[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to a vehicle and, particularly but not exclusively, to an electric or a hybrid vehicle comprising both lead acid and lithium-ion batteries.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A vehicle requires power for propulsion of engine. Generally, the power is provided by a fossil fuel, such as petrol, diesel. Due to non-renewable nature of fossil fuel, electric and hybrid vehicles are an extensive subject of research. Rechargeable batteries such as lead acid battery and lithium-ion battery can provide required power to the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Figs. 1a-1d illustrate a battery module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a battery module, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a vehicle comprising a battery module, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a battery module along with a controller, starter motor and a traction motor, in accordance with another implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] In current vehicles, particularly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries are used to provide power to the vehicle. Tires of the vehicle are coupled, via a shaft, with a direct current (DC) motor and lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries provide DC power to the DC motor of the vehicle. In some vehicles, only lead acid batteries are used for generating the DC power while in some vehicle, a combination of lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries is used for providing the DC power to the DC motor.
[0009] In general, during starting the vehicle, the DC motor requires a large current which is needed to generate sufficient torque to overcome the static friction during starting up of the vehicle. The lead acid batteries can provide current surge required at the starting of the vehicle and thereafter, once the vehicle has gained a predefined speed, the lithium-ion batteries take over and provide the power to the DC motor. However, the lithium-ion batteries are not able to provide the large current during starting of the vehicle. Thus, a vehicle may not have lithium-ion batteries alone for providing power to the vehicle and a lead acid battery may also be required to provide the starting power to the vehicle.
[0010] Currently, in the vehicles, the size and capacity of the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries, that can be used, are fixed. The size of compartments holding the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries are fixed and thus the size and capacity of the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries are fixed. Thus, in current state of the art it is not possible to

change the size and capacity of the lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries in case a need for changing the capacity of the lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries arises.
[0011] Further, while the lead acid batteries are used during for starting the vehicle, they are generally not utilized for providing power to the vehicle when the vehicle has already acquired some speed. Thus, the current state of the art utilizes the lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries separately and thus, the synergy of the combination of the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries remains unutilized.
[0012] To this extent, various embodiments of the present subject matter disclose a battery module which has adjustable compartments and further allows utilization of the combination of the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries. In accordance with an embodiment, a battery module is described which includes a battery module comprising a box structure for accommodating the lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries of the vehicle such that the dimensions of the compartments holding the batteries is adjustable to accommodate the variable capacities of the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries.
[0013] In an embodiment, the box structure comprises four vertical walls, a base panel, and a lid. The interior of the box structure may accommodate the lead acid batteries and the lithium batteries. The box structure further comprises plurality of holders that can hold a partition panel. The partition panel divides the interior of the box structure into two compartments. The size of the compartments can be changed by changing the position of the partition panel. Due the presence of plurality of the holders in the interior of the box structure the partition panel can be secured at different positions on the interior of the box structure.

[0014] Out of the two compartments formed due to the partition panel, one compartment is to accommodate at least a lead acid battery and the other compartment is to accommodate at least a lithium-ion battery. Further, the box structure comprises a battery management module which manages the combination of the at least one lead acid battery and at least one lithium-ion battery, based on predefined conditions, to provide power to the vehicle, more particularly provide power to the DC motor of the vehicle.
[0015] Thus, the present subject matter discloses a battery module which has compartments with adjustable dimension such that dimensions of the compartment could be changed based on the configuration of the lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries desired for the vehicle. This enables the user to use different capacities of lead acid and lithium-ion batteries when required. Further, the combination of the lead acid battery and the lithium-ion batteries can be utilized to provide power to the vehicle, when required.
[0016] The above techniques are further described with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 5. It should be noted that the description and the Figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter along with examples described herein and should not be construed as a limitation to the present subject matter. It is thus understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and implementations of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0017] Figure 1a shows a battery module 100 in an example implementation of the present subject matter. The battery module comprises a box structure 102 having four vertical walls 104-1-104-4, a base panel 106,

and a lid 108. The base panel 106 supports the four vertical walls 104-104-4 of the box structure. Further the box structure 102 comprises a plurality of holders fixed in an interior of the box structure 102. In an example, a holder 110 is shown in the figure for reference. The plurality of the holders to hold a partition panel 112. Figure 1b shows the front view of the partition panel 112 while Figure 1c shows the side view of the partition panel 112. In an example implementation, the partition panel 112 comprises a pair of protrusions 114-1 and 114-2 that engage with the holders of the box structure 102 and secure the partition panel 112 at its position.
[0018] In an example, the plurality of holders of the box structure 102 is shown as loops in Figure 1 wherein the pair of protrusions 114-1 and 114-2 of the partition panel 112 is shown as hooks that engage in the loop of the box structure 102. The loops and the hook arrangement is shown only for representative purposes and it is to be understood that the any such arrangements which can securely hold the partition panel 112 in the box structure 102 can be used. For instance, in an example implementation, two opposite vertical walls of the box structure may have slots at fixed intervals and the partition panel 112 may have projections that can be inserted and engaged by the slots in the opposite vertical walls of the box structure 102.
[0019] The protrusion 114-1 and 114-2 of the partition panel 112 may be engaged by the holder 116-1 and 116-2 of the box structure 102. Thus, the partition panel 112 is secured at its position. The partition panel 112 divides the box structure 102 into two compartments, 102-1 and 102-2. In an example, the compartment 102-1 may accommodate lead acid batteries and the compartment 102-2 may accommodate lithium-ion batteries. Thus, a plurality of lead acid battery and a plurality of lithium-ion battery may be accommodated in the compartments 102-1 and 102-2.

[0020] The battery module 100 of the present subject matter has a box structure 102 which as compartments 102-1 and 102-2 of adjustable dimension. For example, a partition panel 112 may be engaged in the holder 122-1 and 122-2 to increase the size of the compartment 102-1 and decrease the size of the compartment 102-2. Thus, different capacities of lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries may be accommodated in the compartment 102-1 and 102-2, respectively, when the partition panel 112 is engaged in the holders 122-1 and 122-2 than the capacities of lead acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries when the partition panel 112 is engaged in the holders 116-1 and 116-2. Thus, the dimensions of the compartments 102-1 and 102-2 may be modified to accommodate different capacities of batteries, when required.
[0021] According to an example implementation of the present subject matter, at least one of the four vertical walls 104-1-104-2, the base panel 106, the lid 108 is detachable to allow the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries to be placed inside the compartment 102-1 and 102-2 of the box structure 102. In an example, the detachable coupling may be such that the at least one of the four vertical walls 104-1-104-2, the base panel 106, the lid 108 is removed to place the battery inside the box structure and thereafter, the at least one of the four vertical walls 104-1-104-2, the base panel 106, the lid 108 replaced to close the box structure 102. In an example, the at least one of the four vertical walls 104-1-104-2, the base panel 106, the lid 108 may be pivotally fixed. In Figure 1a, the lid 108 is shown be pivotally hinged at an edge of the box structure 102, however, it should be understood that any of the four vertical walls 104-1-104-4 and the base panel 106 may be pivotably hinged so as to allow the lead acid battery and the lithium-ion battery to be placed in the box structure 102. In another example, the at least one of the four vertical walls 104-1-104-4, the base panel 106, the lid 108

may be removed to place the batteries inside the box structure 102 and thereafter the removed component may be attached to the box structure 102. Similar operation may be performed in case the lead acid battery or the lithium-ion battery is to be removed for replacement or servicing purposes.
[0022] Further, the compartment 102-1 also includes a battery management module 118. The battery management module 118 manages the power requirements of the vehicle. For example, the battery management module 118 may utilize the lead acid batteries accommodated in the compartment 102-1 to provide power to the vehicle during starting of the vehicle and may utilize the lithium-ion battery accommodated in the compartment 102-2 to provide the power to the vehicle once the vehicle has attained a predetermined speed. Further, the battery management module 118 may also utilize the combination of the lead acid batteries and the lithium-ion batteries to provide the power to the vehicle, in an example. Besides these, the battery management module 118 also manages the charging of the at least one lead acid and the at least one lithium-ion battery. For example, the battery management module 118 prevents the lead acid battery and the lithium-ion batteries from being overcharged by preventing the flow of charging current to the lead acid battery and the lithium-ion batteries once they are fully charged.
[0023] Further, in an example, a partition panel 120 may also be used to create a separate compartment for the battery management module 118, as shown in Figure 1d.
[0024] The four vertical walls 104-1-104-4 of the box structure 102, the base panel 106, the lid 108, and the partition panel 112 are made up of layers of insulating materials, such as plastic, wood, fiberglass, cellulose. The four vertical walls 104-1-104-4 of the box structure 102, the base panel

106, the lid 108, and the partition panel 112 may comprise reinforcement panels between the layers of the plastic, wood, fiberglass, cellulose to provide support to the box structure 102. In an example, the partition panel 112 may comprise perforations through which the wires, leading from the lead acid battery and the lithium-ion battery, can be connected to the battery module 100. In another example, the partition panel may comprise slots in the upper portion of the partition panel to accommodate connecting wires from the battery management module 118 to the lead acid battery and the lithium-ion battery.
[0025] Figure 2 shows the battery module 100 in a closed state. The lid 108 of the box structure 102 is closed after the lead acid battery and the lithium-ion battery are placed inside the box structure. Further, the lid 108 may comprise holes 202 that may be used to provide connections from the battery management module 118 to the DC motor of the vehicle. For representation purpose only, the holes 202 are shown on the lid 108 of the box structure 102 and it should be understood that the holes 202 may be present on any of the four vertical walls 104-1-104-4 of the box structure 102, the base panel 106, and the lid 108. In an example, the box structure 102 further comprises handles 204-1 and 204-2 to carry the battery module 100. Further, in another example, the box structure 102 also comprises latches 206-1 and 206-2 to secure the lid 108.
[0026] Figure 300 schematically represents a vehicle 300 comprising a starter motor 302 and a traction motor 304. The vehicle 300 also comprises the battery module 100 for providing power to the starter motor 302 and the traction motor 304. The vehicle 300 further comprises a controller 306 coupled to the starter motor 302 and the traction motor 304. The controller 306 receives the power from the battery module 100 and provides the power to the starter motor 302 and the traction motor 304. In an example, the

controller 306 may direct the power to the starter motor 302 during starting of the vehicle and thereafter when the vehicle attains a predetermined speed, the controller 306 may direct the power to the traction motor 304. In an example implementation, the controller 306 works in conjunction with the battery management module 118 to provide power to the starter motor 302 and the traction motor 304. This has been explained with reference to Figure 4.
[0027] In an example, the battery module 100 may be utilized to provide power to all types of vehicles. In two-wheelers, the battery module 100 may be accommodated at the rear side above the rear number plate, or it may be accommodated at the left side of the rear number plate, or it may be accommodated on the right side of the rear number plate. In another example, the battery module 100 may be accommodated either below the seat structure, below the floor board, in front of the head tube, behind the head tube, in the glove box area or on top of the swing arm, of the two-wheelers. In the two-wheelers wherein engine is placed in the rear, the battery module 100 may be accommodated on the rear of the two-wheelers. In yet another example, the battery module 100 may replace the conventional fuel tank in two-wheelers. Further, in case of three wheelers, the battery module may be accommodated below the seat of the driver or the below the rear seat. In another example, the battery module 100 may be accommodated behind the rear seat in the rear compartment of the three-wheelers, such that the battery module 100 is easily accessed from a rear door of the three-wheelers. In four wheelers and larger vehicles, the battery module may be accommodated on the front part where the engine components are installed.
[0028] Figure 4 shows an expanded view of the battery module 100 along with the controller 306 and the starter motor 302 and the traction motor 304.

Figure 4 shows the battery module 100 comprising the battery management module 118, a lead acid battery 402 and a lithium-ion battery 404. As explained earlier, the battery management module 118 manages the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery to provide power to the vehicle 300.
[0029] In an example, implementation of the present subject matter when the vehicle 300 is starting, the battery management module 118 may couple the lead acid battery 402 to the controller 306 and the controller 306 provides the power to the starter motor 302. Thereafter, when the vehicle 300 attains a predetermined speed, the battery management module 118 may couple the lithium-ion battery 404 to the controller 306 for the controller 306 to provide the power to the traction motor 304. In an example, the predetermined speed may be 10km/hr. Further, in an example, and based on a torque requirement and a power requirement of traction motor 304, the battery management module 118 may couple either one of the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery 404 with the controller 306 or both the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery 404 with the controller 306. The controller 306 may utilize the capacity of the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery 404 to provide required current/voltage to the traction motor 304.
[0030] Further, in case when the lithium-ion battery 404 is not able to provide the desired power, the battery management module 118 may couple the lead acid battery 402 as well, such that the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery 404 are connected in series and both the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery 404 cumulatively provide the power to the traction motor 304 of the vehicle 300. In another example, the battery management module 118 may parallelly couple the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery 404 with the controller. In an example, parallel

coupling of the lead acid battery 402 and the lithium-ion battery 404 may be used when the traction motor 304 requires high current.
[0031] Although implementations for vehicle tire monitoring and diagnosis are described, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features of the systems described herein. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as implementations for a battery module.

I/We Claim;
1. A battery module (100) for a vehicle, the battery module (100)
comprising:
a box structure (102) comprising:
four vertical walls (104-1-104-4);
a base panel (106) within the four vertical walls (104-1-104-4); and
a lid supported on the four vertical walls (104-1-104-4);
a plurality of holders on the interior of the box structure (102) to vertically hold a partition panel (112) such that the partition panel (112) divides the box structure (102) into two compartments, wherein one compartment is to removably accommodate at least one lead acid battery and another compartment is to removably accommodate at least one lithium-ion battery; and
a battery management module (118) to manage combination of the at least one of lead acid battery and the at least one lithium-ion battery to provide power to the vehicle based on pre-defined conditions.
2. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of holders is placed at centimeter plurality of predefined locations on each of the four vertical walls (104-1-104-4), the base panel (106), and the lid of the box.
3. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the partition panel (112) comprises at least a pair of protrusion to engage with the plurality of the holders.

4. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the four vertical walls (104-1-104-4), the base panel (106), and the lid is pivotally supported on the corresponding side of the box structure (102) to allow access to an interior of the box structure (102). ; 5. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the four vertical walls (104-1-104-4), the base panel (106), the lid, and the partition panel (112) is made up of insulating material.
6. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a
two-wheeler and wherein the battery module is accommodated in at least
) one of below a footrest of the two-wheeler, above a rear number plate of the two-wheeler, left side of the rear number plate of the two-wheeler, and right side of the rear number plate of the two-wheeler.
7. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a
three-wheeler and the battery module is accommodated in at least one of
, below the seat of driver of the three-wheeler and below the rear seat in a three-wheeler.
8. The battery module as claimed in claim 1, wherein battery
management module (118) is to generate a series and parallel combination
of the at least one lead acid battery and the at least one lithium-ion battery to
) meet the power requirements of the vehicle.
9. A vehicle comprising:
a starter motor;
a traction motor;
a controller coupled with the starter motor and the traction motor to
, manage the power requirement of the starter motor and the traction
motor; and a box structure (102) comprising:
four vertical walls (104-1-104-4);

a base panel (106) within the four vertical walls (104-1-104-4); and
a lid supported on the four vertical walls (104-1-104-4);
a plurality of holders on the interior of the box structure (102) to
; vertically hold a partition panel (112) such that the panel divides the
box structure (102) into two compartments wherein one compartment
is to accommodate at least one lead acid battery and another
compartment is to accommodate at least one lithium-ion battery; and
a battery management module (118) to couple the at least one lead
) acid battery and at least one lithium-ion battery to the controller and to
manage, based on predefined conditions, the combination of the at least one
of lead acid battery and at least one lithium-ion battery to provide power to
the starter motor and the traction motor.
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the controller is to couple
; the at least one lead acid battery with the starter motor during starting of the
vehicle.
11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the controller is to couple
the at least one lithium-ion battery with the traction motor when the vehicle
attains a first predetermined speed.
) 12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the vehicle is one of a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, multi-wheeled vehicle.
Date 23 July 2018