DESC:
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to rechargeable batteries and specifically to charging and swapping of rechargeable batteries.

BACKGROUND
[0002] With growing awareness for climate change such as global warming and air pollution, use of electric vehicles has become a necessity. The electric vehicles are green, i.e., they do not contribute to climate change as they use electric batteries instead of fossil fuels.
[0003] The batteries used in the electric vehicles are mostly rechargeable and replaceable. However, time taken for recharging the batteries is long. Infrastructure for recharging of the batteries is also not yet fully developed. Therefore, there are very few charging stations. Use of existing home charging stations and public charging stations is also hindered due to the long charging time, safety considerations and limited availability of charging points. With harsh climate conditions in certain regions and the rise in temperature during charging, it is also important to control the temperatures at which batteries charge for ensuring safety and longer life of the batteries. Moreover, charging requirements and charging points for different types, sizes and capacities of the batteries are different. Therefore, not all swapping stations support charging of all types of batteries.
[0004] As a result, most of the EVs in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler category run for limited range. For increasing range, battery capacity must be increased. However, this is not a viable solution for many users considering the cost and size of the batteries. Hence, it is difficult to drive electric vehicles for long journeys due to lack of charging stations.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for efficient techniques to manage charging and swapping of the batteries of the EVs.

SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a cloud-based battery swapping system, a platform for swapping battery packs of electric vehicles, and methods thereof. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the present invention nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, a cloud-based battery swapping method is provided. The method includes receiving a biometric identification information of a user and a battery identification information of a battery by a server. The battery is inserted by the user in a charging slot of a swapping station. The method includes authenticating the user based on the received biometric identification information by a user authentication module in the server using a user database. The method includes authenticating the battery based on the received battery identification information by a battery authentication module in the server using a battery database. The method includes instructing the swapping station by a swapping station control module to dispense a charged battery stored in another charging slot of the swapping station after successful user authentication and battery authentication. The charged battery is dispensed to the user by the swapping station in response to the instruction.
[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, cloud-based battery swapping system is provided. The system includes a user database, a battery database, a user device, and a server. The user database is configured to store usernames, user identifiers, user device identifiers, and biometric information of a plurality of users. The battery database is configured to store battery identifiers, battery types, and battery capacities of a plurality of batteries. The user device corresponds to a user and a battery management system of a battery of the user. The server includes a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a biometric identification information of the user and a battery identification information of the battery when the battery is inserted by the user in a charging slot of the swapping station. The processor authenticates the user based on the received biometric identification information using the user database. The processor authenticates the battery based on the received battery identification information using the battery database. The processor instructs the swapping station to dispense a charged battery stored in another charging slot of the swapping station after successful user authentication and battery authentication. The charged battery is dispensed to the user by the swapping station in response to the instruction.
[0009] In an embodiment, the server receives information about gyroscope movement of the battery and information about location change of the battery from the battery management system. A theft protection module in the server determines whether the gyroscope movement is outside a predetermined range of hours. The theft protection module determines whether the location is outside a predetermined range of locations. The theft protection module provides an alert signal to the user device when the gyroscope movement is outside the predetermined range of hours or when the location is outside the predetermined range of locations. The theft protection module determines whether the user provides a response to the alert signal. When the user does not provide the response, the theft prevention module provides an alarm signal and a cut off signal to a battery management system of the battery. An output of the battery is cut off by the battery management system and the battery management system is placed into a protective mode upon receiving the cut off signal from the server. The battery emits an audible alarm sound upon receiving the alarm signal from the server.
[0010] In an embodiment, the user inserts a plurality of batteries in a first set of charging slots and the swapping station dispenses a plurality of charged batteries through a second set of charging slots in a single swap.
[0011] In an embodiment, the server determines at least one of the following battery parameters: type of battery, type of vehicle, battery capacity, and battery health of the received battery based on the received battery identification information using the battery database.
[0012] In an embodiment, the server instructs the swapping station to dispense a charged battery having same battery parameters as that of the determined battery parameters of the received battery.
[0013] In an embodiment, the server receives a state of charge of the battery from the user device. The server compares the received state of charge with a predetermined threshold state of charge. The server provides an alert signal to the user device when the received state of charge is less than the threshold state of charge.
[0014] In an embodiment, the user device facilitates the user to reserve a charged battery at the swapping station in response to receiving the alert signal from the server.
[0015] In an embodiment, the server receives a request from the user device to change a depth of discharge of the battery. The user authentication module (202) authenticates the user using one or more biometric authentication sensors of the user device. The server modifies the depth of discharge of the battery. The server provides an estimated distance to the user device based on the modified depth of discharge of the battery.
[0016] In an embodiment, swapping station resets the depth of discharge of the battery while charging.
[0017] In an embodiment, the user database stores usernames, user identifiers, user device identifiers, and biometric information of the users.
[0018] In an embodiment, the battery database stores battery identifiers, battery types, and battery capacities of the batteries.
[0019] In various other embodiments of the present invention, one or more platforms and methods thereof are provided. In one of the embodiments, a platform for swapping batteries of electric vehicles includes one or more battery packs, a swapping station, and a server. The one or more battery packs are associated with at least one user. The swapping station includes an authentication module, a plurality of slots, a processing unit, a rectifier, and a dispensing module. The authentication module is configured to authenticate a user and the battery packs. The plurality of slots is configured to insert the battery packs. The processing unit is configured to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack. The rectifier is configured to rectify a power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions and provide the rectified power to the plurality of slots to charge the battery packs. The dispensing module is configured to dispense at least one charged battery pack from the slots in response to the determined parameters.
[0020] In another embodiment, a method for swapping batteries of electric vehicles includes a step of authenticating, by an authentication module, a user and the associated battery packs. The method includes a step of inserting, in a plurality of slots, the battery packs. The method includes a step of determining, by a processing unit, battery parameters of each inserted battery pack and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack. The method includes a step of rectifying, by a rectifier, power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions. The method includes a step of providing, by the rectifier, the rectified power to the plurality of slots for charging the battery packs. The method includes a step of dispensing, by a dispensing module, at least one charged battery pack from the slots in response to the determined parameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0021] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a cloud-based battery swapping system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of various modules in a server in the cloud-based battery swapping system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a cloud architecture for facilitating battery charging and swapping in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figures 4-5 illustrate a flowchart of a method of battery swapping in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of changing a depth of discharge of a battery in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method of theft protection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method of providing alerts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 9 illustrates a workflow of a method of cloud-based battery authentication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a workflow of a method of retractable rope-based insertion of batteries in a charging station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 11 illustrates a workflow of a method of single authentication process for swapping multiple batteries in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 12 illustrates a workflow of a method of on-field swapping of batteries after authentication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 13 illustrates a workflow of a method of advance battery booking in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 14 illustrates a workflow of a method of intermittent battery swapping in a single transaction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 15 illustrates a workflow of a method of offline battery swapping in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 16 illustrates a workflow of a battery management system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 17 illustrates a workflow of a swapping station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 18 illustrates a workflow of a method of biometric authentication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 19 illustrates a workflow of a method of bulk charging in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 20 illustrates a block diagram depicting a platform for swapping battery packs of electric vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 21 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a swapping station of Figure 20, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 22 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process for fast charging of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] Figure 23 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process for multiple chemistries and variable current charging of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] Figure 24 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process for authenticating battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Figure 25 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a charging flow of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Figure 26 illustrates a flow diagram depicting swapping of multiple battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Figure 27 illustrates a flow diagram depicting offline swapping of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Figure 28 illustrates a flow diagram depicting swapping of various voltage battery packs of different users, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] Figure 29 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for swapping battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] Figure 30 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting a process for authentication of battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] Figure 31 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting a process for retractable rope-based insertion of battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] Figure 32 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting a single authentication process for swapping multiple battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] Figure 33 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting a process for intermittent battery packs swapping in a single transaction, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] Figure 34 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting functionalities of a swapping station, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] Figure 35 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting a process for biometric authentication, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] Figure 36 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting a process for bulk charging of battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] Figure 37 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting a process for swapping the battery packs during power outage, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Figure 38 illustrates a workflow diagram depicting wireless charging, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] Figure 39 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a battery management system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] Figure 40 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a detailed view of the battery management system Figure 20, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] Figure 41 illustrates a flow diagram depicting monitoring health of battery packs and providing safety alert, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] Figure 42 illustrates a flow diagram depicting receiving and transmitting data from/to the battery management system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methods embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0064] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a cloud-based battery swapping system, a battery swapping platform, and methods thereof.
[0065] In the following description, for purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details.
[0066] One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
[0067] However, the systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Further, structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are meant to avoid obscuring of the present invention.
[0068] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0069] EMBODIMENT 1
[0070] Referring now to Figure 1, a schematic block diagram of a cloud-based battery swapping system (100) is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) includes a swapping station (102), a user device (104) of a user, and a server (106) in communication with each other by way of a communication network (108). The swapping station (102) includes a plurality of charging slots (CS1-CSN) for charging a plurality of batteries (B1-BN). The server (106) includes a processor (110), a network communication unit (112), and a memory (114). The memory (114) stores a plurality of modules (116). The user device (104) includes a plurality of biometric sensors (118), a processor (120), a network communication unit (122), an Input/Output (I/O) unit (124), and a memory (126). The memory (126) stores an application (128) executable by the processor (120). The server (106) is in communication with a user database (130A) and a battery database (130B).
[0071] Referring now to Figure 2, a schematic block diagram of various modules (116) in the server (106) in the cloud-based battery swapping system (100) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The modules (116) include a user authentication module (202), a battery authentication module (204), a swapping station control module (206), and a theft prevention module (208).
[0072] The user database (130A) stores usernames, user identifiers, user device identifiers, and biometric information of a plurality of users. The battery database (130B) stores battery identifiers, battery types, and battery capacities of a plurality of batteries. The battery database (130B) also stores a plurality of battery parameters of the batteries, such as, but not limited to, type of battery, type of vehicle, battery capacity, and battery health of the received battery. The user authentication module (202) in the server (106) uses the user database (130A) to authenticate the users and/or their corresponding user devices (104). The battery identification module (204) in the server (106) uses the battery database (130A) to authenticate the battery and the corresponding battery management system (212)
[0073] Examples of the user device (104) include, but not limited to, smartphone, tablets, personal computers, etc. The user device (104) corresponds to the user and the battery management system (212) of the battery (210) of the user (104). The application (128) stored in the memory (126) of the user device (104) includes computer readable and executable instructions that, when executed by the processor (120) cause the processor (120) to facilitate swapping the battery (210).
[0074] In an example, the battery identifier of the battery (210) uniquely corresponds to the user device (104) of the user while the user is in possession of the battery (210). When the battery (210) is recharged and dispensed to another user, the battery (210) corresponds to the new user. In an example, the battery database (130B) includes information about the correspondence between the user identifier of the user and the battery (210) used by the user.
[0075] The server (106) and the swapping station (102) are connected by the communication network (108) that includes wired and/or wireless communication networks such as, but not limited to, optical fiber, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, etc. by way of the network communication unit (112). The user device (104) may connect to the swapping station (102) and/or the battery management system (212) through wireless communication networks, such as, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE, LTE-A, etc. by way of the network communication unit (122). The I/O unit (124) includes one or more of: a display, a keypad, a mouse, a touchscreen, a microphone, a speaker, and other such devices for input and output.
[0076] When the user inserts the battery (210) in the charging slot (CS1), the server (106) receives the battery identification information and the user identification information from the swapping station (102) and/or the user device (104) and/or the battery management system (212). In an example, the swapping station (102) receives the battery identification information from the battery management system (212), and thereafter, the swapping station (102) provides the battery identification information to the server (106). In another example, the user device (104) provides the battery identification information and the user identification information directly to the server (106). In another example, the battery management system (212) provides the battery identification information directly to the server (106).
[0077] The processor (110) in the server (106) receives the battery identification information and the user identification information and facilitates the battery swapping by way of the modules (116). The user authentication module (202) receives the user identification information such as, but not limited to, the biometric information of the user. If the received user identification information matches with the stored user identification information in the user database (130A), the user authentication module (202) successfully authenticates the user.
[0078] The battery authentication module (204) receives the battery identification information such as, but not limited to, the battery identifier. If the received battery identification information matches with the stored battery identification information in the battery database (130B), the battery authentication module (204) successfully authenticates the battery (210).
[0079] After successful authentication of the battery (210) and the user, the processor (110) initiates the swapping process. The swapping station control module (206) instructs the swapping station (102) to dispense a charged battery (B2) stored in other slot (CS2) of the swapping station (102). The charged battery (B2) is dispensed to the user by the swapping station (102) in response to the instruction.
[0080] In an example, the swapping station (102) provides for charging and swapping of various types of batteries having battery parameters, such as, but not limited to, different configurations, different capacities, different chemical compositions, and with or without wireless charging. Therefore, the server (106) determines a charged battery that matches with the type of the battery (210) and dispenses the charged battery (B2) whose battery parameters are same as that of the received battery (210). The server (106) instructs the swapping station (102) to dispense the charged battery (B2) having same battery parameters as that of the determined battery parameters of the battery (210).
[0081] Referring now to Figure 3, a schematic block diagram of a cloud architecture (300) for facilitating battery charging and swapping is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cloud architecture (300) includes a battery management system (302), a Transport Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP) stack (304), a MONGO stack (306), an Application Programming Interface (API) Stack (308), a swapping station (310), a Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) Stack (312), a POSTGRE database (314), a charging station web (316), an OPS Engine (318), a memory (320), and an application unit (322). The cloud architecture (300) includes multiple groups of servers (324-330) that perform the present method.
[0082] The cloud architecture (300) receives data from the battery management system (302), the swapping station (310), and the charging station web (316). The cloud architecture (300) processes the received data. The API stack (308) provides connection between mobile applications on user devices of the users and the OPS Engine (318).
[0083] The cloud architecture (300) has three IOT inputs, viz, from the battery management system (302) through sockets (TCP/IP stack) (304), from the swapping station (310) through MQTT stack (312) and the charging station web (316) through API stacks over HTTPS. The data from the battery management system (302) and the swapping station (310) are received by TCP sockets and MQTT respectively and stored in the MONGO Database (306). This data is further processed and stored in the storage (POSTGRE database) (314) through the API stack (308) on use case basis. The API stack (308) is the connection and also the mode of communication between all the mobile applications and the OPS Engine (318). That is, the API stack (308) is responsible for communication of the mobile apps with the OPS engine (318). Other responsibilities of the API stack (308) include processing data from mongo to PostgreSQL database and providing data to frontend of the OPS engine (318). The MQTT stack (312) is a communication protocol for sharing the data from the swapping station (310) to the database (306). The TCP/IP (304) is a set of communication protocols to transfer data from the battery management system (302) through telematics unit through sockets to the database (306). The telematics unit is embedded based controller system used to connect the battery management system (302) or the vehicle control unit wirelessly with a cloud network over cellular networks for exchanging the real time data of vehicle and battery parameters at regular intervals of time. The database (306) stores the data received from the battery management system (302) through the TCP/IP (304) and from the swapping station (310) through the MQTT stack (312). The OPS Engine (318) uses the data from the database (306) through the API stack (308). The POSTGRE database (314) is a relational database used for storing relational and processed data regarding all the batteries and charging/swapping stations.
[0084] Referring now to Figures 4-5, a flowchart of a method of battery swapping is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] At step 402, the process of battery swapping is initiated. At step 404, the server (106) determines if the swapping station (102) is online. If the swapping station (102) is online, at step 406, the server (106) user device (104) initiates authentication by a one-time-password, a radio frequency identification (RFID), or by a QR code. At step 408, the user is authenticated by the server (106). If the swapping station (102) is not online, at step 408, the user device (104) initiates the authentication by the RFID. At step 412, the swapping station (102) authenticates the user locally. At step 414, the swapping station (102) opens an empty charging slot (B1) in which the user inserts the battery (210).
[0086] At step 416, the server (106) checks if the swapping station (102) is online. If the swapping station (102) is online, at step 418, the server (106) authenticates the battery (210) inserted by the user. If the swapping station (102) is not online, at step 420, the swapping station (102) authenticates the battery (210) locally. If the battery (210) is successfully authenticated, at step 424, the swapping station (102) determines a model of the battery (210). At step 426, the swapping station determines which charged batteries match the model of the battery (210).
[0087] After determining that there are one or more charged batteries in the swapping station (102) that are of same model as that of the battery (210), at step 502, the server (106) checks if the swapping station (102) is online. If the swapping station (102) is online, at step 504, the swapping station (102) displays an offline swapping screen to the user. At step 506, the swapping station (102) swaps the batteries offline. At step 508, the swapping station (102) stores transaction information about the battery swap in a local memory of the swapping station (102). At step 510, the swapping station (102) uploads the transaction information to the server (106) when the swapping station (102) goes online. If the swapping station (102) is online, at step 512, the swapping station (102) opens a webpage and displays the webpage to the user. At step 514, the server (106) determines whether a payment wallet of the user is loaded with credits, such as, but not limited to, a monetary balance. If the payment wallet is successfully loaded with credits, at step 516, the server (106) determines a transaction status of a payment from the user is started. If the transaction is not started, the server (106) determines if the transaction involves a penalty. After steps 516 and 520, the server (106) controls the swapping station (102) to display a payment screen to the user at step 518.
[0088] If at step 422 the battery (210) is determines to be invalid, the step 522 is executed. At step 522, the battery (210) is returned to the user by the swapping station (102). At step 524, the server (106) checks if the transaction is successfully cancelled. After step 518, the server (106) checks for user action. If the user action indicates cancellation, the server (106) executes the step 524. If the user action indicates continuation, the server (102) executes the step 528. At step 528, the server (106) checks if the payment is successful. If the payment is successful, the sever (106) executes the step 530. At step 530, the server (106) provides a response to the swapping station (102). At step 532, the server (106) determines if the swapping station (102) has received the response or not.
[0089] After steps 524, 526, and 532, the server (106) executes step 534. At step 534, the swapping station (102) determines that the user has not taken any action. At step 536, the swapping station (102) checks for status update of the payment transaction. At step 538, the swapping station (102) checks for transactions in last five minutes and whether the transaction is started or completed. At step 542, the swapping station (102) checks if the transaction was completed for the battery (210). If the transaction for the battery (210) is completed, at step 546, the swapping station (102) dispenses the charged battery (B2) to the user. At step 540, the swapping station (102) determines if the transaction status is started. If yes, the swapping station (102) executes step 522. If not, the swapping station (102) executes step 548. At step 548, the swapping station (102) determines if the transaction for the battery (210) is incomplete. If the transaction is complete, the swapping station executes step 522. If the transaction is not complete, the swapping station executes the step 546.
[0090] Referring now to Figure 6, a flowchart of a method of changing a depth of discharge of the battery (210) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0091] In an example, the user device (104) receives current depth of discharge of the battery (210) from the battery management system (212). The depth of discharge of the battery (210) is indicative of a percentage value of amount of battery charge discharged compared to nominal charge capacity of the battery (210). Thereafter, the user device (104) provides the depth of discharge of the battery (210) to the server (106). Alternatively, the battery management system (212) provides the depth of discharge of the battery (210) to the server (106). The user device (104) provides a request to change the depth of discharge of the battery (210).
[0092] The server (106) receives the request from the user device (104) to change the depth of discharge of the battery (210). The server (106) requests for user identification information from the user device (104). The user device (104) provides the user identification information to the server (106). The server (106) authenticates the user and provides an authentication acknowledgement to the user device (104).
[0093] The user device (104) provides an estimated distance value based on nearest swapping station (102). The server (106) receives the estimated distance value and provides a change in depth of discharge signal to the battery (210). The server receives an acknowledgment from the battery (210) in response to the signal and provides the acknowledgement signal to the user device (104).
[0094] Thereafter, when the battery (210) is inserted in the swapping station (102), the battery management system (212) provides a charging request to the swapping station (102). Upon checking the depth of discharge of the battery (210), the swapping station (102) determines that the depth of discharge of the battery (210) is different from a predefined depth of discharge level. Therefore, the swapping station (102) restores the depth of discharge of the battery (210) to the predefined depth of discharge level. The change in depth of discharge level is acknowledged by the battery management system (212). Thereafter, the swapping station (102) charges the battery (210).
[0095] Referring now to Figure 7, a flowchart of a method of theft protection is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0096] At step 702, the server (106) receives latitude and longitude information along with location information of the battery (210) from the battery management system (212). At step 704, the server (106) determines if the latitude and longitude information is within a predefined limit. If the server (106) determines that the latitude and longitude information is not within the predefined limit, then at step 706, the server (106) sends an alert signal to the user device (104). At step 708, the server (106) waits for a predefined time to receive a response from the user device (104). At step 710, the server (106) checks if there is any response from the user.
[0097] At step 712, the server (106) checks for gyroscope movement of the battery (210) during odd hours. At step 714, the server (106) checks if there is any suspicious movement of the battery (210). If the server (106) detects suspicious movement, then at step 716, the server (106) records the battery information and location information of the battery (210). After step 716, the step 722 is executed.
[0098] After step 704, the step 718 is executed. At step 718, the server (106) server (106) checks current of the battery (210). At step 720, the server (106) checks if the battery (210) is discharging. If the battery (210) is discharging, then the step 706 is executed. If the battery (210) is not discharging, then the step 722 is executed. After step 722, the step 724 is executed. At step 724, the server (106) cuts of the battery (210) from discharging and puts the battery management system (212) in protective mode.
[0099] Referring now to Figure 8, a flowchart of a method of providing alerts is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00100] In an example, the user device (104) receives the state of charge of the battery (210) and provides information about the state of charge of the battery (210) to the server (106). Alternatively, the battery management system (212) directly provides the information about the state of charge of the battery (210) to the server (106). The server (106) then provides alerts to the user device (104) based on the state of charge of the battery (210).
[00101] At step 802, the server (106) checks the state of charge of the battery (210). At step 804, the server (106) checks if the state of charge is below a predefined threshold level. If yes, the server executes step 806. If no, the server (106) executes step 802. At step 806, the server (106) sends an alert to the user device (104) to reserve a charged battery in advance. At step 808, the user device (104) receives the alert and displays the alert to the user. At step 810, the user device (104) prompts the user to reserve the charged battery. If the user provides a positive input at step 810, then at step 812 the user device (104) facilitates the user to reserve the charged battery for swapping with existing battery (210) at the swapping station (102). If the user provides a negative input at step 810, then at step 814 the user device (104) terminates the advance reservation.
[00102] In an example, the server (106) determines a list of nearby swapping stations based on geographical location of the user device (104) and/or the battery management system (212). The application (128) in the user device (104) displays the list to the user. The user selects one swapping station from the displayed list of swapping stations through the application (128). Thereafter, the application (128) facilitates the user to reserve the charges battery at the selected swapping station.
[00103] Various use case scenarios of the cloud-based battery swapping system (100) and the cloud-based battery swapping method have been explained in Figures 9-19, which are as follows:
[00104] Referring now to Figure 9, a workflow of a method of cloud-based battery authentication is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00105] At step 902, the user enters the swapping station (102) with the battery (210).
[00106] At step 904, the swapping station (102) authenticates the user by way of biometric authentication, RFID, Registered Mobile Number (RMN) with One Time password (OTP), or QR code, etc.
[00107] At step 906, the user inserts the battery (210) in one of the empty slots in the swapping station (102). In an example, the swapping station (102) opens an empty charging slot only if the user is successfully authenticated. The swapping station (102) does not open the empty slot when the authentication of the user fails.
[00108] At step 908, the swapping station (102) identifies the battery (210) based on the battery identifier. In that, the swapping station (102) determines battery parameters such as the type of the battery, the capacity of the battery, the size of the battery, and the condition of the battery.
[00109] At step 910, the swapping station (102) provides the battery identifier to the server (106) via the communication network (108).
[00110] At step 912, the server (106) validates the battery identifier and provides results of the validation to the swapping station (102). In an example, the server (106) allows the swapping of the battery (210) only when the battery (210) is successfully validated. The server (106) does not allow the swapping of the battery when the battery (210) validation fails.
[00111] At step 914, the swapping station (102) completes payment process by receiving a payment from the user and thereafter, provides the charged battery (B2) to the user via a dispensing mechanism of the swapping station (102).
[00112] Referring now to Figure 10, a workflow of a method of retractable rope-based insertion of batteries in a charging station is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00113] At step 1002, the user enters the swapping station (102) with the battery (210) which is drained or empty.
[00114] At step 1004, the user is authenticated by the swapping station (102) by way of biometric authentication, RFID, Registered Mobile Number (RMN) with One Time password (OTP), or QR code, etc.
[00115] At step 1006, the swapping station (102) opens the empty charging slot (CS1).
[00116] At step 1008, the self-retractable track comes out of the swapping station (102).
[00117] At step 1010, the user places the battery (210) in the charging slot (CS1) and the battery (210) is lifted and taken in by the self-retractable mechanism.
[00118] Referring now to Figure 11, a workflow of a method of single authentication process for swapping multiple batteries is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00119] At step 1102, the user enters the swapping station (102).
[00120] At step 1104, the user provides multiple batteries for swapping, one battery at a time.
[00121] At step 1106, the user is authenticated by the swapping station (102) by way of one or more authentication processes, such as, biometric authentication, RFID, or RMN, etc.
[00122] At step 1108, the authentication information is shared by the swapping station (102) to the server (106). The server (106) verifies the user and facilitates payment from an e-wallet linked to the user.
[00123] At step 1110, the server (106) shares the payment information to the swapping station (102).
[00124] At step 1112, the swapping station (102) updates the payment information and displays a message on a display of the swapping station (102) upon successful completion of payment by the user.
[00125] At steps 1114-1116, the swapping station (102) opens an empty charging slot and user inserts the drained battery. The swapping station (102) provides the charged battery. Thereafter, the user inserts the next battery in the same slot. This process continues till the user receives all the charged batteries in exchange of the drained batteries.
[00126] At step 1116, the information about the swapped batteries and the information about the successful swapping of the batteries is uploaded to the server (106) by the swapping station (102).
[00127] Referring now to Figure 12, a workflow of a method of on-field swapping of batteries after authentication is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00128] At step 1202, the vehicle of the user breaks down at some location due to failure/discharge of the batteries in the vehicle. The user contacts a customer operator by call or through the application (128).
[00129] At step 1204, the customer operator requests for an on-field swapping of the batteries of the user’s vehicle by way of the application (128).
[00130] At step 1206, the server (106) assigns a local service center for handling the swapping of the batteries.
[00131] At step 1208, the service center designates a field operator for swapping the batteries.
[00132] At step 1210, the field operator requests for charged batteries at the swapping station (102) via the application (128) of the field operator.
[00133] At step 1212, the swapping station (102) dispenses the charged batteries to the field operator.
[00134] At step 1214, the swapping station (102) shares information about the swapping with the server (106) in real-time through the communication network (108).
[00135] At step 1216, the server (106) deducts the payment from the e-wallet of the user.
[00136] At step 1218, the filed officer replaces the malfunctioned/discharged batteries in the vehicle with the charged batteries.
[00137] At step 1220, the filed operator updates the successful swapping of the batteries via the mobile application of the filed operator.
[00138] At step 1222, the filed operator places the discharged batteries in the empty slots of the swapping station (102).
[00139] At step 1224, the successful swapping of the batteries is updated in the OPS Engine (318) in the cloud architecture (300).
[00140] Referring now to Figure 13, a workflow of a method of advance battery booking is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00141] At step 1302, the user vehicle having the battery (210) drives on a road.
[00142] At step 1304, the vehicle determines a distance that the vehicle can cover before the battery (210) is discharged.
[00143] At step 1206, the user provides an advance booking of a charged battery through the application (128) on the user device (104). The user selects a swapping station (102) in vicinity of the user. The user also completes the payment for the charged battery through the application (128).
[00144] At step 1208, the server (106) receives the advance booking and the payment from the user device (104) and reserves the charged battery (B2) for the user in the selected swapping station (102). The server (106) provides information of the advance booking and the received payment to the selected swapping station (102).
[00145] At step 1210, the selected swapping station (102) displays the successful payment on the display.
[00146] At step 1212, the selected swapping station (102) authenticates the user when the user enters the swapping station (102).
[00147] At step 1214, the selected swapping station (102) dispenses the charged battery (B2) to the user.
[00148] Referring now to Figure 14, a workflow of a method of intermittent battery swapping in a single transaction is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00149] At steps 1402 and 1404, the user enters the swapping station (102) with multiple batteries.
[00150] At step 1406, the swapping station (102) authenticates the user.
[00151] At step 1408, the user completes the payment for multiple charged batteries.
[00152] At step 1410, the user swaps a single battery at the swapping station (102). In that, the user deposits one discharged battery into the empty slot of the swapping station (102) and receives one charged battery from the swapping station (102).
[00153] At step 1412, the swapping station (102) updates information of the payment for the multiple batteries to the server (106).
[00154] At step 1414, the swapping station (102) encounters an error, malfunction, power loss, or breakdown.
[00155] At step 1416, the user goes to another swapping station (not shown).
[00156] At step 1418, the user is authenticated by the other charging station.
[00157] At step 1420, the other charging station retrieves user data from the server (106).
[00158] At step 1422, the other charging station provides the remaining number of charged batteries to the user.
[00159] At step 1424, the user receives all the required number of charged batteries.
[00160] Referring now to Figure 15, a workflow of a method of offline battery swapping is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00161] At step 1502, the user enters the swapping station (102).
[00162] At step 1504, the user gathers that the swapping station (102) does not have internet connectivity.
[00163] At steps 1506 and 1508, the swapping station (102) authenticates the user in offline mode.
[00164] At step 1510, the swapping station (102) completes the payment from the user in offline mode.
[00165] At step 1512, the swapping station (102) stores the information of the payment in a local memory of the swapping station (102).
[00166] At steps 1514 and 1516, when the wired/wireless connection and/or the power is restored at the swapping station (102), the swapping station (102) uploads the aforesaid information to the server (106).
[00167] Meanwhile, in the offline mode, at step 1518, the swapping station (102) dispenses the charged battery to the user.
[00168] Referring now to Figure 16, a workflow of a battery management system (212) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00169] At step 1602, the user drives the electric vehicle on field.
[00170] At step 1604, the SoC drops to a minimum value for the user on the field.
[00171] At step 1606, the user checks for a nearest swapping station.
[00172] At step 1608, the swapping station (102) is found but the swapping station (102) is far away, which cannot be reached by the user with the current SoC.
[00173] At step 1610, the user makes a request in the application (128) for getting an extra range to reach the swapping station (102).
[00174] At step 1612, the server (106) receives the request and will retrieve data of the battery from the user profile of the user.
[00175] At step 1614, the server (106) sends a command to the battery management system (212) for changing depth of discharge of the battery (210) to give more range to the user for reaching the swapping station (102).
[00176] At steps 1616-1618, the battery management system (212) receives the command from the server (106) and varies the depth of discharge and notifies the same to the server (106).
[00177] At steps 1620-1622, the application (128) notifies the increase in the depth of discharge of the battery (210) to the user and the user successfully reaches the swapping station (102) to swap the battery (210).
[00178] At step 1624, the server (106) sends another command to the battery management system (212) of the battery (210) to restore the depth of discharge to the initial level.
[00179] Referring now to Figure 17, a workflow of a swapping station is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00180] At step 1702, multiple users having different vehicles enter the swapping station (102). The vehicles may use different types, sizes, and capacities of batteries.
[00181] At step 1704, the swapping station (102) provides a single point of authentication for all the users.
[00182] At step 1706, the swapping station (102) provides the authentication information to the server (106). The server (106) determines the types of batteries to be dispensed to each user and notifies the same to the swapping station (102).
[00183] At step 1708, the swapping station (102) dispenses the types of charged batteries to the users as notified by the server (106).
[00184] At step 1710, all the users receive their respective types of charged batteries from the swapping station (102).
[00185] Referring now to Figure 18, a workflow of a method of biometric authentication is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00186] At step 1802, the user enters the swapping station (102).
[00187] At step 1804, the swapping station (102) authenticates the user biometrically using face recognition, fingerprint recognition, or iris recognition, etc.
[00188] At step 1806, the swapping station (102) provides the authentication information to the server (106).
[00189] At step 1808, the server (106) authenticates the user.
[00190] At step 1810, the server (106) notifies the swapping station (102) to open the empty slot (CS1) in the swapping station (102).
[00191] At step 1812, the user completes the payment at the swapping station (102).
[00192] At step 1814, the swapping station (102) dispenses the charged battery (B2) to the user.
[00193] Meanwhile, the process of swapping the discharged battery (210) with the charged battery (B2) is updated at the server (106) in real-time.
[00194] Referring now to Figure 19, a workflow of a method of bulk charging is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention .
[00195] At step 1902, the user enters the swapping station (102).
[00196] At step 1904, a camera installed in the swapping station (102) captures the user entering the swapping station (102).
[00197] At step 1906, the camera provides live video feed to the server (106). The server (106) authenticates the user by face recognition based on the received live stream.
[00198] At step 1908, the application (128) on the user device (104) of the user facilitates the user to select a language.
[00199] At step 1910, the swapping station (102) provides voice assistance to the user in the language selected by the user.
[00200] At step 1912, the swapping station (102) opens the empty slot (CS1) wherein the user deposits the discharged battery (210).
[00201] At step 1914, the swapping station (102) receives the payment from the user.
[00202] At step 1916, the swapping station (102) dispenses the charged battery (B2) to the user.
[00203] Meanwhile, the process of swapping the discharged battery (210) with the charged battery (B2) is updated at the server (106) in real-time.
[00204] Advantageously, the cloud-based battery swapping system (100) of the present invention provides easy and safe battery charging and battery swapping for the electric vehicles. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) facilitates the user of the electric vehicle to have easy access to a large charging network of many swapping stations (102) across various geographies, through the user device (104). The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) not only provides easy swapping and charging of the batteries of the electric vehicles, but also facilitates reservation and payment for the batteries on the go using the user device (104).
[00205] The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) provides robust authentication, charging, swapping, and payment systems that function in online as well as offline modes, thereby providing uninterrupted service to the user. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) provides enhanced security through two levels of authentication: user authentication and battery authentication. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) also provides additional layer of security by providing theft prevention alerts to the user device (104). Hence, the cloud-based battery swapping system (100) of the present invention provides many technical advancements over conventional battery charging systems.
[00206] EMBODIMENT 2
[0001] The various embodiments of the present invention also provide a platform for swapping battery packs of electric vehicles and method thereof. Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
[0002] References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0003] In one of the embodiments, a platform for swapping batteries of electric vehicles includes one or more battery packs, a swapping station, and a server. The one or more battery packs are associated with at least one user. The swapping station includes an authentication module, a plurality of slots, a processing unit, a rectifier, and a dispensing module. The authentication module is configured to authenticate a user and the battery packs. The plurality of slots is configured to insert the battery packs. The processing unit is configured to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack. The rectifier is configured to rectify a power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions and provide the rectified power to the plurality of slots to charge the battery packs. The dispensing module is configured to dispense at least one charged battery pack from the slots in response to the determined parameters.
[0004] In another embodiment, the platform includes a server which is configured to store and verify the user and battery packs details for authentication.
[0005] In another embodiment, the plurality of slots is configured to store the charged battery packs.
[0006] In another embodiment, the swapping station comprises a CAN communication module which is configured to establish communication between the processing unit and the plurality of slots to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack.
[0007] In another embodiment, the battery parameters include a level of charging or discharging of each battery pack, a type of the battery pack, size and capacity of the battery pack, and temperature of the battery pack.
[0008] In another embodiment, the processing unit is configured to determine optimum charging conditions of the battery pack including temperature, a charging level, and speed of charging for charging the battery packs.
[0009] In another embodiment, the swapping station comprises an input power supply which is configured to supply power to the rectifier to rectify the power and charge the battery packs based on the determined charging conditions in a current-current (CC)- current-voltage (CV) mode.
[0010] In another embodiment, the swapping station comprises a thermal management module which is configured to maintain temperature fluctuations in the CC-CV mode within a pre-defined temperature range.
[0011] In another embodiment, the processing unit includes a battery identifier which is configured to determine the battery parameters and provide the determined parameters to the server for validation.
[0012] In another embodiment, the swapping station is configured to swap a discharge battery pack with a charged battery pack.
[0013] In another embodiment, the server is configured to validate the determined parameters of the battery packs and allow the swapping of the battery packs.
[0014] In another embodiment, the swapping station includes a self-retractable track which is configured to insert the battery packs in the plurality of slots by using a retractable rope and self-retractable mechanism.
[0015] In another embodiment, the authentication module is configured to authenticate a user one time for swapping multiple battery packs.
[0016] In another embodiment, the swapping station is configured to swap the battery packs during power outage along with real-time update of the data on the server.
[0017] In another embodiment, the rectifier is configured to perform fast charging of the battery packs.
[0018] In another embodiment, the processing unit is configured to: fetch battery charging details of the inserted battery pack from the server; create an average profile of the inserted battery pack based on the fetched details; determine last maximum current of the inserted battery pack; identify a number of over temperature cut-off in last charging; determine a charging current at which the battery pack is getting heated. The rectifier then supplies charging current to the plurality of slots based on determined current.
[0019] In another embodiment, the rectifier is configured to provide the rectified power supply to the multiple battery pack chemistries and variable current charging to the plurality of slots.
[0020] In another embodiment, the rectifier is configured to: check battery parameters and details; set rectifier CC-CV parameters; activate charging of the battery packs; set discharge cut-off limits based on a pre-determined driving pattern; and configure the chemistry parameters based on the set limits.
[0021] In another embodiment, each battery pack includes a plurality of rechargeable cells and a battery management system for managing discharging, charging, and maintenance of the battery packs.
[0022] In another embodiment, the battery management system includes a monitoring unit, a converter, a master controller, and a state estimator. The plurality of rechargeable cells is configured to store energy and power for the vehicle. The monitoring unit is configured monitor current, voltage, and temperature and generate analog signals. The converter is configured to convert the generated analog signals into digital values. The master controller is configured to transmit and receive battery parameters and the digital values. The state estimator is configured to calculate state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) of the battery packs.
[0023] In another embodiment, the rechargeable cells are Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) cells.
[0024] In another embodiment, the monitoring unit includes a voltage monitoring unit, a current monitoring unit, and a temperature monitoring unit. The voltage monitoring unit is configured to measure a voltage provided by the rechargeable cells and generate an analog voltage signal. The current monitoring unit is configured to measure a current provided by the rechargeable cells and generate a current voltage signal. The temperature monitoring unit is configured to measure a temperature of the rechargeable cells and generate an analog temperature signal.
[0025] In another embodiment, the battery management system includes a cell protection module which is configured to control the rechargeable cells to operate the battery packs in a predefined limit.
[0026] In another embodiment, a method for swapping batteries of electric vehicles includes a step of authenticating, by an authentication module, a user and the associated battery packs. The method includes a step of inserting, in a plurality of slots, the battery packs. The method includes a step of determining, by a processing unit, battery parameters of each inserted battery pack and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack. The method includes a step of rectifying, by a rectifier, power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions. The method includes a step of providing, by the rectifier, the rectified power to the plurality of slots for charging the battery packs. The method includes a step of dispensing, by a dispensing module, at least one charged battery pack from the slots in response to the determined parameters.
[0027] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of storing and verifying, by a server, the user and battery packs details for authentication.
[0028] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of storing, by the plurality of slots, the charged battery packs.
[0029] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of establishing, by a CAN communication module, communication between the processing unit and the slots for determining battery parameters of each inserted battery pack and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack.
[0030] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of determining, by the processing unit, optimum charging conditions of the battery pack, and wherein the charging conditions including temperature, a charging level, and speed of charging for charging the battery packs.
[0031] In another embodiment, the method includes the steps of supplying, by an input power supply, power to the rectifier for rectifying the power; and charging, by the plurality of slots, the battery packs based on the determined charging conditions in a current-current (CC)- current-voltage (CV) mode.
[0032] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of maintaining, by a thermal management module, temperature fluctuations in the CC-CV mode within a pre-defined temperature range.
[0033] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of determining, by a battery identifier, battery parameters and providing the determined parameters to the server for validation.
[0034] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of swapping, by the swapping station, a discharge battery pack with a charged battery pack.
[0035] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of validating, by the server, the determined parameters of the battery packs and allowing the swapping of the battery packs.
[0036] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of inserting, by a self-retractable track, the battery packs in the plurality of slots by using a retractable rope and self-retractable mechanism.
[0037] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of authenticating, by the authentication module, a user one-time for swapping multiple battery packs.
[0038] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of swapping, by the swapping station, the battery packs during power outage along with real-time update of the data on the server.
[0039] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of performing, by the rectifier, fast charging of the battery packs.
[0040] In another embodiment, the step of performing the fast charging further includes a step of fetching, by the processing unit, battery packs charging details of the inserted battery pack from the server. The method includes a step of creating, by the processing unit, an average profile of the inserted battery pack based on the fetched details. The method includes a step of determining, by the processing unit, last maximum current of the inserted battery pack. The method includes a step of identifying, by the rectifier, a number of over temperature cut-off in last charging. The method includes a step of determining, by the processing unit, a charging current at which the battery pack is getting heated. The method includes a step of supplying, by the rectifier, charging current to the plurality of slots based on determined current.
[0041] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of providing, by the rectifier, the rectified power supply to the multiple battery pack chemistries and variable current charging to the plurality of slots.
[0042] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of checking, by the rectifier, battery parameters and details. The method includes a step of setting, by the rectifier, CC-CV parameters. The method includes a step of activating, by the rectifier, charging of the battery packs. The method includes a step of setting, by the rectifier, discharge cut-off limits based on a pre-determined driving pattern. The method includes a step of configuring, by the rectifier, the chemistry parameters based on the set limits.
[0043] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of managing, by a battery management system, discharging, charging, and maintenance of the battery packs.
[0044] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of monitoring, by a monitoring unit, current, voltage, and temperature and generating analog signals. The method includes a step of converting, by a converter, the generated analog signals into digital values. The method includes a step of transmitting and receiving, by a master controller, battery parameters and the digital values. The method includes a step of calculating, by a state estimator, state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) of the battery packs.
[0045] In another embodiment, the step of monitoring further includes measuring, by a voltage monitoring unit, a voltage provided by the rechargeable cells and generating an analog voltage signal; measuring, by a current monitoring unit, a current provided by the rechargeable cells and generating a current voltage signal; and measuring, by a temperature monitoring unit, a temperature of the rechargeable cells and generating an analog temperature signal.
[0046] In another embodiment, the method includes a step of controlling, by a cell protection module, the rechargeable cells for operating the battery packs in a predefined limit.
[0047] Figure 20 illustrates a block diagram depicting a platform (11100) for swapping battery packs of electric vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] A platform for swapping batteries of electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “platform”) (11100) includes one or more battery packs (11102), a server (11104), and a swapping station (11108) connected with the server (11104) by using a network (11106). In an embodiment, the network (11106) includes wired or wireless networks. Examples of the wired networks include a Wide Area Network (WAN) or a Local Area Network (LAN), a client-server network, a peer-to-peer network, and so forth. Examples of the wireless networks include Wi-Fi, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network, and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE) network, 802.5 communication networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, or Bluetooth networks.
[0049] The one or more battery packs (11102) are associated with a user of an electric vehicle. In an embodiment, the user can be an owner of the vehicle, a customer associated with the vehicle, and a driver of the vehicle. To use the swapping station (11108), the user has to first register himself into the platform (11100) by providing associated details, such as username, contact number, address, vehicle details, battery details, payment details, biometric details, and the like. These details are stored in the server (11104) for future use. In an embodiment, the user does not need to re-register himself at different swapping stations located at various geographical locations.
[0050] In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) can be installed at a road or at any public place to facilitate the users to swap their discharged battery packs and receive the charged battery packs in return. The swapping station (11108) includes an authentication module (11110), a plurality of slots (11112), a processing unit (11114), a rectifier (11118), and a dispensing module (11120).
[0051] The authentication module (11110) is configured to authenticate the user and the battery packs (11102) associated with the battery pack (11102). In an embodiment, a user can have multiple battery packs (11102). The authentication module (11110) is further configured to authenticate a user only once for swapping multiple battery packs (11102). In an embodiment, when the user enters the associated details, the authentication module (11110) transmits these details to the server (11104). The server (11104) then verifies the entered details to authenticate the user. In an embodiment, the authentication module (11110) is configured to authenticate the user by using an authentication technique, which includes, but is not limited to, biometric authentication, login credentials including pin and password, radio frequency identification (RFID), one-time password, and a quick response (QR) code. In another embodiment, the biometric authentication includes, but is not limited to, facial recognition, iris recognition, palm scanning, fingerprint recognition, and voice recognition. In another embodiment, the authentication module (11110) is configured to authenticate the user and battery pack (11102) by using a near field communication (NFC) technique and by detecting motion of the user. In an embodiment, a motion detection sensor (not shown in a figure) is configured to detect motion of the user in the swapping station (11108).
[0052] The plurality of slots (11112) is configured to cooperate with the authentication module (11110) to receive the authenticated battery packs. In an embodiment, the authenticated battery packs are inserted in the slots (11112). In an embodiment, each slot (11112) includes one battery pack (11102). In an embodiment, the authenticated user inserts a drained battery pack (11102) in one of the empty slots (11112). In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) automatically opens the empty slot (11112) if the user is successfully authenticated, and if the authentication of the user fails, the swapping station (11108) does not open the empty slot (11112). In another embodiment, the plurality of slots (11112) is configured to charge the battery packs (11102) and store the charged battery packs (11102).
[0053] The processing unit (11114) is configured to cooperate with the plurality of slots (11112). The processing unit is further configured to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack (11102) and charging conditions of the inserted battery packs (11102). In an embodiment, the battery parameters include, but are not limited to, a level of charging or discharging of each battery pack (11102), a type of the battery pack (11102), size and capacity of the battery pack (11102), and temperature of the battery pack (11102). In one embodiment, the processing unit (11114) is configured to determine optimum charging conditions of the battery pack (11102) including, but are not limited to, temperature, a charging level, and speed of charging for charging the battery packs (11102). In an embodiment, the processing unit (11114) includes a battery identifier (11116) which is configured to determine the battery parameters and provide the determined parameters to the server (11104) for validation. The server (11104) then validates the determined parameters of the battery packs (11102) and allows the swapping of the battery packs (11102).
[0054] In an embodiment, the processing unit (11114) is configured to generate processing commands. In an embodiment, the processing unit (11114) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processing unit (11114) is configured to fetch the pre-determined rules/ instructions from a memory (not shown in a figure) and execute different modules of the swapping station (11108).
[0055] The rectifier (11118) is configured to cooperate with the processing unit (11114) and the plurality of slots (11112). The rectifier (11118) is further configured to rectify a power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions and provide the rectified power to the plurality of slots (11112) to charge the battery packs (11102).
[0056] In an embodiment, the rectifier (11118) is configured to perform fast charging of the battery packs (11102) inserted in the plurality of slots (11112). In an embodiment, to perform the fast charging, the processing unit (11114) is configured to fetch battery charging details of the inserted battery pack (11102) from the server (11104) and create an average profile of the inserted battery pack (11102) based on the fetched details. The processing unit (11114) is further configured to determine last maximum current of the inserted battery pack (11102) and identify a number of over temperature cut-offs in last charging. The processing unit (11114) then determines a charging current at which the battery pack (11102) is getting heated and provides an instruction to the rectifier (11118) to supply charging current to the plurality of slots (11112) based on determined current.
[0057] In another embodiment, the rectifier (11118) is configured to provide the rectified power supply to the multiple battery chemistries and variable current charging to the plurality of slots (11112) by checking battery parameters and details; setting rectifier current-current (CC)-current voltage (CV) parameters; activating charging of the battery packs (11102); setting discharge cut-off limits based on a pre-determined driving pattern; and configuring the chemistry parameters based on the set limits.
[0058] In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) includes an input power supply (11122) which is configured to supply power to the rectifier (11118) to rectify the power and charge the battery packs (11102) based on the determined charging conditions in a current-current (CC)- current-voltage (CV) mode.
[0059] The dispensing module (11120) is configured to cooperate with the plurality of slots (11112) and the processing unit (11114). The dispensing module (11120) is configured to dispense at least one charged battery pack (11102) from the slots (11112) in response to the determined parameters.
[0060] In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) includes a CAN communication module (11128) which is configured to establish communication between the processing unit (11114) and the plurality of slots (11112) to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack (11102) and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack (11102).
[0061] In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) includes a thermal management module (11126) which is configured to maintain temperature fluctuations in the CC-CV mode within a pre-defined temperature range. In one embodiment, the thermal management module (11126) includes one or more temperature sensors and/or thermal sensors to sense the temperature fluctuations.
[0062] In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) includes a self-retractable track (11124) which is configured to insert the battery packs (11102) in the plurality of slots (11112) by using a retractable rope and self-retractable mechanism.
[0063] In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) is configured to swap a discharged battery pack (11102) with a charged battery pack (11102). The swapping station is further configured to swap the battery packs (11102) during power outage along with real-time update of the data on the server (11104).
[0064] Figure 21 illustrates a schematic diagram (11200) depicting a swapping station (11108) of Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) includes multiple slots (11112) wherein the battery packs (11102) can be inserted for charging, the rectifier (11118), a display (11202), the CAN communication module (11128), the thermal management module (11126), the input power supply (11122), the processing unit (11114), and a GSM/LAN/Wi-Fi unit (11204) in communication with a cloud (11206). In an embodiment, the cloud (11206) is the server (11104).
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the swapping station (11108) can be installed along a road or in a public place to facilitate users to swap their discharged battery packs (11102) and receive charged battery packs (11102) in return. The swapping station (11108) has multiple slots (11112) for charging the battery packs (11102) and for storing the charged battery packs (11102). When the battery pack (11102) is inserted in the slot (112) by the user, the processing unit (11114) communicates with the battery pack (11102) by way of the CAN communication unit (11128). In an example, the processing unit (11114) determines battery parameters about the battery pack (11102), such as, level of charge/discharge of the battery pack (11102), a type of the battery pack (11102), size and capacity of the battery pack (11102) and temperature of the battery pack (11102). The processing unit (11114) determines optimum charging conditions for the battery pack (11102). The optimum charging conditions may include temperature at which the battery pack (11102) must be charged, charging level up to which the battery pack (11102) must be charged, and speed of charging (current/voltage level) with which the battery pack (11102) must be charged, etc.
[0067] The processing unit (11114) controls the rectifier (11204) to charge the battery pack (11102) based on the determined optimum charging conditions. The input power supply (11122) provides power to the rectifier (11118). The rectifier (11118) charges the battery pack (11102) as per the optimum charging conditions in the CC-CV mode. The temperature fluctuations in the CC-CV mode are maintained within the pre-defined temperature range by the processing unit (11114) using the temperature sensors and the thermal management module (11126) by applying over-current and over-temperature cut-offs. Thus, during the charging phase of the battery pack (11102), the temperature of the battery pack (11202) is maintained in a pre-defined temperature range. The thermal management module (11126) is controlled by the processing unit (11114) to maintain the pre-defined temperature range. The thermal management module (11210) includes heat sinks, air conditioners, fans (air cooling systems), water cooling systems etc.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit (11114) generates data about the charging of the battery pack (11102). The processing unit (11114) also generates data about the user, such as, username, user credentials, etc. The processing unit (11114) provides the data to the GSM/LAN/Wi-Fi unit (11204). The GSM/LAN/Wi-Fi unit (11204) transmits the data to the cloud (11206) by way of wired or wireless communication networks.
[0069] In an example, the swapping station (11108) includes various sensors (as not shown Figures). Examples of the sensors include, but are not limited to, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), motion detectors, cameras, biometric authentication sensors (such as fingerprint reader, iris scanners etc.) etc. The sensors provide sensory data to the processing unit (11114). The processing unit (11114) receives the sensory data, processes the sensory data, and provides the sensory data to the cloud (11206) via the GSM/LAN/Wi-Fi unit (11204). In an example, the GSM/LAN/Wi-Fi unit (11204) can be replaced by alternative modes of wired/wireless communication such as, but not limited to, optical fiber, satellite communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, 5G mm Wave etc. The processing unit (11114) maintains the temperature of charging the battery pack (11102) within a safe temperature zone by way of the thermal sensors.
[0070] Figure 22 illustrates a flow diagram (11300) depicting a process for fast charging of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] In Figure 22, the rectifier (11118) is configured to perform fast charging of the battery packs (11102). The process starts at a step (11302), where a battery pack (11102) is inserted in the slot (11112). At a step (11304), the processing unit (11114) gets battery charging details from the server (11104). In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit (11114) gets last seven charging data of the battery pack (11102) from the server (11104). At a step (11306), the processing unit (11114) creates an average profile of the battery pack (11102) based on the last seven charging data. At a step (11308), the processing unit (11114) gets last maximum current to the battery pack (11102). At a step (11310), the processing unit (11114) gets a number of over temperatures cut off in the last charge. At a step (11312), the rectifier (11118) the processing unit (11114) checks whether the cutoff count>0. If yes, the processing unit (11114) gets charging current at which the battery pack (11102) is getting heated at a maximum rate, as shown at a step (11314), At a step (11316), the processing unit (11114) provides an instruction to the rectifier (11118) to supply current at X% (configurable lower rate) and charge the discharged battery pack (11324) by repeating the process from the step (11302). If the cutoff count < 0, then the processing unit (11114) again checks the current charging current < last maximum count, as shown at a step (11320). If no, the processing unit (11114) again provides an instruction to the rectifier (11118) to perform normal charging (as shown at a step (11318), else increase charging current by Y% (configurable), but less than maximum current, as shown at a step (11322), and charge the discharged battery pack (11324) by repeating the process from the step (11302).
[0072] Figure 23 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process for multiple chemistries and variable current charging of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] In Figure 23, the rectifier (11118) is configured to provide the rectified power supply to the multiple battery pack chemistries and variable current charging to the plurality of slots (11112). Typically, each battery pack (11102) has cathode materials, including NMC/NCM – Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (LiNiCoMnO2), LFP – Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/C), NCA – Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2), and LCO – Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2).
[0074] In an embodiment, a request for charging a battery pack (11102) is transmitted to the swapping station (11108). In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) is a charging station. The swapping station (11108) authenticates the received request. The battery pack (11102) again acknowledges to the swapping station (11108) by transmitting auth response acknowledgement. The swapping station (11108) then identifies the battery parameters. The serial number and battery ID of the battery pack (11102) are transmitted to the swapping station (11102). The swapping station (11102) then provides a command to the battery pack (11102) to provide the battery data. The battery pack (11102) provides the battery data includes voltage, current, and temperature details. The swapping station (11108) checks the same and responds to the battery pack (11102) whether the authentication is ok/failed. In an embodiment, the battery pack (11102) requests CV-CC in voltage/amperes to the swapping station (11108). The swapping station (11108) sets the rectifier CC-CV parameters and activates charging of the battery packs (11102). Once the battery pack (11102) gets charged, it indicates the end of charge to the swapping station (11108). The swapping station (11108) sets discharge cut-off limits based on a pre-determined driving pattern. The battery pack (11102) configures its own parameters based on the set limits. The battery pack (11102) then acknowledges to the swapping station (11108). The user requests for the charged battery pack (11102) from the swapping station (11108), and the swapping station (11108) dispenses the charged battery pack (11102) and provides it to the user.
[0075] Figure 24 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process (11500) for authenticating battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the process (11500) starts at a step (11502). At a step (11504), the platform (11100) authenticates a customer by using a RFID tag/RMN/ QR code. At a step (11506), the platform (11100) checks whether it is a registered customer. If the customer is not registered, a driver authentication failed, as shown at a step (11508) and the process terminates at a step (11544). If the customer is registered, the platform (11100) confirms whether the customer has single/multiple swaps, as shown at a step (11510), and provides real-time updating and customer details retrieval of the swapping process in the server (11104), as shown at a block (11512). At a step (11514), the platform (11100) retrieves the allocated battery IDs of the battery packs (11102) associated with the customer from the server (11104). At a step (11516), the swapping station (11108) opens an empty slot (11112). At a step (11518), the customer inserts the drained battery pack (11102) to the opened slot (112). At a step (11520), a CAN communication module (11128) establishes a communication with the battery packs (11102) and transmits the battery data, for example, battery parameters, to the swapping station (11108), and thereafter maps the battery pack ID with the retrieved battery ID. At a step (11522), the swapping station (11108) reads the inserted battery pack ID. At a step (11524), the platform (11100) checks whether the mapped battery pack (11102) is same as the inserted battery pack (11102) (referred to steps 514 and 522). If both are same, at a step (11526), the platform (11100) facilitates a user to pay through a wallet balance. At a step (11528), the platform (11100) checks whether the wallet has an enough balance. If no, then the user has to recharge the wallet as shown at a step (11530). If the balance is enough in the wallet, the platform (11100) will debit the payment from the wallet and dispense the charged battery pack (11102) and in place of the discharged battery pack (11102), as shown at a step (11532), and the process stops at a step (11546). At the step (11524), if both the battery packs (11102) are not mapped, the platform (11100) again checks whether the battery packs (11102) are from a specific inventory, as shown at a step (11534). If it is not from the specific inventory, the platform (11100) terminates the swapping process at a step (11544). If it is from the specific inventory, the platform (11100) allows the customer to swap with a penalty cost or the customer can cancel the process, as shown at a step (11536). At a step (11538), the platform (11100) again checks whether the customer has cancelled the process. If yes, the swapping station (11108) automatically pops out the inserted battery pack (11102), as shown at a step (11542), and terminates the swapping process at a step (11544), and process stops at the step (11546). If no, then the platform (11100) performs swapping payment with penalty through the wallet, and repeats the process from the step (11528).
[0077] Figure 25 illustrates a flow diagram (11600) depicting a charging flow of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] The charging flow (11600) starts at a step (11602). In an exemplary embodiment, at a step (11604), a user is authenticated. At a step (11606), the user inserts a drained battery pack A in an empty slot (112). At a step (11608), a CAN communication module (11128) establishes a CAN communication and data exchange between the battery pack A and the swapping station (11108). At a step (11610), the swapping station (11108) reads the battery pack A temperature. At a step (11612), the swapping stations checks whether the temperature of the battery pack A < 270c. If no, the swapping station (11108) reduces the temperature with a cabin air conditioner, as shown at a step (11618). In an embodiment, a thermal management module (11126) of the swapping station (11108) reduces the temperature with a cabin air conditioner. If the temperature of the battery pack A < 270c, the swapping station (11108) again checks whether the state of charge (SoC) of the battery pack A > 90%. If the state of charge (SoC) of the battery pack A > 90%, the battery pack A is ready for dispense, as shown at a step (11620), or else the swapping station (11108) charges the battery pack (11102), as shown at a step (11616). At a step (11622), the swapping station (11108) provides real-time updating the condition of the battery pack A in the server (11104) via the GSM module (11204). At a step (11624), the swapping station (11108) gain checks whether the SoC of the battery pack = 100%. If no, then the swapping station (11108) repeats the process from the step (11616), else turns off the charging and maintains the cabin temperature in an optimum level, as shown at a step (11626), and the process stops at a step (11628).
[0079] Figure 26 illustrates a flow diagram (11700) depicting swapping of multiple battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] The flow diagram (11700) starts at a step (11702). At a step (11704), the swapping station (11108) performs authentication of a customer using the RFID tag, RMN, or QR code. At a step (11706), the server (11104) retrieves information of how many swaps does the customer needs. At a step (11708), the swapping station (11108) checks whether the customer is for a single swap. If the customer is for the signal swap, the swapping station (11108) opens the empty slot, as shown at a step (11710). At a step (11712), the CAN communication module (11128) of the swapping station (11108) establishes CAN communication and the authentication module (11110) of the swapping station (11108) authenticates the battery pack (11102). At a step (11714), the swapping station (11108) initiates a payment process. At a step (11716), the swapping station (11108) dispenses the charged battery pack (11102) after completion of the payment process, and the process ends at a step (11738). In an embodiment, the platform (11100) provides real-time update to the server (11104) and continuous data exchanging regarding the swapping performed in the steps (11704) to (11714), as shown at a step (11736). However, at the step (11708), if the customer is not for a single swap, the swapping station (11108) opens an empty slot for a first battery pack (11102), as shown at a step (11718). At a step (11720), the CAN communication module (11128) of the swapping station (11108) establishes CAN communication and the authentication module (11110) of the swapping station (11108) authenticates the battery pack (11102). At a step (11722), the swapping station (11108) initiates a payment process. At a step (11724), the swapping station (11108) dispenses the charged battery pack (11102), after completion of the payment process. At a step (11726), the customer inserts the next discharged battery pack (11102) to the current empty opened slot (11112) of the swapping station (11108), and the process goes and repeats from the steps (11712). In an embodiment, if the power outage occurs during the steps (11720) to (11724) (as shown at a step (11728)), the customer can approach to another swapping station (11108) and scan the RFID/RMN/ QR code, as shown at a step (11730). At a step (11732), the swapping station (11108) retrieves data from the server. At a step (11734), the swapping station (11108) continues from the last paused process defined at the steps (11720) to (11724).
[0081] Figure 27 illustrates a flow diagram (11800) depicting offline swapping of the battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] The flow diagram (11800) starts at a step (11802). At a step (11804), the platform (11100) checks whether the internet is available at the swapping station (11108). If the internet is available, a swapping process will happen as default, as shown at a step (11806). At a step (11808), the swapping station (11108) transmits real-time update on the server (11104) and continuously exchanges data regarding the swapping, and the process stops at a step (11824). Even if the internet is not available at the step (11804), the swapping station (11108) is available for swapping, as shown at a step (11810). At a step (11812), all the real-time data of the battery packs (11102) available is stored in a local storage (not shown in Figures) in the swapping station (11108). At a step (11814), authentication of the customer using the RFID tag/RMN/QR code is done against the local data stored in the swapping station (11108). At a step (11816), the customer completes the payment process offline with the data available in the swapping station (11108). At a step (11818), the swapping station (11108) dispenses the charged battery pack (11102), and the process stops at the step (11824). However, after the step (111612), the process checks whether the internet is restored, as shown at a step (11820). If no, then the process repeats from the step (11814), else offline stored data is uploaded on the server (11104), as shown at a step (11822), and the process stops at the step (11824).
[0083] Figure 28 illustrates a flow diagram (11900) depicting swapping of various voltage battery packs of different users, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] The flow diagram (11900) starts at a step (11902). At a step (11904), customer verification using RFID/RMN/QR code in the swapping station (11108), where the customer is having multiple battery packs (11102). At a step (11906), the server (11104) verifies the customer and retrieves details on a voltage category of the battery pack allocated. At a step (11908), the customer inserts the discharged battery pack (11102) and battery parameters are exchanged to the swapping station (11108) via the CAN communication module (11128). At a step (11910), the platform (11100) checks whether the inserted battery pack voltage and the allocated are same. If both are not same, the platform (11100) sends an alert to the customer to insert the correct voltage battery pack (11102) or terminate the process (as shown at a step (11912)), else the swapping station (11108) will dispense the same voltage level battery pack (11102) as the customer requires (as shown at a step (11914), and the process stops at a step (11916).
[0085] Figure 29 illustrates a flow chart (111000) depicting a method for swapping battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] The flow chart (111000) starts at a step (111002), authenticating, by an authentication module, a user and the associated battery packs. In an embodiment, an authentication module (11110) is configured to authenticate a user and the associated battery packs (11102). At a step (111004), inserting, in a plurality of slots, the battery packs. In an embodiment, a plurality of slots (11112) is configured to insert the battery packs (11102). At a step (111006), determining, by a processing unit, battery parameters of each inserted battery pack and charging conditions of the inserted battery packs. In an embodiment, a processing unit (11114) is configured to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack (11102) and charging conditions of the inserted battery packs (11102). At a step (111008), rectifying, by a rectifier, power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions. In an embodiment, a rectifier (11118) is configured to rectify power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions. At a step (111010), providing, by the rectifier, the rectified power to the plurality of slots for charging the battery packs. In an embodiment, the rectifier (11118) is configured to provide the rectified power to the plurality of slots (11112) for charging the battery packs (11102). At a step (111012), dispensing, by a dispensing module, at least one charged battery pack from the slots in response to the determined parameters. In an embodiment, a dispensing module (11120) is configured to dispense at least one charged battery pack (11102) from the slots (11112) in response to the determined parameters.
[0087] The use case scenarios for using the platform (11100) have been explained in Figures 30-37, which are as follows.
[0088] Figure 30 illustrates a workflow diagram (111100) depicting a process for authentication of battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] In Figure 30, the authentication module (11110) of the swapping station (11108) is configured to authenticate the battery packs (11102) associated with the user. At a step (111102), the user enters in the swapping station (11108) with the drained/discharged battery pack (11102). At a step (111104), the swapping station (11108) authenticates the user by way of RFID, registered Mobile Number (RMN) with one-time password (OTP), QR code, or other authentication technique. At a step (111106), the user authenticates himself by providing biometric details, such as fingerprint and face recognition. At a step (111108), the user inserts the drained/ discharged battery packs (11102) in one of the empty slots (11112) in the swapping station (11108). In an example, the swapping station (11108) opens the empty slot (11112) only if the user is successfully authenticated. The swapping station (11108) does not open the empty slot when the authentication of the user fails. At a step (111110), the swapping station (11108) retrieves battery identification details using the battery identifier (11116) of the processing unit (11114) and via the CAN communication module (11128) and validated by the swapping station itself. In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) identifies the inserted battery packs (11102) based on the battery identifier (11116). In this, the swapping station (11108) determines battery parameters such as the type of the battery pack (11102), the capacity of the battery pack (11102), the size of the battery pack (11102), and the condition of the battery pack (11102). At a step (111112), the swapping station (11108) is configured to validate the battery pack (11102) by sending the battery ID to the server (11104). In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) provides the battery ID to the server (11104) via the wired/wireless communication network (11106). At a step (111114), the server (11104) validates the battery ID using a cloud ops engine. In an embodiment, the server (11104) validates the battery ID and provides results of the validation to the swapping station (11108). In an example, the server (11104) allows the swapping of the battery pack (11102) only when the battery pack (11102) is successfully validated. The server (11104) does not allow the swapping of the battery pack (11102) when the battery validation fails. At a step (111116), the swapping station (11108) completes a payment process by receiving a payment from the user and thereafter, provides a fully charged battery pack to the user via the dispensing module (11120) of the swapping station (11108).
[0090] Figure 31 illustrates a workflow diagram (111200) depicting a process for retractable rope-based insertion of battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0091] In Figure 31, the self-retractable track (11124) of the swapping station (11108) is configured to insert the battery packs (11102) in the plurality of slots (11112) by using a retractable rope and self-retractable mechanism. At a step (111202), the user enters the swapping station (11108) with an empty battery pack (11102). At a step (111204), the user is authenticated by the swapping station (11108) by way of RFID. At a step (111206), the user authenticates himself by providing biometric details, such as fingerprint and face recognition. At a step (111208), the swapping station (11108) opens an empty slot (11112) therein. At a step (111210), the self-retractable track (11124) comes out of the swapping station (11108). At a step (111212), the user places the battery pack (11102) in the empty slot (11112) and the battery pack (11102) is lifted and taken in by the self-retractable mechanism.
[0092] Figure 32 illustrates a workflow diagram (111300) depicting a single authentication process for swapping multiple battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] In Figure 32, the authentication module (11110) of the swapping station (11108) is configured to authenticate a user one time for swapping multiple battery packs. At a step (111302), the user enters the swapping station (11108). At a step (111304), the user provides multiple drained battery packs (11102) for swapping, one battery at a time. At a step (111306), the user is authenticated one time in the swapping station (11108). In an embodiment, the user is authenticated by the swapping station (11102) by way of one or more authentication processes, such as, biometric authentication, RFID, or RMN, etc. At a step (111308), the authentication details of the user and the battery packs (11102) are shared with the server (11104). The server (11104) verifies the user and facilitates payment from an e-wallet linked to the user. At a step (111310), the server (11104) shares the payment information to the swapping station (11108). At a step (111312), the swapping station (11108) updates the payment information and displays a message on the display (11202) upon successful completion of payment by the user. At the steps (111314) and (111316), the swapping station (11108) opens the empty slot (11112), and the user inserts the first drained battery pack (11102). The swapping station (11112) provides the first charged battery pack (11102). Thereafter, the user inserts the next battery pack (11102) in the same slot (11112). This process continues till the user receives all the charged battery packs (11102) in exchange of the drained battery packs (11102). At the step (111316), the information about the swapped battery packs and the information about the successful swapping of the battery packs is uploaded to the server (11104) by the swapping station (11108).
[0094] Figure 33 illustrates a workflow diagram (111400) depicting a process for intermittent battery packs swapping in a single transaction, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] In Figure 33, at a step (111402), the user enters the swapping station (11108) with multiple battery packs (11102) for swapping (as shown at a step (111404). At a step (111406), the swapping station (11108) authenticates the user. At a step (111408), the user completes the payment for multiple swapping of the battery packs (11102). At a step (111410), the user swaps a single battery pack (11102) at the swapping station (11108). In this, the user deposits one discharged battery pack (11102) into the empty slot (11112) of the swapping station (11108) and receives one charged battery pack (11102) from the swapping station (11108). At a step (111412), the swapping station (11108) updates information of the payment for the multiple battery packs (11102) to the server (11104). At a step (111414), the swapping station (11108) encounters an error, malfunction, power loss, or breakdown. At a step (111416), the user goes to next nearby swapping station (not shown in a figure). At a step (111418), the user is authenticated by the other swapping station. At a step (111420), the other swapping station retrieves user data from the server (11104). At a step (111422), the other swapping station (11108) provides a remaining number of charged battery packs (11102) to the user. At a step (111424), the user receives all the required number of charged battery packs (11102).
[0096] Figure 34 illustrates a workflow diagram (111500) depicting functionalities of a swapping station (11108), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0097] In Figure 34, at a step (111502), multiple users having different vehicles enter the swapping station (11108). In an embodiment, the electric vehicle includes different types, sizes, and capacities of battery packs. At a step (111504), the swapping station (11108) provides a single point of authentication for all the users. At a step (111506), the swapping station (11108) provides the authentication information to the server (11104). The server (11104) determines the types of battery packs (11102) to be dispensed to each user and notifies the same to the swapping station (11108). At a step (111508), the swapping station (11108) dispenses the types of charged battery packs (11102) to the users as notified by the server (11104). In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) is capable of dispensing different system voltage according to a server command. At a step (111510), all the users receive their respective types of charged battery packs from the swapping station (11108).
[0098] Figure 35 illustrates a workflow diagram (111600) depicting a process for biometric authentication, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0099] In Figure 35, at a step (111602), the user enters the swapping station (11108). At a step (111604), the swapping station (11108) authenticates the user with advanced safety for an unmanned operation. In an embodiment, the swapping station (11108) authenticates the user biometrically using face recognition, fingerprint recognition, or iris recognition, etc. At a step (111606), the swapping station (11108) provides the authentication information to the server (11104). At a step (111608), the server (11104) authenticates the user. At a step (111610), the server (11104) notifies the swapping station (11108) to open an empty slot (11112) in the swapping station (11108). In this, the user details are loading from the server (11104) to the swapping station (11108) for swapping. At a step (111612), the user completes the payment at the swapping station (11108). At a step (111614), the swapping station (11108) dispenses the charged battery packs (11102) to the user. Meanwhile, the process of swapping the discharged battery packs (11102) with the charged battery pack (11102) is updated at the server (11104) in real-time.
[00100] Figure 36 illustrates a workflow diagram (111700) depicting a process for bulk charging of battery packs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[00101] In Figure 36, at a step (111702), the user enters the swapping station (11108). At a step (111704), a camera is installed in the swapping station (11108) that captures and detects the user entering the swapping station (11108). At a step (111706), the camera provides a live video feed to the server (11104). The server (11104) authenticates the user by face recognition based on the received live stream. At a step (111708), by using the platform (11100), a user device associated with the user facilitates multi-language support, local language assistance, and selection of language. At a step (111710), the swapping station (11108) provides voice assistance to the user in the language selected by the user. At a step (111712), the swapping station (11108) opens an empty slot (11112), wherein the user deposits the discharged battery pack (11102). At step (111714), the swapping station (11108) receives the payment from the user. At a step (111716), the swapping station (11108) dispenses the charged battery pack (11102) to the user. Meanwhile, the process of swapping the discharged battery pack (11102) with the charged battery pack (11102) is updated at the server (11104) in real-time.
[00102] Figure 37 illustrates a workflow diagram (111800) depicting a process for swapping the battery packs during power outage, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[00103] In Figure 37, when the user arrives at the swapping station (11108) for swapping during the power outage, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides sufficient power to all the slots (11112) and the swapping station (11108) performs successful swapping along with real-time update of the data to the server (11104). At steps (111802), (111804), and (111808), the user arrives at the swapping station (11108) with a drained battery pack (11102), when the swapping station (11102) is facing the power outage (111804). At a step (111806), the UPS provides power to the swapping station (11108) to power all the battery pack charging slots (11112) for gathering information. At a step (111810), the swapping station (11108) authenticates the user by RFID, RMN, or QR code by using the power provided by the UPS. At a step (111812), after successful authentication of the user, a battery pack slot (11112) of the swapping station (11108) is opened. At a step (111814), the user swaps the drained battery pack (11102) with a charged battery pack (11102) from the slot (11112). At a step (111816), the exchange of the battery pack (11102) is recorded on the server (11104) in real-time.
[00104] Figure 38 illustrates a workflow diagram (111900) depicting wireless charging, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[00105] In Figure 38, the swapping station (11108) includes a transmitter network (111902). The battery pack (11202) includes a receiver network (111904). The transmitter network (111902) includes an analog current-direct current (AC-DC) rectifier (111902), a direct current-direct current (DC-DC) regulator (111904), a direct current-analog current (DC-AC) inverter (111906), and a compensation network (111908). The receiving network (111904) includes a compensation network (111910), the rectifier (11118), and the battery pack (11102).
[00106] An input power signal from the power supply (11122) is converted to the direct current (DC) using the AC-DC rectifier (111902) which is further converted to the analog current (AC) by the DC-AC inverter (111906) for better regulation and to be in a desired level by using the DC-DC regulator (111904). The compensation network (111908) converts the AC power signal to a high frequency power signal for high efficiency transmission and passes the high frequency power signal through a primary coil. When the battery pack (11102) is placed inside a slot, the distance between the primary coil and a secondary coil of the battery pack (11202) is reduced. The voltage is induced at the secondary coil when the primary coil does the transmission and the compensation network (111910) in the receiving network (111904) receives the power from the primary coil in very high efficiency. The received AC power signal is converted to a desired DC voltage for charging the battery cells by the rectifier (11118).
[00107] Figure 39 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a battery management system (112000), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 40 illustrates a schematic diagram (112100) depicting a detailed view of the battery management system Figure 39, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[00108] A battery management system (112000) (hereinafter referred as BMS). The BMS (112000) includes a monitoring unit (112004), a converter (112006), a master BMS controller (112008), a plurality of charge/discharge Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) (112010), a cell protection unit (112012), a state estimation unit (112014), a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication module (112016, 11128), and a Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or Global System for Mobile (GSM) module (112018). The BMS (112000) monitors a pack of Li-Ion cells (112002). In an embodiment, the MOSFETs (112010) are used for temperature (112104). A shunt (112106) is configured to measure the temperature of the battery pack (112106).
[00109] The BMS (11100) is included in the battery pack (11102) used by an electric vehicle (not shown in a Figure) and manages charging, discharging, and maintenance of battery packs (11102) in the electric vehicle. The Li-Ion cells (11102) are rechargeable cells that store energy and power. While discharging, the Li-Ion cells (112002) power the electric vehicle. The monitoring unit (112004) is coupled to the Li-Ion cells (112002). The monitoring unit (112002) includes sensing units such as a voltage monitoring unit (112020), a current monitoring unit (112022), and a temperature monitoring unit (112024). The voltage monitoring unit (112020) measures a voltage provided by the Li-Ion cells (112002) and generates an analog voltage signal. The current monitoring unit (112022) measures a current provided by the Li-Ion cells (112002) and generates an analog current signal. The temperature monitoring unit (11124) measures a temperature of the Li-Ion cells (112002) and generates an analog temperature signal.
[00110] It is often observed that the Li-Ion cells (112002) tend to dissipate energy in the form of heat during charging or during heavy use. It is essential to maintain the temperature of the Li-Ion cells (112002) in an optimum range to ensure optimum output voltage/current. Hence, the temperature monitoring unit (112024) is of utmost significance in detecting overheating of the Li-Ion cells (112002) and to thereby prevent the same.
[00111] The converter (112006) is an analog to digital converter (ADC). The converter (112006) receives the analog signals provided by the monitoring unit (112004) and converts the received signals into digital values. Specifically, the converter (112006) receives the analog voltage signal and converts the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage value. Similarly, the converter (112006) receives the analog current signal and converts the analog current signal into a digital current value. The converter (112006) receives the analog temperature signal and converts the analog temperature sensor into digital temperature value. The converter (112006) provides the digital voltage value, the digital current value, and the digital temperature value to the master BMS controller (112008).
[00112] The master BMS controller (112008) communicates with the swapping station (11108) and a vehicle controller through the CAN communication unit (112016). The master BMS controller (112008) transmits and receives data through the GPS/GSM unit (112018) for communication with the server (11104). The data may pertain to state, condition, charge/discharge level etc. of the battery packs (11102).
[00113] The cell protection unit (112012) protects the Li-Ion cells (112002) from overcharging, overheating, etc. while charging and discharging. The cell protection unit (112012) controls the Li-Ion cells (112002) to operate the battery packs (11102) in predefined limits. In an embodiment, The cell protection unit (112012) self-controls (112102) the Li-Ion cells (112002) to operate the battery packs (11102) in predefined limits (as shown in Figure 21).
[00114] The state estimation unit (112014) calculates State of Charge ((SoC) and State of Health (SoH) estimations. The SoC and SoH estimations are provided to the master BMS controller (112008). Here, the SoC represents the percentage of energy remaining in the battery pack (11102) that can be utilized. The SoC is the ratio of remaining charge of the battery packs (11102) and the total charge when the battery is fully charged. The SoC can be determined by using a method called Coulomb counting. The Coulomb counting method measures the discharging current of the battery pack (11102) and integrates the discharging current over time in order to estimate SOC. The SoH estimates the life of the battery pack (11102). It is the ratio to the current capacity of the battery pack (11102) to the initial capacity of the battery pack (11102) when it starts using. The SoH is determined using capacity and the internal impedance of the battery pack (11102) over the period. The state estimation unit (11114) implements techniques for SoC as well as SoH. The continuous estimation on SoC helps the master BMS controller (11108) to determine when to stop charging. The SoC estimation values also helps the user to understand the battery charging status in real time. Also, the user can understand the drop in state of health in percentage after each charge-discharge. Both the estimated values are shown in percentage format.
[00115] Figure 41 illustrates a flow diagram (112200) depicting monitoring health of battery packs and providing safety alert, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[00116] The flow diagram (112200) starts at a step (112202), where the BMS (112000) reads battery cell voltages, current, temperature, and SoC. At a step (112204), the BMS (112000) checks whether the battery current has positive charging or negative charging. If the battery current has positive charging, the BMS (112000) gets temperature, SoC, and voltage of the battery pack (11102), as shown at a step (112206). The BMS (112000) again checks the battery pack temperature is greater than a predefined limit, as shown at a step (112202). If yes, the BMS (112000) turns ON an alert on high temperature, as shown at a step (112210). At a step (112216), the BMS (112000) turns OFF the charger. If no at the step (112202), the BMS (112000) again performs the step (112208). At a step (112212), the BMS (112000) checks whether the current rate > 0.5 C. If yes, the BMS (112000) turns ON an alert on high current, as shown at a step (112214). At the step (112216), the BMS (112000) turns OFF the charger. At the step (112204), if the battery current has negative charge, the BMS (112000) gets temperature, SoC, and voltage, as shown at a step (112218). At a step (112220), the BS checks whether the high current is flow. If no, the BMS again repeats the step (112220). If yes, the BMS (112000), turns ON alert high current, as shown at a step (112222). At a step (112224), the BMS (112000) turns OFF the load side contractor, and reduces the discharge rate, as shown at a step (112230). At a step (112226), the BMS (112000) again checks whether the temperature > predefined limit. At a step (112228), the BMS (112000) provides a high temperature alert. At the step (112224), the BMS (112000) turns OFF the load side contractor, and reduces the discharge rate, as shown at the step (112230).
[00117] Figure 42 illustrates a flow diagram (112300) depicting receiving and transmitting data from/to the battery management system (112000), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[00118] The flow diagram (112300) starts at a block (112302). At a block (112304), a temperature sensor transmits temperature of the battery pack (11102). At a block (112306), voltage sensors transmit cell voltages from the battery pack (11102). At a block (112308), a current sensor senses and transmits current flow in the battery pack (11102). At a block (112310), the BMS (112000) measures the values through ADCs. At the blocks (112312) and (112314), The SoC and SoH are computed and provided to the master BMS controller (112008). A GPS module (112316) provides location data to the BMS controller (112008), as shown at a block (112316). The GPS module (112316) provides location data in the form of packets (as shown at a block (112318). At a block (112320), the BMS controller (112008) generates a data packet having voltage, current, and temperature details are included. Based on the GPS packet (112318) and the data packet (112320), the BMS (112000) checks whether the transmitting period = 0.5 second, as shown at a block (112322). If no, then the BMS (112000) will wait, as shown at a block (112324). If yes, the data is then transmitted to the GSM module (as shown at a block (112326)). At a step (112328), the BMS (112000) checks a network coverage. If there is no network coverage, the BMS (112000), stores data in a local storage (as shown at a block (112332)), and the BMS (112000) retries to send data at every 0.5 second (as shown at a block (112330). If there is a network coverage, the data transmits successfully, as shown at a block (112334), and flow stops at a block (112336).
[00119] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00120] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:
1. A cloud-based battery swapping method, comprising:
receiving, by a server (106), a biometric identification information of a user and a battery identification information of a battery (210), wherein the battery (210) is inserted by the user in a charging slot (CS1) of a swapping station (102);
authenticating the user based on the received biometric identification information, by a user authentication module (202) in the server (106) using a user database (130A);
authenticating the battery (210) based on the received battery identification information, by a battery authentication module (204) in the server (106) using a battery database (130B); and
instructing the swapping station (102), by a swapping station control module (206), to dispense a charged battery (B2) stored in another charging slot (CS2) of the swapping station (102) after successful user authentication and battery authentication, wherein the charged battery (B2) is dispensed to the user by the swapping station (102) in response to the instruction.

2. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server (106) authenticates the user through a user device (104), and wherein the user device (104) uniquely corresponds to the user and the battery (210) used by the user.

3. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
receiving, by the server (106), information about gyroscope movement of the battery (210) and information about location change of the battery (210) from a battery management system (212);
determining, by a theft prevention module (208) in the server (106), whether the gyroscope movement is outside a predetermined range of hours;
determining, by the theft prevention module (208), whether the location is outside a predetermined range of locations;
providing, by the theft prevention module (208), an alert signal to the user device (104) when the gyroscope movement is outside the predetermined range of hours or when the location is outside the predetermined range of locations;
determining, by the theft prevention module (208), whether the user provides a response to the alert signal; and
providing, by the theft prevention module (208), an alarm signal and a cut off signal to the battery management system (212) of the battery (210) when the user does not provide the response,
wherein output of the battery (210) is cut off by the battery management system (212) and the battery management system (212) is placed into a protective mode upon receiving the cut off signal from the server (106), and
wherein the battery (210) emits an audible alarm sound upon receiving the alarm signal from the server (106).

4. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user inserts a plurality of batteries in a first set of charging slots and the swapping station (102) dispenses a plurality of charged batteries through a second set of charging slots in a single swap.

5. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server (106) determines at least one of the following battery parameters: type of battery, type of vehicle, battery capacity, and battery health of the received battery (210) based on the received battery identification information using the battery database (130B).

6. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the server (106) instructs the swapping station (102) to dispense a charged battery (B2) having same battery parameters as that of the determined battery parameters of the received battery (210).

7. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
receiving, by the server (106), a state of charge of the battery (210) from the user device (104) or from the battery management system (212);
comparing, by the server (106), the received state of charge with a predetermined threshold state of charge; and
providing, by the server (106), an alert signal to the user device (104) when the received state of charge is less than the threshold state of charge.

8. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 7, comprising facilitating, by the user device (104), the user to reserve a charged battery (B2) at the swapping station (102) in response to receiving the alert signal from the server (106).

9. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
receiving, by the server (106), a request from the user device (104) to change a depth of discharge of the battery (210);
authenticating the user, by the user authentication module (202) in the server (106), using one or more biometric authentication sensors of the user device (104);
modifying, by the server (106), the depth of discharge of the battery (210); and
providing, by the server (106), an estimated distance to the user device (104) based on the modified depth of discharge of the battery (210).

10. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the swapping station (102) resets the depth of discharge of the battery (210) while charging.

11. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user database (130A) stores usernames, user identifiers, user device identifiers, and biometric information of the users.

12. The cloud-based battery swapping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery database (130B) stores battery identifiers, battery types, and battery capacities of the batteries.

13. A cloud-based battery swapping system (100), comprising:
a user database (130A) configured to store usernames, user identifiers, user device identifiers, and biometric information of a plurality of users;
a battery database (130B) configured to store battery identifiers, battery types, and battery capacities of a plurality of batteries;
a user device (104) corresponding to a user and a battery management system (212) of a battery (210) of the user; and
a server (106) comprising:
a memory (114); and
a processor (110) configured to:
receive a biometric identification information of the user and a battery identification information of the battery (210), when the battery (210) is inserted by the user in a charging slot (CS1) of the swapping station (102),
authenticate the user based on the received biometric identification information using the user database (130A),
authenticate the battery (210) based on the received battery identification information using the battery database (130B), and
instruct the swapping station (102) to dispense a charged battery (B2) stored in another charging slot (CS2) of the swapping station (102) after successful user authentication and battery authentication, wherein the charged battery (B2) is dispensed to the user by the swapping station (102) in response to the instruction.

14. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor (110) is configured to:
receive information about gyroscope movement of the battery (210) and information about location change of the battery (210) from a battery management system (212),
determine whether the gyroscope movement is outside a predetermined range of hours,
determine whether the location is outside a predetermined range of locations,
provide an alert signal to the user device (104) when the gyroscope movement is outside the predetermined range of hours or when the location is outside the predetermined range of locations,
determine whether the user provides a response to the alert signal, and
provide an alarm signal and a cut off signal to the battery management system (212) when the user does not provide the response,
wherein output of the battery (210) is cut off by the battery management system (212) and the battery management system (212) is placed into a protective mode upon receiving the cut off signal from the server (106), and
wherein the battery (210) emits an audible alarm sound upon receiving the alarm signal from the server (106).

15. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the user inserts a plurality of batteries in a first set of charging slots and the swapping station (102) dispenses a plurality of charged batteries through a second set of charging slots in a single swap.

16. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor (110) is configured to determine at least one of the following battery parameters: type of battery, type of vehicle, battery capacity, and battery health of the received battery (210) based on the received battery identification information using the battery database (130B).

17. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processor (110) is configured to instruct the swapping station (102) to eject a charged battery (B2) having same battery parameters as that of the determined battery parameters of the received battery (210).

18. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor (110) is configured to:
receive a state of charge of the battery (210) from the user device (104) or from the battery management system (212),
compare the received state of charge with a predetermined threshold state of charge, and
provide an alert signal to the user device (104) when the received state of charge is less than the threshold state of charge.

19. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the user device (104) is configured to facilitate the user to reserve a charged battery (B2) at the swapping station (102) in response to receiving the alert signal from the server (106).

20. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor (110) is configured to:
receive a request from the user device (104) to change a depth of discharge of the battery (210),
authenticate the user using one or more biometric authentication sensors of the user device (104),
modify the depth of discharge of the battery (210), and
provide an estimated distance to the user device (104) based on the modified depth of discharge of the battery (210).

21. The cloud-based battery swapping system (100) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the swapping station (102) resets the depth of discharge of the battery (210) while charging.

22. A platform (11100) for swapping battery packs of electric vehicles, the platform (11100) comprising:
one or more battery packs (11102) associated with at least one user; and
a swapping station (11108), comprising:
an authentication module (11110) configured to authenticate the user and the battery packs (11102);
a plurality of slots (11112) configured to cooperate with the authentication module (11110), the plurality of slots (11112) configured to insert the battery packs (11102);
a processing unit (11114) configured to cooperate with the plurality of slots (11112), the processing unit (11114) configured to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack (11102) and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack (11102);
a rectifier (11118) configured to cooperate with the processing unit (11114) and the plurality of slots (11112), the rectifier (11118) configured to rectify a power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions and provide the rectified power to the plurality of slots (11112) to charge the battery packs (11102); and
a dispensing module (11120) configured to cooperate with the plurality of slots (11112) and the processing unit (11114), the dispensing module (11120) configured to dispense at least one charged battery pack (11102) from the slots (11112) in response to the determined parameters.

23. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, comprising: a server (11104) communicatively coupled with the swapping station (11108), and configured to store and verify the user and battery packs details for authentication.

24. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the plurality of slots (11112) is configured to store the charged battery packs (11102).

25. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the swapping station (11108) comprises a CAN communication module (11128) configured to establish communication between the processing unit (11114) and the plurality of slots (11112) to determine battery parameters of each inserted battery pack (11102) and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack (11102).

26. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the battery parameters include a level of charging or discharging of each battery pack (11102), a type of the battery pack (11102), size and capacity of the battery pack (11102), and temperature of the battery pack (11102).

27. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the processing unit (11114) is configured to determine optimum charging conditions of the battery pack (11102) including temperature, a charging level, and speed of charging for charging the battery packs (11102).

28. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the swapping station (11108) comprises an input power supply (11122) configured to supply power to the rectifier (11118) to rectify the power and charge the battery packs (11102) based on the determined charging conditions in a current-current (CC)- current-voltage (CV) mode.

29. The platform (11100) as claimed in claims 22 and 28, wherein the swapping station (11108) comprises a thermal management module (11126) configured to maintain temperature fluctuations in the CC-CV mode within a pre-defined temperature range.

30. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the processing unit (11114) includes a battery identifier (11116) configured to determine the battery parameters and provide the determined parameters to the server (11104) for validation.

31. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the swapping station (11108) is configured to swap a discharge battery pack (11102) with a charged battery pack (11102).

32. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein the server (11104) is configured to validate the determined parameters of the battery packs (11102) and allow the swapping of the battery packs (11102).

33. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the swapping station (11108) comprising: a self-retractable track (11124) configured to insert the battery packs (11102) in the plurality of slots (11112) by using a retractable rope and self-retractable mechanism.

34. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein authentication module (11110) is configured to authenticate a user one time for swapping multiple battery packs (11102).

35. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the swapping station (11108) is configured to swap the battery packs (11102) during power outage along with real-time update of the data on the server (11104).

36. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the rectifier (11118) is configured to perform fast charging of the battery packs (11102).

37. The platform (11100) as claimed in claims 22 and 36, wherein the processing unit is configured to:
fetch battery charging details of the inserted battery pack (11102) from the server (11104);
create an average profile of the inserted battery pack (11102) based on the fetched details;
determine last maximum current of the inserted battery pack (11102);
identify a number of over temperature cut-off in last charging (11102);
determine a charging current at which the battery pack (11102) is getting heated; and
supply, by the rectifier, charging current to the plurality of slots (11112) based on determined current.

38. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the rectifier (11118) is configured to provide the rectified power supply to the multiple battery pack chemistries and variable current charging to the plurality of slots (11112).

39. The platform (11100) as claimed in claim 38, wherein the rectifier (11118) is configured to:
check battery parameters and details;
set rectifier CC-CV parameters;
activate charging of the battery packs (11102);
set discharge cut-off limits based on a pre-determined driving pattern; and
configure the chemistry parameters based on the set limits.

40. The platform as claimed in claim 22, wherein each battery pack (11102) includes a plurality of rechargeable cells (112002) and a battery management system (112000) for managing discharging, charging, and maintenance of the battery packs (11102).

41. The platform as claimed in claim 40, wherein the battery management system (112000) comprises:
a monitoring unit (112004) configured to monitor current, voltage, and temperature of the rechargeable cells and generate corresponding analog signals;
a converter (112006) configured to cooperate with the monitoring unit (112004), the converter (112006) configured to convert the generated analog signals into digital values;
a master controller (112008) configured to cooperate with the converter (112006) and the swapping station (11108) through a CAN communication module (11128), the master controller (112008) configured to transmit and receive battery parameters and the digital values;
a state estimator (112014) configured to cooperate with the master controller (112008), the state estimator (112014) configured to calculate state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) of the battery packs (11102).

42. The platform as claimed in claim 40, wherein the rechargeable cells are Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) cells.

43. The platform as claimed in claim 40, wherein the monitoring unit (112004) includes:
a voltage monitoring unit (112020) is configured to measure a voltage provided by the rechargeable cells (112002) and generate an analog voltage signal;
a current monitoring unit (112022) is configured to measure a current provided by the rechargeable cells (112002) and generate a current voltage signal; and
a temperature monitoring unit (112024) is configured to measure a temperature of the rechargeable cells (112002) and generate an analog temperature signal.

44. The platform as claimed in claim 40, wherein the battery management system (112000) includes a cell protection module (112012) which is configured to control the rechargeable cells (112002) to operate the battery packs (11102) in a predefined limit.

45. A method for swapping batteries of electric vehicles, the method comprising:
authenticating, by an authentication module (11110), a user and the associated battery packs (11102);
inserting, in a plurality of slots (11112), the battery packs (11102);
determining, by a processing unit (11114), battery parameters of each inserted battery pack (11102) and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack (11102);
rectifying, by a rectifier (11118), power supply based on the determined parameters and the charging conditions;
providing, by the rectifier (11118), the rectified power to the plurality of slots (11112) for charging the battery packs (11102); and
dispensing, by a dispensing module (11120), at least one charged battery pack (11102) from the slots (11112) in response to the determined parameters.

46. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: storing and verifying, by a server (11104), the user and battery packs details for authentication.

47. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: storing, by the plurality of slots (11112), the charged battery packs (11102).

48. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: establishing, by a CAN communication module (11128), communication between the processing unit (11114) and the slots (11112) for determining battery parameters of each inserted battery pack (11102) and charging conditions of each inserted battery pack (11102).

49. The method as claimed in claim 45, wherein the battery parameters include a level of charging or discharging of each battery pack (11102), a type of the battery pack (11102), size and capacity of the battery pack (11102), and temperature of the battery pack (11102).

50. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: determining, by the processing unit (11114), optimum charging conditions of the battery pack (11102), and wherein the charging conditions including temperature, a charging level, and speed of charging for charging the battery packs (11102).

51. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising:
supplying, by an input power supply (11122), power to the rectifier (11118) for rectifying the power; and
charging, by the plurality of slots (11112), the battery packs (11102) based on the determined charging conditions in a current-current (CC)- current-voltage (CV) mode.

52. The method as claimed in claims 45 and 51, comprising: maintaining, by a thermal management module (11126), temperature fluctuations in the CC-CV mode within a pre-defined temperature range.

53. The method as claimed in claim 45 or 46, comprising: determining, by a battery identifier (11116), battery parameters and providing the determined parameters to the server (11104) for validation.

54. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: swapping, by the swapping station (11108), a discharge battery pack (11102) with a charged battery pack (11102).

55. The method as claimed in claim 45 or 46, comprising: validating, by the server (11104), the determined parameters of the battery packs (11102) and allowing the swapping of the battery packs (11102).

56. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: inserting, by a self-retractable track (11124), the battery packs (11102) in the plurality of slots (11112) by using a retractable rope and self-retractable mechanism.

57. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: authenticating, by the authentication module (11110), a user one-time for swapping multiple battery packs (11102).

58. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: swapping, by the swapping station (11108), the battery packs (11102) during power outage along with real-time update of the data on the server (11104).

59. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: performing, by the rectifier (11118), fast charging of the battery packs (11102).

60. The method as claimed in claim 59, wherein performing the fast charging comprising the steps of:
fetching, by the processing unit (11114), battery packs charging details of the inserted battery pack (11102) from the server (11104);
creating, by the processing unit (11114), an average profile of the inserted battery pack (11102) based on the fetched details;
determining, by the processing unit (11114), last maximum current of the inserted battery pack (11102);
identifying, by the processing unit (11114), a number of over temperature cut-off in last charging;
determining, by the processing unit (11114), a charging current at which the battery pack (11102) is getting heated; and
supplying, by the processing unit (11114), charging current to the plurality of slots (11112) based on determined current.

61. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising: providing, by the rectifier (11118), the rectified power supply to the multiple battery pack chemistries and variable current charging to the plurality of slots (11112).

62. The method as claimed in claim 61, comprising:
checking, by the rectifier (11118), battery parameters and details;
setting, by the rectifier (11118), CC-CV parameters;
activating, by the rectifier (11118), charging of the battery packs (11102);
setting, by the rectifier (11118), discharge cut-off limits based on a pre-determined driving pattern; and
configuring, by the rectifier (11118), the chemistry parameters based on the set limits.

63. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising:
storing, by a plurality of rechargeable cells (112002), energy and providing power for the vehicle; and
managing, by a battery management system (112000), discharging, charging, and maintenance of the battery packs (11102).

64. The method as claimed in claim 45, comprising:
monitoring, by a monitoring unit (112004), current, voltage, and temperature and generating analog signals;
converting, by a converter (112006), the generated analog signals into digital values;
transmitting and receiving, by a master controller (112008), battery parameters and the digital values; and
calculating, by a state estimator (112014), state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) of the battery packs (11102).

65. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the step of monitoring includes:
measuring, by a voltage monitoring unit (112020), a voltage provided by the rechargeable cells (112002) and generating an analog voltage signal;
measuring, by a current monitoring unit (112022), a current provided by the rechargeable cells (112002) and generating a current voltage signal; and
measuring, by a temperature monitoring unit (112024), a temperature of the rechargeable cells (112002) and generating an analog temperature signal.

66. The method as claimed in claim 63, comprising: controlling, by a cell protection module (112012), the rechargeable cells (112002) for operating the battery packs (11102) in a predefined limit.