DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an Energy Conditioning System (ECS) for charging an Energy Storage System (ESS) of a vehicle, and for conditioning a fluid before the vehicle reaches the ECS, hence allowing optimized charging of the ESS of the vehicle instantly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In general, an electric vehicle is a vehicle with an electric propulsion system. The Electric vehicle utilizes the power generated from an Energy Storage System (ESS) of the electric vehicle to provide driving force to the vehicle. Currently, electric vehicles are either partially or fully powered by electric power.
[0003] It is necessary to charge the electric vehicle frequently at the ECS in a longer run, as the traveling range of the electric vehicle is shorter than an automobile equipped with an internal combustion engine. Further, the ECS does a diagnostic check of the ESS and supplies fluid and energy according to the diagnostic check report of the ESS. So, it takes a longer time to complete a charging cycle of ESS at any ECS.
[0004] Conventionally, when the driver of the electrically powered vehicle books a slot at any ECS and if there is a vehicle that reaches before his/her vehicle, then the driver would have to suffer from the delay caused by the ECS in changing the temperature of the fluid according to the need of the ESS before start charging of the later vehicle.
[0005] For example, U.S. Patent 20170028862 A1, shows a charging station having a charging cable for charging an electric energy store. Further, the charging cable is connected to the charging station at a proximal end and having a first plug-in apparatus at a distal end for connecting to a second plug-in apparatus of an apparatus to be charged which contains an electric energy store.
[0006] Another example, US Patent 20150217654 A1, discloses a charging system for an electric vehicle includes a power supply; a cable having first and second ends, the first end attached to the power supply, and a connector attached to the second end of the cable. The cable comprises a charging conductor and a cooling conduit. Further, the connector has a form factor corresponding to a charge port of the electric vehicle. The cooling conduit forms a fluid channel around at least one electric contact in the connector that cools the charging conductor.
[0007] Hence, existing methods and devices for controlling the flow of coolant from an ECS to an ESS are time-consuming and subsequently cause the prolonged time to attain the true destination.
[0008] In light of the above-stated discussion, there is a need for an energy conditioning system and a method that is an enhancement to the conventional systems and methods. Further, the present system is capable of conditioning the fluid as per the analysis of a plurality of operational parameter data of an ESS before a vehicle reaches the ECS, therefore saving time for the rider.
[0009] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] A primary objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantage of the prior art.
[0011] Another objective is to provide an energy conditioning system and a method for pre-analyzing a plurality of operational parameter data of an ESS, hence performing preconditioning of the fluid and charge according to the pre-analysis of the plurality of operational parameter data of ESS before a vehicle reaches the ECS.
[0012] Another objective is to provide an energy conditioning system and a method to reduce the charging time of the ESS which eventually saves a considerable amount of time for a user.
[0013] Another objective is to provide an energy conditioning system and a method that has a FCS (Fluid Conditioning System) for controlling the temperature of the ESS by heating and/or cooling the fluid according to the analysis of the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS, hence a desired temperature of the ESS is achieved.
[0014] Another objective is to provide an energy conditioning system and a method for providing hassle-free charging services at the ECS.
[0015] Yet another objective is to provide an energy conditioning system and a method that is cost-effective, quick and responsive.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0017] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an energy conditioning system. In one general aspect, the system includes an energy source, a fluid source, an energy storage system (ESS), a processor, and an ECS connector. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the energy source provides an energy, and the fluid source provides fluid. Further, the energy storage system (ESS) is mounted inside a vehicle. The ESS includes an ESS connector for receiving the energy and the fluid from the ECS. Further, the ESS includes an EAU (ESS analyzing unit) for analyzing a plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS to condition the fluid by the ECS.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS is anyone of an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS hardware status, an ESS historical data, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), a predicted plurality of operational parameter of the ESS among others.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS are anyone of a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) ESS, a nickel-cadmium ESS, a nickel-metal hydride ESS, a solid-state ESS, and any other chemistry ESS.
[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured with the ECS to gather the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS after being analyzed by the EAU and send the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS to the ECS via a communication module when the vehicle is moving toward the ECS.
[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor makes the ECS ready to deliver the required energy and conditioned fluid based on the plurality of operational parameters of the ESS when the vehicle reaches the ECS.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a data storage unit is configured with the processor for storing the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS further includes a fluid conditioning system (FCS) and a charge conditioning system (CCS). Further, the FCS is configured to condition the fluid before the vehicle reaches the ECS based on the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS. The CCS is configured to condition the required energy that has to be delivered from the energy source to the ESS of the vehicle. Further, a plurality of sensors is connected with the CCS to detect under-current, over-current, under-voltage, and over-voltage.
[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the FCS includes a temperature conditioning unit, a solenoid, a fluid reservoir, and a valve. The FCS further includes a fluid management system (FMS) that controls the rate of flow of the fluid and the viscosity of the fluid.
[0027] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS connector is attached on an outer part of the ECS for delivering the conditioned fluid from the fluid source and delivering the required energy from the energy source to the ESS of the vehicle. Further, the ECS connector includes a conduit, communication lines, signal lines, data lines, energy lines, and fluid lines.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Fuel Cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a two-wheeler electric bike, a three-wheeler electric vehicle.
[0029] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for conditioning a fluid by an energy conditioning system (ECS). In one general aspect, the method include a user interface, an energy source, a fluid source, an energy storage system (ESS), a processor, a fluid conditioning system (FCS), a charge conditioning system (CCS), and an ECS connector. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method comprising, booking a slot to charge a vehicle at the ECS via the user interface, analyzing a plurality of operational parameter data of the energy storage system (ESS) mounted inside the vehicle by an EAU (ESS analyzing unit) configured with the energy storage system (ESS), receiving the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS after being analyzed by the EAU and sending the analyzed plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS to the ECS via a communication module when the vehicle is moving toward the ECS by the processor, conditioning the fluid based on the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS before the vehicle reaches to the ECS by the fluid conditioning system (FCS), conditioning the energy before delivering to the ESS of the vehicle by the charge conditioning system (CCS), and delivering the conditioned fluid from a fluid source and energy from an energy source to the ESS of the vehicle.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS further includes an ESS connector for receiving the energy, and the fluid by plugging the ECS connector into the ESS connector.
[0032] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface is any one of a mobile, a laptop, or a desktop, alike.
[0033] These and other objects, embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the disclosure not being limited to any particular embodiments disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0034] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0035] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0036] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an ECS connector 124 of the energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0037] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a fluid conditioning system (FCS) 116 of the energy conditioning system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0038] Fig. 4 schematically shows the ECS 100 for conditioning a fluid and charging an energy storage system (ESS) 106 of a vehicle 108 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0039] Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 for conditioning the fluid by the ECS 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0040] It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of a few examples of the present disclosure. The figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
[0042] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0043] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0044] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as "consists of only". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0045] The term "including" is used to mean "including but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably. The accompanying drawing is used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawing. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawing. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0046] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain alternatives include, while other alternatives do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular alternative. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0047] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0048] Terms ECS or energy conditioning system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0049] Terms ESS or energy storage system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0050] Terms EAU or ESS analyzing unit can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0051] Terms FCS or fluid conditioning system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0052] Terms CCS or charge conditioning system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0053] Terms TCU or temperature conditioning unit can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0054] Terms FMS or fluid management system can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0055] Terms SOC or state of charge can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0056] Terms SOP or state of power can be used interchangeably for convenience throughout the draft.
[0057] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an energy conditioning system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 helps in conditioning a fluid based on an analysis of a plurality of operational parameter data of an ESS 106 before a vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100.
[0058] In one general aspect, the system includes an energy source 102, a fluid source 104, the energy storage system (ESS) 106, a processor 110, an ECS connector 124, a fluid conditioning system (FCS) 116, and a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the energy source 102 is configured with the ECS 100 to provide an energy. Similarly, the fluid source 104 is also configured with the ECS 100 to provide the fluid.
[0060] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage system (ESS) 106 is mounted inside the vehicle 108. The ESS 106 includes an ESS connector 120 for receiving the energy and the fluid. Further, the ECS 100 includes the ECS connector 124 that includes an energy line 214 and a fluid line 212 for supplying the energy and the fluid from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106. Further, the ESS 106 includes an EAU (ESS analyzing unit) 122 for analyzing the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 to condition the fluid by the ECS 100.
[0061] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS connector 124 works as a male connector, and the ESS connector 120 works as a female connector. The ECS connector 124 has a plug with a solid pin. The solid pin is used for plugging the ECS connector 124 into the ESS connector 120 that has a hole to accept the solid pin of the plug of the ECS connector 124. By plugging the ECS connector 124 into the ESS connector 120, the energy and the fluid start flowing from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 .
[0062] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the ECS connector 124 works as a female connector, and the ESS connector 120 works as a male connector. The ESS connector 120 has a plug with a solid pin. The solid pin is used for plugging the ESS connector 120 into the ECS connector 124 that has a hole to accept the solid pin of the plug of the ESS connector 120. By plugging the ESS connector 120 into the ECS connector 124, the energy and the fluid start flowing from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106.
[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 is anyone of an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS hardware status, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), an ESS historical data, a predicted plurality of operational parameter of the ESS among others. Further, a plurality of sensors are connected with the EAU 122 to detect under-current, over-current, under-voltage, and over-voltage in order to analyze the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106.
[0064] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the charging speeds also depend on the compatibility between the ESS 106 and the ECS 100. Some ECS 100 dole out more power than the ESS 106 may accept. Other ECS 100 deliver too little power relative to how quickly the ESS 106 may take it on. These variations create a disturbance while charging the ESS 106. The present invention helps the ECS 100 to manage all the disturbances and makes charging easier and more efficient.
[0065] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS 106 are anyone of a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) ESS, a nickel-cadmium ESS, a nickel-metal hydride ESS, a solid-state ESS, and any other chemistry ESS.
[0066] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 is configured with the ECS 100 to gather the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 after being analyzed by the EAU 122 and send the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 to the ECS 100 via a communication module 112 when the vehicle 108 is moving toward the ECS 100.
[0067] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 makes the ECS 100 ready to deliver the conditioned fluid and required energy based on the plurality of operational parameters of the ESS 106 when the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100 using ECS connector 124 and ESS connector 122.
[0068] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 is communicably connected to the ECS 100 and the ESS 106 to perform a series of computer-readable instructions to determine the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 for conditioning the fluid.
[0069] Similarly, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 comprises a collection of processors 110 which may or may not operate in parallel. The processor 110 may be any processor-driven device, such as may include one or more microprocessors and memories or other computer-readable media operable for storing and executing computer-executable instructions.
[0070] Examples of processor-driven devices may include, but are not limited to, a server computer, a mainframe computer, one or more networked computers, a desktop computer, a personal computer, an application-specific circuit, a microcontroller, a minicomputer, or any other processor-based device.
[0071] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 may execute any set of instructions directly as computer executable codes or indirectly (such as scripts). In that regard, the terms “instructions,” and “steps” may be used interchangeably herein. The instructions may be stored in object code form for direct processing by the processor 110, or in any other computer language including scripts or collections of independent source code modules that are interpreted on demand or compiled in advance.
[0072] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 may be remotely placed or locally placed on the server.
[0073] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a data storage unit 114 is configured with the processor 110 for storing the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106. For example, the data storage unit 114 may store software used by a user interface 126 or the processor 110, such as an operating system (not shown), application programs (not shown), and an associated internal database (not shown).
[0074] In some embodiments, the data storage unit 114 may communicate with the processor(s) 110 via a system bus. It may include one or more non transitory storage units and one or more optional removable non transitory storage units that may include interfaces or device controllers (not shown) communicably coupled between non transitory storage unit and the system bus, as is known by those skilled in the relevant art. The non-transitory storage units, and their associated storage devices provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the processor 110. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types of storage devices may be employed to store digital data accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc.
[0075] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the data storage unit 114 is used for storing the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106, for example, the ESS temperature, the ESS utilization percentage, the ESS hardware status, the ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), the ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), the predicted plurality of operational parameter of the ESS. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the data storage unit 114 may comprise one or more non-transitory storage mediums. Such non-transitory storage medium may include, but is not limited to, any current or future developed persistent storage device. Such persistent storage devices may include, without limitation, magnetic storage devices such as hard disc drives, electromagnetic storage devices such as memristors, molecular storage devices, quantum storage devices, electrostatic storage devices such as solid-state drives, and the like.
[0076] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 112 is anyone of an Internet, wireless networks, local area networks, wide area networks, private networks, a cellular communication network, corporate network having one or more wireless access points or a combination thereof connecting any number of mobile clients, fixed clients, and servers and so forth. Examples of communication module 112 may include the Internet, a WIFI connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Zigbee connection, a communication network, a wireless communication network, a 3G communication, network, a 4G communication network, a 5G communication network, a USB connection, or any combination thereof. For example, communication may be based through a radio-frequency transceiver (not shown). In addition, short-range communication may occur, such as using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other such transceivers.
[0077] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 112 is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
[0078] It will be appreciated that a network connection shown are illustrative and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. The existence of any of various network protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, and of various wireless communication technologies such as GSM, CDMA, WiFi, and WiMAX, is presumed, and the various computing devices and system components described herein may be configured to communicate using any of these network protocols or technologies.
[0079] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS 100 further includes the fluid conditioning system (FCS) 116 and the charge conditioning system (CCS) 118. Further, the FCS 116 is configured to condition the fluid before the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100 based on the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106. The CCS 118 is configured to condition the required energy that has to be delivered from the energy source 102 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.
[0080] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sensors is connected with the CCS 118 to detect under-current, over-current, under-voltage, and over-voltage. The CCS 118 further includes a rectifier to convert an alternate current (AC) energy into a direct current (DC) energy that supplies to the ESS 106.
[0081] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the EAU 122 fails to analyze the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 before the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100, then the FCS 116 conditions the fluid according to the predicted plurality of operational parameter data based on the historical data of the ESS 106 (near about the true value of the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106) and delivers the energy to the ESS 106 by the ECS connector 124.
[0082] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS connector 124 is attached on an outer part of the ECS 100 for delivering the conditioned fluid from the fluid source 104 and delivering the required energy from the energy source 102 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.
[0083] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 108 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Fuel Cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a two-wheeler electric bike, a three-wheeler electric vehicle.
[0084] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the ECS connector 124 of the energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The ECS connector 124 is attached on the outer part of the ECS 100 to flow fluid and energy into the ESS 106. Further, the ECS connector 124 includes a conduit (202, 204), communication lines 206, signal lines 208, data lines 210. Further, the conduit includes an energy conduit 202, and a fluid conduit 204. Further, the ECS connector 124 includes the energy line 214 and the fluid line 212 for flowing the energy and the fluid respectively from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.
[0085] The ECS connector 124 further includes a cable that is extended from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106. Further, the cable may be detachably coupled to the energy conduit 202 to fully or partially charge the ESS 106. Due to the limited rate at which the ESS 106 may be charged by a standard 120 volt or 240-volt AC electrical outlet, it is necessary to provide external fluid into the ESS 106 during charging of the ESS 106.
[0086] Further, the signal lines 210 and the data lines 212 are extended from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 to allow data to move across them. These lines (210,212) are made up of copper wire, fiber, or a hybrid. Due to their composition, these lines (210,212) also allow the transfer of energy.
[0087] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the fluid conditioning system (FCS) 116 of the energy conditioning system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Further, the FCS 116 includes a temperature conditioning unit (TCU) 302, a solenoid 304, a fluid reservoir 306, and a valve 308. The FCS 116 further includes a fluid management system (FMS) 310 that controls the rate of flow and the viscosity of the fluid.
[0088] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the temperature of the ESS 106 is below an operating temperature (because of the lower temperature of the surrounding), then the temperature of the ESS 106 is raised by supplying the heated fluid and bringing the ESS 106 to an operating temperature range. In the above embodiment, the heated fluid is used to give heat to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108. On the contrary, if the ESS 106 is above its operating temperature range (because of the higher temperature of the surroundings or use of the ESS), then the temperature of the ESS 106 is reduced by supplying the cooled fluid. In the possible embodiment, the cooled fluid is used to take heat away from the ESS 106 of the vehicle. Further, both type of the fluid (cooled /heated fluid) flows from a conditioning plate which is attached with the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108 to optimize the temperature of the ESS 106 for charging purpose.
[0089] In accordance with an embodiment of the present embodiment, the ECS 100 tracks and controls charging sessions, providing easy charging to the ESS 106 and managing the working of the FCS 116. Once the FCS 116 manages the fluid temperature according to the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106, the vehicle 108 is connected to the ECS 100 through the pluggable ECS connector 124 and the ESS connector 120 and flows the fluid with a suitable temperature through the fluid conduit 204 to the vehicle 108. In a possible embodiment, the FCS 116 optimizes the temperature of the fluid before the charging process of the ESS 106 has been started.
[0090] Alternatively, this system 100 also increases the ESS 106 life and invariably performance of the vehicle 108.
[0091] Fig. 4 schematically shows the ECS 100 for conditioning the fluid and charging the energy storage system (ESS) 106 of the vehicle 108 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] In accordance with an embodiment of the present embodiment, the ECS 100 may include the energy source 102 for rapidly charging or flowing the energy from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108. Further, the ECS 100 may also include the fluid source 104 for supplying fluid to the ESS 106 from the ECS 100 by plugging the ECS connector 124 into the ESS connector 120. In a preferred embodiment, the energy source 102 is a high powered DC source.
[0093] The driver books a slot at the ECS 100 to charge the ESS of the vehicle 108. When the driver reaches the ECS 100, the driver plugs the ECS connector 124 into the ESS connector 120 and without any wait time for analysis of the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106, the fluid and energy start flowing from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 immediately because the FCS 116 has already conditioned the fluid based on the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106.
[0094] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle 108 arrives at the ECS 100 it has to barely wait for analyzing the plurality of operational parameters of the ESS 106, because this has already been sent to the ECS 100 through the communication module 112. In addition to that the ESS 106 performs its own check by using the EAU 122, to estimate the charge it may handle. Further, without wasting any time the ECS connector 124 is plugged into the ESS connector 120 of the vehicle 108 and the fluid, energy start flowing into the ESS 106, as per the requirements of the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.
[0095] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of operational parameters of the ESS 106 like the ESS utilization percentage, the ESS temperature may also be extrapolated in order to condition the fluid for the ESS 106 charging. For example, the ECS 100 on receiving the booking request may capture trip information from the vehicle 108 and extrapolate the effect that this trip will have on the ESS temperature and utilization percentage. Then, extrapolated information is calculated and shared with the FCS 116 in order to condition the fluid. This is required because such data may considerably change the temperature at which the ESS 106 is to be charged and the charge that has to be sent to the ESS 106. In another embodiment, the ESS 106 health from the ESS 106 historical data may also be combined with the trip information for further conditioning the fluid temperature before the vehicle 108 arrives at the ECS 100.
[0096] Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 for conditioning the fluid by the ECS 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The steps may be rearranged and may not follow the process in only the manner as depicted in the flow chart.
[0097] In one general aspect, the methods include a user interface 126, an energy source 102, a fluid source 104, an energy storage system (ESS) 106, a processor 110, a fluid conditioning system (FCS) 116, a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118, and an ECS connector 124 to perform multiple steps. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding architecture, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
[0098] The method 500 starts at step 505 and proceeds to step 510. At step 505, booking a slot to charge a vehicle 108 at the ECS 100. Further, the vehicle 108 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Fuel Cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a two-wheeler electric bike, a three-wheeler electric vehicle.
[0099] In an embodiment, the booking may be obtained as user inputs from the users or drivers of the electric vehicles 108 by using the user interface 126.
[00100] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface 126 may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a user computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a communication network appliance, a camera, a smartphone, an enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) mobile phone, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, or a combination of any these data processing devices or other data processing devices. Furthermore, the user interface 126 may provide access to and/or receive application software executed and/or stored on any of the remote servers.
[00101] In some examples, the user interface 126 performs functions of a social communication network (not shown) to the cloud server. In some implementations, the user interface 126 may communicate wirelessly through a communication module 112, which may include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary.
[00102] At step 510, the EAU (ESS analyzing unit) 122 is configured with the energy storage system (ESS) 106 to analyze a plurality of operational parameter data of the energy storage system (ESS) 106 mounted inside the vehicle 108.
[00103] At step 515, the processor 110 receives the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 after being analyzed by the EAU 122
[00104] At step 520, the processor 110 sends the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 to the ECS 100 via the communication module 112 when the vehicle 108 is moving toward the ECS 100.
[00105] At step 525, the FCS 116 conditions the fluid based on the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 before the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100.
[00106] At step 530, the CCS 118 is configured with the ECS 100 to condition the energy before delivering to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.
[00107] At step 535, the ECS connector 124 delivers the conditioned fluid from the fluid source 104 and energy from the energy source 102 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle. Further, the fluid source 104 is installed with the ECS 100 to supply the fluid to the ESS 106. Further, the energy source 102 is installed with the ECS 100 to supply the energy to the ESS 106.
[00108] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, once the charging is over, the fluid goes back to the fluid source 104 of the ECS 100.
[00109] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS 106 includes an ESS connector 120 for receiving the energy and the fluid. Further, the ECS connector 124 includes an energy line 214 and a fluid line 212 for supplying the energy and the fluid from the ECS 100 to the ESS 106 using ESS connector 120 respectively.
[00110] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sensors is connected with the CCS 118 to detect under-current, over-current, under-voltage, and over-voltage. The CCS 118 further includes a rectifier to convert an alternate current (AC) energy into a direct current (DC) energy that supplies to the ESS 106.
[00111] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 makes the ECS 100 ready to deliver the required energy and conditioned fluid based on the plurality of operational parameters of the ESS 106 when the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100.
[00112] The method 500 terminates at step 530, for example until invoked again. Alternatively, the method 500 may repeat continuously or repeatedly or may execute as multiple instances of a multi-threaded process.
[00113] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a data storage unit 114 is configured with the processor 110 for storing the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106. Further, the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 is anyone of an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS hardware status, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), an ESS historical data, a predicted plurality of operational parameter of the ESS among others.
[00114] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ESS 106 are anyone of a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) ESS, a nickel-cadmium ESS, a nickel-metal hydride ESS, a solid-state ESS, and any other chemistry ESS.
[00115] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 112 is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
[00116] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module 112 helps in determining the geolocation of the vehicle 108 and sends data to the ECS 100. Further, the ECS 100 determines the temperature of the ESS 106 in every aspect when the vehicle 108 moves towards the ECS 100 and conditions the temperature of the fluid with help of the FCS 116 accordingly. This helps in increasing or reducing the temperature of the fluid.
[00117] In another embodiment, the ESS 106 temperatures may vary based on the load being carried. The ESS 106 temperature may be high when the load of the vehicle 108 is high, and the temperature drops when the load becomes low. The EAU 122 continuously analyzes the temperature of the ESS 106 according to the changes in the load and performs the fluid conditioning accordingly for an incoming vehicle 108. According to another embodiment, this may also be done based on the delivery schedule of the vehicle 108 as well, for example in logistics vehicles.
[00118] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ECS connector 124 includes a conduit (202,204), communication lines 206, signal lines 208, and data lines 210. Further, the conduit (202,204) includes an energy conduit 202, and a fluid conduit 204.
[00119] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the FCS 116 includes a temperature conditioning unit (TCU) 302, a solenoid 304, a fluid reservoir 306, and a valve 308. The FCS 116 further includes a fluid management system (FMS) 310 that controls the rate of flow of the fluid and the viscosity of the fluid.
[00120] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if Vehicle 1 108 is charging at the ECS 100 and then there is another Vehicle 2 108 which is coming to the ECS 100 for getting charged, then the ECS 100 has to quickly alter the condition of the fluid from the requirement of vehicle 1 108 to the requirement of vehicle 2 108. For example, if the temperature of the fluid becomes X degrees Celsius while charging the vehicle 1 108 and the vehicle 2 108 requirement is Y degrees Celsius (wherein X>Y) after analyzing the ESS 106 temperature through the EAU 122, the ECS 100 proactively reduces the fluid temperature to a temperature such that the fluid temperature reaches Y degree Celsius (or within some nearby range) in the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the vehicle 2.
[00121] In this way, the ECS 100 does not have to rapidly change the temperature to meet the arrival of new vehicles 108 every time and also makes the charging process efficient for the vehicle 108 being currently charged and the incoming vehicle 108 for charging.
[00122] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the present invention intends to reduce the charging time of the ESS 106 which eventually saves a considerable amount of time for the user. Further, due to the pre-analysis of the parameter of the ESS 106 and hence preconditioning of the fluid according to that analysis which is required specifically for that vehicle 108, the traffic management at the ECS 100 is more convenient and hassle-free. The present invention is cost-effective, quick and responsive.
[00123] Aspects of the present subject matter are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods and apparatus (systems) according to embodiments of the subject matter. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.
[00124] While there has been shown, and described herein what are presently considered the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00125] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present subject matter. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[00126] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
Element List
Energy Conditioning System (ECS) 100
Energy Source 102
Fluid Source 104
Energy Storage System (ESS) 106
Vehicle 108
Processor 110
Communication Module 112
Data Storage Unit 114
Fluid Conditioning System (FCS) 116
Charge Conditioning System (CCS) 118
ESS connector 120
ESS Analyzing Unit (EAU) 122
ECS Connector 124
User Interface 126
Energy conduit 202
Fluid conduit 204
Communication lines 206
Signal lines 208
Data lines 210
Fluid lines 212
Energy lines 214
Temperature conditioning unit 302
Solenoid 304
Fluid reservoir 306
Valve 308
Fluid Management System 310
,CLAIMS:We Claim,
1. An energy conditioning system (ECS), comprising:
an energy source 102 providing an energy;
a fluid source 104 providing a fluid;
an energy storage system (ESS) 106 mounted inside a vehicle 108, wherein the ESS 106 includes:
an ESS connector 120 for receiving the energy and the fluid;
an EAU (ESS analyzing unit) 122 for analyzing a plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 to condition the fluid by the ECS 100;
a processor 110 configured with the ECS 100 to:
gather the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 after being analyzed by the EAU 122; and
send the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 to the ECS 100 via a communication module 112 when the vehicle 108 is moving toward the ECS 100;
a fluid conditioning system (FCS) 116 and a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118 placed inside the ECS 100, wherein,
the FCS 116 configured to condition the fluid before the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100 based on the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106; and
the CCS 118 configured to condition the energy before delivering to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108; and
an ECS connector 124 attached on an outer part of the ECS 100 for delivering the conditioned fluid from the fluid source 104 and delivering the required energy from the energy source 102 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.

2. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor 110 makes the ECS 100 ready to deliver the required energy and conditioned fluid based on the plurality of operational parameters of the ESS 106 when the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100.
3. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECS connector 124 includes a conduit (202,204), communication lines 206, signal lines 208, data lines 210, fluid lines 212, and energy lines 214.
4. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the FCS 116 includes a temperature conditioning unit (TCU) 302, a solenoid 304, a fluid reservoir 306, and a valve 308.
5. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the FCS 116 further include a fluid management system (FMS) 310 that controls the rate of flow of the fluid and the viscosity of the fluid.
6. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ESS 106 are anyone of a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) ESS, a nickel-cadmium ESS, a nickel-metal hydride ESS, a solid-state ESS, and any other chemistry ESS.
7. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 is anyone of an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS hardware status, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), an ESS historical data, a predicted plurality of operational parameter of the ESS among others.
8. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of sensors is connected with the CCS 118 to detect under-current, over-current, under-voltage, and over-voltage.
9. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication module 112 is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
10. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a data storage unit 114 is configured with the processor 110 for storing the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106.
11. The energy conditioning system (ECS) 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle 108 is an electric vehicle that is any of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Fuel Cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a two-wheeler electric bike, a three-wheeler electric vehicle.
12. A method for conditioning a fluid by an energy conditioning system (ECS), comprising:
booking, by a user interface 126, a slot to charge a vehicle 108 at the ECS 100;
analyzing, by an EAU (ESS analyzing unit) 122 configured with an energy storage system (ESS) 106, a plurality of operational parameter data of the energy storage system (ESS) 106 mounted inside the vehicle 108, wherein the ESS 106 further includes,
an ESS connector 120 for receiving an energy, and the fluid;
receiving, by a processor 110, the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 after being analyzed by the EAU 122;
sending, by the processor 110, the analyzed plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 to the ECS 100 via a communication module 112 when the vehicle 108 is moving toward the ECS 100;
conditioning, by a fluid conditioning system (FCS) 116, the fluid based on the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 before the vehicle 108 reaches to the ECS 100;
conditioning, by a charge conditioning system (CCS) 118, the energy before delivering to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108; and
delivering, by an ECS connector 124, the conditioned fluid from a fluid source 104 and energy from an energy source 102 to the ESS 106 of the vehicle 108.
13. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the processor 110 makes the ECS 100 ready to deliver the required energy and conditioned fluid based on the plurality of operational parameters of the ESS 106 when the vehicle 108 reaches the ECS 100.
14. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the ECS connector 124 includes a conduit (202,204), communication lines 206, signal lines 208, data lines 210, fluid lines 212, and energy lines 214.
15. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the FCS 116 includes a temperature conditioning unit (TCU) 302, a solenoid 304, a fluid reservoir 306, and a valve 308.
16. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the FCS 116 further include a fluid management system (FMS) 310 that controls the rate of flow of the fluid and the viscosity of the fluid.
17. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the ESS 106 are anyone of a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) ESS, a nickel-cadmium ESS, a nickel-metal hydride ESS, a solid-state ESS, and any other chemistry ESS.
18. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106 is anyone of an ESS temperature, an ESS utilization percentage, an ESS hardware status, an ESS SOC (State-Of-Charge), an ESS SOP (State-Of-Power), an ESS historical data, a predicted plurality of operational parameter of the ESS among others.
19. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein a plurality of sensors is connected with the CCS 118 to detect undercurrent, over current, under-voltage, and over-voltage.
20. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the communication module 112 is anyone of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or any other suitable wireless communication apparatus.
21. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein a data storage unit 114 is installed with the processor 110 for storing the plurality of operational parameter data of the ESS 106.
22. The method 500 as claimed in claim 12, wherein the user interface 126 is any one of a mobile, a laptop, or a desktop, alike.