DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of electric vehicle, particularly, the disclosure relates to swapping of battery of an electric vehicle and a battery swapping station.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This disclosure is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not just as admissions of prior art.
[0003] The batteries are an essential part of the current shift towards an electric future and will play a significant role in reducing the harmful effects of climate change. All the electric vehicles use an electric motor powered by the batteries and not the typical internal combustion engine, that is where question arises whether batteries must be charged periodically or swapped out with fully-charged batteries when they run out of power. The commonly preferred term for this process is ‘battery swapping’ and as the name suggests, depleted batteries are switched with new fully-charged ones, also charging stations are set up to power the batteries using an external power source.
[0004] However, charging batteries comes with its own drawbacks. One major drawback of charging a battery is the downtime a vehicle is subject to after every cycle of use. The primary cost in making an EV is that of a battery too, and it significantly shoots the initial buying price of the vehicle. Additionally, there are discrepancies around batteries getting outdated soon after their purchase due to the evolving technology. Another major obstacle in EV adoption has been the lack of infrastructure such as inadequate charging stations.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides a novel system and method for battery swapping in electric vehicles to overcome the limitations associated with traditional charging methods.
[0006] The system comprises a timer installed on the battery which indicates the time remaining to return the battery at the battery swapping station otherwise the battery shall become unusable after the lapse of remaining time.
[0009] Additionally, the system comprises a GPS connected with a server to track the EV vehicle and alert the battery swapping station service provider in case the user takes the EV vehicle beyond the prescribed driving range by raising an alarm at the server end.
[0010] Additionally, the system comprises an application which presents the details of the battery (such as temperature, charge remaining time, maximum distance which can be covered etc.) along with nearest swapping stations, in case the battery charge goes below a predetermined level.
[0011] Additionally, the application keeps track of no of trips an EV vehicle has made using a particular battery, which helps in maintaining a record at the server end and predicting the life and performance of that particular battery.
[0012] Additionally, the system provides for storing the charging and discharging profile of the battery along with a counter inside the BMS of the battery, which counts no. of charge and discharge cycle in the server and comparing this information with the profile of a wholly new manufactured battery to know the performance of that battery.
[0013] Additionally, the system comprises a billing system installed with the battery swapping station along with solar power to provide power supply to the swapping station, where the billing system considers the net amount of energy generated (profit made in rupees) and fed into the grid from the excess generated solar power.
[0014] The disclosure provides a method for swapping a battery in a battery swapping station.
[0015] These and other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram representation of battery charging mechanism at a battery charging station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.
[0018] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “an implementation”, “another implementation” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, “in one implementation”, “in another implementation”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0019] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures.
[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The apparatus, system, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0021] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0022] The battery swapping system comprises a battery exchange station strategically located in accessible locations such as public spaces, workplaces, or service centers. The exchange station houses a plurality of interchangeable batteries compatible with a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles.
[0023] Each interchangeable battery is equipped with standardized connectors and communication protocols to ensure compatibility with various electronic devices. Additionally, the batteries are designed to deliver optimal performance, including high energy density, fast charging capability, and long cycle life.
[0021] The battery exchange station is equipped with a user interface, such as a touchscreen display or mobile application, enabling users to initiate the battery swapping process. Upon selecting the desired electronic device and confirming the battery requirements, the exchange station identifies the appropriate battery from its inventory and retrieves it for swapping.
[0021] The swapping mechanism within the exchange station securely removes the depleted battery from the electronic device and installs the fully charged battery seamlessly. The mechanism employs robotic arms or automated tools to ensure precise handling and alignment during the swapping process, minimizing the risk of damage to the electronic device.
[0021] Once the battery swapping process is complete, the exchange station initiates the charging cycle for the depleted battery, ensuring it is ready for future use. Additionally, the station may provide users with real-time status updates, including battery health, charging progress, and estimated time for completion.
[0021] Advantages of the Invention:
a) Minimized Downtime: Users can quickly replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.
b) Enhanced Convenience: The battery swapping system provides a convenient alternative to traditional charging methods, enabling seamless battery replacement in various electronic devices.
c) Improved Sustainability: By facilitating efficient battery utilization and management, the system promotes sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
d) Compatibility: The interchangeable batteries are compatible with a wide range of electronic devices, ensuring versatility and usability across different platforms.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system is provided which comprises a charger for charging the discharged battery, and a battery swapping station.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for swapping a discharged battery in a battery swapping station.
[0024] In an additional embodiment of the disclosure, a timer is installed on the battery which indicates the time remaining to return the battery at the battery swapping station otherwise the battery shall become unusable after the lapse of remaining time. Further, a GPS is connected with a server to track the EV vehicle and alert the battery swapping station service provider in case the user takes the EV vehicle beyond the prescribed driving range, by raising an alarm at the server end.
[0025] In an additional embodiment of the disclosure, an application is provided which presents the details of the battery (such as temperature, charge remaining time, maximum distance which can be covered etc.) along with nearest swapping stations, in case the battery charge goes below a predetermined level.
[0026] In an additional embodiment, the system provides for storing the charging and discharging profile of the battery along with a counter inside the BMS of the battery, which counts no. of charge and discharge cycle in the server and comparing this information with the profile of a wholly new manufactured battery to know the performance of that battery.
[0028] In an additional embodiment, a billing system is pre-installed with the battery swapping station along with solar power to provide power supply to the battery swapping station, where the billing system considers the net amount of energy generated (profit made in rupees) and fed into the grid from the excess generated solar power.
[0029] In a different embodiment, a method for battery swapping in electric vehicles, comprising the steps of: identifying the electric vehicle at a battery swapping station; assessing the state of charge of the existing battery; removing the depleted battery and replacing it with a fully charged battery; and conducting authentication and safety checks to ensure compatibility and integrity.
[0029] Thus, the above embodiments of the present disclosure ensure the safe and efficient swapping of the battery.
[0030] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.
[0031] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the apparatus in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A method for battery swapping in electric vehicles, comprising the steps of:
identifying the electric vehicle at a battery swapping station;
assessing the state of charge of the existing battery;
removing the depleted battery and replacing it with a fully charged battery; and
conducting authentication and safety checks to ensure compatibility and integrity.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the authentication and safety checks include verifying the compatibility of the swapped battery with the electric vehicle model and performing diagnostic tests.
3. A battery swapping system for electric vehicles, comprising: a network of battery swapping stations interconnected for efficient battery exchange.
4. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 3, further comprises a timer installed on the battery indicating time remaining to return the battery at the battery swapping station.
5. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the battery shall become unusable after the lapse of remaining time indicated on the timer.
6. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 3, wherein a GPS is connected with a server to track the electric vehicle and alert the battery swapping station service provider in case the user takes the electric vehicle beyond the prescribed driving range.
7. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the battery swapping station is provided with solar power supply.
8. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 3, wherein a user interface for facilitating interactions with electric vehicle users, includes initiating battery swaps and processing payment transactions.
9. The battery swapping system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the billing system considers the net amount of energy generated and fed into the grid from the excess generated solar power.