Energy storage device verification method, electric vehicle operation method, energy storage device exchange station operation method and management method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and related systems for managing and / or authenticating energy storage devices. The methods include: (1) receiving a first portion of identification information, wherein the identification information is stored in a data storage device attached to the energy storage device; (2) analyzing the first portion of the identification information based at least in part on a device identification of a device, wherein the device is powered by the energy storage device; and (3) updating a second portion of the identification information based on a result of analyzing the first portion of the identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to systems and methods for managing swappable energy storage devices. Specifically, the present technology relates to systems and methods for enabling multiple energy storage device swap stations to operate in multiple operating modes. Background Art

[0002] Some electric vehicles are powered by swappable batteries. When a user brings a depleted battery to a battery swap station for swapping, it is important for the swap station to ensure that the provided fully charged battery will be used in an authorized vehicle before providing a fully charged battery to the user. However, in certain situations, the swap station cannot confirm whether the vehicle powered by the fully charged battery is authorized when providing the fully charged battery. For example, there may be multiple vehicles in a car sharing program. The car sharing program allows users to pick up a vehicle at one location and then leave the vehicle with a depleted battery at a random location. In this case, a service member (or authorized person) may need to obtain several fully charged batteries from several battery swap stations (e.g., for shared vehicles with depleted batteries) without knowing which vehicles the batteries will be used to power. Therefore, it is challenging to implement appropriate safety mechanisms for the batteries. Therefore, it would be beneficial if there were improved systems and methods that could address the aforementioned issues. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for authenticating an energy storage device includes: receiving a first portion of identification information, the identification information being stored in a data storage attached to an energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device is configured to power a device; analyzing the first portion of the identification information based at least in part on device identification of the device; and updating a second portion of the identification information based on a result of analyzing the first portion of the identification information.

[0004] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage device is retrieved from an energy storage device exchange station, and the energy storage device exchange station is configured to update identification information in response to a request.

[0005] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of updating the identification information includes: the energy storage device exchange station replaces the second part of the identification information with a universal identification code; and the energy storage device exchange station updates the first part of the identification information based on the request.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of updating the identification information includes: the energy storage device exchange station erases the second part of the identification information; and the energy storage device exchange station updates the first part of the identification information based on the request.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the request is sent from a mobile device associated with the electric vehicle.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the request is received by the energy storage device exchange station from a user input.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the device is an electric vehicle, and the request is sent from the electric vehicle.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the request is sent from a server configured to communicate with a plurality of energy storage device exchange stations including an energy storage device exchange station.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first part of the identification information includes a prefix, and the prefix corresponds to the first part of the device identification of the device.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the prefix corresponds to the device group to which the device belongs.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the device is an electric vehicle, and the step of updating the second part of the identification information includes: updating, by the electric vehicle, a unique serial number corresponding to the device identification of the electric vehicle.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the second portion of the identification information includes a universal identification code or a unique serial number.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, if the second portion of the identification information includes a unique serial number of the device, the energy storage device is authorized to be charged in the energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in the first operating mode.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, if the second portion of the identification information includes a universal identification code of the electric vehicle, the energy storage device is not authorized to be charged in the energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in the first operating mode.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when the energy storage device exchange station operates in the second operating mode, the energy storage device exchange station is configured to update the second portion of the identification information by replacing the second portion of the identification information with the universal identification code.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when the energy storage device exchange station operates in the second operating mode, the energy storage device exchange station is configured to update the second portion of the identification information by erasing the second portion of the identification information.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for operating an electric vehicle includes: receiving a first part of identification information by a processor of the electric vehicle, the identification information being stored in a data storage attached to an energy storage device; receiving a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle by the processor of the electric vehicle; comparing the first part of the identification information with the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle; if the first part of the identification information matches the vehicle identification, updating the second part of the identification information by the processor of the electric vehicle; and allowing the energy storage device to power the electric vehicle by the processor of the electric vehicle.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first portion of the identification information does not match the vehicle identification, a signal is sent to the server.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first portion of the identification information includes a prefix corresponding to a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle.

[0022] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first part of the identification information includes a prefix, and the prefix corresponds to the electric vehicle group to which the electric vehicle belongs.

[0023] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, updating the second part of the identification information includes: updating a unique serial number corresponding to the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for operating an energy storage device exchange station includes: changing, by a processor of the energy storage device exchange station, an operating mode of the energy storage device exchange station from a first operating mode to a second operating mode in response to a request; updating, by the processor of the energy storage device exchange station, a first part of identification information, wherein the identification information is stored in a data storage, the data storage is attached to an energy storage device in the energy storage device exchange station, wherein the first part of the identification information corresponds to a device identification of a device, wherein the energy storage device is configured to power the device; allowing the energy storage device to be removed from the energy storage device exchange station; and changing the operating mode of the energy storage device exchange station from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

[0025] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first part of the identification information includes a prefix, the device is an electric vehicle, and the prefix corresponds to the electric vehicle group to which the electric vehicle belongs.

[0026] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage device exchange station operating method further includes: updating the second part of the identification information by a processor of the energy storage device exchange station, wherein updating the second part of the identification information is by replacing the second part of the identification information with a universal identification code.

[0027] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage device exchange station operating method further includes: updating the second part of the identification information by a processor of the energy storage device exchange station, wherein updating the second part of the identification information is by erasing the second part of the identification information.

[0028] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, if the second portion of the identification information includes a unique serial number of the device, the energy storage device is authorized to be charged in the energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in the first operating mode.

[0029] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, if the second portion of the identification information includes a universal identification code of the electric vehicle, the energy storage device is not authorized to be charged in the energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in the first operating mode.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for managing an energy storage device exchange station includes: receiving a request to exchange a first energy storage device in an electric vehicle; receiving a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle; determining an energy storage device exchange station based on the request; and authorizing the energy storage device exchange station to prepare a second energy storage device by: storing a portion of the vehicle identification in a first part of identification information of the second energy storage device, wherein the identification information is stored in a data storage attached to the second energy storage device; and storing a universal identification code corresponding to the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle in a second part of the identification information of the second energy storage device.

[0031] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage device exchange station management method further includes: receiving a signal to confirm that the unique serial number of the electric vehicle is stored in the second part of the identification information of the second energy storage device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The following describes and explains the embodiments of the disclosed technology with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown;

[0035] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of a site according to an implementation of the disclosed technology is shown;

[0036] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown;

[0037] Figures 4 to 7 The present invention is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0038] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and for example, the size of some elements in the drawings may be increased or decreased to assist in enhancing the understanding of various embodiments. Similarly, for the purpose of discussing certain embodiments, some components and / or operations may be divided into different blocks or combined into a single block. In addition, although specific embodiments have been exemplarily presented in the drawings and described in detail below, those with ordinary knowledge in the art of the present case will recognize that modifications, equivalents and substitutes thereof will fall within the scope of the attached patent applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In this document, "some embodiments", "an embodiment" or similar words represent that the specific features, functions, structures or characteristics described are included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed technology. These words appearing in this document do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and on the other hand, the embodiments they refer to may not be completely non-interconnected.

[0040] The present disclosure relates to a method and system for managing energy storage devices such as batteries, supercapacitors, etc. The energy storage device may be coupled to a data storage (eg, memory, flash drive, etc.) that stores identification information corresponding to the energy storage device.

[0041] The identification information is used to identify and / or verify an authorized vehicle (or device), where an authorized vehicle is a vehicle that the energy storage device is authorized to power. For example, before allowing the energy storage device to power the authorized vehicle, the identification information of the energy storage device is confirmed or verified. The above confirmation or verification can be performed by a processor of the vehicle, a mobile device of the user, or a controller attached to the energy storage device.

[0042] Energy storage devices can be stored at a station and charged by the station for exchange. For example, a user can go to a station and exchange a depleted energy storage device for a fully charged energy storage device. After receiving the depleted energy storage device, the station uses the identification information of the depleted energy storage device to identify the user who brought it to the station and confirm that the vehicle powered by the depleted energy storage device is an authorized vehicle. Before providing the fully charged energy storage device to the user, the station copies the identification information of the depleted energy storage device to the fully charged energy storage device. In the above example, the station operates in "normal" mode (or first operating mode). There are multiple operating stations in a service area (for example: a city, a block, or a region, etc.).

[0043] In certain circumstances, a station is required to provide a fully charged energy storage device without first receiving a depleted energy storage device. For example, a vehicle sharing or rental program allows vehicles to be picked up and dropped off at random locations, in which case it is necessary to ensure that the energy storage device in the randomly placed vehicle has sufficient power for the next user. For example, a "milk run" (or loop pickup) can be arranged, where a service member retrieves one or more fully charged energy storage devices from one or more stations and delivers them to randomly placed vehicles for exchange. In this case, when a service member retrieves a fully charged energy storage device from a station, the present technology allows the station to operate in a "milk run" mode, in which the station is allowed to provide a fully charged energy storage device without having to write the identification information of the inserted energy storage device to the fully charged energy storage device (which is required in "normal" mode).

[0044] Through this configuration, the technology enables multiple stations to operate in "normal" mode or "milk pickup" mode at the same time. The advantages include that multiple stations can provide services to users who subscribe to multiple energy subscription plans (for example: personal plans, family plans, enterprise plans, car sharing plans, car rental plans, etc.).

[0045] In some embodiments, the identification information may be a string of symbols / numbers (e.g., x123y456z789, &98%76$21, etc.). In such embodiments, the identification information may be identified as a whole. In some embodiments, the identification information may include more than one part. For example, the identification information may include a first part, which shows the group to which the authorized vehicle belongs. For example, the first part may be "prefix" or "ABC", indicating that the group is the "ABC" vehicle sharing fleet. The identification information may include a second part to specify a specific authorized vehicle. For example, the second part may be "123456", which is the "unique serial number" of the authorized vehicle. In another example, the second part may be a "universal identifier" temporarily filled in for a group of authorized vehicles, such as "000000" or "888888". In another example, the second part may be "null" or blank. By using the first part and the second part of the identification information, the present technology enables multiple energy storage devices to be effectively and safely managed at multiple sites operating in different operating modes.

[0046] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a system 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The system 100 includes a first station 101, a second station 103, and a server 105. The first station 101 and the second station 103 can communicate with the server 105 via a network 107. The first station 101 and the second station 103 are configured to receive, charge, and provide a plurality of energy storage devices for exchange. The energy storage devices can be used to power authorized vehicles, such as vehicle 109. The first station 101 can operate in a first operating mode (e.g., a "normal" mode) or a second operating mode (e.g., a "milk pickup" mode), and in different operating modes, the first station 101 manages the energy storage devices provided in different ways.

[0047] When the first station 101 operates in the first operation mode, a user can go to the station and exchange a depleted energy storage device for a fully powered energy storage device. After receiving the depleted energy storage device, the first station 101 copies the identification information of the depleted energy storage device to the fully powered energy storage device.

[0048] When the first site 101 is operating in the second operating mode, the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power can be removed from the first site 101 without adding the identification information of the exhausted energy storage device. Instead, the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power is added with a "prefix" or "first part", and the implementation of the "prefix" or "first part" is described in detail below. Thereafter, the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power can be transported to the vehicle 109 to power the vehicle 109. After the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power becomes an exhausted energy storage device 12, it can be used to exchange for another energy storage device (for example: exchanged at the second site 103). The system 100 includes a security mechanism for managing the energy storage devices in the system 100, and the security mechanism can be implemented by the first site 101 and the vehicle 109. In some embodiments, the server 105 can also facilitate the implementation of the security mechanism.

[0049] First, on the station side, the first site 101 implements a security mechanism to ensure that the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power taken from the first site 101 can only be used to power the authorized vehicle 109. Furthermore, on the vehicle side, the security mechanism includes that power can only be drawn from the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power when certain conditions are met (for example, the identification information 1001 from the energy storage device 10 matches the vehicle identification 1091 from the vehicle 109). In some embodiments, the identification information 1001 is referred to as the "subscription ID on the battery side", and the vehicle identification 1091 is referred to as the "subscription ID on the vehicle side". The details of the security mechanism regarding the operating mode are discussed below.

[0050] (A) First operating mode or "normal" mode

[0051] (i) Security mechanism at the first site

[0052] When the first station 101 is operating in the first operating mode or "normal" mode, the user first inserts a depleted energy storage device into the first station 101 in exchange for a fully powered energy storage device 10. Next, the first station 101 reads the identification information from the inserted depleted energy storage device (e.g., reads the identification information from a data storage coupled to the depleted energy storage device) and stores it in the fully powered energy storage device 10 to be provided to the user as identification information 1001 (e.g., stored in a data storage coupled to the fully powered energy storage device 10). In these embodiments, the first station 101 copies the entire identification information from the inserted depleted energy storage device and stores it in the fully powered energy storage device 10 to be provided to the user.

[0053] (ii) Vehicle-side safety mechanism

[0054] When the user subsequently inserts the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power into the vehicle 109, the processor (e.g., engine control unit) of the vehicle 109 confirms whether the identification information 1001 of the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power matches the vehicle identification 1091 of the vehicle 109. If they match, the processor allows the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power to power the vehicle 109. If they do not match, the processor instructs the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power not to supply power and / or sends a notification or alert to the server 105, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone of the user of the vehicle 109), and / or other recipients predetermined by the operator of the system 100.

[0055] (iii)Security mechanism at the second site

[0056] After the fully charged energy storage device 10 becomes an exhausted or insufficiently charged energy storage device 12, it can be carried to the second station 103 for exchange (the second station 103 operates in normal mode). When the exhausted energy storage device 12 is inserted into the second station 103, the second station 103 checks the identification information 1001 and confirms whether the identification information 1001 matches the vehicle identification 1091 of the vehicle 109. If it matches, the second station 103 receives the exhausted energy storage device 12 and agrees to the exchange. If it does not match, the second station 103 refuses the exchange and can send a notification or alarm to the server 105, the mobile device and / or other recipients predetermined by the operator of the system 100.

[0057] (B) Second operating mode or "milk pickup" mode

[0058] (i) Security mechanism at the first site

[0059] When the first station 101 is operating in the second operating mode or "milk pickup" mode, the first station 101 allows authorized personnel to obtain a fully charged energy storage device 10 without first inserting an energy storage device (e.g., a depleted or insufficiently charged energy storage device). The authorized personnel may be, for example, a service crew member, a person who needs to obtain a fully charged energy storage device to "save" a vehicle with a depleted battery, a battery delivery service provider, etc.

[0060] In such embodiments, the authorized person may first communicate with the first site 101 and request a sufficiently powered energy storage device 10 (e.g., requesting a battery with a state of charge (SoC) greater than 50%, 90%, or 98%). For example, the authorized person may communicate with the first site 101 via a user interface (e.g., a touch display, panel, keyboard, or other suitable input device), a mobile device, and / or a server 105. In some examples, the authorized person may reserve a sufficiently powered energy storage device 10 before arriving at the first site 101 in person.

[0061] After receiving the request and confirming the identity of the authorized person, the first site 101 selects the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power in the first site 101 and adjusts the identification information 1001 in the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power (for example: the identification information 1001 in the data storage coupled to the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power).

[0062] Specifically, the first site 101 may set the first part of the identification information 1001 to the prefix "ABC", which indicates that the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power can be used to power any vehicle belonging to the "ABC" group (for example, vehicles belonging to the "ABC" vehicle sharing group). In some embodiments, the first site 101 may fill in a universal identification code (for example: "000000", "888888" or "XXXXXX") in the second part of the identification information. In some embodiments, the first site 101 may fill in "null value" in the second part or leave the second part blank. After completing the setting of the identification information 1001 of the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power, the authorized person can take away the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power from the first site 101. In some embodiments, the authorized person can request more than one energy storage device at a time.

[0063] (ii) Vehicle-side safety mechanism

[0064] When the authorized user subsequently inserts the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power into the vehicle 109, the vehicle's processor may first confirm whether the first part of the identification information 1001 of the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power (e.g., prefix or "ABC") matches the first part of the vehicle identification 1091 of the vehicle 109. If they match, the processor allows the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power to power the vehicle 109.

[0065] Furthermore, the processor of the vehicle 109 stores the second part of the vehicle identification 1091 (e.g., the unique serial number of the vehicle, such as "124356") into the second part of the identification information 1001 of the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power. With this configuration, the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power can be exchanged at a station (e.g., the second station 103) operating in normal mode.

[0066] If the first part of the identification information 1001 of the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power does not match the first part of the vehicle identification 1091 of the vehicle 109, the processor instructs the energy storage device 10 with sufficient power to not supply power and / or sends a notification or alarm to the server 105, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone of the user of the vehicle 109) and / or other recipients predetermined by the operator of the system 100.

[0067] (iii)Security mechanism at the second site

[0068] After the fully charged energy storage device 10 becomes an exhausted or insufficiently charged energy storage device 12, it can be carried to the second station 103 (the second station 103 operates in the first operating mode) for exchange. When the exhausted energy storage device 12 is inserted into the second station 103, the second station 103 checks the identification information 1001 and confirms whether the second part of the identification information 1001 has been updated by the vehicle 109. If it has been updated by the vehicle 109, the second station 103 receives the exhausted energy storage device 12 and agrees to the exchange. If it has not been updated by the vehicle 109, the second station 103 refuses the exchange and may send a notification or an alert to the server 105, the mobile device and / or other recipients predetermined by the operator of the system 100.

[0069] The above configuration enables multiple energy storage device exchange stations to operate in the first operating mode and the second operating mode at the same time. The advantage is that some exchange stations can switch from "normal" mode to "milk pickup" mode when necessary without interrupting the remaining exchange stations (the remaining exchange stations continue to operate in "normal" mode).

[0070] For example, a battery delivery service member needs to replace four exhausted batteries for two electric vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles belonging to "ABC" company) at different locations in area X. Depending on whether batteries are available (and / or other factors, such as battery demand, exchange price, etc.), the service member can obtain two fully charged batteries at site X1 and two fully charged batteries at site X2. When the member picks up the batteries, the operating mode of sites X1 and X2 is switched from normal mode to milk pickup mode based on the request sent by the member. After the batteries are taken away, the operating mode of sites X1 and X2 is switched back to normal mode. The member can then start "milk pickup" to deliver the batteries. In this way, "milk pickup" does not substantially interrupt the battery exchange activities at sites X1 and X2. In some embodiments, multiple "milk pickups" can be carried out simultaneously.

[0071] In some embodiments, the server 105 may communicate with the first station 101, the second station 103, and / or the vehicle 109 to facilitate the implementation of a security mechanism or authentication process. For example, the server 105 may confirm the identity of a person attempting to remove a fully charged energy storage device 10 from the first station 101 operating in a "milk pickup" mode (e.g., based on information included in a request sent by the person). In another embodiment, the server 105 may communicate with the vehicle 109 and the second station 103 to confirm that the depleted energy storage device 12 is inserted into the vehicle 109. The server 105 may also assist in confirming that the identification information 1001 of the depleted energy storage device 12 has been updated by the vehicle 109.

[0072] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system 200 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology. As shown, the system 200 includes one or more battery exchange stations 201A to 201D, a main server 203, a database 205, and a network 207. As shown, the battery exchange stations 201A and 201D are wirelessly coupled to the main server 203 via the network 207. The battery exchange stations 201B and 201C are wiredly coupled to the main server 203 via the network 207. The main server 203 is further coupled to the database 205, which can store information for managing batteries in the system 200. The information for managing batteries can include, for example, battery identification information (e.g., identification information 1001) and vehicle identification (e.g., vehicle identification 1091) discussed herein.

[0073] Taking the battery exchange station 201A as an example, in the illustrated embodiment, the battery exchange station 201A may include a battery exchange rack 213 and a user interface 215 (e.g., a display) disposed above the battery exchange rack 213. As shown in the figure, the battery exchange rack 213 may include eight battery slots 217a to 217h for accommodating batteries. During operation, only six battery slots (e.g., battery slots 217a, 217b, 217d, 217e, 217f, 217h) are occupied by batteries, and the remaining two battery slots (e.g., battery slots 217c, 217g) are reserved for the user to insert the battery to be exchanged (e.g., a depleted or low-power battery). In some embodiments, the battery exchange stations 201A to 201D may have different configurations, such as different numbers of battery exchange racks, displays, and / or battery slots. In some embodiments, the battery exchange stations 201A to 201D may include modular components (e.g., modular battery exchange racks, modular displays, etc.) so that operators can more easily install or expand the battery exchange stations 201A to 201D. The battery exchange stations 201A to 201D may be electrically coupled to one or more power sources (e.g., power grids, power lines, storage devices, power plants / substations, etc.) to receive power to charge the batteries installed in the battery exchange stations 201A to 201D or perform other operations (e.g., communicate with the main server 203).

[0074] In some embodiments, the battery exchange station 201A allows a user to remove or insert a specific number of batteries (e.g., two batteries) in one exchange. However, in other embodiments, the battery exchange station 201A may allow a user to remove or insert other numbers of batteries (e.g., one, three, or four batteries, etc.) in one exchange. In some embodiments, the battery exchange station 201A may have a locking mechanism to secure the batteries disposed in the battery exchange station 201A. In some embodiments, the battery exchange station 201A may not have a locking mechanism.

[0075] In some embodiments, the main server 203 may be an edge server configured to receive client requests and coordinate other servers (e.g., servers 209A to 209C) to satisfy the client requests. The servers 209A to 209C are further coupled to databases 211A to 211C. Although the main server 203 and the servers 209A to 209C are shown as a single server in the figure, the main server 203 and the servers 209A to 209C may also be a distributed computing environment, which includes multiple computing devices located in the same location or in different geographical locations.

[0076] In some embodiments, the main server 203 and the servers 209A to 209C can all act as servers or clients for other server / client devices. As shown, the main server 203 is connected to the database 205, and the servers 209A to 209C can each be connected to one of the databases 211A to 211C. As discussed above, the main server 203 and the servers 209A to 209C can each correspond to a group of multiple servers, and these servers can share a database or have their own databases.

[0077] Database 205 and databases 211A to 211C may store information related to the present disclosure (e.g., battery identification information, vehicle / device identification collected by main server 203, information analyzed by main server 203, information generated by main server 203, user account information, user's battery plan, user history, user behavior, user habits, user preferences, etc.). In some embodiments, at least one of databases 211A to 211C may be a public database maintained by a government or private entity (e.g., weather forecast database, travel alert database, traffic information database, location service database, map database, etc.). In some embodiments, at least one of databases 211A to 211C may be a private database providing proprietary information (e.g., user account, user credit record, user subscription information, etc.). In some embodiments, servers 209A to 209C and / or databases 211A to 211C are operated by a cloud service provider, and main server 203 and / or database 205 are operated by a battery service provider (e.g., one that provides users with a variety of battery exchange plans).

[0078] Network 207 may be a local area network or a wide area network, or may be other wired or wireless networks. Network 207 may be the Internet or other public or private networks. Battery exchange stations 201A to 201D may be connected to network 207 via a network interface, such as via wired or wireless communications. Although the connections between the main server 203 and servers 209A to 209C are shown as separate connections in the figure, these connections may be any regional, wide area, wired or wireless network, including network 207 or other public or private networks. In some embodiments, network 207 includes a secure network used by a private individual (e.g., a company, etc.).

[0079] Figure 3AA schematic diagram of a station 300 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown. As shown, the station 300 includes a processor 301, a memory 303, a user interface 305, a communication component 307, a battery management component 309, one or more sensors 311, a storage component 313, and a charging component 315, and the charging component 315 is connected to eight battery slots 317a to 317h. The processor 301 is configured to interact with the memory 303 and other components (e.g., components 305 to 317) in the station 300. The memory 303 is coupled to the processor 301 and is configured to store instructions for controlling other components or other information in the station 300.

[0080] The user interface 305 is configured to interact with the user (e.g., receive user input and present information to the user). In some embodiments, the user interface 305 can be implemented as a touch display. In other embodiments, the user interface 305 can include other suitable user interface devices (e.g., a keyboard and a display). The storage component 313 is configured to temporarily or permanently store information, data, files, or signals related to the site 300 (e.g., information measured by the sensor 311, information collected by the battery slots 317a to 317h, charging instructions, user information, etc.). The communication component 307 is configured to communicate with other devices (e.g., battery-powered vehicles or devices, servers 33, other sites, mobile devices 31 carried by users or service members, etc.).

[0081] The battery management component 309 is configured to manage and control the batteries disposed in the battery slots 317a to 317h. The battery management component 309 can implement a battery safety mechanism for the batteries (e.g., see above). Figure 1 In some embodiments, the battery management component 309 can manage the battery based on predetermined instructions or guidelines stored in the station 300 (e.g., stored in the storage component 313). In some embodiments, the battery management component 309 can periodically communicate with the server 33 to request updated instructions.

[0082] In some embodiments, the battery management component 309 may also be configured to collect information about the batteries disposed in the battery slots 317a to 317h, information about the station 300, information about the one or more power sources 35, information about the user (e.g., received from the mobile device 31 via the communication component 307), and / or information about the vehicle 30. The battery management component 309 may transmit or upload the collected information to the server 33 for further analysis or processing.

[0083] The sensor 311 is configured to measure information related to the station 300 (e.g., operating temperature, environmental conditions, power connection, network connection, etc.). The sensor 311 can also be configured to monitor the batteries disposed in the battery slots 317a to 317h. The information measured by the sensor 311 can be transmitted to the battery management component 309 and the server 33 for further analysis.

[0084] The charging component 315 is configured to control the charging process of each battery disposed in the battery slots 317a to 317h. In some embodiments, the station 300 may include other numbers of battery slots. The battery slots 317a to 317h are configured to accommodate batteries and charge the batteries disposed or locked in the battery slots 317a to 317h. The charging component 315 receives power from the power source 35 and uses the received power to charge the batteries disposed in the battery slots 317a to 317h.

[0085] In some embodiments, when a user places a battery in one of the battery slots 317a to 317h, the station 300 detects the presence of the battery and extracts information from the battery. For example, the battery management component 309 can extract information related to the battery from a battery memory inside or coupled to the battery (e.g., identification information of the battery, battery usage history, charging cycle, full charge capacity, vehicle information of vehicles that have been powered by the battery or used the battery, user activities that the battery has participated in, etc.).

[0086] Figure 3B Schematic diagram of a vehicle 30 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown. The vehicle 30 can be implemented as an electric motorcycle, an electric car, etc. The vehicle 30 includes a processor 319, a memory 321, a battery 323, a motor 325, an input device 327, an instrument display 329, a storage component 331, one or more sensors 333, and a communication component 335. The processor 319 is configured to interact with the memory 321 and other components (e.g., components 323 to 335) in the vehicle 30. The memory 321 is coupled to the processor 319 and is configured to store instructions for controlling other components or other information in the vehicle 30. The storage component 331 can have similar functions as the storage component 313. The communication component 335 can have similar functions as the communication component 307. The instrument display 329 is configured to visually present information (e.g., information related to the vehicle 30) to the user.

[0087] The battery 323 is configured to power the motor 325 so that the motor 325 can move the vehicle 30. The battery 323 can be a swappable battery. When the battery 323 runs out of power, the user of the vehicle 30 can swap the battery 323 at the station 300. For example, the user can remove the battery 323 from the vehicle 30 and then place the battery 323 in one of the battery slots 317a to 317h (e.g., an empty slot without a battery inside). The user can then remove a fully charged battery from the battery slots 317a to 317h and install it in the vehicle 30. In some embodiments, the user can request that a fully charged battery be delivered to the vehicle 30 (e.g., see the aforementioned embodiment regarding the station operating in the "milk pickup" mode). The battery 323 includes a battery memory 337, which is configured to store information related to the battery (e.g., identification information 1001).

[0088] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method 400 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The method 400 is configured to authenticate an energy storage device. The method 400 may be implemented by a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 109 or vehicle 30) or a device powered by an energy storage device (e.g., a portable and small-sized battery swap station, a portable kiosk, etc.). The method 400 begins at block 401, in which a first portion of identification information is received, the identification information being stored in a data storage attached to the energy storage device. The energy storage device is configured to power the vehicle or device. In some embodiments, the data storage may be disposed in a housing of the energy storage device and controlled by a controller of the energy storage device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first portion indicates the device / vehicle group to which the device or vehicle belongs. For example, the first portion may be "Prefix" or "CORP-K," which indicates that the group is a vehicle sharing fleet of "Company K." The identification information may include a second portion to specify a specific authorized vehicle. For example, the second portion may be "435678922," which is the "unique serial number" of the authorized vehicle. In another example, the second portion may be a "universal identification code," such as "000000000" or "#########." In another example, the second portion may be "null" or blank.

[0090] Method 400 continues to block 403, where the first portion of the identification information is analyzed based at least in part on a vehicle identification / device identification of the vehicle / device. In embodiments where the energy storage device is a battery, "vehicle identification" or "device identification" may be the device / vehicle counterpart of "identification information." The device identification may also include a first portion and a second portion, corresponding to the first portion and the second portion of the identification information at the battery end, respectively. In such embodiments, analyzing the first portion of the identification information includes comparing the first portion of the identification information to the first portion of the device identification to determine whether the two match.

[0091] Method 400 continues to block 405, where the second portion of the identification information is updated based on the results of analyzing the first portion of the identification information. For example, if the analysis results show that the first portion at the battery end and the device / vehicle end match, it means that the energy storage device is authorized to power the device / vehicle. In other words, both the device / vehicle and the energy storage device are authenticated. This process can continue to update the second portion of the identification information (e.g., the second portion of the identification information at the battery end) so that the energy storage device can be operated in a station operating in "normal" mode (e.g., Figure 1 The second site 103) in the exchange is performed.

[0092] Without the updated second portion of identification information, the energy storage device cannot be exchanged for another energy storage device and / or charged at a station operating in "normal" mode. In these embodiments, an energy storage device with an unupdated second portion can be brought to (i) an authorized vehicle / device, or (ii) a station operating in "milk pickup" mode.

[0093] If the analysis result shows that the first part on the battery side and the device / vehicle side do not match, it means that the energy storage device is not authorized to power the device / vehicle, and an alarm or notification can be generated to resolve the problem.

[0094] Blocks 401, 403, and 405 are steps performed at the vehicle / device end. In some embodiments, before blocks 401, 403, and 405, the energy storage device may be exchanged by a first energy storage device exchange station (e.g., Figure 1The first station 101 in the vehicle sharing group "ABC" prepares and adjusts the state. In response to a request (for example, a request for a battery with 90% power to be provided to a vehicle of the vehicle sharing group "ABC"), the first station can update the identification information stored in the data storage attached to the energy storage device. For example, the first station can write "ABC" in the first part of the identification information and write "000000" (i.e., a universal identification code) in the second part of the identification information of the energy storage device. In some embodiments, the second part of the identification information can be erased or set to "null" or blank. With this configuration, the energy storage device can be used by any device / vehicle in the vehicle sharing group "ABC".

[0095] In some embodiments, the request may be sent from a mobile device associated with the vehicle / device to be powered. For example, the operator of the vehicle / device may send the request from his or her smartphone.

[0096] In some embodiments, the request may be manually entered via a user input at the first station. For example, a service member may enter a request (requesting three batteries with a charge level greater than 95%) before initiating a "milk pickup" (e.g., delivering batteries to multiple vehicles / devices belonging to one or more groups).

[0097] In some embodiments, the request may be sent from the vehicle / device. For example, if the vehicle's processor detects that the vehicle's current battery is low and determines that the vehicle cannot reach a nearby station for exchange, the processor may begin the process of sending a request to the station or server. In some embodiments, the server may coordinate with multiple stations to prioritize responses to such requests.

[0098] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method 500 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown. The method 500 is used to operate an electric vehicle powered by an energy storage device. The method 500 begins at block 501, where a processor of the electric vehicle receives a first portion of identification information, the identification information being stored in a data storage attached to the energy storage device.

[0099] Method 500 continues to block 503 where a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle is received by a processor of the electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle identification may be stored in a storage component of the vehicle / device (e.g., Figure 3B storage component 331 in the storage component 331) or received from a server (for example: Figure 3B Server 33 in).

[0100] At block 505 , method 500 includes comparing a first portion of the identification information with a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle. The first portion of the identification information may include a prefix, and the prefix may correspond to an electric vehicle group to which the electric vehicle belongs.

[0101] The method 500 continues to block 507, where if the first portion of the identification information matches the vehicle identification, the processor of the electric vehicle updates the second portion of the identification information. At block 509, the method 500 includes the processor of the electric vehicle enabling the energy storage device to power the electric vehicle. Updating the second portion of the identification information may include updating a unique serial number corresponding to the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle.

[0102] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending a signal to a server if the first portion of the identification information does not match the vehicle identification.

[0103] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method 600 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown. The method 600 is used to operate an energy storage device exchange station. The method 600 starts from block 601. In block 601, a processor of the energy storage device exchange station changes the operation mode of the energy storage device exchange station from a first operation mode to a second operation mode in response to a request.

[0104] At block 603, method 600 includes updating, by a processor of the energy storage device exchange station, a first portion of identification information, wherein the identification information is stored in a data storage, the data storage being attached to an energy storage device in the energy storage device exchange station. The first portion of the identification information corresponds to a device identification of a device (e.g., the device identification indicates a device group to which the device belongs, such as a fleet of vehicles). The energy storage device is configured to power the device.

[0105] At block 605, method 600 includes allowing the energy storage device to be removed from the energy storage device exchange station. In some embodiments, method 600 proceeds to block 607 where the operating mode of the energy storage device exchange station is changed from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

[0106] Method 600 may further include updating the second portion of the identification information by a processor of the energy storage device exchange station, wherein updating the second portion of the identification information is performed by (i) replacing the second portion of the identification information with a universal identification code; or (ii) erasing the second portion of the identification information.

[0107] Figure 71 is a flow chart of a method 700 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The method 700 is used to manage an energy storage device exchange station. The method 700 starts at block 701, where a request to exchange a first energy storage device in an electric vehicle is received.

[0108] The method 700 continues to block 703, where a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle is received. At block 705, the method 700 includes determining an energy storage device exchange station based on the request. The method 700 continues to block 707, where the energy storage device exchange station is authorized to prepare a second energy storage device.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second energy storage device can be prepared by: (i) storing a portion of the vehicle identification in a first part of the identification information of the second energy storage device, wherein the identification information is stored in a data storage device attached to the second energy storage device; and (ii) storing a universal identification code corresponding to the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle in a second part of the identification information of the second energy storage device.

[0110] In some embodiments, method 700 further includes receiving a signal confirming that the unique serial number of the electric vehicle is stored in the second portion of the identification information of the second energy storage device.

[0111] In the embodiments discussed herein, a “component” may include a processor, control logic, a digital signal processor, a computing unit, and / or other suitable devices configured or programmed to execute instructions to implement the functions mentioned above.

[0112] In some embodiments, one or more energy storage device exchange stations may be designated to operate continuously in a "milk pickup" mode. For example, such stations may be located at or near a service or maintenance center where service members are located. In some embodiments, the technology allows users to obtain energy storage devices in "milk pickup" mode. For example, once authorized, a user can obtain an energy storage device at a station without having to insert the energy storage device first to "rescue" a vehicle away from the station. In some embodiments, a user group (e.g., friends, family, people traveling together, etc.) may include multiple users, and the technology may authorize users in a user group to obtain energy storage devices for other users in "milk pickup" mode.

[0113] Although the present technology has been described in terms of specific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present technology is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be implemented with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A method for verifying an energy storage device, for verifying an energy storage device, characterized in that: Include: Receiving a first portion of identification information, the identification information stored in a data storage device attached to the energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device is configured to power a powered device; analyzing the first portion of the identification information based at least in part on a device identification of the powered device; as well as A second portion of the identification information is updated based on a result of analyzing the first portion of the identification information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device is taken from an energy storage device exchange station, and the energy storage device exchange station is configured to update the identification information in response to a request.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein updating the identification information comprises: The energy storage device exchange station replaces the second portion of the identification information with a universal identification code; and The energy storage device exchange station updates the first portion of the identification information based on the request.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein updating the identification information comprises: The energy storage device exchange station erases the second portion of the identification information; and The energy storage device exchange station updates the first portion of the identification information based on the request.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the request is sent from a mobile device associated with an electric vehicle.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the request is received by the energy storage device exchange station from a user input.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the powered device is an electric vehicle, and the request is sent from the electric vehicle.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the request is sent from a server configured to communicate with a plurality of energy storage device exchange stations including the energy storage device exchange station. 9 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the identification information comprises a prefix corresponding to a first portion of the device identification of the device to be powered. 10 . The method according to claim 9 , wherein the prefix corresponds to a device group to which the powered device belongs.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the powered device is an electric vehicle, and updating the second part of the identification information comprises: updating, by the electric vehicle, a unique serial number corresponding to the device identification of the electric vehicle.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the identification information comprises a universal identification code or a unique serial number.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein if the second portion of the identification information includes the unique serial number of the powered device, the energy storage device is authorized to charge in an energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in a first operating mode.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein if the second part of the identification information includes the universal identification code of an electric vehicle, the energy storage device is not authorized to be charged in the energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in the first operating mode.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein when the energy storage device exchange station operates in a second operating mode, the energy storage device exchange station is configured to update the second portion of the identification information by replacing the second portion of the identification information with the universal identification code.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein when the energy storage device exchange station operates in a second operating mode, the energy storage device exchange station is configured to update the second portion of the identification information by erasing the second portion of the identification information.

17. An electric vehicle operating method for operating an electric vehicle, characterized in that: Include: Receiving, by a processor of the electric vehicle, a first portion of identification information stored in a data storage device attached to an energy storage device; Receiving, by the processor of the electric vehicle, a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle; comparing the first portion of the identification information with the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle; If the first portion of the identification information matches the vehicle identification, updating a second portion of the identification information by the processor of the electric vehicle; as well as The processor of the electric vehicle allows the energy storage device to power the electric vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: If the first portion of the identification information does not match the vehicle identification, a signal is sent to a server.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first portion of the identification information includes a prefix corresponding to the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle. 20 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the first portion of the identification information comprises a prefix corresponding to an electric vehicle group to which the electric vehicle belongs.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein updating the second portion of the identification information comprises: updating a unique serial number corresponding to the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle.

22. A method for operating an energy storage device exchange station, for operating an energy storage device exchange station, characterized in that: Include: A processor of the energy storage device exchange station changes an operation mode of the energy storage device exchange station from a first operation mode to a second operation mode in response to a request; updating, by the processor of the energy storage device exchange station, a first portion of identification information, wherein the identification information is stored in a data storage, the data storage being attached to an energy storage device in the energy storage device exchange station, wherein the first portion of the identification information corresponds to a device identification of a powered device, wherein the energy storage device is configured to power the powered device; allowing the energy storage device to be removed from the energy storage device exchange station; as well as The operating mode of the energy storage device exchange station is changed from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. 23 . The method according to claim 22 , wherein the first part of the identification information comprises a prefix, the powered device is an electric vehicle, and the prefix corresponds to an electric vehicle group to which the electric vehicle belongs.

24. The method according to claim 22 further comprises: updating a second part of the identification information by the processor of the energy storage device exchange station, wherein the second part of the identification information is updated by replacing the second part of the identification information with a universal identification code.

25. The method according to claim 22 further comprises: updating a second part of the identification information by the processor of the energy storage device exchange station, wherein updating the second part of the identification information is by erasing the second part of the identification information.

26. A method according to claim 22, wherein if a second portion of the identification information includes a unique serial number of the powered device, the energy storage device is authorized to charge in the energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in the first operating mode.

27. A method according to claim 22, wherein if a second portion of the identification information includes a universal identification code of an electric vehicle, the energy storage device is not authorized to charge in the energy storage device exchange station when the energy storage device exchange station is operating in the first operating mode.

28. A method for managing an energy storage device exchange station, for managing an energy storage device exchange station, characterized in that: Include: Receiving a request to exchange a first energy storage device in an electric vehicle; receiving a vehicle identification of the electric vehicle; determining an energy storage device exchange station based on the request; as well as The energy storage device exchange station is authorized to prepare a second energy storage device by: storing a portion of the vehicle identification in a first portion of identification information of the second energy storage device, wherein the identification information is stored in a data storage device attached to the second energy storage device; as well as A universal identification code corresponding to the vehicle identification of the electric vehicle is stored in a second part of the identification information of the second energy storage device.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising: receiving a signal to confirm that a unique serial number of the electric vehicle is stored in the second portion of the identification information of the second energy storage device.

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