Such fluid accumulation can lead to degradation of performance and pose safety risks.
[0004] In an example, a patent application US10300808B2 discloses Systems of an autonomous vehicle, and the operations thereof are provided. During travel of an autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle can determine a charge is needed. Within the planned path of travel, the autonomous vehicle can determine when the autonomous vehicle may arrive at a charging station, what destinations are planned after reaching the charging station, the current temperature of the (and the temperature of the surroundings), the weather conditions at the charging station, etc.
[0005] In another example, the patent application WO2021149299A1 a power supply device, and electric vehicle and power storage device equipped with the power supply. The power supply device includes multiple modules provided with a stack comprising stacked multiple cells and a cell monitor circuit for detecting information of the cells, wherein the cell monitor circuits of the respective modules are cascade-connected via communication lines. The modules are provided with a pair of communication terminals disposed on both end parts and connected to the cell monitor circuit and an inner line connecting between the one pair of the communication terminals disposed on both end parts, and the cell monitor circuits of the multiple modules are cascade-connected by connecting communication lines to the communication terminals.
[0006] In yet another example, the patent application US20150099206A1 discloses a redox flow system for distributed energy storage. A large stack redox flow system provides a solution to the energy storage challenge of many types of renewable energy systems. Independent reaction cells arranged in a cascade configuration are configured according to state of charge conditions expected in each cell. The large stack redox flow system can support multi-megawatt implementations suitable for use with power grid applications. Thermal integration with energy generating systems, such as fuel cell, wind, and solar systems, further maximize total energy efficiency. The redox flow system can also be scaled down to smaller applications, such as gravity feed system suitable for small and remote site applications.
[0007] Therefore, existing methods and devices do not disclose any system that has a UPS power backup facility at the conditioning station that is used to complete the draining sequence during power cuts/failures. Hence, there is a compelling need for an innovative system that addresses the shortcomings of conventional technologies and ensures enhanced efficiency, reliability, and flexibility.
[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these challenges by providing an efficient system for initializing charge conditioning in an energy storage unit of a vehicle based on backup power for draining out fluid from the energy storing unit (ESU) of a vehicle in case of a power failure at a conditioning station.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] A primary objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior-arts.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an efficient system that initializes conditioning in an energy storage unit of a vehicle based on a backup power for draining out fluid from the energy storing unit (ESU) of the vehicle in case of a power failure at a conditioning station.
[0011] Another objective is to provide a cost-effective, quick, and responsive system and a method for providing hassle-free charging services at the conditioning station.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0013] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system that initializing a charge conditioning of an energy storage unit (ESU) of a vehicle based on a backup energy. The system includes a conditioning station communicably connected with the vehicle for conditioning the energy storage unit (ESU) of the vehicle. The conditioning station includes a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) configured to connect the energy storage unit (ESU) of the vehicle to the conditioning station. The pluggable conditioning connector flows a charge and a fluid into the vehicle to condition the energy storage unit (ESU) of the vehicle. In addition, the conditioning station includes a conditioning controller configured to estimate a state of charge (SOC) of the ESU of the vehicle. The conditioning controller is further configured to check the temperature of the ESU and initiate the flow of the fluid to condition the temperature of the ESU. Further, the conditioning station includes a communication unit configured to establish communication between the ESU of the vehicle and the conditioning controller when the vehicle connected to the conditioning station via the pluggable conditioning connector. Furthermore, the system includes a backup power unit connected to the conditioning station configured to provide a backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle. Also, the system includes a control unit configured to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU. Further the control unit initiates the charge conditioning upon receiving a confirmation signal from the conditioning controller.
[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller generates the confirmation signal based on any one of a condition. First, when the backup energy level of the backup power unit is more than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle, then the conditioning controller sends the confirmation signal to the control unit to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU and second, when the backup energy level is less than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle, then backup power unit initiates charge conditioning itself and once the backup power unit has the minimum energy to complete the draining, then the conditioning controller sends the confirmation signal to the control unit to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller of the conditioning station estimates a backup energy level of the backup power unit in a real time.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller further configured to compare the estimated backup energy level of the backup power unit with a minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the available backup power energy level of the backup power unit is estimated using a state of charge (SoC) and a total charge capacity of the backup power unit.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid is calculated as a function of a power rating of a draining circuit and a total duration for the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is pumped via the pluggable conditioning connector into the ESU of the vehicle before, after or during the charge conditioning of the ESU to maintain the temperature of the ESU within an operable range of temperature.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller initiates charge conditioning of the ESU according to the determined state-of-charge (SoC) of the ESU.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector includes a conduit, a plurality of power lines, a plurality of communication lines, a plurality of signal lines, and a plurality of data lines 210.
[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector is in a ed state with the ESU of the vehicle during the charge conditioning of the ESU, wherein the ed state of the pluggable conditioning connector is checked by the conditioning controller.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is drained out from the ESU of the vehicle once the charge conditioning of the ESU is complete.
[0024] An embodiment of the present invention related to a method for initializing a charge conditioning of an energy storage unit (ESU) of a vehicle based on a backup energy. The method includes connecting by a pluggable conditioning connector the vehicle to a conditioning station for conditioning the energy storage unit (ESU) of the vehicle. In addition, the method includes estimating by a conditioning controller of the conditioning station, a backup energy level of a backup power unit in a real time. Further, the method includes comparing by the conditioning controller of the conditioning station, the backup energy level of the backup power unit with a minimum energy required to complete the draining of a fluid from the ESU of the vehicle, to initiate the charge conditioning. Furthermore, the method includes initializing by a control unit, the charge conditioning of the ESU of the vehicle upon getting a confirmation signal from the conditioning controller.
[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller generates the confirmation signal based on any one of a condition; when the backup energy level of the backup power unit is more than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle, then the conditioning controller sends the confirmation signal to the control unit to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU; and when the backup energy level is less than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle, then backup power unit starts working on the charge conditioning itself and once the backup power unit has minimum energy to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU, then the conditioning controller sends the confirmation signal to the control unit to initiate the charge conditioning.
[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the confirmation signal refers to an indication of initializing the charge conditioning when the backup energy level is sufficient to complete the draining.
[0027] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the available backup power energy level of the backup power unit is calculated using a state of charge (SoC) and a total charge capacity of the backup power unit.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the minimum energy required to complete the draining is calculated as a function of a power rating of a draining circuit and a total duration for the draining of fluid from the ESU of the vehicle.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the backup power unit connected to the conditioning station works as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that provides a backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU of the vehicle in case of a power failure at the conditioning station.
[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller further configured to estimate the state of charge (SOC) of the ESU of the vehicle, wherein the conditioning controller initiates charge conditioning of the ESU according to the determined state-of-charge (SoC) of the ESU of the vehicle.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector includes a conduit, a plurality of power lines, a plurality of communication lines, a plurality of signal lines, and a plurality of data lines.
[0032] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector is in a ed state with the ESU of the vehicle during the charge conditioning of the ESU, wherein the ed state of the pluggable conditioning connector is checked by the conditioning controller.
[0033] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is drained out from the ESU once the charge conditioning of the ESU is complete.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures.
[0035] Fig. 1 is a b diagram illustrating a system 100 for initializing a charge conditioning of an energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of a vehicle 110 based on a backup energy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Fig. 2 is a b diagram illustrating a pluggable conditioning connector 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0037] Fig. 3 schematically shows the system 100 for initializing the charge conditioning of the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110 based on a backup energy, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Fig. 4 is a b diagram illustrating a method 400 for initializing charge conditioning of the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110 based on the backup energy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of a few examples of the present disclosure. The figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced with or without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.
[0041] The accompanying drawing is used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawing. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawing. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or values, these elements or values should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element or values from another.
[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other alternatives of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific aspect, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described alternative, method, and examples, but by all aspects and methods within the scope of the invention. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the claims.
[0043] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain alternatives include, while other alternatives do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular alternative. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0044] Terms ESU or energy storage unit can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0045] Terms PCC or pluggable conditioning connector can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0046] Terms SOC or state of charge can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0047] Fig. 1 is a b diagram illustrating a system 100 for initializing a charge conditioning of an energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of a vehicle 110 based on a backup energy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a conditioning station 102, an energy source 104, a fluid source 106, a processor 112, a control unit 114, a communication unit 116, a conditioning controller 122, a backup power unit 118, a pluggable conditioning connector 120, the energy storage unit 108 and the vehicle 110,
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning station 102 is communicably connected with the vehicle 110 for conditioning the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 110 is an electric vehicle that is any of a electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Fuel Cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a two-wheeler electric bike, a three-wheeler electric vehicle.
[0050] In addition, the conditioning station 102 includes the pluggable conditioning connector 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is configured to connect the energy storage unit 108 of the vehicle 110 to the conditioning station 102.
[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 is mounted inside the vehicle 110. The ESU 108 includes an ESU connector (not shown in the figure) for receiving the energy and the fluid. Further, the system 100 includes the PCC 120 for supplying the energy and the fluid from the conditioning station 102 to the ESU 108.
[0052] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PCC 120 works as a male connector, and the ESS connector works as a female connector. The PCC 120 has a plug with a solid pin. The solid pin is used for plugging the PCC 120 into the ESU connector that has a hole to accept the solid pin of the plug of the PCC 120. By plugging the PCC 120 into the ESU connector, the energy and the fluid start flowing from the conditioning station 102 to the ESU 108.
[0053] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the PCC 120 works as a female connector, and the ESU connector works as a male connector. The ESU connector has a plug with a solid pin. The solid pin is used for plugging the ESU connector into the PCC 120 that has a hole to accept the solid pin of the plug of the ESU connector. By plugging the ESU connector into the PCC 120, the energy and the fluid start flowing from the conditioning station 102 to the ESS 108.
[0054] Further, the conditioning station 102 includes the conditioning controller 122. In an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller 122 is configured to estimate a state of charge (SOC) of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. In addition, the conditioning controller 122 is further configured to check the temperature of the ESU 108 and initiate the flow of the fluid to condition the temperature of the ESU 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller 122 initiates charge conditioning of the ESU 108 according to the estimated state-of-charge (SoC) of the ESU 108.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 flows a charge and a fluid into the vehicle 110 to condition the energy storage unit 108 of the vehicle 110. The charge and the fluid are flown through the energy source 104 and the fluid source 106. In addition, the fluid is pumped into the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 via the pluggable conditioning connector 120 before, after or during the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 to maintain the temperature of the ESU 108 within an operable range of temperature. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is in a ed state with the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 during the charge conditioning of the ESU 108. The ed state of the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is checked by the conditioning controller 122.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is drained out from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 once the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 is complete. The system includes the backup power unit 118 which is connected to the conditioning station 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the backup power unit 118 is configured to provide a backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller 122 of the conditioning station 102 estimates the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 in a real time. In addition, the conditioning controller 122 compares the estimated backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 with the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
[0058] In an embodiment, the minimum energy required completing the draining of the fluid is calculated as a function of a power rating of a draining circuit and a total duration for the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. Further, the available backup power energy level of the backup power unit 118 is estimated using a state of charge (SoC) and a total charge capacity of the backup power unit 118.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the backup power unit 118 connected to the conditioning station 102 works as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that provides the backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 in case of a power failure at the conditioning station 102.
[0060] The control unit 114 initiates the charge conditioning upon receiving a confirmation signal from the conditioning controller 122. In the present embodiment, the confirmation signal refers to an indication of starting the conditioning of the ESU 108 when the backup energy level is sufficient to complete the draining. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is drained out from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 once the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 is complete. In addition, the conditioning controller 122 generates the confirmation signal based on any one of a condition when the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 is more than a minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 and when the backup energy level is less than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then backup power unit 118 initiates charge conditioning itself and once the backup power unit 118 has the minimum energy to complete the draining, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108.
[0061] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 114 is configured with at least one processor 112. The processor 112 is in communication with a memory to perform a series of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108. The processor 112 associated with the control unit (CU) 114 may be any well-known processor, but not limited to processors from Intel Corporation. Alternatively, the processor may be a dedicated controller such as an ASIC or ARM, MIPS, SPARC, or INTEL® IA-32 microcontroller or the like.
[0062] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the processor 112 may comprise a collection of processors that may or may not operate in parallel. Alternatively, the processor 112, may be any processor-driven device, such as one or more microprocessors and memories or other computer-readable media operable for storing and executing computer-readable instructions.
[0063] Furthermore, the conditioning station 102 includes the communication unit 116. The communication unit 116 is configured to establish communication between the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 and the conditioning controller 122 when the vehicle 110 is connected to the conditioning station 102 via the pluggable conditioning connector 120. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 116 is anyone of an Internet, wireless networks, local area networks, wide area networks, private networks, a cellular communication network, corporate network having one or more wireless access points or a combination thereof connecting any number of mobile clients, fixed clients, and servers and so forth. Examples of communication module 116 may include the Internet, a WIFI connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Zigbee connection, a communication network, a wireless communication network, a 3G communication, network, a 4G communication network, a 5G communication network, a USB connection, or any combination thereof. For example, communication may be based through a radio-frequency transceiver (not shown). In addition, short-range communication may occur, such as using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other such transceivers.
[0064] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 116 is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
[0065] Fig. 2 is a b diagram illustrating the pluggable conditioning connector 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention (references have been made to Fig. 1). The pluggable conditioning connector 120 is attached on the outer part of the conditioning station 102 to flow the fluid and the energy into the ESU 108.
[0066] Further, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 includes a conduit (202,204), a plurality of power lines, a plurality of communication lines 206, a plurality of signal lines 208, and a plurality of data lines 210. Further, the conduit includes an energy conduit 202, and a fluid conduit 204. Further, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 includes a plurality of energy lines 214 and a plurality of fluid lines 212 for flowing the energy and the fluid respectively from the conditioning station 102 to the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
[0067] The pluggable conditioning connector 120 further includes a cable that is extended from the conditioning station 102 to the ESU 108. Further, the cable may be detachably coupled to the energy conduit 202 to charge the ESU 108 fully or partially. Due to the limited rate at which the ESU 108 may be charged by a standard 120 volt or 240-volt AC electrical outlet, it is necessary to provide external fluid into the ESU 108 during charging of the ESU 108to maintain the temperature of the ESU 108 within the operable range of temperature.
[0068] Further, the plurality of signal lines 208 and the plurality of data lines 210 are extended from the conditioning station 102 to the ESU 108 to allow data to move across them. These lines (210,212) are made up of copper wire, fibre, or a hybrid. Due to their composition, these lines (210,212) also allow the transfer of energy.
[0069] Fig. 3 schematically shows the system for initializing the charge conditioning of the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110 based on the backup energy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system includes the energy source 104, the fluid source 106, the vehicle 110, the energy storage unit 108, the pluggable conditioning connector 120, the conditioning station 102, the conditioning controller 122, the pluggable conditioning connector 120, the control unit 114, the communication unit 116 and the backup power unit 118.
[0071] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 110 reaches the conditioning station 102 to condition the fluid and the energy in the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. The energy and the fluid are flown from the energy source 104 and the fluid source 106 to the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning station 102 includes the pluggable conditioning connector 120. The pluggable conditioning connector 120 is configured to connect the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110 to the conditioning station 102.
[0072] Further, the conditioning controller 122 estimates the state of charge (SOC) of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. In addition, the conditioning controller 122 is configured to check the temperature of the ESU 108 and initiate the flow of the fluid to condition the temperature of the ESU 108 according to the estimated SOC of the ESU 108.
[0073] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning station 102 includes the communication unit 116 configured to establish communication between the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 and the conditioning controller 122 when the vehicle 108 connected to the conditioning station 102 via the pluggable conditioning connector 120.
[0074] In addition, the conditioning station 102 includes the control unit 114 configured to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108. The control unit 114 provides the instruction to initiate the charge conditioning upon receiving the confirmation signal from the conditioning controller 122.
[0075] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature of the ESU 108 is below an operating temperature, then the temperature of the ESU 108 is raised by supplying the heated fluid and bringing the ESU 108 to an operable temperature range. In the above embodiment, the heated fluid is used to give heat to the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. On the contrary, if the ESU 108 is above its operating temperature range, then the temperature of the ESU 108 is reduced by supplying the cooled fluid. In the possible embodiment, the cooled fluid is used to take heat away from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. Further, both type of the fluid (cooled /heated fluid) flows from a conditioning plate (not shown in the figure) which is attached with the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 to optimize the temperature of the ESU 108 for charging purpose.
[0076] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller 122 generates the confirmation signal based on any one of a condition, when the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 is more than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108; and when the backup energy level is less than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then backup power unit initiates charge conditioning itself and once the backup power unit 118 has the minimum energy to complete the draining, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
[0077] In accordance with an embodiment of the present embodiment, the conditioning controller 122 tracks backup power unit 118 and controls charging sessions, providing easy charging to the ESU 108 and managing the working of the control unit 114.
[0078] Alternatively, this system 100 also increases the ESU 108 life and invariably performance of the vehicle 110.
[0079] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning station 102 includes the backup power unit 118. The backup power unit 118 is configured to provide a backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
[0080] Fig. 4 is a b diagram illustrating a method 400 for initializing a charge conditioning of an energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of a vehicle 110 based on a backup energy level of a backup power unit 118, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 400 initiates at a step 405 and terminates at a step 420. At step 405, the vehicle is connected to a conditioning station 102 by a pluggable conditioning connector 120 for conditioning the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 includes a conduit (202, 204), a plurality of power lines, a plurality of communication lines 206, a plurality of signal lines 208, and a plurality of data lines 210.
[0081] At step 410, the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 is estimated by a conditioning controller 122 of the conditioning station 102. The estimation of the backup energy level is done in real-time. At step 415, the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 is compared with a minimum energy required to complete the draining of a fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 to initiate the charge conditioning. In an embodiment of the present invention, the comparison between the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 and the energy required to complete the draining of the fluid is done by the conditioning controller 122 of the conditioning station 102.
[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention, the available backup power energy level of the backup power unit 118 is calculated using a state of charge (SoC) and a total charge capacity of the backup power unit 118. In an embodiment of the present invention, the minimum energy required to complete the draining is calculated as a function of a power rating of a draining circuit and a total duration for the draining of fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller 122 is further configured to estimate a state of charge (SOC) of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. The conditioning controller 122 initiates charge conditioning of the ESU 108 according to the determined state-of-charge (SoC) of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110. At step 420, the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 is initialized by a control unit 114 upon getting a confirmation signal from the conditioning controller 122.
[0084] In an embodiment of the present invention, the conditioning controller 122 generates the confirmation signal based on any one of a condition; when the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 is more than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 and when the backup energy level is less than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then backup power unit starts working on the charge conditioning itself and once the backup power unit 118 has minimum energy to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning.
[0085] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is in a ed state with an ESU connector (not shown in the figure) the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 during the charge conditioning of the ESU 108. The ed state of the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is checked by the conditioning controller 122.
[0086] In an embodiment of the present invention, the backup power unit 118 connected to the conditioning station 102 works as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that provides a backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle in case of a power failure at the conditioning station 102. In addition, the fluid is drained out from the ESU 108 once the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 is complete.
[0087] Aspects of the present subject matter are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or b diagrams of methods and apparatus (systems) according to embodiments of the subject matter. It will be understood that each b of the flowchart illustrations and/or b diagrams, and combinations of bs in the flowchart illustrations and/or b diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.
[0088] While there has been shown, and described herein what are presently considered the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0089] The flowchart and b diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present subject matter. In this regard, each b in the flowchart or b diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the b may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two bs shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the bs may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each b of the b diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of bs in the b diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0090] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A system for initializing a charge conditioning of an energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of a vehicle 110 based on a backup energy, comprising:
a conditioning station 102, communicably connected with the vehicle 110 for conditioning the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110; wherein the conditioning station 102 comprises:
a pluggable conditioning connector 120, configured to connect the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110 to the conditioning station 102, wherein the pluggable conditioning connector 120 flows a charge and a fluid into the vehicle to condition the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110;
a conditioning controller 122, configured to estimate a state of charge (SOC) of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, wherein the conditioning controller 122 is further configured to check the temperature of the ESU 108 and initiate the flow of the fluid to condition the temperature of the ESU 108;
a communication unit 116, configured to establish communication between the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 and the conditioning controller 122 when the vehicle is connected to the conditioning station 102 via the pluggable conditioning connector 120;

a backup power unit 118 connected to the conditioning station 102, configured to provide a backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110,
a control unit 114 configured to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108, wherein the control unit 114 initiates the charge conditioning upon receiving a confirmation signal from the conditioning controller 122.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conditioning controller 122 generates the confirmation signal based on any one of a condition;
when the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 is more than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108; and
when the backup energy level is less than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then backup power unit 118 initiates charge conditioning itself and once the backup power unit 118 has the minimum energy to complete the draining, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the conditioning controller 122 of the conditioning station 102 estimates a backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 in a real time.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the conditioning controller 122 is further configured to compare the estimated backup energy level of the backup power unit with a minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the available backup power energy level of the backup power unit 118 is estimated using the state of charge (SoC) and a total charge capacity of the backup power unit 118.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the minimum energy required completing the draining of the fluid is calculated as a function of a power rating of a draining circuit and a total duration for the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid is pumped via the pluggable conditioning connector 120 into the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 before, after or during the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 to maintain the temperature of the ESU 108 within an operable range of temperature.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conditioning controller 122 initiates charge conditioning of the ESU 108 according to the determined state-of-charge (SoC) of the ESU 108.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pluggable conditioning connector 120 includes a conduit (202,204), a plurality of power lines, a plurality of communication lines 206, a plurality of signal lines 208, and a plurality of data lines 210.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is in a ed state with the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 during the charge conditioning of the ESU 108, wherein the ed state of the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is checked by the conditioning controller 122.
11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fluid is drained out from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 once the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 is complete.
12. A method for initializing a charge conditioning of an energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of a vehicle 110 based on a backup energy, comprising:
connecting, by a pluggable conditioning connector 120, the vehicle 110 to a conditioning station 102 for conditioning the energy storage unit (ESU) 108 of the vehicle 110;
estimating, by a conditioning controller 122 of the conditioning station 102, a backup energy level of a backup power unit 118 in a real time;
comparing, by the conditioning controller 122 of the conditioning station 102, the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 with a minimum energy required to complete the draining of a fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, to initiate the charge conditioning;
initializing, by a control unit 114, the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 upon getting a confirmation signal from the conditioning controller 122.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the conditioning controller 122 generates the confirmation signal based on any one of a condition;
when the backup energy level of the backup power unit 118 is more than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108; and
when the backup energy level is less than the minimum energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, then backup power unit 118 initiates charge conditioning itself and once the backup power unit 118 has the minimum energy to complete the draining, then the conditioning controller 122 sends the confirmation signal to the control unit 114 to initiate the charge conditioning of the ESU 108.
14. The method as claimed in claim 12 and claim 13, wherein the confirmation signal refers to an indication of initializing the charge conditioning when the backup energy level is sufficient to complete the draining.
15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein available backup power energy level of the backup power unit 118 is calculated using a state of charge (SoC) and a total charge capacity of the backup power unit 118.
16. The method as claimed in claim 12 and claim 13, wherein the minimum energy required completing the draining is calculated as a function of a power rating of a draining circuit and a total duration for the draining of fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
17. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the backup power unit 118 connected to the conditioning station 102 works as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that provides a backup energy required to complete the draining of the fluid from the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 in case of a power failure at the conditioning station 102.
18. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the conditioning controller 122 is further configured to estimate a state of charge (SOC) of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110, wherein the conditioning controller 122 initiates charge conditioning of the ESU 108 according to the determined state-of-charge (SoC) of the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110.
19. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pluggable conditioning connector 120 includes a conduit (202,204), a plurality of power lines, the plurality of communication lines 206, a plurality of signal lines 208, and a plurality of data lines 210.
20. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is in a ed state with the ESU 108 of the vehicle 110 during the charge conditioning of the ESU 108, wherein the ed state of the pluggable conditioning connector 120 is checked by the conditioning controller 122.
21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fluid is drained out from the ESU 108 once the charge conditioning of the ESU 108 is complete.