SWAPPABLE BATTERY CAR AND BATTERY CAR STATION
First Claim
1. Apparatus for powering a transporter having an electric motor powering a drive-train, comprising:
- a battery chamber configured to retain a plurality of battery modules, the plurality of battery modules including at least two battery types and wherein each battery module comprises a power level sensor and indicator;
at least one power grid, one power grid coupled to and configured to provide power to the electric motor;
a switch array coupled between the motor power grid and the plurality of battery modules; and
a switch control processor coupled to the switch array and to each of the plurality of battery modules, the switch control processor configured to receive i) a corresponding energy level from each battery power level sensor and indicator, ii) a battery type identity, and iii) operational mode corresponding to the transporter,wherein the switch control processor selectively enables and disables switches of the switch array so as to selectively activate one or more batteries in a unidirectional, isolated connection manner so as to power the motor via the motor power grid; and
wherein the switch control processor selectively activates the one or more battery modules based on the corresponding energy level from each battery power level sensor and indicator and the battery type identity for each battery so as to concurrently provide the power for the operational mode of the transporter while reducing a number of battery modules providing the power.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In described embodiments, a battery car employed in conjunction with a battery car station employs a swappable battery configuration. Batteries are of differing types depending on provision of high current or high voltage, with each having a energy sensor. Access to the batteries of differing types is controlled through a switch control processor selectively coupling batteries to one or more power grids depending upon a given battery'"'"'s sensed energy. Access to the batteries of differing types is based on demands of vehicle operation. Based on such configuration, a swappable battery car station in communication with the battery car might then selectively replace batteries as needed.
95 Citations
21 Claims
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1. Apparatus for powering a transporter having an electric motor powering a drive-train, comprising:
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a battery chamber configured to retain a plurality of battery modules, the plurality of battery modules including at least two battery types and wherein each battery module comprises a power level sensor and indicator; at least one power grid, one power grid coupled to and configured to provide power to the electric motor; a switch array coupled between the motor power grid and the plurality of battery modules; and a switch control processor coupled to the switch array and to each of the plurality of battery modules, the switch control processor configured to receive i) a corresponding energy level from each battery power level sensor and indicator, ii) a battery type identity, and iii) operational mode corresponding to the transporter, wherein the switch control processor selectively enables and disables switches of the switch array so as to selectively activate one or more batteries in a unidirectional, isolated connection manner so as to power the motor via the motor power grid; and wherein the switch control processor selectively activates the one or more battery modules based on the corresponding energy level from each battery power level sensor and indicator and the battery type identity for each battery so as to concurrently provide the power for the operational mode of the transporter while reducing a number of battery modules providing the power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19)
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18. A battery service station comprising:
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a scanning device configured to identify a set of battery modules of the plurality of battery modules and types in said battery chamber for replacement or for charging, based on each corresponding power level sensor and indicator of the plurality of battery modules indicating a decommissioned battery in said battery chamber; and a crane configured to i) unlock and remove a decommissioned battery from said battery chamber;
ii) insert and lock a new battery in said battery chamber; and
ii) charge a battery module in said battery chamber;wherein the scanning device identifies each given type of battery module, and the battery service station, based on an indication of a decommissioned battery, either i) replaces the decommissioned battery with a charged battery above the second energy level of the given type or ii) charges the decommissioned battery in the battery chamber.
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20. A method of powering a transporter having an electric motor powering a drive-train, comprising:
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Retaining, with a battery chamber, a plurality of battery modules, the plurality of battery modules including at least two battery types and wherein each battery module comprises a power level sensor and indicator; providing power to the electric motor through at least one power grid coupled to the electric motor; providing a switch array coupled between the motor power grid and the plurality of battery modules; and receiving, by a switch control processor, i) a corresponding energy level from each battery power level sensor and indicator, ii) a battery type identity, and iii) operational mode corresponding to the transporter, the switch control processor coupled to the switch array and to each of the plurality of battery modules, selectively enabling and disabling, by the switch control processor, switches of the switch array so as to selectively activate one or more batteries in a unidirectional, isolated connection manner so as to power the motor via the motor power grid; and selectively activating, by the switch control processor, the one or more battery modules based on the corresponding energy level from each battery power level sensor and indicator and the battery type identity for each battery so as to concurrently provide the power for the operational mode of the transporter while reducing a number of battery modules providing the power. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification