Battery fluid supply system

• US 6,786,226 B2
• Filed: 09/12/2002
• Issued: 09/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Club Car Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Club Car Incorporated
• Inventors: Kerlin, James R., Crook, Randall L., Skelton, Gerald C., Vassily, Michael A., Aron, Daniel T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US10/242,321
• Publication Number:
  US 20030102029A1
• Time in Patent Office: 726 Days
• Field of Search: 137/260, 137/899, 137/261, 137/1, 429/63, 429/74
• US Class Current: 137/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 1/04 of the electric storage means for propulsion exchanging batteries for electric propulsion of vehicles B60L53/80; for auxiliary purposes only B60R16/04; supplying batteries to, or removing batteries from, vehicles B60S5/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/22 Microcars, e.g. golf cars
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/66 Arrangements of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/80 Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2250/20 Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/673 Containers for storing liquids; Delivery conduits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4757 Battery or electrolytic cell replenishment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6855 Vehicle

Abstract

A system for supplying fluid to a battery, a vehicle and a method for supplying fluid to a battery. The fluid supply system supplies fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging of the battery being transmittable out of the cell. The system is defined as including a tank for holding fluid, and a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank. The hydraulic circuit is defined as including an inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the cell, and an outlet conduit connectable between the cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the outlet conduit and to the tank. In the fluid supply system of the present invention, the gas produced during charging causes fluid flow through the system.

Claims

1. A system for supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging of the battery being transmittable out of the cell, said system comprising:

a tank for holding fluid; and

a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank, the hydraulic circuit including

an inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the cell, and

an outlet conduit connectable between the cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the outlet conduit and to the tank.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the outlet conduit collects gas transmitted from the cell in the form of gas bubbles with fluid entrapped between the bubbles, and whereby the bubbles flow to the tank due to pressure build up in the battery causing flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit during charging.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hydraulic circuit further includes a fluid supply member connectable to the cell and for supplying fluid to the cell, the inlet conduit being connectable between the tank and the fluid supply member, the outlet conduit being connectable between the fluid supply member and the tank.

4. The system as set forth in claim 3 wherein the battery includes a second battery cell, and wherein the hydraulic circuit further includes a second fluid supply member connectable to the second cell and for supplying fluid to the second cell, the inlet conduit being connectable between the tank and the second fluid supply member, the outlet conduit being connectable between the second fluid supply member and the tank.

5. The system as set forth in claim 4 and further comprising a filling pod connectable to the battery, the filling pod including the first-mentioned fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member.

6. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the vehicle is powered by a first battery and a second battery, the first battery including a first battery cell, the second battery including a second battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the first battery cell and to the second battery cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the first battery cell and out of the second battery cell, and wherein the hydraulic circuit includes

a first inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the first battery cell,

a first outlet conduit connectable between the first battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the first outlet conduit and to the tank,

a second inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the second battery cell, and

a second outlet conduit connectable between the second battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the second outlet conduit and to the tank.

7. The system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first inlet conduit and the first outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion providing separate, parallel hydraulic circuit portions.

8. The system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first inlet conduit and the first outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the tank, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion being arranged in series.

9. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the outlet conduit has an internal diameter of less than ⅜

inch.

10. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the outlet conduit has an internal diameter of about ¼

inch.

11. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inlet conduit includes a one-way flow control valve for permitting fluid flow in the inlet conduit in a direction only from the tank to the cell.

12. The system as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a valve for controlling flow through the inlet conduit.

13. The system as set forth in claim 12 wherein the valve is a check valve.

14. The system as set forth in claim 12 wherein the valve is an electronic valve.

15. The system as set forth in claim 12 wherein the valve is a mechanical valve.

16. The system as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising an overflow tank having an overflow inlet for receiving fluid from the cell and an overflow outlet, the outlet conduit being connected between the overflow outlet and the first-mentioned tank, wherein the hydraulic circuit further includes an overflow conduit connected between the cell and the overflow tank.

17. The system as set forth in claim 16 wherein the overflow tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell.

18. The system as set forth in claim 17 wherein the overflow tank collects gas produced during charging, the gas causing flow of fluid from the overflow tank to the first-mentioned tank.

19. The system as set forth in claim 18 wherein, after charging, the overflow tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell.

20. The system as set forth in claim 16 wherein the overflow tank has a first overflow outlet and a second overflow outlet.

21. The system as set forth in claim 20 wherein the first overflow outlet is positioned below the second overflow outlet.

22. The system as set forth in claim 20 wherein the first overflow outlet is configured to pass fluid and gas bubbles.

23. The system as set forth in claim 22 wherein the second overflow outlet is configured to pass only gas bubbles.

24. The system as set forth in claim 20 wherein the second overflow outlet is configured to pass gas bubbles from the battery thereby allowing fluid into the cell.

25. The system as set forth in claim 24 wherein, during charging, the second overflow outlet is configured to pass a first amount of gas bubbles and to retain a second amount of gas bubbles in the overflow tank.

26. The system as set forth in claim 25 wherein the second amount of gas bubbles causes flow of fluid from the first overflow outlet, through the outlet conduit and to the first-mentioned tank.

27. The system as set forth in claim 20 wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a vent conduit connectable to the second overflow outlet and through which gas is vented.

28. The system as set forth in claim 27 and further comprising a vent valve for controlling flow through the vent conduit, the vent valve having an open position, in which gas is vented through the vent conduit, and a closed position, in which flow through the vent conduit is prevented.

29. The system as set forth in claim 28 and further comprising an inlet valve for controlling flow through the inlet conduit, the inlet valve having an open position, in which fluid flows from the tank and through the inlet conduit, and a closed position, in which flow through the inlet conduit is prevented.

30. The system as set forth in claim 29 and further comprising a valve assembly including the vent valve and the inlet valve, the valve assembly having an open condition, in which flow through the vent conduit and through the inlet conduit is permitted, and a closed condition, in which flow through the vent conduit and through the inlet conduit is prevented.

31. The system as set forth in claim 30 wherein, in the open condition, the valve assembly allows fluid flow through the inlet conduit and into the cell and allows gas to be vented from the cell through the vent conduit, and wherein, in the closed condition, the overflow tank collects gas produced during charging, the gas causing fluid to move from the overflow tank to the first-mentioned tank.

32. The system as set forth in claim 30 wherein the valve assembly is responsive to a charger assembly for charging the battery, the valve assembly moving to the closed condition when the charger assembly is placed in a charging condition, in which the battery is charged.

33. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tank is supported at an elevation above the battery to provide sufficient head pressure by gravity to overcome any pressure loss across the inlet conduit, the battery and the outlet conduit.

34. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tank includes

a container for holding fluid and defining a tank outlet and a tank inlet, the tank inlet being below the tank outlet, the tank outlet being connected with the inlet conduit, the tank inlet being connected with the outlet conduit, the container having a bottom wall,

a tube having an inlet end positioned adjacent the tank inlet and an outlet end positioned above the inlet end, the inlet end being spaced above the bottom wall, a portion of the outlet conduit extending into the inlet end, and

a tray supported adjacent the outlet end of the tube and communicating with the tank outlet,

wherein gas produced during charging flows from the outlet conduit into the tube, causing fluid to move from the tube into the tray, and wherein fluid in the tray flows into the inlet conduit.

35. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tank includes a container for holding fluid and defining a tank outlet, a vent outlet, and a tank inlet, the tank outlet being connected to the inlet conduit, the tank inlet being connected with the outlet conduit, the container including a container wall to provide a first container portion and a second container portion, the tank outlet being in the first container portion, the tank inlet and the vent outlet being in the second container portion, wherein, initially, a first container portion pressure and a second container pressure are substantially equal, and wherein, thereafter, gas is vented from the second container portion causing a pressure differential of the second container portion pressure being less than the first container portion, the pressure differential causing fluid flow from the first container portion, through the hydraulic circuit and to the second container portion.

36. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tank includes a first container portion defining a fill inlet for receiving fluid into the system, and a second container portion in fluid communication with the first container portion and defining a return inlet connected to the outlet conduit such that fluid and gas flow into the second container portion, the second container portion also defining a vent outlet operable to allow gas to vent from the system, one of the first container portion and the second container portion including a fluid supply outlet connected to the inlet conduit to supply fluid to the battery.

37. The system of claim 36 wherein the first container portion and the second container portion are provided by a separate first container and a second container, respectively.

38. The system of claim 37 wherein the first container portion and the second container portion are connected by a connection conduit.

39. The system of claim 36 wherein the first container portion provides the supply outlet connected to the inlet conduit to supply fluid to the battery.

40. The system of claim 36 wherein the second container portion provides the supply outlet connected to the inlet conduit to supply fluid to the battery.

41. The system of claim 36 wherein the first container portion and the second container portion are provided by a single container.

42. The system of claim 39 wherein the tank includes a top wall and a bottom wall, and wherein the first container portion and the second container portion are divided by a dividing wall extending downwardly from the top wall, the dividing wall being spaced from the bottom wall to allow fluid to pass between the first container portion and the second container portion.

43. A system for supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by a first battery and a second battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the first battery and the second battery, the first battery including a first battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the first battery cell, gas generated during charging of the first battery being transmittable out of the first battery cell, the second battery including a second battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the second battery cell, gas generated during charging of the second battery being transmittable out of the second battery cell, said system comprising:

a tank for holding fluid; and

a hydraulic circuit connecting the first battery and the second battery to the tank, the hydraulic circuit including

a first inlet conduit between the tank and the first battery cell,

a first outlet conduit between the first battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the first outlet conduit and to the tank,

a second inlet conduit between the tank and the second battery cell, and

a second outlet conduit between the second battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the second outlet conduit and to the tank.

44. The system as set forth in claim 43 wherein the first outlet conduit collects gas transmitted from the first battery cell in the form of gas bubbles with fluid entrapped between the bubbles, and whereby the bubbles flow to the tank due to pressure build up in the first battery causing flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit during charging, and wherein the second outlet conduit collects gas transmitted from the second battery cell in the form of gas bubbles with fluid entrapped between the bubbles, and whereby the bubbles flow to the tank due to pressure build up in the second battery causing flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit during charging.

45. The system as set forth in claim 43 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first inlet conduit and the first outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion providing separate, parallel hydraulic circuit portions.

46. The system as set forth in claim 43 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first inlet conduit and the first outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the tank, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion being arranged in series.

47. The system as set forth in claim 43 wherein the first inlet conduit is connected to the first cell, wherein the second inlet conduit provides the first outlet conduit and is connected between the first cell and the second cell, and wherein the second outlet conduit is connected between the second cell and the tank.

48. The system as set forth in claim 43 wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a first fluid supply member connectable to the first battery cell, the first fluid supply member having a first inlet and a first outlet, wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a second fluid supply member connectable to the second battery cell, the second fluid supply member having a second inlet and a second outlet, and wherein the first inlet conduit is connected between the tank and the first inlet, the second inlet conduit provides the first outlet conduit and is connected between the first outlet and the second inlet, and the second outlet conduit is connected between the second outlet and the tank.

49. A system for supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the cell, said system comprising:

a first tank for holding fluid;

a second tank for holding fluid; and

a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the first tank and to the second tank, the hydraulic circuit including

a first conduit connectable between the first tank and the cell,

a second conduit connectable between the cell and the second tank, and

a third conduit connectable between the second tank and the first tank;

wherein the second tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell, and wherein the second tank collects gas produced during charging, the gas causing fluid to move from the second tank to the first tank.

50. The system as set forth in claim 49 wherein gas is transmitted through the third conduit in the form of gas bubbles with fluid entrapped between the bubbles, and whereby the bubbles flow to the first tank due to pressure build up in the second tank causing flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit during charging.

51. The system as set forth in claim 49 wherein, after charging, the second tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell.

52. The system as set forth in claim 49 wherein the overflow tank has a first overflow outlet and a second overflow outlet.

53. The system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the first overflow outlet has an internal diameter greater than an internal diameter of the second overflow outlet.

54. The system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the outlet conduit has an internal diameter, and wherein the second overflow outlet has an internal diameter less than the internal diameter of the outlet conduit.

55. The system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the first overflow outlet is positioned below the second overflow outlet.

56. The system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the first overflow outlet is configured to pass fluid and gas bubbles.

57. The system as set forth in claim 56 wherein the second overflow outlet is configured to pass only gas bubbles.

58. The system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the first overflow outlet and the second overflow outlet are connected to the outlet conduit.

59. The system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the second overflow outlet is configured to pass gas bubbles from the battery thereby allowing fluid into the cell.

60. The system as set forth in claim 59 wherein, during charging, the second overflow outlet is configured to pass a first amount of gas bubbles and to retain a second amount of gas bubbles in the overflow tank.

61. The system as set forth in claim 60 wherein the second amount of gas bubbles causes flow of fluid from the first overflow outlet, through the outlet conduit and to the first tank.

62. The system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a vent conduit connectable to the second overflow outlet and through which gas is vented.

63. The system as set forth in claim 62 and further comprising a vent valve for controlling flow through the vent conduit, the vent valve having an open position, in which gas is vented through the vent conduit, and a closed position, in which flow through the vent conduit is prevented.

64. The system as set forth in claim 63 and further comprising an inlet valve for controlling flow through the inlet conduit, the inlet valve having an open position, in which fluid flows from the tank and through the inlet conduit, and a closed position, in which flow through the inlet conduit is prevented.

65. The system as set forth in claim 64 and further comprising a valve assembly including the vent valve and the inlet valve, the valve assembly having an open condition, in which flow through the vent conduit and through the inlet conduit is permitted, and a closed condition, in which flow through the vent conduit and through the inlet conduit is prevented.

66. The system as set forth in claim 65 wherein the valve assembly is an electronic valve assembly.

67. The system as set forth in claim 65 wherein the valve assembly is a mechanical valve assembly.

68. The system as set forth in claim 65 wherein, in the open condition, the valve assembly allows fluid flow through the inlet conduit and into the cell and allows gas to be vented from the cell through the vent conduit, and wherein, in the closed condition, the overflow tank collects gas produced during charging, the gas causing fluid to move from the overflow tank to the first tank.

69. The system as set forth in claim 65 wherein the valve assembly is responsive to a charger assembly for charging the battery, the valve assembly moving to the closed condition when the charger assembly is placed in a charging condition, in which the battery is charged.

70. A vehicle comprising:

a frame supported for movement over ground;

an electric motor supported by the frame and operable to selectively drive said vehicle;

a battery supported by the frame and electrically connectable with the motor to selectively power the motor, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging of the battery being transmittable out of the cell;

a tank for holding fluid; and

a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank, the hydraulic circuit including

an inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the cell, and

an outlet conduit connectable between the cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the outlet conduit and to the tank.

71. The vehicle as set forth in claim 70 and further comprising a second battery supported by the frame and electrically connectable with the motor to selectively power the motor, the second battery including a second battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the second battery cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the second battery cell, and wherein the hydraulic circuit further includes

a second inlet conduit between the tank and the second battery cell, and

a second outlet conduit between the second battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the second outlet conduit and to the tank.

72. The vehicle as set forth in claim 71 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first-mentioned inlet conduit and the first-mentioned outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion providing separate, parallel hydraulic circuit portions.

73. The vehicle as set forth in claim 71 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first-mentioned inlet conduit and the first-mentioned outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the tank, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion being arranged in series.

74. The vehicle as set forth in claim 70 and further comprising an overflow tank having an overflow inlet for receiving fluid from the cell and an overflow outlet, the outlet conduit being connected between the overflow outlet and the first-mentioned tank, wherein the hydraulic circuit further includes an overflow conduit connected between the cell and the overflow tank.

75. The vehicle as set forth in claim 74 wherein the overflow tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell.

76. The vehicle as set forth in claim 75 wherein the overflow tank collects gas produced during charging, the gas causing flow of fluid from the overflow tank to the first-mentioned tank.

77. The vehicle as set forth in claim 76 wherein, after charging, the overflow tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell.

78. The vehicle as set forth in claim 74 wherein the overflow tank in supported on the frame.

79. The vehicle as set forth in claim 70 wherein the tank is supported on the frame.

80. A vehicle comprising:

a frame supported for movement over ground;

an electric motor supported by the frame and operable to selectively drive said vehicle;

a first battery and a second battery supported by the frame and electrically connectable with the motor to selectively power the motor, the first battery including a first battery cell, the second battery including a second battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the first battery cell and to the second battery cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the first battery cell and out of the second battery cell;

a tank for holding fluid; and

a hydraulic circuit connecting the first battery and the second battery to the tank, the hydraulic circuit including

a first inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the first battery cell,

a first outlet conduit connectable between the first battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the first outlet conduit and to the tank,

a second inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the second battery cell, and

a second outlet conduit connectable between the second battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the second outlet conduit and to the tank.

81. The vehicle as set forth in claim 80 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first inlet conduit and the first outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion providing separate, parallel hydraulic circuit portions.

82. The vehicle as set forth in claim 80 wherein the hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic circuit portion including the first inlet conduit and the first outlet conduit and a second hydraulic circuit portion including the second inlet conduit and the second outlet conduit, the tank, the first hydraulic circuit portion and the second hydraulic circuit portion being arranged in series.

83. A vehicle comprising:

a frame supported for movement over ground;

an electric motor supported by the frame and operable to selectively drive said vehicle;

a battery supported by the frame and electrically connectable with the motor to selectively power the motor, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the first cell;

a first tank for holding fluid;

a second tank for holding fluid; and

a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the first tank and to the second tank, the hydraulic circuit including

a first conduit connectable between the first tank and the cell,

a second conduit connectable between the cell and the second tank, and

a third conduit connectable between the second tank and the first tank;

wherein the second tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell, and wherein the second tank collects gas produced during charging, the gas causing fluid to move from the second tank to the first tank.

84. The vehicle as set forth in claim 83 wherein gas is transmitted through the third conduit in the form of gas bubbles with fluid entrapped between the bubbles, and whereby the bubbles flow to the first tank due to pressure build up in the second tank causing flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit during charging.

85. The vehicle as set forth in claim 83 wherein, after charging, the second tank collects excess fluid supplied to the cell during fluid replenishment of the cell.

86. The vehicle as set forth in claim 83 wherein the first tank and the second tank are supported by the frame.

87. A tank for holding fluid in a fluid supply system, the fluid supply system supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the cell, the fluid supply system including a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including an inlet conduit connected to the cell and an outlet conduit connected to the cell, said tank comprising:

a container for holding fluid and defining a tank outlet and a tank inlet, the tank inlet being below the tank outlet, the tank outlet being connected with the inlet conduit, the tank inlet being connected with the outlet conduit, the container having a bottom wall,

a tube having an inlet end positioned adjacent the tank inlet and an outlet end positioned above the inlet end, the inlet end being spaced above the bottom wall, a portion of the outlet conduit extending into the inlet end, and

a tray supported adjacent the outlet end of the tube and communicating with the tank outlet,

wherein gas produced during charging of the battery flows from the outlet conduit into the tube, causing fluid to move from the tube into the tray, and wherein fluid in the tray flows into the inlet conduit.

88. A tank for holding fluid in a fluid supply system, the fluid supply system supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the cell, the fluid supply system including a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including an inlet conduit connected to the cell and an outlet conduit connected to the cell, said tank comprising:

a container for holding fluid and defining a tank outlet, a vent outlet, and a tank inlet, the tank outlet being connected to the inlet conduit, the tank inlet being connected with the outlet conduit, the container including a container wall to provide a first container portion and a second container portion, the tank outlet being in the first container portion, the tank inlet and the vent outlet being in the second container portion, wherein, initially, a first container portion pressure and a second container pressure are substantially equal, and wherein, thereafter, gas produced during charging of the battery is vented from the second container portion causing a pressure differential of the second container portion pressure being less than the first container portion, the pressure differential causing fluid flow from the first container portion, through the hydraulic circuit and to the second container portion.

89. A tank for holding fluid in a fluid supply system, the fluid supply system supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging being transmittable out of the cell, the fluid supply system including a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including an inlet conduit connected to the cell and an outlet conduit connected to the cell, said tank comprising:

a first container portion defining a fill inlet for receiving fluid into the system; and

a second container portion in fluid communication with the first container portion and defining a return inlet connected to the outlet conduit such that fluid and gas flow into the second container portion, the second container portion also defining a vent outlet operable to allow gas to vent from the system, one of the first container portion and the second container portion including a fluid supply outlet connected to the inlet conduit to supply fluid to the battery.

90. The tank of claim 89 wherein the first container portion and the second container portion are provided by a separate first container and a second container, respectively.

91. The tank of claim 90 wherein the first container and the second container are connected by a connection conduit.

92. The tank of claim 89 wherein the first container portion provides the supply outlet connected to the inlet conduit.

93. The tank of claim 89 wherein the second container portion provides the supply outlet connected to the inlet conduit.

94. The tank of claim 89 wherein the first container portion and the second container portion are provided by a single container.

95. The tank of claim 94 wherein the tank includes a top wall and a bottom wall, and wherein the first container portion and the second container portion are divided by a dividing wall extending downwardly from the top wall, the dividing wall being spaced from the bottom wall to allow fluid to pass between the first container portion and the second container portion.

96. A method for supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging of the battery being transmittable out of the cell, said method comprising the acts of:

providing a system for supplying fluid to the battery, the system including a tank for holding fluid, and a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank, the hydraulic circuit including an inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the cell, and an outlet conduit connectable between the cell and the tank;

supplying fluid to the tank;

allowing fluid flow from the tank through the inlet conduit to the cell;

charging the battery, the charging act including producing gas; and

causing flow of fluid through the outlet conduit and to the tank, the causing act including using gas produced during the charging act to cause fluid flow through the outlet conduit and to the tank.

97. A method for supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by a first battery and a second battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the first battery and the second battery, the first battery including a first battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the first battery cell, gas generated during charging of the first battery being transmittable out of the first battery cell, the second battery including a second battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the second battery cell, gas generated during charging of the second battery being transmittable out of the second battery cell, said method comprising the acts of:

providing a system for supplying fluid to the battery, the system including a tank for holding fluid, and a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank, the hydraulic circuit including a first inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the first battery cell, a first outlet conduit connectable between the first battery cell and the tank, a second inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the second battery cell, and a second outlet conduit connectable between the second battery cell and the tank;

supplying fluid to the tank;

allowing fluid flow from the tank through the first inlet conduit to the first battery cell;

allowing fluid flow from the tank through the second inlet conduit to the second battery cell;

charging the first battery and the second battery, the charging act including producing gas; and

causing flow of fluid through the first outlet conduit and to the tank and through the second outlet conduit and to the tank, the causing act including using gas produced during the charging act to cause fluid flow through the first outlet conduit and to the tank and through the second outlet conduit and to the tank.

98. A method for supplying fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging of the battery being transmittable out of the cell, said method comprising the acts of:

providing a system for supplying fluid to the battery, the system including a first tank for holding fluid, a second tank for holding fluid, and a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the first tank and to the second tank, the hydraulic circuit including a first conduit connectable between the first tank and the cell, a second conduit connectable between the cell and the second tank, and a third conduit connectable between the second tank and the first tank;

supplying fluid to the first tank;

allowing fluid flow from the first tank through the first conduit to the cell;

allowing excess fluid to flow from through the second conduit and to the second tank;

charging the battery, the charging act including producing gas; and

causing flow of fluid from the second tank, through the third conduit and to the first tank, the causing act including using gas produced during the charging act to cause fluid flow through the third conduit and to the first tank.

99. A vehicle comprising:

a frame supported for movement over ground;

an electric motor supported by the frame and operable to selectively drive said vehicle;

a fuel cell supported by the frame and operable to produce electricity to selectively power the motor, operation of the fuel cell producing water;

a battery supported by the frame and electrically connectable with the motor, the battery including a battery cell, water being transmittable to the cell;

a tank in fluid communication with the fuel cell and for holding water produced by the fuel cell during operation of the fuel cell; and

a conduit connecting the battery to the tank, water being supplied from the tank through the conduit to replenish the battery cell.

100. The vehicle as set forth in claim 99 and further comprising a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank, the hydraulic circuit including

an inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the battery cell, and

an outlet conduit connectable between the battery cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing flow of water through the outlet conduit and to the tank.