Vehicle charging

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle charging station (1) comprising: a first reservoir (5) arranged to contain a first charging fluid; and a charging fluid transfer system (3) arranged to transfer at least part of a first charging fluid (5) to form a heat exchange relationship with a vehicle thermal energy storage material (108) of a vehicle (100) selectively connected to the vehicle charging station (1), thereby charging the vehicle thermal energy storage material (108) by changing the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the vehicle thermal energy storage material (108).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with the application number 201980020914.5, the application date of February 21, 2019, and the invention title of "Vehicle Charging". Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicle charging. Aspects of the present invention relate to vehicle charging stations, vehicles, vehicle charging methods, control systems, methods of control, computer programs, computer-readable storage media, and signals. Background Art

[0003] For simplicity, the following background is provided with reference to electric and hybrid vehicles. However, this is not intended to be restrictive, and it will be understood that the disclosure herein may also be relevant to other vehicles, whether they are road and / or land vehicles. For example, the present disclosure may be applicable to electric aircraft, ships, or rail trains.

[0004] When operating on battery power, the range of electric and hybrid electric vehicles is an ongoing challenge in the current automotive field. In addition to battery consumption caused by the motive movement of the vehicle, other vehicle systems may also utilize the battery to provide power. By way of example, in some existing models, 30 - 40% of the battery charge can be consumed on cabin air conditioning. Another potential consumption of battery energy is the battery thermal management system, which may draw power to keep the battery temperature within an operating temperature range. It is also noted that the support infrastructure for delivering battery energy to such air conditioning and / or thermal management systems may occupy space within the vehicle and increase weight.

[0005] In view of the above, key vehicle systems powered by the vehicle's battery, which is also used to power the movement of the vehicle, may significantly reduce performance (e.g., range and acceleration).

[0006] Research into solutions to this problem has generally focused on improved air conditioning and heating elements (e.g., using heat pump air conditioners or using new refrigerants, e.g., CO 2 )). Although implementing these means has led to some improvements, such systems still consume a relatively large amount of battery charge. In addition, these new technologies may also introduce new challenges. By way of example, heat pump air conditioners may be prone to causing condensation on the windshield and / or reduced heating performance due to frosting. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle charging station, comprising: a first reservoir arranged to contain a first charging fluid; and a charging fluid transfer system arranged to transfer at least a portion of the first charging fluid to form a heat exchange relationship with a vehicle thermal energy storage material of a vehicle selectively connected to the vehicle charging station, thereby charging the vehicle thermal energy storage material by changing the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid.

[0008] The vehicle thermal energy storage material can act as thermal energy storage for use in a vehicle system, for example, for maintaining the temperature of a vehicle battery within a desired temperature range and / or for a heating, ventilation, and cooling system of the vehicle to provide heated and / or cooled air to a cabin. This can reduce the load on the vehicle battery, as otherwise electrical energy from the vehicle battery may be used to manage its own temperature and the temperature of the cabin. By charging the vehicle thermal energy storage material by means of heat exchange with the first charging fluid provided by the vehicle charging station, cost reduction can be achieved as compared to, for example, directly charging the vehicle thermal energy storage material using electrical energy. Specifically, the first reservoir can be used as thermal energy storage, which can be heated / cooled, at least mainly, when energy is cheaper.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat exchange relationship is provided by a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be part of the vehicle charging station or part of the vehicle. Additionally, the heat exchanger can be at least partially formed by the vehicle thermal energy storage material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vehicle charging station includes a thermal energy changing system arranged to change and / or maintain the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid in the first reservoir and / or elsewhere in the vehicle charging station, wherein the thermal energy changing system includes a heating and / or cooling system. In this way, the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid can be managed while the first charging fluid is stored in the vehicle charging station. This can eliminate the need to replace the first charging fluid at regular intervals and / or to transfer it to the vehicle charging station at a specific temperature and / or in a specific phase.

[0011] In some embodiments, the thermal energy changing system is arranged to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. For example, the thermal energy changing system can include an air conditioning unit arranged to cool the first charging fluid and / or an electric heating element arranged to heat the first charging fluid.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thermal energy conversion system is arranged to receive electrical energy from the power grid. This can be a convenient way to provide a large and readily available power supply to the thermal energy conversion system. In cases where there are a sufficient number of vehicle charging stations connected to the power grid and they preferentially draw electrical energy during off-peak hours, they can contribute to the reduction and balancing of the power grid peak.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thermal energy conversion system is arranged to receive electrical energy via a transformer, and the vehicle charging station is arranged to recover the thermal energy generated due to the use of the transformer, and use the recovered thermal energy to maintain and / or regulate the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid. This can improve the efficiency of the process of regulating the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thermal energy conversion system is arranged to transfer thermal energy to the first charging fluid, wherein the thermal energy is provided by the surrounding environment and / or by one or more renewable energy sources, and / or by waste thermal energy from one or more processes. This can improve the efficiency of the process of regulating the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid. For example, the renewable energy can come from solar photovoltaic cells or solar collectors. The waste thermal energy can come from other industrial / commercial processes (such as nuclear power generation).

[0015] In some embodiments, the thermal energy conversion system is arranged to obtain thermal energy provided by the surrounding environment and / or waste thermal energy from one or more processes.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thermal energy conversion system is arranged to selectively convert thermal energy from the first charging fluid into electrical energy and transfer it to the energy grid. For example, the thermal energy conversion system can include Peltier elements or thermoelectric elements. This functionality can reduce consumption and cost, for example, in cases where it is desired that the thermal energy of the first charging fluid steadily decreases (e.g., due to a reduction in load and / or an expected change in the desired temperature of the first charging fluid caused by changes in environmental conditions).

[0017] In some embodiments, the vehicle charging station includes a control system arranged to control the thermal energy conversion system to maintain and / or regulate the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid. As will be understood, in providing this functionality, the control system can also be arranged to control the transfer of electrical energy from the thermal energy conversion system to the energy grid.

[0018] In some embodiments, the control system is arranged to control the thermal energy change system according to one or more operating parameters to maintain and / or regulate the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid. Examples of operating parameters that can be used alone or in combination are as follows:

[0019] - The state of the first charging fluid. For example, its temperature, state, volume, pressure, etc.

[0020] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at a vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0021] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at a vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area. Related weather conditions can be wind and / or precipitation levels (e.g., rain or snow).

[0022] - Current and / or predicted load. For example, the number of vehicles and / or thermal energy emissions per time period.

[0023] - Time of day. For example, peak periods, off-peak electricity periods, etc.

[0024] - The cost associated with maintaining and / or regulating the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid at that time and / or other times. For example, the cost of electricity at the relevant time and /

[0025] or the availability of waste heat energy at the relevant time.

[0026] - Traffic conditions at a location and / or within a region. For example, how this may affect demand.

[0027] - The state of one or more systems of one or more vehicles. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle thermal energy storage material, the state of the charged battery, and / or temperature, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0028] - The state of one or more other vehicle charging stations. For example, the temperature of the first charging fluid stored therein and / or the remaining thermal energy stored therein.

[0029] Facilities can also be provided to override normal control automatically or manually to maintain or regulate the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid as needed.

[0030] Using such operating parameters can allow for optimization in terms of cost reduction while maintaining / regulating temperature and / or state and / or chemical substances, increasing the likelihood of meeting demand, and providing suitable thermal control to a vehicle. By way of example, depending on factors such as ambient temperature and other weather conditions, the cooling and heating demands of a vehicle system can vary. Accordingly, the control system can respond to the ambient temperature and other weather conditions and / or predicted future ambient temperature and other weather conditions as input operating parameters and regulate the temperature of the first charge fluid. For example, the temperature of the first charge fluid can be regulated to a human thermal comfort level. By way of an alternative example, in the case where local traffic conditions, such as congestion, traffic jams, or accidents, mean that a particular vehicle charging station may and / or is receiving a higher demand for charging than normal, the control system can operate the thermal energy alteration system to increase, maintain, or slow down the reduction of thermal energy stored in the first charge fluid.

[0031] In some embodiments, the control system exclusively or preferentially maintains and / or alters the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charge fluid during times of the day when electricity is cheaper. Accordingly, the heating and / or cooling of the first charge fluid can occur only or preferentially at off-peak times (e.g., at night). This can reduce costs and contribute to grid load balancing and time shifting. However, maintaining and / or altering the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charge fluid can be performed at peak times that would otherwise violate a predetermined threshold of one or more parameters that would compromise the performance of the vehicle charging system (and / or a network of such vehicle charging systems) in order to meet demand.

[0032] In some embodiments, a vehicle charging station is arranged to store and convey a first charge fluid having a temperature higher than the designed operating temperature of the vehicle thermal energy storage material. Due to the larger temperature difference between the first charge fluid and the vehicle thermal energy storage material, charging can occur more quickly due to the higher heat transfer driving force. Similarly, a vehicle charging station can be arranged to store and convey a first charge fluid having a temperature lower than the designed operating temperature of the vehicle thermal energy storage material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first reservoir can be arranged to contain at least approximately 10,000 liters of the first charge fluid.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first reservoir includes a storage container that is at least partially located underground. Storing the first charge fluid at least partially underground can be used to better insulate it from temperature changes. For example, the storage container can be a fuel storage tank that has been given a new use, such as being associated with a fuel station forecourt.

[0035] In some embodiments, a vehicle charging station includes a charging system arranged to transfer electrical energy to a vehicle electrical system. The charging system can be used to transfer electrical energy to one or more batteries of the vehicle, and in particular to the battery used to power the movement of the vehicle. The vehicle charging station can be arranged to provide electrical energy via the charging system and, simultaneously, to charge a vehicle thermal energy storage material via a charge fluid transfer system. The vehicle charging system and the charge transfer system can include separate connectors for connection to the vehicle, or they can be combined into a shared connector.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first charge fluid includes a phase change material. For example, the first charge fluid can include a mineral or synthetic oil, molten salt, water, or ethylene glycol mixture, optionally with a phase change material suspended in the fluid. Thus, the first charge fluid can be capable of absorbing and releasing latent heat at the melting and solidification temperatures of the phase change material. The first charge fluid can also include one or more thermal conductivity additives to improve thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity additives can be organic materials, inorganic materials, composite organic-inorganic materials, metals, and alloys, such as graphite, graphene, expandable graphite, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, aluminum, aluminum oxide, copper, or copper oxide. The first charge fluid can have a design operating temperature as low as -30 °C or lower and as high as 300 °C or higher.

[0037] In some embodiments, a vehicle charging station includes: a communication controller arranged to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. Each device can be a central data repository, a central controller, another vehicle charging station, a vehicle, or another user device, such as a mobile phone. The device can be remote from the communication controller and / or the vehicle charging station. In the case where the device is a central controller, the central controller can form part of another device or can be independent. The communication controller can allow the vehicle charging station to send information related to (e.g., its status), and / or receive information related to the status of other devices, and / or receive instructions for managing its own status. By way of example application, this can allow multiple vehicle charging stations to manage themselves and / or be managed to cooperate in providing charging services. Thus, a vehicle charging station (a) can compensate for a high load on another vehicle charging station (b) by increasing its own thermal energy storage. Then, the vehicle can be preferentially directed (e.g., via a navigation system) to vehicle charging station (a), potentially allowing vehicle charging station (b) to restore its own thermal energy storage. One or more of the communication controllers and / or one or more devices can be arranged to collect data communicated to and / or from them. As will be understood, the data can relate to the operation of one or more devices and / or vehicle charging stations.

[0038] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to send one or more operating parameters related to a vehicle charging station to one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. For example, the operating parameters may be indicated by one or more of the following:

[0039] - The state of the first charging fluid. For example, its temperature, state, volume, etc.

[0040] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0041] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0042] - Current and / or predicted load. For example, the number of vehicles and / or thermal energy emissions per time period.

[0043] - Time of day. For example, peak periods, off-peak power periods, etc.

[0044] - The cost associated with maintaining and / or regulating the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid at that time and / or other times. For example, the cost of electricity at the relevant time and /

[0045] or the availability of waste heat energy at the relevant time.

[0046] - Traffic conditions at a location and / or within a region. For example, how this may affect demand.

[0047] - The state of one or more systems of one or more vehicles. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle thermal energy storage material, the state of the charged battery, and / or temperature, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0048] - The state of one or more other vehicle charging stations. For example, the temperature of the first charging fluid stored therein and / or the remaining thermal energy stored therein.

[0049] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to receive, via one or more wired or wireless networks, one or more operating parameters related to one or more other vehicle charging stations from one or more devices. Where such a network or networks are provided, the one or more wired or wireless networks may be the same as the one or more wired or wireless networks used to transmit operating parameters related to vehicle charging stations. The received operating parameters may be like each operating parameter described above with reference to the operating parameters that may be transmitted from a vehicle charging station, only with respect to one or more other vehicle charging stations.

[0050] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to receive operation instructions from one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. Where such a network or networks are provided, the one or more wired or wireless networks may be the same as the one or more wired or wireless networks used to transmit operating parameters related to vehicle charging stations and / or to receive operating parameters related to one or more other vehicle charging stations. The operation instructions may have been generated by one or more devices. The operation instructions may depend on the operating parameters of one, some, or all of the devices connected to it via a wired or wireless link. The operation instructions may relate to the operation of the thermal energy changing system (e.g., the desired temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of a first charging fluid).

[0051] In some embodiments, the control system may be arranged to receive the one or more operating parameters and / or operation instructions received by the communication controller and to control the operation of the vehicle charging station in accordance with those operating parameters and / or those operation instructions. For example, the control system may control the operation of the thermal energy changing system in accordance with those operating parameters and / or those operation instructions (e.g., to achieve the desired temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of a first charging fluid).

[0052] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to transmit operation instructions to one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. Where such a network or networks are provided, the one or more wired or wireless networks may be the same as the one or more wired or wireless networks used to transmit operating parameters related to vehicle charging stations and / or to receive operating parameters related to one or more devices. The operation instructions may have been generated by the communication controller and / or the control system. The operation instructions may depend on the operating parameters of one, some, or all of the devices connected to it via a wired or wireless link. The operation instructions may relate to the operation of one or more of the devices. For example, the operation instructions may be used to control the thermal energy changing system of one or more other vehicle charging stations.

[0053] In some embodiments, the communication controller may form part of a control system.

[0054] In some embodiments, a vehicle charging station includes: a second reservoir arranged to contain a second charging fluid such that a first charging fluid and the second charging fluid are maintained at substantially different temperatures and / or phases, and wherein a charging fluid delivery system is arranged to allow a choice of either delivering the first charging fluid to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material or delivering the second charging fluid to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material. In this way, the charging fluid is more suitable for different ambient temperatures and / or other weather conditions and can provide the needs of the vehicle system without significant delay between charging cycles and / or without effecting an inefficient change to the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid. Additionally or alternatively, a second charging fluid may be provided for an alternative charging function, e.g., charging a refrigerated vehicle and / or a refrigerated transport vehicle. For example, one of the first charging fluid and the second charging fluid may be maintained at a temperature above ambient while the other is maintained at a temperature below ambient.

[0055] It is to be understood that any feature or relationship previously referenced or described with respect to the first reservoir and / or the first charging fluid may also apply to the second reservoir and / or the second charging fluid with the necessary modified relationships. Additionally, such features or relationships may be replicated, one applied to each of the relevant reservoirs and / or charging fluids, or, where appropriate, the same feature or relationship may apply to both of the relevant reservoirs and / or charging fluids. Thus, by way of example, a thermal energy altering system may be arranged to alter and / or maintain the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the second reservoir in a vehicle charging station and / or the second charging fluid elsewhere. Alternatively, an additional thermal energy altering system may be provided which is arranged to alter and / or maintain the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the second reservoir in a vehicle charging station and / or the second charging fluid elsewhere.

[0056] In response to one or more operating parameters, a selection may be made automatically or manually between the delivery of the first charging fluid or the second charging fluid. A control system may make a selection between the delivery of the first charging fluid and the second charging fluid. Example parameters are:

[0057] - The state of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid. For example, its temperature, state, volume, etc.

[0058] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a particular area.

[0059] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at a vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0060] - The state of one or more systems of one or more vehicles. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle's thermal energy storage material, the state of the charged battery, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0061] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a thermal management system, the thermal management system comprising a vehicle thermal energy storage material, and the thermal management system being arranged to place the vehicle thermal energy storage material in a heat exchange relationship with a first charging fluid of a vehicle charging station, the vehicle charging station being selectively connectable to the vehicle such that the first charging fluid charges the vehicle thermal energy storage material by changing its temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition.

[0062] In some embodiments, the vehicle thermal energy storage material is at least partially provided in, on, and / or as part of an interior vehicle feature, such as a vehicle seat structure. By way of example, at least a portion of the vehicle thermal energy storage material may be provided in, on, and / or as part of the seat cushion, and / or seat back and / or headrest. The material of the interior vehicle feature (e.g., cushioning, such as foam) may be used to insulate the vehicle thermal energy storage material from temperature changes.

[0063] In some embodiments, the vehicle thermal energy storage material is at least partially provided in, on, and / or as part of the vehicle body. For example, at least a portion of the vehicle thermal energy storage material may be provided in, on, and / or as part of the vehicle sill plate, A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, and / or D-pillar. Generally, the vehicle thermal energy storage material may provide structural reinforcement for the structural body member and / or the body.

[0064] In some embodiments, the heat exchange relationship is provided by a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be part of the vehicle charging station or part of the vehicle. Additionally, at least in the prior art, the heat exchanger may be formed by the vehicle thermal energy storage material.

[0065] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is arranged to provide heat transfer between a vehicle thermal energy storage material and a battery temperature control system, which is arranged to use the heat transfer with the vehicle thermal energy storage material to maintain the temperature of the vehicle's battery within a temperature tolerance range. Using the vehicle thermal energy storage material to manage the battery temperature can reduce the load on the battery, as otherwise electrical energy from the battery might be used to manage its own temperature.

[0066] In some embodiments, the battery is arranged to deliver energy to drive the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle can be an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle. The vehicle can include a charging system for charging the battery from a supply external to the vehicle and / or from vehicle systems such as an engine or a braking system.

[0067] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is arranged to provide heat transfer between ambient air and the battery temperature control system. Under certain operating conditions, heat exchange with the vehicle thermal energy storage material will tend to heat the battery when it has overheated or cool the battery when it has become too cold. Thus, in situations where ambient air is more suitable for changing the battery temperature in the desired direction, the thermal management system can selectively provide heat exchange with ambient air in preference to heat exchange with the vehicle thermal energy storage material. As will be appreciated, heat exchange with ambient air can be achieved (for example) by using an air intake and a valved duct system for selectively routing ambient air into and out of a heat exchange relationship with the battery.

[0068] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is arranged to provide heat transfer between a vehicle thermal energy storage material and a temperature conditioning system, which is arranged to use the heat transfer with the vehicle thermal energy storage material to selectively deliver heating and / or cooling to the vehicle's cabin. Using the vehicle thermal energy storage material to respond to heating and / or cooling demands of the cabin can reduce the load on the battery, as otherwise electrical energy from the battery might be used to manage the temperature of the cabin.

[0069] In some embodiments, the vehicle does not include a refrigeration cycle system arranged to deliver cooling to the cabin and / or arranged to cool the vehicle's battery. Providing the thermal management system can eliminate the need for such a refrigeration cycle system.

[0070] In some embodiments, the vehicle does not include an electric heating element arranged to generate heat for use in delivering heating to the cabin and / or heating the vehicle's battery. Providing the thermal management system can eliminate the need for such an electric heating element.

[0071] In some embodiments, a vehicle includes a control system configured to control the transfer of thermal energy between a vehicle thermal energy storage material and a battery temperature control system and / or a temperature regulation system of the vehicle. The control system may control such an operation based on factors such as, for example, the respective demands from each of the battery temperature control system and the temperature regulation system, the relative importance and / or significance of those systems and / or the urgency of their demands and / or the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle thermal energy storage material and / or the availability and suitability of alternative measures to mitigate all or part of a failure to meet the demands.

[0072] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to control the thermal management system to place a first charging fluid of a vehicle thermal energy storage material and a vehicle charging station selectively connected to the vehicle in a heat exchange relationship with each other.

[0073] In some embodiments, the thermal management system is configured to place a second charging fluid of a vehicle thermal energy storage material and a vehicle charging station selectively connected to the vehicle in a heat exchange relationship with each other, such that the second charging fluid charges the vehicle thermal energy storage material by changing its temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition. The first charging fluid and the second charging fluid may be maintained at substantially different temperatures and / or states and / or chemical states. For example, one of the first charging fluid and the second charging fluid may be maintained at a temperature above ambient, and the other at a temperature below ambient. The thermal management system may be configured to allow a choice between heat exchange between the first charging fluid and the vehicle thermal energy storage material and heat exchange between the second charging fluid and the vehicle thermal energy storage material. The thermal management system may be adapted to accommodate the vehicle thermal energy storage material, where the vehicle thermal energy storage material has undergone heat exchange with either the first charging fluid or the second charging fluid.

[0074] It is to be understood that any feature or relationship previously referenced or described with respect to the first charging fluid may also apply to the second storage and / or the second charging fluid and the necessary modified relationships.

[0075] In response to one or more operating parameters, a choice may be made automatically or manually between heat exchange with the first charging fluid or heat exchange with the second charging fluid. The control system may make a choice between the first charging fluid and the second charging fluid. Example operating parameters are:

[0076] - The state of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid. For example, its temperature, state, volume, etc.

[0077] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a particular area.

[0078] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at a vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0079] - The state of one or more systems of the vehicle. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle's thermal energy storage material, the state of the charged battery, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0080] In some embodiments, the vehicle thermal energy storage material includes a phase change material or a thermochemical storage material. During normal operation of the vehicle, the vehicle thermal energy storage material can be solid, liquid, or gaseous, or can change between two or more of these states during normal operation of the vehicle. One or more heat transfer enhancement measures can be used, for example, having heat sinks and / or thermal conductive additives and / or metal foams to improve heat conduction to accommodate the vehicle thermal energy storage material. The thermal conductive additives can be organic materials, inorganic materials, composite organic-inorganic materials, metals, and alloys, such as graphite, graphene, expandable graphite, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, aluminum, aluminum oxide, copper, or copper oxide. The heat sink or foam can be made of copper, aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber. The phase change material can have a melting point between 30 °C (or lower) and +300 °C (or higher). In some embodiments, the vehicle thermal energy storage material can be stored in the vehicle at a temperature on the order of 700 °C. Examples of potentially suitable phase change materials are chloride salts, carbonates, sulfates, and nitrates, or a combination of two or more of these, or higher alkanes, polymers, polyols, or eutectic salt solutions. The vehicle thermal energy storage material can include multiple such phase change materials. Different phase change materials can differ in their properties. Examples of potentially suitable thermochemical storage materials will facilitate the calcination / carbonation of carbonate reactions, the hydration / dehydration of metal hydroxide reactions, the hydration / dehydration of hydrated salt reactions, or the oxidation / decomposition of metal peroxides.

[0081] In some embodiments, a vehicle includes a communication controller arranged to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. Each device may be a central controller, another vehicle, a vehicle charging station, or another user device, such as a mobile phone. The device may be remote from the communication controller and / or the vehicle. In the case where the device is a central controller, the central controller may form part of another device or may be standalone. The communication controller may allow the vehicle to send information related to (e.g.,) its state, and / or receive information related to the state of other devices, and / or receive instructions for managing its own state. By way of example application, this may allow the vehicle to recommend a particular vehicle charging station based on, for example, its state compared to other vehicle charging stations (e.g., the condition of their respective thermal energy storage). The following factors may also be processed when determining the recommendation: for example, environmental conditions and / or other weather conditions, the vehicle's thermal energy storage, the state of road and / or traffic conditions, the distance to various vehicle charging stations, and the convenience of their location in terms of a particular journey plan. Any recommendations may be notified to the user, for example, as a recommended route on a navigation display. One or more of the communication controllers and / or one or more of the devices may be arranged to aggregate data communicated to and / or from them. As will be understood, the data may relate to the operation of one or more devices and / or the vehicle.

[0082] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to send one or more operating parameters related to the vehicle to one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. For example, the operating parameters may be indicated by one or more of the following:

[0083] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the location of the vehicle and / or within a particular area.

[0084] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the location of the vehicle and / or within a particular area.

[0085] - Time of day. For example, peak hours.

[0086] - Traffic conditions at a location and / or within a region.

[0087] - The state of one or more systems of the vehicle. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle's thermal energy storage material, the state of charge of the battery, and / or temperature, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to receive, via one or more wired or wireless networks, one or more operating parameters related to one or more vehicle charging stations from one or more devices. Where such a network or networks are provided, the one or more wired or wireless networks may be the same as the one or more wired or wireless networks used to transmit operating parameters related to the vehicle. For example, the operating parameters received by each vehicle charging station may be indicated by one or more of the following:

[0089] - The state of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid. For example, its temperature, state, volume, etc.

[0090] - The ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0091] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0092] - Current and / or predicted load. For example, the number of vehicles and / or heat energy emissions per time period.

[0093] - Time of day. For example, peak periods, off-peak power periods, etc.

[0094] - The cost associated with maintaining and / or regulating the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid at that time and / or other times. For example, the cost of electricity at the relevant time and /

[0095] or the availability of waste heat energy at the relevant time.

[0096] - Traffic and / or road conditions at a location and / or within a region. For example, how this may affect demand.

[0097] - The state of one or more other vehicle charging stations. For example, the temperature of the first charging fluid stored therein and / or the remaining heat energy stored therein.

[0098] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to receive operation instructions from one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. In the case where such one network or more networks are provided, the one or more wired or wireless networks may be the same as the one or more wired or wireless networks used for transmitting operation parameters related to a vehicle and / or for receiving operation parameters related to one or more vehicle charging stations. The operation instructions may have been generated by one or more devices. The operation instructions may depend on the operation parameters of one, some, or all of the devices connected thereto via a wired or wireless link. The operation instructions may relate to one or more vehicle charging stations that may be used for charging.

[0099] In some embodiments, the control system may be arranged to receive the operation parameters and / or operation instructions received by the communication controller and to control the operation of the vehicle according to those operation parameters and / or those operation instructions. For example, the control system may control the operation of the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user of the vehicle to a suitable vehicle charging station among the one or more vehicle charging stations that may be selected.

[0100] In some embodiments, the communication controller is arranged to send operation instructions to one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. In the case where such one network or more networks are provided, the one or more wired or wireless networks may be the same as the one or more wired or wireless networks used for transmitting operation parameters related to a vehicle and / or for receiving operation parameters related to one or more devices. The operation instructions may have been generated by the communication controller and / or the control system. The operation instructions may depend on the operation parameters of one, some, or all of the devices connected thereto via a wired or wireless link. The operation instructions may relate to the operation of one or more of the devices. For example, the operation instructions may be used to control the thermal energy change system of one or more vehicle charging stations.

[0101] In some embodiments, the communication controller may form part of the control system.

[0102] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for charging a vehicle, the method comprising charging a vehicle thermal energy storage material of a vehicle selectively connected to a vehicle charging station by transferring at least a portion of a first charging fluid contained in the vehicle charging station to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material, thereby changing the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the vehicle thermal energy storage material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the method includes heating and / or cooling a first charging fluid in a vehicle charging station to change and / or maintain its temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition.

[0104] In some embodiments, maintaining and / or adjusting the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid is performed according to one or more operating parameters. Examples of operating parameters that can be used alone or in combination are as follows:

[0105] - The state of the first charging fluid. For example, its temperature, state, volume, etc.

[0106] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0107] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0108] - Current and / or predicted load. For example, the number of vehicles and / or thermal energy emissions per time period.

[0109] - Time of day. For example, peak periods, off-peak power periods, etc.

[0110] - The cost associated with maintaining and / or adjusting the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid at that time and / or other times. For example, the cost of electricity at the relevant time and /

[0111] or the availability of waste heat energy at the relevant time.

[0112] - Traffic and / or road conditions at a location and / or within a region. For example, how this may affect demand.

[0113] - The state of one or more systems of one or more vehicles. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle thermal energy storage material, the state of the charged battery, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0114] - The state of one or more other vehicle charging stations. For example, the temperature of the first charging fluid stored therein and / or the remaining thermal energy stored therein.

[0115] Facilities can also be provided to override normal control automatically or manually in order to maintain or adjust the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid as needed.

[0116] In some embodiments, maintaining and / or changing the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid is performed exclusively or preferentially during times of the day when electricity is cheaper.

[0117] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting electrical energy to an electrical system of a vehicle.

[0118] In some embodiments, the method includes communicating directly or indirectly between a vehicle charging station having one or more devices and / or a vehicle via one or more wired or wireless networks. Each device may be a central controller, another vehicle charging station, a vehicle, or another user device, such as a mobile phone.

[0119] In some embodiments, the method includes charging a vehicle thermal energy storage material of a vehicle selectively connected to a vehicle charging station by transferring at least a portion of a second charging fluid contained in the vehicle charging station to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material, thereby changing the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the vehicle thermal energy storage material. The method may also include a choice of transferring a first charging fluid to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material or transferring a second charging fluid to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material. The first charging fluid and the second charging fluid may be maintained at substantially different temperatures and / or phases.

[0120] It is to be understood that any method steps or relationships previously described with reference to or in relation to the first charging fluid may also apply to the second charging fluid and the necessarily modified relationships.

[0121] In some embodiments, a selection is made automatically or manually between the transfer of the first charging fluid or the transfer of the second charging fluid in response to one or more operating parameters. Example operating parameters are:

[0122] - The state of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid. For example, its temperature, state, volume, etc.

[0123] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a particular area.

[0124] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a particular area.

[0125] - The state of one or more systems of one or more vehicles. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle thermal energy storage material, the state of the charged battery, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0126] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program which, when read by a computer, causes the method of the third aspect to be executed.

[0127] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including computer-readable instructions that, when read by a computer, cause the method of the third aspect to be executed. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a USB flash drive, a Secure Digital (SD) card, an optical disc (e.g., a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0128] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal including computer-readable instructions that, when read by a computer, cause the method of the third aspect to be executed.

[0129] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control system arranged to execute the method of the third aspect.

[0130] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control system arranged to analyze one or more operating parameters of at least one device, where each device is one or the other of a vehicle charging station according to the first aspect and a vehicle according to the second aspect, and where the control system is further arranged to control the operation of at least one vehicle charging station according to the first aspect and / or at least one vehicle according to the second aspect, the control being dependent on the analysis.

[0131] Examples of operating parameters that may be used alone or in combination and that are suitable for one or more devices are as follows:

[0132] - The state of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid. For example, temperature, state, volume, etc.

[0133] - Ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0134] - Predicted future ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions. For example, at the vehicle charging station and / or within a specific area.

[0135] - Current and / or predicted load. For example, the number of vehicles and / or thermal energy emissions per time period.

[0136] - Time of day. For example, peak periods, off-peak power periods, etc.

[0137] - The cost associated with maintaining and / or regulating the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid at that time and / or other times. For example, the cost of electricity at the relevant time and / or the availability of waste heat energy at the relevant time.

[0138] - Traffic and / or road conditions at a location and / or within a region. For example, how this may affect demand.

[0139] - The state of one or more systems of one or more of the vehicles. For example, the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle thermal energy storage material, the state of the charged battery, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements, etc.

[0140] - The state of one or more additional vehicle charging stations. For example, the temperature of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid stored therein and / or the remaining thermal energy stored therein.

[0141] Facilities may also be provided to override normal control automatically or manually in order to maintain or adjust the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid as needed.

[0142] By way of example of the analysis that can be performed by the control system, the control system can determine the desired demand for the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid from a particular vehicle charging station for a given time period. For example, this can depend on: the current and predicted ambient temperature and / or other weather conditions of the area where the vehicle charging station is located (i.e., whether the demand is likely to be higher or lower than the ambient temperature of the charging fluid and / or the rate at which the vehicle may consume thermal energy from its vehicle thermal energy storage material); and / or the average charging operation of the vehicle charging station for each time period; and any factors that may cause abnormal charging operations (e.g., one or more other local vehicle charging stations are not operating due to traffic congestion or low thermal energy storage). Then, the control system can determine whether the desired load (selected within a predetermined range) can meet the given current state of the vehicle charging station (i.e., the temperature, state, volume, etc. of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid). Based on this determination, the control system can decide on appropriate actions. For example, the appropriate action can determine that the energy change system of the charging station should be operated to maintain and / or adjust the thermal energy of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid, and whether it can wait until it can be done more cheaply (e.g., off-peak electricity). Additionally or alternatively, the control system can determine whether the vehicle should be preferentially directed to or away from the vehicle charging station for charging taking into account its current and potential thermal energy storage.

[0143] Examples of controls that can be suitably performed by the control system regarding the operation of at least one vehicle charging station according to the first aspect and / or at least one vehicle according to the second aspect are:

[0144] - Controlling the thermal energy change system to maintain and / or adjust the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid in one or more of the vehicle charging stations.

[0145] - Controlling the transfer of electrical energy from the thermal energy change system to the energy grid.

[0146] - Select between the conveyance of a first charging fluid and a second charging fluid.

[0147] - The thermal management system provides control of the heat transfer between the vehicle thermal energy storage material and the battery temperature control system, and / or the thermal management system provides control of the heat transfer between the temperature regulation system for one or more in the vehicle and the vehicle thermal energy storage material.

[0148] In some embodiments, the control system may also be arranged to collect data communicated to and / or from it. As will be understood, the data may relate to the operation of one or more of the devices.

[0149] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling the operation of at least one vehicle charging station according to the first aspect and / or at least one vehicle according to the second aspect, comprising: analyzing one or more operating parameters of at least one device, wherein each device is one or the other of a vehicle charging station according to the first aspect and a vehicle according to the second aspect, and wherein the control is based on the analysis.

[0150] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program which, when read by a computer, causes the method of the ninth aspect to be executed.

[0151] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions which, when read by a computer, cause the method of the ninth aspect to be executed. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a USB flash drive, a Secure Digital (SD) card, an optical disc (e.g., a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0152] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal comprising computer-readable instructions which, when read by a computer, cause the method of the ninth aspect to be executed.

[0153] Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, the claims, and / or the accompanying specification and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, unless such features are incompatible, all embodiments and / or the features of any embodiment may be combined in any way and / or combination. The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including amending any originally filed claim to incorporate any feature of any other claim, even though not originally claimed in that way. Description of the Drawings

[0154] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0155] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle charging station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0156] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0157] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a central data repository according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0158] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0159] First, mainly with reference to Figure 1 , the vehicle charging station is generally shown at 1. The vehicle charging station 1 has a charging fluid transfer system generally shown at 3. The charging fluid transfer system has a first reservoir 5 and a second reservoir 7. The first reservoir 5 and the second reservoir 7 are sealed and thermally isolated from each other. The first reservoir 5 and the second reservoir 7 are housed within a single storage container 9 that is entirely located underground (although in other embodiments, it may be partially underground or above ground).

[0160] The charging fluid transfer system 3 also includes a thermal energy alteration system 11, and the thermal energy alteration system 11 includes corresponding fluid heating and cooling systems. In this case, the heating system includes an electric heating element, and the cooling system includes an air conditioning unit. Respective conduit lines - each having flow, temperature, and pressure measurement sensors and corresponding signal connections to a control system 13 - fluidly connect the first reservoir 5 to the electric heating element and the second reservoir 7 to the air conditioning unit. Corresponding fluid pumps are provided in these conduit lines. The fluid pumps in the conduit lines, as well as the electric heating element and the air conditioning unit, each have a signal connection to the control system 13. Each of the first reservoir 5 and the second reservoir 7 has a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, where they have corresponding signal connections to the control system 13. There is also a data connection between the control system 13 and a communication controller (in this case, an encryption gateway 15).

[0161] The electric heating element and the air conditioning unit are provided with electrical connections to the power distribution network.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first reservoir 5 and the second reservoir 7 are respectively connected to a waste heat energy source and a waste cold energy source.

[0163] The first reservoir 5 is connected to the hot vehicle connector 19 via a transfer conduit including a pump 17 and valves. At the same time, the hot vehicle connector 19 and the first reservoir 5 are connected via a return conduit. The second reservoir 7 is connected to the cold vehicle connector 23 via a conduit including a pump 21 and valves. At the same time, the cold vehicle connector 23 and the second reservoir 7 are connected via a return conduit. The hot vehicle connector 19 and the cold vehicle connector 23 have sensors for detecting the connection between the respective connectors 19, 23 and the vehicle charging station connector. These sensors have a signal connection to the control system 13. The respective pumps and valves in each transfer conduit also have a signal connection to the control system 13.

[0164] The vehicle charging station 1 also includes a charging system, which includes a charging connector 25 connected to the power distribution network.

[0165] The control system 13 includes a processor, a memory, and various input and output devices. The processor, in operation, executes computer-readable instructions stored in the memory. In the present embodiment, the input devices are terminals for respective wired connections to the temperature, pressure, and flow sensors in the encryption gateway 15, the first reservoir 5, and the second reservoir 7, and to each of the sensors in the hot vehicle connector 19 and the cold vehicle connector 23. In the present embodiment, the output devices are terminals for respective wired connections to the encryption gateway 15, each of the pumps in the conduit lines, the electric heating element, the air conditioning unit, each of the valves and the pump 17 in the conduit between the first reservoir 5 and the hot vehicle connector 19, and each of the valves and the pump 21 in the conduit between the second reservoir 7 and the cold vehicle connector 23. The communication between the control system 13 and the other components mentioned is by sending electrical signals via the relevant connections. However, in other embodiments, the connection may be provided by wireless signal transmission. In some embodiments, where appropriate, the input and output devices may be combined, for example, by forming an I / O unit or an interface unit.

[0166] Now mainly referring to Figure 2 , the vehicle is generally shown at 100, in this case an electric vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery pack 102 and a temperature regulation system generally shown at 104. The vehicle 100 also has a thermal management system generally shown at 106.

[0167] The thermal management system 106 has a vehicle thermal energy storage material 108. A fluid flow path - a portion of which passes through and is bounded by the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 - is connected at its ends via respective conduits to a vehicle charging station connector. The vehicle charging station connector has a sensor for detecting a connection between the vehicle charging station connector and one of a hot vehicle connector 19 and a cold vehicle connector 23. The sensor has a signal connection to a control system 112. The portion of the fluid flow path that passes through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 constitutes a heat exchanger.

[0168] The thermal management system 106 also includes a battery temperature control system generally designated 110. The battery temperature control system 110 includes a conduit loop that includes a passage through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 and heat transfer passages around and within the battery pack 102. The conduit loop also contains a pump that has a signal connection to the control system 112. A temperature sensor 114 for monitoring the temperature of the battery pack 102 also has a signal connection to the control system 112. The portion of the conduit loop that passes through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 constitutes a heat exchanger.

[0169] The temperature regulation system 104 has an air inlet 116 that is connected by a conduit to an inlet of a three-way valve 118 that has a signal connection to the control system 112. Within this conduit is a fan 120 that also has a signal connection to the control system 112. The three-way valve 118 has two outlets, one outlet being connected by a conduit to an inlet of a cabin ventilation manifold 122 and one outlet being connected to an inlet of a heat exchange conduit that passes through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108. The outlet of the heat exchange conduit is connected to an alternative inlet of the cabin ventilation manifold 122. The cabin of the vehicle has heating, ventilation, and cooling controls that have signal connections to the control system 112.

[0170] The vehicle 100 includes a communication controller (in this case an encryption gateway 126). The encryption gateway 124 is connected to a GPS receiver 126 of the vehicle 100 (although in other embodiments, additional or alternative positioning systems may be used), to a cabin display controller 128, and to a temperature sensor 130 that monitors the temperature of the fluid in the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108. The GPS receiver and the cabin display controller have respective data connections to the control system 112, and the temperature sensor 130 has a signal connection to the control system 112.

[0171] The vehicle 100 also has a battery charging connector connected to the battery pack 102.

[0172] The control system 112 includes a processor, a memory, and various input and output devices. The processor, in operation, executes computer-readable instructions stored in the memory. In the present embodiment, the input devices are terminals for respective wired connections to an encryption gateway 124, a cabin control for heating, ventilation, and cooling, a GPS receiver, temperature sensors 114 and 130, and a sensor of a vehicle charging station connector. In the present embodiment, the output devices are terminals for respective wired connections to a conduit loop pump in an encryption gateway 124, a three-way valve 118, a fan 120, a cabin display controller 128, and a battery temperature control system 110. Communication between the control system 112 and the other components mentioned is by sending electrical signals via the relevant connections. However, in other embodiments, the connection may be provided by wireless signal transmission. In some embodiments, where appropriate, the input and output devices may be combined, for example, by being formed by an I / O unit or an interface unit.

[0173] The temperature sensor 114 for monitoring the temperature of the battery pack 102 is also connected to the control system 112.

[0174] Now referring mainly to Figure 3 , a central data repository 200 is shown. The central data repository is provided by cloud storage, and the encryption gateways 15 and 124 are connected to the cloud storage via respective wireless links.

[0175] In use, a user of the vehicle 100 may have traveled to the location of the vehicle charging station 1 in order to recharge the vehicle 100. Thereafter, the user may connect the vehicle 100 to the vehicle charging station 1. Specifically, the user may connect the charging connector 25 of the vehicle charging station 1 to the battery charging connector of the vehicle 100. Additionally, the user may connect the cold vehicle connector 23 of the vehicle charging station 1 to the vehicle charging station connector of the vehicle 100. The decision to connect the cold vehicle connector 23 (as in this case) rather than the hot vehicle connector 19 may be made based on the current and / or predicted ambient temperature being relatively high. The cabin display 128 may display a suitable choice between the hot vehicle connector 19 and the cold vehicle connector 23 based on the needs / predicted needs of the thermal management system 106 (however, alternative notification means may be used). This may guide the user. As will be understood, in the case of a lower ambient temperature, the decision to connect the hot vehicle connector 19 may be made. In particular, in embodiments where the hot vehicle connector 19 and the cold vehicle connector 23 are combined into a shared connector, the decision to use the hot connector 19 or the cold connector 23 may be made automatically (e.g., by the control system 13 and / or the control system 112).

[0176] The connection between the charging connector 25 and the battery charging connector electrically connects the battery pack 102 to the power distribution network, thereby causing the battery pack 102 to be charged.

[0177] The connection between the cold vehicle connector 23 and the vehicle charging station connector allows heat exchange to occur between the second charging fluid of the charging fluid transfer system 3 and the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 of the thermal management system 106. Specifically, the connection is recognized by the control system 13, which in response opens the valve in the conduit between the second reservoir 7 and the cold vehicle connector 23 and activates the pump 21. This causes the second charging fluid, contained within the second reservoir 7 and in the conduit connecting it to the cold vehicle connector 23, to flow in a line that also includes the vehicle charging station connector and the fluid flow path through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108. This thermally charges the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108, in this case by reducing its temperature.

[0178] According to the above description, the vehicle can be charged both electrically and thermally, and the charging can occur simultaneously.

[0179] Once the charging cycle is complete, the user can disconnect the cold vehicle connector 23 and the vehicle charging station connector. The disconnection is recognized by the control system 13, which in response closes the valve it opened and deactivates the pump 21. The user can also disconnect the charging connector 25, thus disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery pack 102 and the power distribution network.

[0180] As will be appreciated, the process described above for charging the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 using the second charging fluid will be applied with the necessary modifications to charge the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 using the first charging fluid from the first reservoir 5.

[0181] After disconnection and payment, the user freely operates the vehicle to move away from the vehicle charging station 1. Thus, the vehicle 100 is driven at least in part by the energy transmitted by the battery pack 102. During operation of the vehicle, the control system 112 monitors the temperature of the battery pack 102, receiving a signal indicating the battery temperature via its connection to the temperature sensor 114. In the case where the temperature of the battery pack 102 is outside a specific temperature range, the operation of the battery pack 102 is impaired. Under relatively warm ambient conditions, the battery pack 102, especially when under a heavier load, may tend to overheat. Therefore, in the case where the control system 112 determines that the battery temperature has risen above a predetermined threshold, the control system 112 activates the battery temperature control system 110. Thus, it activates the pump in the conduit circuit of the battery temperature control system 110. In this way, the vehicle fluid present in the conduit circuit circulates from the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 around the conduit circuit and thus through the heat transfer channels around and within the battery pack 102. Therefore, the thermal energy from the battery pack 102 is transferred to the vehicle fluid and the battery is cooled. As will be appreciated, the control system 112 activates and deactivates the pump in the conduit circuit of the battery temperature control system 110 as needed to keep the battery temperature within the desired temperature range.

[0182] While operating the vehicle 100, the user may also wish to ventilate and / or change the temperature in the vehicle compartment (e.g., cool it given a relatively high ambient temperature). The user can operate the heating, ventilation, and cooling controls provided in the compartment. In the case where the settings of these controls indicate a need for cooling, the temperature regulation system 104 is operated by the control system 112. Specifically, the three-way valve is configured by the control system 112 to prevent the accumulated atmosphere from flowing directly from the three-way valve through the atmosphere inlet 116 to the inlet of the vehicle compartment ventilation manifold 122. In addition, the three-way valve 118 is configured to allow the accumulated atmosphere to flow through the heat exchange conduit passing through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 to an alternative inlet of the vehicle compartment ventilation manifold 122. The control system 112 can also operate the fan 120 to increase the flow of the atmosphere depending on the settings of the compartment controls. In this way, the ambient air cooled by heat exchange with the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 is provided to the vehicle compartment. In the case where the settings of the compartment controls indicate a need for simple ventilation but not cooling, the control system 112 operates the three-way valve 118 to bypass the heat exchange of the atmosphere with the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108. Specifically, the three-way valve is configured by the control system 112 to prevent the accumulated atmosphere from flowing from the three-way valve through the heat exchange conduit passing through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 to the alternative inlet of the vehicle compartment ventilation manifold 122 via the atmosphere inlet 116. In addition, the three-way valve is configured to allow the flow of the accumulated atmosphere to flow directly from the three-way valve to the inlet of the vehicle compartment ventilation manifold 122.

[0183] By using the thermal energy stored in the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 to provide cooling for the battery and the cabin, electrical energy from the battery can be saved, which could otherwise be used for these purposes, potentially extending the range and / or improving the performance of the vehicle 100.

[0184] The control system 112 of the vehicle 100 also receives one or more operating parameters for the vehicle charging station that have been uploaded to the central data repository 200 by those vehicle charging stations. The operating parameters are received by the control system 112 via a wireless link between the central data repository 200 and the encryption gateway 124. The control system 112 uses the operating parameters related to the vehicle charging station in combination with information related to the location of the vehicle provided by the GPS receiver 126 and the temperature of the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 provided by the temperature sensor 130 to recommend one or more vehicle charging stations for use by the user of the vehicle 100. A navigation route to one or more of the charging stations can also be provided by the control system 112 to the user via the cabin display controller 128.

[0185] In some embodiments, the control system 112 may additionally or alternatively provide operating parameters (e.g., the location of the vehicle 100 and / or the state of its vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 (e.g., its temperature)) to the central data repository 200. Data signals indicating the location of the vehicle 100 can be sent from the GPS receiver 126 to the control system 112, and the control system 112 can send these data signals to the central data repository 200 via the encryption gateway 124 and a wireless connection. Similarly, data signals indicating the temperature of the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108 can be sent from the temperature sensor 130 to the control system 112, and the control system 112 can send these data signals to the central data repository 200. Operating parameters such as these can be useful in determining the desired charging load for a particular vehicle charging station (e.g., for the control system of the vehicle charging station). This may be particularly true when considering them in conjunction with similar parameters of other vehicles. This information can in turn be used to influence the (multiple) vehicle charging stations recommended to the user (e.g., a particular vehicle charging station can be avoided if it is experiencing or likely to experience high demand and / or has low thermal energy storage).

[0186] Returning to further describe the operation of the vehicle charging station 1, the thermal energy conversion system 11 is arranged to periodically heat the first charging fluid and cool the second charging fluid. The control system 13 monitors the temperature of the first charging fluid in the first reservoir 5 and the temperature of the second charging fluid in the second reservoir 7 via data signals sent from the respective temperature sensors in the reservoirs 5 and 7.

[0187] During periods of time when electricity is available at off-peak prices during the day and when the temperature of the first charging fluid drops below a predetermined threshold, the control system 13 activates the fluid pumps in the relevant conduit lines such that the first charging fluid circulates through the electrical heating elements, and the control system 13 also activates the electrical heating elements. The electrical heating elements draw electricity from the power distribution network, although in other embodiments, they may utilize thermal energy from another source (e.g., waste heat from industrial processes or renewable sources). As will be understood, the control system 13 activates and deactivates the fluid pumps and electrical heating elements as needed to maintain the temperature of the first charging fluid within a predetermined temperature range during off-peak electricity hours. In certain cases, even at times when electricity is not available at off-peak prices, the control system 13 will cause the first charging fluid to be heated in a similar manner. This may occur when the temperature of the first charging fluid has dropped to a specific minimum threshold and / or a specific level of charging demand for the first charging fluid is anticipated. In the latter case, information regarding the anticipated charging demand can be determined based on the operating parameters related to one or more other devices (e.g., vehicle charging stations and / or vehicles) retrieved by the control system 13 from the central data repository via the encryption gateway 15.

[0188] During periods of time when electricity is available at off-peak prices during the day and when the temperature of the second charge fluid rises above a predetermined threshold, the control system 13 activates the fluid pump in the relevant conduit line such that the second charge fluid circulates through the air conditioning unit, and the control system 13 also activates the air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit extracts electricity from the power distribution network, although in other embodiments it may utilize thermal energy from another source (e.g., waste cold from a vaporizer of liquefied natural gas). As will be understood, the control system 13 activates and deactivates the fluid pump and the air conditioning unit as needed to maintain the temperature of the second charge fluid within a predetermined temperature range during off-peak electricity hours. In certain cases, even at times when electricity is not available at off-peak prices, the control system 13 will cause the second charge fluid to be cooled in a similar manner. Such a situation may occur when the temperature of the second charge fluid has risen to a specific maximum threshold and / or a specific level of charging demand for the second charge fluid is anticipated. In the latter case, information regarding the anticipated charging demand can be determined based on the operating parameters related to one or more other devices (e.g., vehicle charging stations and / or vehicles) retrieved by the control system 13 from the central data repository via the encryption gateway 15.

[0189] The processes described above cause the storage of the charge fluid at temperatures above and below ambient, preferentially heating or cooling using off-peak electricity as needed, and then storing as thermal energy for transfer to vehicles as needed.

[0190] Under certain conditions, such as those described above, the operation of the thermal energy alteration system can be reversed. By way of example, during off-peak electricity hours of the day, the control system can alter and / or maintain the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of one or the other of the first charge fluid and the second charge fluid such that the storage of heat is reduced or increased to some extent compared to the energy achieved by the following methods described above. For example, this may be appropriate in cases where the anticipated load indication may require less or more than average thermal energy. The anticipated load can be calculated by the control system 13 depending on the operating parameters related to one or more other devices (e.g., vehicle charging stations and / or vehicles) retrieved by the control system 13 from the central data repository via the encryption gateway 15. By further way of example, the control system 13 can refrain from altering and / or maintaining the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of one or the other of the first charge fluid and the second charge fluid and instead allow it to normalize to the ambient temperature. This may be appropriate in cases where there is no anticipated need for the charge fluid (i.e., a charge fluid above or below ambient temperature is not required). For example, this may occur when the season and the particular ambient temperature indicate that only one or the other of the charge fluids will likely be needed for an extended period. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or the other of the first reservoir 5 and the second reservoir 7 may be omitted along with the associated systems and charge fluids.

[0191] In some embodiments, the control system 13 can additionally or alternatively provide operating parameters (e.g., current and / or anticipated charging load and / or remaining thermal energy stored in one or both of the first charge fluid and the second charge fluid) to the central data repository 200. A data signal indicating such operating parameters can be sent from the control system 13 to the central data repository 200 via the encryption gateway 124 and a wireless connection.

[0192] Now referring to Figure 4 , by comparison with the embodiments discussed with reference to Figure 4 , an alternative embodiment of the vehicle 300 is shown. The vehicle 300 is similar to the vehicle in Figure 2 , and like features in the series 300 are provided with like reference numerals. The vehicle 300 differs from the vehicle 100 in that instead of the aggregated atmosphere being alternately and directly conveyed to the cabin ventilation manifold 122 via the atmosphere inlet 116 or indirectly conveyed to the cabin ventilation manifold 122 via the heat exchange conduit passing through the vehicle thermal energy storage material 108, the heat exchange between the aggregated atmosphere and the vehicle stream occurs in a heat exchanger associated with the cabin ventilation manifold. Thus, in Figure 4In an embodiment, the temperature regulation system 304 has an air inlet 316 which is connected by a duct to the gas inlet of a heat exchanger (not shown) of the cabin ventilation manifold 332. In this duct is a fan 320 which has a signal connection to the control system 312. The heat exchanger provides heat exchange between the air entering via its gas inlet and the vehicle fluid, and the heat exchanger forms part of the cabin cooling circuit 334, with the vehicle fluid traveling back and forth between the vehicle thermal energy storage materials 308 around the cabin cooling circuit 334. The cabin duct circuit 334 includes a cabin circuit pump 336 which has a signal connection to the control system 312. The cabin ventilation manifold also has a condensate outlet (not shown). The cabin of the vehicle has heating, ventilation, and cooling controls which have signal connections to the control system 312. The remaining features of the vehicle 300 are similar to the remaining features of the vehicle 100.

[0193] While operating the vehicle 300, the user may wish to ventilate and / or change the temperature within the cabin of the vehicle (e.g., cool it given a relatively high ambient temperature). The user can operate the heating, ventilation, and cooling controls provided in the cabin. In cases where the settings of these controls indicate a need for cooling, the temperature regulation system 304 is operated by the control system 312. Specifically, the cabin circuit pump 336 in the cabin duct circuit 334 is activated, and the vehicle fluid present in the cabin duct circuit 334 circulates from the vehicle thermal energy storage materials 308 around the cabin duct circuit 334. Thus, the vehicle fluid is allowed to exchange heat with the accumulated air via the air inlet 316 in the heat exchanger of the cabin ventilation manifold 332. The control system variably controls the speed of the cabin circuit pump to regulate the degree of heat exchange between the vehicle fluid and the ambient air in the heat exchanger. The control system 312 can also operate the fan 320 to increase the flow of air depending on the settings of the cabin controls. In this way, the ambient air cooled by heat exchange with the vehicle fluid is provided to the cabin. In cases where the settings of the cabin controls indicate a need not for cooling but for simple ventilation, the cabin circuit pump 336 is deactivated, and the accumulated ambient air will be provided to the cabin without significant heat exchange. As will be understood, the control system 312 controls the cabin circuit pump 336 in the duct circuit of the temperature regulation system 304 as needed to maintain the cabin temperature according to the heating, ventilation, and cooling control settings. Especially under humid conditions, moisture from the ambient air may condense in the heat exchanger. The condensate outlet allows the condensate to flow out of the heat exchanger.

[0194] The vehicle 300 can provide benefits in terms of reducing the complexity of system ventilation and / or changing the cabin temperature.

[0195] It will be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as, for example, a storage device like ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of a memory, such as, for example, RAM, a memory chip, device, or integrated circuit, or stored on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as, for example, a CD, DVD, disk, or magnetic tape. It will be understood that storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Thus, embodiments provide a program including code and a machine-readable storage storing such a program, the code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any of the preceding claims. Further, embodiments of the present invention may be electronically transmitted via any medium, such as a communication signal conveyed on a wired or wireless connection, and embodiments suitably cover the same.

[0196] All features (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) disclosed in this specification, and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0197] Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0198] The present invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The present invention extends to any new example or any combination of new examples of the features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any new example or any combination of new examples of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed as limited to only the foregoing embodiments, but rather cover any embodiment falling within the scope of the claims. By way of example, in some embodiments, a thermal energy conversion system is arranged to selectively convert thermal energy from one, the other, or both of a first energizing fluid and a second energizing fluid into electrical energy. This may be appropriate where the relevant energizing fluid has thermal energy not required for vehicle charging. By way of a further example, in some embodiments, a vehicle charging station is arranged to recover thermal energy generated through the use of a transformer and use the recovered thermal energy to maintain and / or regulate the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first energizing fluid and / or the second energizing fluid.

Claims

1. A vehicle charging station, comprising: a first reservoir configured to contain a first charging fluid for storing thermal energy; and a charging fluid transfer system, the charging fluid transfer system comprising: a fluid transfer conduit selectively connectable between the first reservoir and vehicle thermal energy storage material of a vehicle's thermal management system; and a pump configured to, when the fluid transfer conduit is connected to the vehicle, transfer at least a portion of the first charging fluid from the first reservoir through the fluid transfer conduit to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material at the vehicle, whereby the charging fluid transfer system charges the vehicle thermal energy storage material by changing the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid, such that when the fluid transfer conduit is disconnected from the vehicle, vehicle fluid can selectively circulate around the circuit of the thermal management system to selectively transfer thermal energy from the vehicle thermal energy storage material to the vehicle's battery temperature control system and the vehicle's temperature regulation system.

2. The vehicle charging station according to claim 1, comprising a second reservoir and a thermal energy changing system configured to change and / or maintain the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid in the first reservoir and a second charging fluid in the second reservoir, wherein the thermal energy changing system includes a heating system and a cooling system.

3. The vehicle charging station according to claim 2, comprising a control system configured to control the thermal energy changing system to maintain and / or regulate the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the first charging fluid and / or the second charging fluid according to one or more operating parameters.

4. The vehicle charging station according to claim 3, wherein the first charging fluid and the second charging fluid are maintained at substantially different temperatures and / or states and / or chemical compositions, and wherein the charging fluid transfer system is configured to allow a choice of transferring the first charging fluid to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material or transferring the second charging fluid to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material.

5. The vehicle charging station according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control system is configured to automatically determine whether to transfer hot thermal energy or cold thermal energy to the vehicle.

6. The vehicle charging station according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control system configured to detect a connection between the fluid transfer conduit and the vehicle and, in response thereto, activate the pump to charge the vehicle thermal energy storage material with thermal energy transferred from at least the first reservoir.

7. The vehicle charging station according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a communication controller arranged to communicate directly or indirectly via one or more wired or wireless networks with one or more devices remote from the vehicle charging station.

8. The vehicle charging station according to claim 7, arranged to send and / or receive one or more operating parameters related to the vehicle charging station, one or more other vehicle charging stations, and / or the vehicle.

9. The vehicle charging station according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control system arranged to operate based on at least one of: the position of the vehicle, the state of the vehicle's thermal energy storage material, the current charging load, the expected charging load, or the remaining thermal energy stored in the vehicle charging station.

10. The vehicle charging station according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control system arranged to exclusively or preferentially maintain and / or change the temperature and / or state of at least one charging fluid during periods of the day when electricity is cheaper.

11. The vehicle charging station according to claim 2, wherein, the thermal energy conversion system is arranged to convert electrical energy into thermal energy, wherein the thermal energy conversion system is arranged to selectively receive the electrical energy from the power grid, and / or wherein the thermal energy is provided by the surrounding environment and / or by waste thermal energy from one or more processes and / or from renewable sources.

12. The vehicle charging station according to claim 1, wherein, the first storage includes a storage container located at least partially underground.

13. The vehicle charging station according to claim 2, wherein, the first storage and the second storage are included in a storage container located at least partially underground.

14. A vehicle comprising a thermal management system, the thermal management system comprising: vehicle thermal energy storage material, a connector capable of selectively connecting to a fluid transfer conduit between the vehicle thermal energy storage material and a charging fluid transfer system of a vehicle charging station, wherein the charging fluid transfer system includes a pump arranged to transfer at least a portion of a first charging fluid storing thermal energy in a first storage of the vehicle charging station to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material when connected through the connector of the fluid transfer system, such that the first charging fluid charges the vehicle thermal energy storage material by changing its temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition, and wherein the thermal management system further includes a circuit from the vehicle thermal energy storage material to a battery temperature control system and a temperature regulation system of the vehicle, such that when the fluid transfer conduit is disconnected from the vehicle, the thermal management system is arranged to provide selective heat transfer from the vehicle thermal energy storage material to the battery temperature control system and the temperature regulation system.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14, which is arranged to effect a selective fluid transfer connection between a second reservoir of the vehicle charging station and a vehicle thermal energy storage material of the thermal management system, wherein, the first charging fluid received from the first reservoir and the second charging fluid received from the second reservoir have different temperatures and / or states and / or chemical compositions, and the thermal management system is arranged to selectively place the vehicle thermal energy storage material and the first charging fluid or the second charging fluid in a heat exchange relationship with each other.

16. The vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, the thermal management system is arranged to automatically select a heat connector or a cold connector to transfer thermal energy from the vehicle charging station.

17. The vehicle according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a communication controller arranged to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks.

18. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein, the communication controller is arranged to send one or more operating parameters related to the vehicle to the one or more devices via the one or more wired or wireless networks.

19. The vehicle according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, the communication controller is arranged to receive one or more operating parameters related to one or more vehicle charging stations from the one or more devices via one or more wired or wireless networks.

20. A method for charging a vehicle, comprising: connecting a fluid transfer conduit of a charging fluid transfer system of a vehicle charging station to the vehicle to provide a fluid connection from a first reservoir of the vehicle charging station to a vehicle thermal energy storage material of the vehicle, wherein the first reservoir is arranged to contain a first charging fluid for storing thermal energy; activating a pump to transfer at least a portion of the first charging fluid from the first reservoir through the fluid transfer conduit to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material when a selectively connectable fluid transfer conduit is connected to the vehicle; charging the vehicle thermal energy storage material of the vehicle connected to the vehicle charging station by transferring at least a portion of the first charging fluid for storing thermal energy contained in the first reservoir of the vehicle charging station for storing thermal energy to form a heat exchange relationship with the vehicle thermal energy storage material, thereby changing the temperature and / or state and / or chemical composition of the vehicle thermal energy storage material; and disconnecting and selectively circulating the vehicle fluid around a loop from the vehicle thermal energy storage material to a battery temperature control system of the vehicle and a temperature regulation system of the vehicle to selectively effect heat transfer between the vehicle thermal energy storage material and the battery temperature control system and the temperature regulation system.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions which, when read by a computer, cause the execution of the method according to claim 20.

22. A control system arranged to execute the method according to claim 20.

23. A control system arranged to analyze one or more operating parameters of at least one device, wherein, each device is one or the other of a vehicle charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a vehicle according to any one of claims 14 to 19, and wherein the control system is further arranged to control the operation of at least one vehicle charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and / or at least one vehicle according to any one of claims 14 to 19, the control being dependent on the analysis.

24. A method of controlling the operation of at least one vehicle charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and / or at least one vehicle according to any one of claims 14 to 19, comprising: analyzing one or more operating parameters of at least one device, wherein each device is one or the other of a vehicle charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a vehicle according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the control is dependent on the analysis.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions which, when read by a computer, cause the execution of the method according to claim 24.

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