DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an Energy Conditioning System (ECS) architecture that provides multiple voltage level choices for a connected Energy Storage System (ESS) and also provides charge conditioning in a short time while maintaining temperature of the ESS to prevent degradation of the ESS.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electric vehicles have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly nature and potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuel. In general, an electric vehicle is a vehicle with an electric propulsion system. The Electric vehicle utilizes the power generated from an Energy Storage System (ESS) 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 the ECS in a longer run, as the traveling range of the electric vehicle is shorter than an automobile equipped with an internal combustion engine. Hence, energy conditioning system (ECS) plays a crucial role in managing the flow of electric energy between the battery and the ECS, ensuring efficient operation and optimal performance. The ECS is responsible for converting, regulating, conditioning the electric power to match the requirements of the vehicle’s propulsion and auxiliary systems. While energy conditioning systems have significantly improved the performance of electric vehicles, they still face certain shortcomings that need to be addressed for further advancement and widespread adoption. In addition, the current conditioning systems do not allow the selection of different power voltage modules during conditioning as per the type of ESS used in the electric vehicle.
[0004] The existing energy conditioning systems lack the adaptability to cater to different types of energy storage devices and may require significant modifications for integration into existing system. This restricts the scalability and versatility of energy storage solutions and hinders their seamless incorporation into diverse applications and environments.
[0005] In an example, a patent application US10882413B2 discloses a system for measuring the state of charge of the batteries, and a heat transfer fluid distribution circuit. A non-vehicle-mounted segment comprises a ground module of the thermal conditioning system for generating a flux of a heat transfer fluid, a control-command module designed to determine, during charging, as a function of the states of charge of the batteries and the battery temperatures, the flow rates and temperatures of the heat transfer fluid and a charging current required to achieve a target final state, characterized by a target temperature and a target charge at the end of a given charging time.
[0006] In another example, a patent application EP3636482A1 discloses a vehicle according to the invention has a heat exchanger which can be filled, at least as required, with liquid serving as a temperature control medium, the heat exchanger having at least one inlet opening for a process medium and at least one outlet opening for the process medium, and wherein the heat exchanger has at least one inlet opening for the temperature control medium and at least one outlet opening for the temperature control medium. Furthermore, the heat exchanger has at least one means for actively removing temperature control medium located in the heat exchanger and / or the heat exchanger is functional with at least one means for actively removing temperature control medium located in the heat exchanger connectable.
[0007] However, none of the above-mentioned applications provide a solution for conditioning the energy storage system (ESS) as per different set of voltages required for different type of vehicles and charging the electric vehicle while simultaneously conditioning the ESS. Hence, there is a compelling need for an innovative energy conditioning system that addresses the shortcomings of conventional technologies and ensures enhanced efficiency, reliability, and flexibility. The present invention aims to overcome these challenges by providing a novel energy conditioning system designed specifically to condition a charge based on the type of connected energy storage systems and provides a set of power voltage modules for different type of energy storage systems used in electric vehicles.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] A primary objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior-arts.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an energy conditioning system (ECS) and a method that has a charge conditioning system (CCS) that enables the selection of a set of voltage power module based on a type of an energy storage system connected to the ECS;
[0010] Another objective is to provide an energy conditioning system (ECS) and a method for providing hassle-free charging services at the ECS.
[0011] Yet another objective is to provide an energy conditioning system and a method that is cost-effective, quick and responsive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the disclosed methods and systems in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an energy conditioning system (ECS). The energy conditioning system includes an energy source provides an energy, and a fluid source provides fluid. In addition, the energy conditioning system includes an energy storage system (ESS) mounted inside a vehicle. The ESS includes an ESS connector for receiving the energy and the fluid from the ECS. Further, the ECS includes a temperature conditioning system (TCS) which is configured to condition the fluid before delivering to the energy storage system (ESS) to maintain an operating temperature of the ESS. Furthermore, the ECS includes a charge conditioning system (CCS) to condition the energy before delivering to the ESS of the vehicle. The CCS enables the selection of a set of voltage power module based on a type of the ESS connected to the ECS. Also, the ECS includes a thermal management system (TMS) configured to keep the temperature of the ECS within an operable range during the conditioning operation. The ECS further includes a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) to connect the energy conditioning system (ECS) to the ESS connector for delivering the conditioned fluid from the fluid source and delivering the required energy from the energy source to the ESS of the vehicle. The ECS also includes a control unit (CU) that is operably connected to the TCS, the CCS and the TMS to control and manage the TCS, the CCS and the TMS. The control unit (CU) also includes a communication module to establish connection between the ESS, the ECS and a server. The ECS further includes a safety unit that communicatively connected to the control unit, the ECS and the ESS. The safety unit provides a plurality of signals to the control unit during the energy and fluid conditioning at the ECS and charging of the ESS. The ECS also includes a barrier to be placed in between the TCS and the CCS. The barrier ensures no fluid contact between the TCS and the CCS in case of a system failure or leakage.
[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the set of voltage power module of CCS includes a low voltage power module and a high voltage power module. The lower power module and the high-power module are activated based on the type of ESS connected to the ECS.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the low voltage power module and the high voltage power module are connected to the PCC through a switchable circuit that includes a plurality of switches in series. Further, the plurality of switches attached on the switchable circuit are controlled by the CU in order to connect the ESS to the high voltage power module and the low voltage power module of the ECS. The plurality of switches may be anyone of electromechanical switches and SSR type switches.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the CCS further includes a plurality of safety interlocks to expose an appropriate voltage power module as per the type of the connected ESS to the ECS.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the TCS includes a fluid circuit configured to regulate the fluid flow back and forth to the ESS. The fluid circuit has a suction mechanism to remove all the fluid from the ESS once the requisite energy is reached to the ESS. In an implementation, the fluid circuit 134a is configured with an air pump to remove all the fluid from the ESS 106 once the requisite energy is reached to the ESS 106. . In addition, the TCS includes a heat exchanger that is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid while circulating through the ESS. The fluid helps in heating or cooling of the ESS according to the operating temperature of the ESS.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PCC includes a plurality of fluid lines, a plurality of energy lines, a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of data lines to exchange a plurality of information, energy, and fluid between the ESS and the ECS, while the PCC is plugged into the ESS connector of the ESS. Further, the plurality of information is anyone of but not limited to an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), among others.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system (TMS) regulates temperature by venting out heat through an exhaust outlet.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the barrier includes a rigid frame. The rigid frame includes a compressible seal that is mounted on the rigid frame to ensure sealing across all sides of the TCS and the CCS, that helps in covering a plurality of electronics present within the CCS in an event of a failure of the TCS.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery 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.
[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module is anyone of a suitable wired, wireless communication apparatus and a combination thereof. Further, the communication module is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
[0023] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of an energy conditioning by an energy conditioning system (ECS). The method comprising connecting the energy storage system (ESS) mounted inside a vehicle via an ESS connector to an energy conditioning system (ECS) by a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC). Further, the method includes conditioning a fluid based on an operating temperature of the ESS before delivering the fluid to the ESS by a temperature conditioning system (TCS) and delivering the conditioned fluid from a fluid source to the ESS in order to maintain the operating temperature of the ESS. Furthermore, the method includes conditioning energy before delivering required energy to the ESS of the vehicle. The conditioning of the energy includes selecting a set of the voltage power module based on a type of ESS connected to the ECS. The CCS includes a low voltage power module and a high voltage power module. In addition, the conditioning includes activating the low power voltage module or the high-power voltage module based on the type of the ESS connected to the ECS. Also, the method includes delivering, the required amount of energy from an energy source of the ECS to the ESS of the vehicle based on the type of ESS connected to the ECS.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the low voltage power module and the high voltage power module are connected to the PCC through a switchable circuit, wherein the switchable circuit includes a plurality of switches in series.
[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of switches attached on the switchable circuit are controlled by a control unit (CU) in order to connect the ESS to the high voltage power module and the low voltage power module of the ECS. Further, the plurality of switches may be anyone of electromechanical switches and SSR type switches.
[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the CCS further includes a plurality of safety interlocks to ensure the ESS is exposed to an appropriate voltage power module based on the type of ESS connected to the ECS.
[0027] These and other objects, embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the disclosure not being limited to any particular embodiments disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] 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.
[0029] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a pluggable conditioning connector 120 of the energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Fig. 3 schematically shows the ECS 100 for conditioning the fluid and charging an energy storage system (ESS) 106 of a vehicle 108 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method 400 for energy conditioning in the vehicle 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] 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
[0034] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
[0035] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0036] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0037] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0038] The term "including" is used to mean "including but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably. 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, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0039] 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.
[0040] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0041] Terms ECS or energy conditioning system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0042] Terms ESS or energy storage system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0043] Terms TCS or temperature conditioning system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0044] Terms TMS or thermal management system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0045] Terms CCS or charge conditioning system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0046] Terms PCC or pluggable conditioning connector can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0047] Terms SOC or state of charge can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0048] Terms SOP or state of power can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0049] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The ECS 100 enables simultaneous temperature conditioning of an energy storage system 106 while charging the energy storage system 106. The ECS 100 includes an energy source 102, a fluid source 104, a temperature conditioning system (TCS) 116, a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118, a thermal management system (TMS) 124, a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120, a barrier 130, a control unit (CU) 136, a communication module 112, and a safety unit 128. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the energy source 102 is configured with the ECS 100 to provide an energy. Similarly, the fluid source 104 is also configured with the ECS 100 to provide the fluid.
[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage system (ESS) 106 is mounted inside a vehicle 108. In an embodiment, the ESS 106 is anyone of a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) ESS, a nickel-cadmium ESS, a nickel-metal hydride ESS, a solid-state ESS, and any other chemistry ESS. In addition, the vehicle 108 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery 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.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS 106 includes an ESS connector 122 for receiving the energy and the fluid. In an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS 100 includes the temperature conditioning system (TCS) 116 configured to condition the fluid before delivering to the energy storage system (ESS) 106 to maintain an operating temperature of the ESS 106. The TCS 116 includes a fluid circuit 134a configured to regulate the fluid flow back and forth to the ESS 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid circuit 134a has a suction mechanism to remove all the fluid from the ESS 106 once the requisite energy is reached to the ESS 106. In an implementation, the fluid circuit 134a is configured with an air pump to remove all the fluid from the ESS 106 once the requisite energy is reached to the ESS 106. In addition, the TCS 116 includes a heat exchanger 134b configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid while circulating through the ESS 106. The fluid helps in heating or cooling the ESS 106 according to the operating temperature of the ESS 106.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS 100 includes the charge conditioning system (CCS) 118 configured to condition the energy before delivering to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108. The CCS 118 enables the selection of a set of voltage power module based on a type of the ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the set of voltage power module of CCS 118 includes a low voltage power module 132a and a high voltage power module 132b. The low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are activated based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are connected to the pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120 through a switchable circuit. The switchable circuit includes a plurality of switches in series. The plurality of switches attached on the switchable circuit is controlled by the control unit (CU) 136 in order to connect the ESS 106 to the high voltage power module 132b and the low voltage power module 132a of the ECS 100. In an embodiment, the plurality of switches may be anyone of electromechanical switches and SSR type switches. In addition, the CCS 118 further includes a plurality of safety interlocks to ensure the ESS 106 is exposed to an appropriate voltage power module based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
[0055] Further, the ECS 100 includes the thermal management system (TMS) 124. The TMS 124 is configured to keep the temperature of the ECS 100 within an operable range. In addition, the thermal management system (TMS) 124 regulates temperature by venting out heat through an exhaust outlet. In an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS 100 includes a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120. The PCC 120 is configured to connect the energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 to the ESS connector 122 for delivering the conditioned fluid from the fluid source 104. In addition, the PCC 120 delivers the required energy from the energy source 102 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108. In addition, the PCC 120 includes a plurality of fluid lines 212, a plurality of energy lines 214, a plurality of signal lines 208 and a plurality of data lines 210 to exchange a plurality of information, energy, and fluid between the ESS 106 and the ECS 100, while the PCC 120 is plugged into the ESS connector 122 of the ESS 106 (Reference made in Fig. 2). The plurality of information is anyone of but not limited to an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), among others.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS 100 includes the control unit (CU) 136. The control unit 136 is operably connected to the TCS 116, the CCS 118 and the TMS 124. In addition, the control unit 136 controls and manages the TCS 116, the CCS 118 and the TMS 124.
[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 136 includes a processor 110 and a data storage unit 114 which is communicably connected to TCS 116, the CCS 118, the TMS 124 and the ESS 106 to perform a series of computer-readable instructions in order to determine the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100 and enables the CCS 118 to select the set of voltage power module based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
[0058] Similarly, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 comprises a collection of processors 110 which may or may not operate in parallel. The processor 110 may be any processor-driven device, such as may include one or more microprocessors and memories or other computer-readable media operable for storing and executing computer-executable instructions.
[0059] Examples of processor-driven devices may include, but are not limited to, a server computer, a mainframe computer, one or more networked computers, a desktop computer, a personal computer, an application-specific circuit, a microcontroller, a minicomputer, or any other processor-based device.
[0060] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 may execute any set of instructions directly as computer executable codes or indirectly (such as scripts). In that regard, the terms “instructions,” and “steps” may be used interchangeably herein. The instructions may be stored in object code form for direct processing by the processor 110, or in any other computer language including scripts or collections of independent source code modules that are interpreted on demand or compiled in advance. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 may be remotely placed or locally placed on the server.
[0061] In an embodiment, the data storage unit 114 is configured with the processor 110 for storing information related to the ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100. For example, the data storage unit 114 may store software used by the processor 110, such as an operating system (not shown), application programs (not shown), and an associated internal database (not shown).
[0062] In some embodiments, the data storage unit 114 may communicate with the processor(s) 110 via a system bus. It may include one or more non transitory storage units and one or more optional removable non transitory storage units that may include interfaces or device controllers (not shown) communicably coupled between non transitory storage unit and the system bus, as is known by those skilled in the relevant art. The non transitory storage units and their associated storage devices provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the processor 110. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types of storage devices may be employed to store digital data accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc.
[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the data storage unit 114 is used for storing the plurality of information of the ESS 106, for example, an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), among others.
[0064] As an example, and not by way of limitation, the data storage unit 114 may comprise one or more non-transitory storage mediums. Such non-transitory storage medium may include, but is not limited to, any current or future developed persistent storage device. Such persistent storage devices may include, without limitation, magnetic storage devices such as hard disc drives, electromagnetic storage devices such as resistors, molecular storage devices, quantum storage devices, electrostatic storage devices such as solid-state drives, and the like.
[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (CU) 136 also includes the communication module 112 configured to establish connection between the ESS 106, the ECS 100 and a server. The communication module 112 is anyone of a suitable wired, wireless communication apparatus and a combination thereof. In addition, the communication module 112 is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
[0066] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 112 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 112 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.
[0067] It will be appreciated that a network connection is illustrative and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. The existence of any of various network protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, and of various wireless communication technologies such as GSM, CDMA, WiFi, and WiMAX, is presumed, and the various computing devices and system components described herein may be configured to communicate using any of these network protocols or technologies.
[0068] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS 100 further includes the safety unit 128. The safety unit 128 is communicatively connected to the control unit 136, the ECS 100 and the ESS 106. The safety unit 128 provide a plurality of signals to the control unit 136 during the energy and fluid conditioning at the ECS 100 and charging of the ESS 106.
[0069] In addition, the ECS 100 includes the barrier 130 configured to be placed between the TCS 116 and the CCS 118. The barrier 130 ensures no fluid contact between the TCS 116 and the CCS 118 in case of a failure or leakage. In an embodiment, the barrier 130 includes a rigid frame. The rigid frame includes a compressible seal that is mounted on the rigid frame to ensure sealing across all sides of the TCS 116 and the CCS 118 that helps in covering a plurality of electronics present within the CCS 118 in an event of a failure of the TCS 116.
[0070] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120 of the energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention (references made to Fig. 1). The pluggable conditioning connector 120 is attached on the outer part of the ECS 100 to flow fluid and energy into the ESS 106. Further, the pluggable conditioning connector 120 includes a conduit (202, 204), a plurality of communication lines 206, a plurality of signal lines 208, 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 ECS 100 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.
[0071] The pluggable conditioning connector 120 further includes a cable that is extended from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106. Further, the cable may be detachably coupled to the energy conduit 202 to fully or partially charge the ESS 106. Due to the limited rate at which the ESS 106 may be charged by a standard 120volt or 240volt AC electrical outlet, it is necessary to provide external fluid into the ESS 106 during charging of the ESS 106.
[0072] Further, the plurality of signal lines 208 and the plurality of data lines 210 are extended from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 to allow data to move across them. These lines (210,212) are made up of copper wire, fiber optic cables, or a hybrid. Due to their composition, these lines (210,212) also allow the transfer of energy.
[0073] Fig. 3 schematically shows the ECS 100 for conditioning the fluid and charging the energy storage system (ESS) 106 of the vehicle 108, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] In accordance with an embodiment of the present embodiment, the ECS 100 may include the energy source 102 for rapidly charging or flowing the energy from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108. Further, the ECS 100 may also include the fluid source 104 for supplying fluid to the ESS 106 from the ECS 100 by plugging the pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120 into the ESS connector 122. In a preferred embodiment, the energy source 102 is a high-powered DC source.
[0075] When a driver reaches the ECS 100, the driver plugs the pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120 into the ESS connector 122. The fluid conditioned by the temperature conditioning system (TCS) 116 is sent from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106. In an embodiment, the CCS 118 inside the ECS 100 analyses the type of ESS 106 connected and conditions the energy to be supplied for charging the vehicle 108. In an embodiment, the fluid conditioning, and the energy conditioning in the vehicle 108 occur simultaneously where the energy is conditioned based on the type of the ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CCS 118 is configured to condition the energy before delivering to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108. In addition, the CCS 118 enables the selection of the set of voltage power module based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100. The set of voltage power module of CCS 118 includes a low voltage power module 132a and a high voltage power module 132b. In an embodiment of the present invention, the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are activated based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100. In addition, the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are connected to the PCC 120 through a switchable circuit which includes a plurality of switches in series.
[0077] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method 400 for temperature and energy conditioning in a vehicle 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram starts at step 405 and terminates at step 435. At step 405, an energy storage system (ESS) 106 is connected to an energy conditioning system 100 by a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120. (References have been made to Fig. 1). In an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS 106 mounted inside a vehicle 108 is connected to the energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 via a ESS connector 122. The vehicle 108 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery 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.
[0078] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS 106 are anyone of a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) ESS, a nickel-cadmium ESS, a nickel-metal hydride ESS, a solid-state ESS, and any other chemistry ESS.
[0079] In an embodiment of the present invention, the PCC 120 includes a plurality of fluid lines 212, a plurality of energy lines 214, a plurality of signal lines 208 and a plurality of data lines 210 to exchange a plurality of information, energy, and fluid between the ESS 106 and the ECS 100, while the PCC 120 is plugged into the ESS connector 122 of the ESS 106. The plurality of information is anyone of but not limited to an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), among others.
[0080] At step 410, the fluid is conditioned by a temperature conditioning system 116 (TCS) based on an operating temperature of the ESS 106 before delivering the fluid to the ESS 106. At step 415, the conditioned fluid is delivered from a fluid source 104 to the ESS 106 by the PCC 120 in order to maintain the operating temperature of the ESS 106.
[0081] At step 420, the energy is conditioned by a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118 before delivering the required energy to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108. The conditioning of the energy includes a step 425 and a step 430. At step 425, a set of the voltage power module are selected based on a type of the ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100. The selection is done by the CCS 118. Further, the set of voltage power module includes a low voltage power module 132a and a high voltage power module 132b.
[0082] At step 430, the conditioning of the energy includes activating the low power voltage module 132a or the high voltage power module 132b based on the type of the ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are activated by the CCS 118.
[0083] The CCS 118 further includes a plurality of safety interlocks to ensure the ESS 106 is exposed to the appropriate voltage power module based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100. In addition, the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are connected to the PCC 120 through a switchable circuit. The switchable circuit includes a plurality of switches in series.
[0084] In an embodiment, the plurality of switches may be anyone of electromechanical switches and SSR type switches. Further, the plurality of switches attached on the switchable circuit are controlled by a control unit (CU) 136 in order to connect the ESS 106 to the high voltage power module 132b and the low voltage power module 132a of the ECS 100. At step 435, the required amount of energy from an energy source 102 of the ECS 100 is delivered to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108 based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
[0085] The method 400 terminates at step 435, for example until invoked again. Alternatively, the method 400 may repeat continuously or repeatedly or may execute as multiple instances of a multi-threaded process.
[0086] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if Vehicle 1 108 is charging at the ECS 100 and then there is another Vehicle 2 108 is reached to the ECS 100 for getting charged, then the ECS 100 has to quickly analyse the voltage power module requirement of vehicle 2 108 after the connection of ESS of vehicle 2 108 to ECS 100. For example, if the vehicle 1 108 is charged through the high voltage power module and after that the vehicle 2 108 is connected using PCC 120 to the ECS 100 then the CCS 118 quickly analyses the voltage power module requirement of vehicle 2 108 and connects the appropriate voltage power module (high voltage power module or low voltage power module) as per the determined type of ESS of vehicle 2 108 connected to the ECS 100. In this way, the present ECS 100 has multiple voltage level power module to cater to different ESS size requirements.
[0087] Aspects of the present subject matter are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods and apparatus (systems) according to embodiments of the subject matter. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block 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 block 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 block in the flowchart or block 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 block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block 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. An energy conditioning system (ECS) 100, comprising:
an energy source 102 providing an energy;
a fluid source 104 providing a fluid;
an energy storage system (ESS) 106 mounted inside a vehicle 108, wherein the ESS 106 includes:
an ESS connector 120 for receiving the energy and the fluid;
a temperature conditioning system (TCS) 116, configured to condition the fluid before delivering to the energy storage system (ESS) 106 to maintain an operating temperature of the ESS 106;
a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118, configured to condition the energy before delivering to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108, wherein the CCS 118 enables the selection of a set of voltage power module based on a type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100;
a thermal management system (TMS) 124, configured to keep the temperature of the ECS 100 within an operable range;
a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120, configured to connect the energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 to the ESS connector 122 for delivering the conditioned fluid from the fluid source 104 and delivering the required energy from the energy source 102 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108;
a control unit (CU) 136, operably connected to the TCS 116, the CCS and 118 the TMS 124 to control and manage the TCS 116, the CCS 118 and the TMS124; wherein the control unit (CU) 136 includes:
a communication module 112 configured to establish connection between the ESS 106, the ECS 100 and a sever;
a safety unit 128, communicatively connected to the control unit 136, the ECS 100 and the ESS, wherein the safety unit 128 provide a plurality of signals to the control unit 136 during the energy and fluid conditioning at the ECS 100 and charging of the ESS 106;
a barrier 130, configured to be placed between the TCS 116 and the CCS 118, wherein the barrier 130 ensures no fluid contact between the TCS 116 and the CCS 118 in case of a failure or leakage.
2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of voltage power module of CCS includes a low voltage power module 132a and a high voltage power module 132b; wherein the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are activated based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are connected to the PCC 120 through a switchable circuit, wherein the switchable circuit includes a plurality of switches in series.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the plurality of switches attached on the switchable circuit are controlled by the CU 136 in order to connect the ESS 106 to the high voltage power module 132b and the low voltage power module 132a of the ECS 100.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the plurality of switches may be anyone of electromechanical switches and SSR type switches.
6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the CCS 118 further includes a plurality of safety interlocks to expose an appropriate voltage power module as per the type of the connected ESS 106 to the ECS 100.
7. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TCS 116 includes:
a fluid circuit 134a, configured to regulate the fluid flow back and forth to the ESS 106, wherein the fluid circuit 134a is configured with an air pump that perform a suction mechanism to remove all the fluid from the ESS 106 once the requisite energy is reached to the ESS 106;
a heat exchanger 134b configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid while circulating through the ESS 106, wherein the fluid helps in heating or cooling of the ESS 106 according to the operating temperature of the ESS 106.
8. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCC 120 includes a plurality of fluid lines 212, a plurality of energy lines 214, a plurality of signal lines 208 and a plurality of data lines 210 to exchange a plurality of information, energy and fluid between the ESS 106 and the ECS 100, while the PCC 120 is plugged into the ESS connector of the ESS.
9. The system 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of information is anyone of but not limited to an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), among others.
10. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermal management system 124 (TMS) regulates temperature by venting out heat through an exhaust outlet.
11. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier 130 includes a rigid frame, wherein the rigid frame includes a compressible seal that is mounted on the rigid frame to ensure sealing across all sides of the TCS 116 and the CCS 118, that helps in covering a plurality of electronics present within the CCS 118 in an event of a failure of the TCS 116.
12. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle 108 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery 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.
13. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication module 112 is anyone of a suitable wired, wireless communication apparatus and a combination thereof.
14. The system 100 as claimed in claim 13, wherein the communication module 112 is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
15. A method of an energy conditioning, comprising:
connecting, by a pluggable conditioning connector (PCC) 120, an energy storage system (ESS) 106 mounted inside a vehicle 108 via an ESS connector 122 to an energy conditioning system (ECS) 100;
conditioning, by a temperature conditioning system (TCS) 116, a fluid based on an operating temperature of the ESS 106 before delivering the fluid to the ESS 106;
delivering, by the PCC 120, the conditioned fluid from a fluid source 104 to the ESS 106 in order to maintain the operating temperature of the ESS 106;
conditioning, by a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118, an energy before delivering required energy to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108, wherein the conditioning of the energy includes,
selecting, by the CCS 118, a set of the voltage power module based on a type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100; wherein the CCS 118 includes a low voltage power module 132a and a high voltage power module 132b;
activating, by the CCS 118, the low power voltage module 132a or the high-power voltage module 132b based on the type of the ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100;
delivering, the required amount of energy from an energy source 102 of the ECS 100 to the ESS of the vehicle 108 based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
16. The method 400 as claimed in claim 15, wherein the low voltage power module 132a and the high voltage power module 132b are connected to the PCC 120 through a switchable circuit, wherein the switchable circuit includes a plurality of switches in series.
17. The method 400 as claimed in claims 15 and 16, wherein the plurality of switches attached on the switchable circuit are controlled by a control unit (CU) 136 in order to connect the ESS 106 to the high voltage power module 132b and the low voltage power module 132a of the ECS 100.
18. The method 400 as claimed in claims 16 and 17, wherein the plurality of switches may be anyone of electromechanical switches and SSR type switches.
19. The method 400 as claimed in claim 15, wherein the CCS 118 further includes a plurality of safety interlocks to ensure the ESS 106 is exposed to an appropriate voltage power module based on the type of ESS 106 connected to the ECS 100.
20. The method 400 as claimed in claim 15, wherein the PCC 120 includes a plurality of fluid lines 212, a plurality of energy lines 214, a plurality of signal lines 208 and a plurality of data lines 210 to exchange a plurality of information, energy and fluid between the ESS 106 and the ECS 100, while the PCC 120 is plugged into the ESS connector 122 of the ESS 106.
21. The method 400 as claimed in claim 20, wherein the plurality of information is anyone of but not limited to an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), among others.
22. The method 400 as claimed in claim 15, wherein the thermal management system (TMS) 124 regulates temperature by venting out heat through an exhaust outlet.
23. The method 400 as claimed in claim 15, wherein the vehicle 108 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery 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.