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Real-time system and method for tracking, locating and recharging electric vehicles in transit

  • US 9,566,868 B2
  • Filed: 03/06/2012
  • Issued: 02/14/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A computer-controlled electric battery charging system for charging a battery of a roaming electric vehicle, the system comprising:

  • a) an electric vehicle comprising at least one battery of 1.5 to 200 kWh and a charger connector electrically coupled to said at least one battery for enabling charging of said at least one battery, wherein movement of the electric vehicle is powered exclusively by said at least one battery;

    b) a master charger vehicle, capable of independent movement, for traveling to the electric vehicle and for charging the at least one battery of the electric vehicle, the master charger vehicle comprising;

    i) a master battery module;

    ii) an electricity converter module adapted to convert output power from said master battery module to input power suitable for provision to said at least one battery;

    iii) a connection and transfer module adapted to connect to said charger connector and to transfer said input power from said electricity converter module to said at least one battery, wherein said connection and transfer module further comprises a fast charging transfer device and wherein said charger connector of said electric car further comprises a fast charging socket, such that said connection and transfer module is adapted to transfer said input power from said electricity converter module to said at least one battery of said electric vehicle through fast charging to charge 70-100% of said at least one battery within one hour; and

    iv) an engine enabling locomotive movement for independent motion of said master charger vehicle;

    wherein said master charger vehicle further comprises a standard vehicle having standard vehicle functions and a separate charging module, wherein said separate charging module comprises said master battery module, said electricity converter module adapted to convert output power from said master battery module to input power suitable for provision to said at least one battery, and said connection and transfer module adapted to transfer said input power from said electricity converter module to said at least one battery;

    wherein said separate charging module is suitable for retrofitting said standard vehicle;

    andc) a control system in communication with said at least one electric vehicle and said master charger vehicle to enable said master charger vehicle to reach said electric vehicle, wherein said master battery module is adapted to charge said at least one battery with said at least one battery disposed in said electric vehicle;

    wherein said control system is configured to;

    receive a communication from said electric vehicle regarding a status of a battery of 1.5 to 200 kWh of said electric vehicle;

    determine whether a fast charge or a fast discharge of said battery of said electric vehicle is required;

    determine an urgency of said fast charge or fast discharge of said battery of said electric vehicle; and

    send said master charge vehicle to a position selected from the group consisting of;

    i) a current position of said electric vehicle;

    ii) a future projected position of said electric vehicle along a predetermined route;

    iii) a future projected position of said electric vehicle, wherein said at least one battery is anticipated to be at least partially depleted; and

    iv) a future projected position of said electric vehicle, wherein said at least one battery is anticipated to be fully depleted.

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