Energy storage system comprising plurality of battery packs arranged in parallel

Abstract

The present application relates to an energy storage system comprising a plurality of battery packs arranged in parallel, the energy storage system comprising: a plurality of battery packs (31, 32, 33) arranged in parallel; a plurality of first individual electrical connector portions (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503), each first individual electrical connector portion being associated with a corresponding battery pack (31, 32, 33); a plurality of terminal connectors (120, 122, 124, 520, 522, 524) that physically and electrically connect each battery pack (31, 32, 33) to an associated first individual electrical connector portion; one or more second individual electrical connector portions (201, 202, 601), wherein each second individual electrical connector portion (201, 202, 601) physically and electrically connects the first individual electrical connector portion. The first individual electrical connector portion and / or the second individual electrical connector portion are flexible to allow relative movement between the battery packs (31, 32, 33).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an energy storage system. In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to an energy storage system including a plurality of battery packs arranged in parallel. The present disclosure may be applicable to heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, as well as other vehicle types. Although the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific vehicles, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles generally include an engine for propelling the vehicle. The engine can be powered in various ways, such as, for example, by liquid or gaseous fuel in an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the vehicle can be propelled by electricity in an electric motor. In addition, there are hybrid solutions where the vehicle is propelled by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In either case, an energy storage device is used to store the energy required to propel the vehicle. The energy storage device can also be used to power auxiliary loads in the vehicle.

[0003] For many vehicles, one or more energy storage devices are included in an energy storage system, where the energy storage system is configured to power an electric motor for propelling the vehicle and any auxiliary loads. For example, for an electric vehicle, the energy storage device can be a battery or a battery pack, which is configured to operate the electric motor and electric auxiliary devices. The electric motor and / or electric auxiliary devices are generally referred to as loads. Several batteries or several connected and / or paralleled battery cells can be grouped into a battery pack. The battery pack needs to be charged regularly and then electrically connected to an electrical energy source, for example, via a plug directly connected to the power grid or through an on-board charger. Such chargers are generally referred to as power supplies.

[0004] In many applications, a number of battery packs are included in an energy storage system by generally being connected in parallel to a common electrical connector or a common traction voltage bus. However, the arrangement of various electrical connections (e.g., buses and cables) occupies a large amount of space. In addition, the arrangement of multiple battery packs relative to the electrical connections is generally adjusted according to space tolerances. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved energy storage system including battery packs connected in parallel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an energy storage system is provided. The energy storage system includes: a plurality of battery packs arranged in parallel; a plurality of first individual electrical connector portions, each first individual electrical connector portion being associated with a corresponding battery pack; a plurality of terminal connectors that physically and electrically connect each battery pack to the associated first individual electrical connector portion; one or more second individual electrical connector portions, wherein each second individual electrical connector portion physically and electrically connects the first individual electrical connector portions; wherein the first individual electrical connector portions and / or the second individual electrical connector portions are flexible to allow relative movement between the battery packs. The first aspect of the present disclosure may seek to overcome the problems of a spacious energy storage system. That is, as the battery packs are free to move relative to each other due to the flexible first individual electrical connector portions and / or second individual electrical connector portions, the installation tolerances related to space considerations can be handled in an improved manner. In other words, the flexible first individual electrical connector portions and / or second individual electrical connector portions and the battery packs are arranged such that relative movement between the battery packs is possible. Additionally, through the flexible first individual electrical connector portions and / or second individual electrical connector portions, the energy storage system can be made more robust because the battery packs can move relative to each other without negatively affecting the electrical connector portions. The technical advantages may include improving the installation of the energy storage system. For example, as previously mentioned, the energy storage system may be less spacious but more robust. In other words, due to the first individual electrical connector portions and / or the second individual electrical connector portions being flexible, a greater degree of freedom is achieved for the positioning / movement of the battery packs. It should be understood that each of one second individual electrical connector portion or a plurality of second individual electrical connector portions physically and electrically connects to a plurality of first individual electrical connector portions. Therefore, due to the first individual electrical connector portions and / or the second individual electrical connector portions being flexible, relative movement between the battery packs and the first individual electrical connector portions and / or the second individual electrical connector portions is also allowed. The first individual electrical connector portions and / or the second individual electrical connector portions being flexible can be defined as: the flexible first individual electrical connector portions and / or the second individual electrical connector portions are bendable or capable of being bent or folded without breaking. For example, each of the flexible first individual electrical connector portions and / or the second individual electrical connector portions may have a longitudinal extension from a corresponding first end to a corresponding second end and may be bent in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension.Accordingly, the flexible first separate electrical connector portion and / or the second separate electrical connector portion can be configurable to a first un-flexed or deployed state in which the corresponding first end is separated from the second end by a first distance, and can be configurable to a second flexed or folded (or bent) state in which the corresponding first end is separated from the second end by a second distance that is less than the first distance. Accordingly, the flexible first separate electrical connector portion and / or the second separate electrical connector portion can be reversibly reconfigured from the first state to the second state without breaking. The energy storage system of the first aspect is generally an energy storage system for a vehicle.

[0006] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the energy storage system further includes: a charging terminal for connecting the battery pack to a charger; and a power supply terminal for connecting the battery pack to an inverter or a motor, wherein the energy storage system is arranged to charge the battery pack by transferring power from the charging terminal to the battery pack via the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion, and to power the inverter or the motor by transferring power from the battery pack to the power supply terminal via the same first separate electrical connector portion and second separate electrical connector portion used to charge the battery pack. Technical advantages can also include improved installation of the energy storage system. For example, since the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion are used both for charging the battery pack and for powering the inverter or the motor, the energy storage system may be less spacious. Accordingly, there is no need to provide an additional electrical connection (such as a cable) from the battery pack to a junction box that includes both the charging terminal and the power supply terminal, and then route such an electrical connection from the junction box to the corresponding power source and inverter or motor. Thus, the space freed up by omitting such an additional electrical connection can be used for other purposes. Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, there is no junction box that houses both the charging terminal and the power supply terminal. In some examples, there is no separate electrical connection between the charging terminal and the power supply terminal, excluding the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion. One of the first separate electrical connector portion or the second separate electrical connector portion can be physically and electrically connected to the charging terminal by an incoming electrical connection. Correspondingly, one of the first separate electrical connector portion or the second separate electrical connector portion can be physically and electrically connected to the power supply terminal by an outgoing electrical connection. Accordingly, the incoming electrical connection, along with the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion, can be arranged to transfer power from the charging terminal to the battery pack during charging, and the outgoing electrical connection, along with the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion, can be arranged to transfer power from the battery pack to the power supply terminal when powering the inverter and / or the motor.

[0007] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the first separate electrical connector portion is rigid while the one or more second separate electrical connector portions are flexible. Technical advantages can include an effective structure for allowing relative movement between battery packs. For example, the battery pack and the associated first separate electrical connector portion can be fixedly arranged relative to each other, i.e., cannot move relative to each other, while the first combined battery pack and the associated first separate electrical connector portion can be arranged to move relative to the second (e.g., adjacent) combined battery pack and the associated first separate electrical connector portion due to the flexible second electrical connector portion being arranged between the first combined battery pack and the associated first separate electrical connector portion and the second combined battery pack and the associated first separate electrical connector portion.

[0008] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the one or more second separate electrical connector portions are rigid while the first separate electrical connector portion is flexible. Technical advantages can include an effective structure for allowing relative movement between battery packs. For example, the one or more second separate electrical connector portions are a common second separate electrical connector, such as a common bus bar of the battery packs, where each of the battery packs is connected to the common bus bar by an associated flexible first separate electrical connector portion (such as, for example, a flexible first cable or a flexible first bus bar).

[0009] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the first separate electrical connector portion is a first separate bus bar or a first separate cable, and each of the first separate bus bar or the first separate cable is arranged away from an adjacent first separate bus bar or first separate cable. Technical advantages can include an effective structure for allowing relative movement between battery packs. Accordingly, two adjacent first separate bus bars or first separate cables are separated by a distance greater than zero. Between these two adjacent first separate bus bars or first separate cables, a corresponding second separate electrical connection portion can be arranged.

[0010] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the first separate electrical connector portion and / or the second separate electrical connector portion is made of a conductive metal. Technical advantages can include advantageously transferring electrical power from the battery pack to the power supply terminals and / or the charging terminals. The conductive metal can be, for example, copper or aluminum covered by an insulating system.

[0011] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the one or more second separate electrical connector portions are a plurality of second separate electrical connectors arranged spaced apart from each other. Technical advantages can include an effective structure for allowing relative movement between battery packs. Thus, two adjacent second separate electrical connector portions are separated by a distance greater than zero. Between these two adjacent second separate electrical connector portions, a corresponding first separate electrical connection portion can be arranged.

[0012] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the flexible first separate electrical connector portion and / or the second separate electrical connector portion is a flexible bus bar. Technical advantages can include a favorable combination of flexibility and conductivity. In addition, the flexible bus bar can be more flexible in a first direction (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the flexible bus bar) than in a second direction (e.g., along the longitudinal extension). Thus, the relative movement allowed between battery packs can be adjusted by the type of the flexible first separate electrical connector portion and / or the second separate electrical connector portion (e.g., a flexible cable or a flexible bus bar).

[0013] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the flexible bus bar is made of braided metal wires or a layer of stacked thin metal sheets. Technical advantages can include a favorable combination of flexibility and conductivity.

[0014] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion are arranged alternately along a longitudinal axis. Technical advantages can include an effective structure for allowing relative movement between battery packs. The longitudinal axis can, for example, generally extend in a direction from a charging terminal to a power supply terminal through the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion. Thus, every other separate electrical connector portion along the longitudinal axis is a second separate electrical connector portion, and every other separate electrical connector portion along the longitudinal axis is a first separate electrical connector portion.

[0015] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the first separate electrical connector portion is flexible to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and / or the second separate electrical connector portion is flexible to move in a direction along the longitudinal axis. Thus, the allowed relative movement between the battery packs can be adjusted by whether the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion are flexible to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and / or in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The first separate electrical connector portion can be arranged to be non-flexible and unable to move in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and / or the second separate electrical connector portion can be arranged to be non-flexible and unable to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the first separate electrical connector portion is received in a corresponding first separate junction box. Technical advantages can include protecting the components from electromagnetic interference. Thus, a first separate junction box can be provided for each of the first separate electrical connector portions. The flexible second separate electrical connector portion can be arranged to combine the first separate junction boxes.

[0017] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the one or more second separate electrical connector portions are received in corresponding one or more second separate junction boxes. Technical advantages can include protecting the components from electromagnetic interference. For example, the one or more second separate electrical connector portions are a common second separate electrical connector received in the second separate junction box.

[0018] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the energy storage system further includes a plurality of battery disconnect units, each of the battery disconnect units being associated with a corresponding battery pack. Technical advantages can include improved control of the individual battery packs. The battery disconnect unit can for example include at least one contactor for connecting and disconnecting the battery pack from the associated first separate electrical connection portion and / or one or more second separate electrical connection portions. The at least one contactor can be a positive contactor and a negative contactor. For example, the positive contactor can be arranged in the positive busbar of the battery disconnect unit for electrically connecting and disconnecting the positive side of the terminal connector of the corresponding battery pack to the associated first separate electrical connector portion. Correspondingly, the negative contactor can be arranged in the negative busbar of the battery disconnect unit for electrically connecting and disconnecting the negative side of the terminal connector of the corresponding battery pack to the associated first separate electrical connector portion.

[0019] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, each of the battery packs is arranged in a battery pack housing, and an associated battery disconnect unit for the battery pack is arranged in the corresponding battery pack housing. Technical advantages may include improving the installation of the energy storage system. For example, since the battery disconnect device is included in the battery pack housing, the energy storage system may be less spacious.

[0020] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the energy storage system may include one or more carrier plates arranged to support the first separate electrical connector portion and / or the second separate electrical connector portion. Additionally, a mechanical vibration compensator unit may be arranged between the carrier plate and the corresponding first separate electrical connector portion and / or second separate electrical connector portion.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes the energy storage system of the first aspect of the present disclosure. The second aspect of the present disclosure may seek to address the same problems as those described for the first aspect of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the effects and features of the second aspect of the present disclosure are largely similar to those described above in connection with the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the vehicle further includes an electric motor for propelling the vehicle, and the electric motor is powered by the energy storage system.

[0023] Applicable to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of first separate electrical connector portions, terminal connectors, and / or one or more second separate electrical connector portions may include a corresponding positive connector and negative connector. That is, each of the plurality of first separate electrical connector portions may include a positive conductor and a negative conductor, each of the terminal connectors may include a positive conductor or positive terminal and a negative conductor or negative terminal, and / or each of the one or more second separate electrical connector portions may include a positive conductor and a negative conductor. Correspondingly, an incoming electrical connection and / or an outgoing electrical connection may include corresponding positive and negative conductors (e.g., as separate positive and negative cables).

[0024] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and / or the appended claims may be appropriately combined with each other. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and will be partially apparent to those skilled in the art or will be recognized by practicing the present disclosure as described herein. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is an exemplary partial schematic side view of an electric vehicle according to an example, the electric vehicle including an electric machine for propelling the vehicle and an energy storage system for powering the electric machine.

[0026] Figure 2 is an exemplary partial schematic top view of an energy storage system according to an example.

[0027] Figure 3 is an exemplary partial schematic top view of an energy storage system according to an example.

[0028] Figure 4 shows details of an Figure 2 energy storage system according to an example.

[0029] Figure 5 shows details of two battery packs of an energy storage system according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology in sufficient detail for a person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0031] The disclosed technology can address the problem of a spacious energy storage system. The disclosed technology provides an energy storage system in which battery packs are free to move relative to each other due to flexible first and / or second separate electrical connector portions. Thereby, installation tolerances related to space considerations can be handled in an improved manner. Additionally, due to the flexible first and / or second separate electrical connector portions, the energy storage system can be made more robust because the battery packs can move relative to each other without negatively affecting the electrical connector portions. Technical advantages can include improved installation of the energy storage system.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 in the form of an exemplary heavy-duty truck. The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle, such as a fully electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, including at least one electric machine 10 (as a traction motor) powered by an energy storage system 30, where Figure 1In the example, the energy storage system 30 includes three battery packs 31, 32, 33 arranged in parallel. The three battery packs 31, 32, 33 are configured to power at least one load, such as the electric motor 10. In addition, the vehicle 1 includes a control unit 17 that is arranged and configured to control at least part of the operation of the battery pack system 30, such as the operation of charging the three battery packs 31, 32, 33 by a power source and / or powering the electric motor 10 by the three battery packs 31, 32, 33. The vehicle 1 generally also includes other parts of the powertrain, such as a transmission, a drive shaft, and wheels (not shown in detail). The electric motor 10 can act as an electric motor, consuming electric power provided by at least one battery pack device 31, for example to provide propulsion power, and can act as a generator to generate electric power to charge at least one battery pack device 31.

[0033] In Figure 2 , an exemplary energy storage system 130 is shown. Figure 2 The energy storage system 130 of Figure 1 can be used as the energy storage system 30 in the vehicle 1 of Figure 1 . The energy storage system 130 includes a plurality of battery packs 31, 32, 33 arranged in parallel that are similar or identical to the battery packs described with reference to Figure 2 . The energy storage system 130 also includes a plurality of first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103, each of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 being associated with a corresponding battery pack 31, 32, 33. Thus, in the example of , the first battery pack 31 is associated with the first one 101 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103, the second battery pack 32 is associated with the second one 102 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103, and the third battery pack 33 is associated with the third one 103 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103. Hereinafter, the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 will be mainly described together.

[0034] The energy storage system 130 also includes a plurality of terminal connectors 120, 122, 124 that physically and electrically connect each battery pack 31, 32, 33 to an associated first separate electrical connector portion 101, 102, 103. Thus, the first terminal connector 120 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the first battery pack 31 to the first one 101 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103, the second terminal connector 122 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the second battery pack 32 to the second one 102 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103, and the third terminal connector 124 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the third battery pack 33 to the third one 103 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103.

[0035] The energy storage system 130 also includes a plurality of second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 that physically and electrically connect the plurality of first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103. Thus, the first one 201 of the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the first one 101 and the second one 102 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103, and the second one 202 of the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the second one 102 and the third one 103 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103. The third one 103 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 is physically and electrically connected to the export connection 104, such as physically and electrically directly connected. Generally, all of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 are made of a conductive metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0036] All of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 are housed in corresponding first separate junction boxes 141, 142, 143, as Figure 2 schematically shown. Thereby, components in the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 can be protected from electromagnetic interference.

[0037] As indicated by the slightly bent assemblies of the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202, the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 are flexible to allow relative movement between the battery packs 31, 32, 33. That is, due to the flexible second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202, the first battery pack 31 (and associated first separate electrical connector portion 101) is free to move relative to the second battery pack 32 (and associated first separate electrical connector portion 102) and the third battery pack 33 (and associated first separate electrical connector portion 103). Thereby, positioning and mounting tolerances related to space considerations can be handled in an improved manner, and the energy storage system 130 can be made less spacious and / or more rugged. The flexible second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 are flexible bus bars 201, 202 made of braided metal wires or layers of stacked thin metal sheets in Figure 2 which.

[0038] In Figure 2 the example, the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 are rigid rather than flexible as they are embodied as first separate bus bars 101, 102, 103. Each of the first separate bus bars 101, 102, 103 is arranged away from an adjacent first separate bus bar 101, 102, 103. Thus, two adjacent first separate bus bars 101, 102, 103 (e.g., the first 101 and the second 102 of the first separate bus bars 101, 102, 103) are separated by a distance greater than zero. Between these two adjacent first separate bus bars 101, 102, the corresponding second separate electrical connection portion is arranged, here the first 201 of the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202. Accordingly, the plurality of second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 are arranged away from each other. Between two adjacent second separate electrical connector portions (e.g., the first 201 and the second 202 of the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202), the corresponding first separate electrical connection portion is arranged, here the second 102 of the first separate electrical connector portions. Thus, along the longitudinal axis L, as Figure 4 (best shown in ) showing the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 and the terminal connectors 120, 122, 124, the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 are arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L extends through the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 in the same direction as the direction from the charging terminal 40 to the power supply terminal 50.

[0039] The flexible second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 (i.e., flexible busbars 201, 202) are flexible to move at least in a direction along the longitudinal axis L (e.g., by bending or folding in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L).

[0040] Figure 2 The energy storage system 130 of the example in also includes a charging terminal 40 that connects the battery packs 31, 32, 33 to a charger (not shown). As Figure 2 shown, a first one 101 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) to the incoming electrical connection 100, where the incoming electrical connection 100 is electrically connected to the charging terminal. The energy storage system 130 also includes a power supply terminal 50 for connecting the battery packs 31, 32, 33 to an inverter or a motor (such as Figure 1 the motor 10). As Figure 2 shown, the outgoing electrical connection 104 is electrically connected to the power supply terminal 50. However, it should be mentioned that a third one (not shown) of the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 can be included and arranged between a third one 103 of the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the outgoing electrical connection 104.

[0041] Accordingly, the battery packs 31, 32, 33 can be charged by transferring power from the charging terminal 40 to the battery packs 31, 32, 33 via the incoming electrical connection 100 and the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202, and can power the inverter or the motor 10 by transferring power from the battery packs 31, 32, 33 to the power supply terminal 50 via the outgoing electrical connection 104 and the same first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202. Thereby, since the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 are used both for charging the battery packs 31, 32, 33 and for powering the inverter or the motor 10, the energy storage system 130 can be made less spacious. Preferably, there is no separate electrical connection between the charging terminal 40 and the power supply terminal 50 other than the electrical connections provided by the first separate electrical connector portions 101, 102, 103 and the second separate electrical connector portions 201, 202 and the incoming electrical connection 100 and the outgoing electrical connection 104. For example, there is no junction box that houses both the charging terminal 40 and the power supply terminal 50.

[0042] Turning to Figure 3, showing an exemplary energy storage system 230. Figure 3 The energy storage system 230 can be used as Figure 1 the energy storage system 30 in the vehicle 1. The energy storage system 230 includes a plurality of battery packs 31, 32, 33 arranged in parallel, which are similar or identical to the battery pack described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . The energy storage system 230 also includes a plurality of first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503, and each first separate electrical connector portion 501, 502, 503 is associated with a corresponding battery pack 31, 32, 33. Thus, in the example of Figure 3 , the first battery pack 31 is associated with the first one 501 of the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503, the second battery pack 32 is associated with the second one 502 of the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503, and the third battery pack 33 is associated with the third one 503 of the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503. Hereinafter, the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 will be mainly described together.

[0043] The energy storage system 230 also includes a plurality of terminal connectors 520, 522, 524, which physically and electrically connect each battery pack 31, 32, 33 to the associated first separate electrical connector portion 501, 502, 503. Thus, the first terminal connector 520 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the first battery pack 31 to the first one 501 of the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503, the second terminal connector 522 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the second battery pack 32 to the second one 502 of the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503, and the third terminal connector 524 physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the third battery pack 33 to the third one 503 of the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503.

[0044] The energy storage system 130 also includes a second separate electrical connector portion 601, which physically and electrically connects (such as physically and electrically directly connects) the plurality of first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503. Thus, the second separate electrical connector portion 601 is a common second separate electrical connector for the plurality of first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503. Generally, all the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 and the second separate electrical connector portion 601 are made of a conductive metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0045] In Figure 2 the second separate electrical connector portion 601 is received in a corresponding second separate junction box 541. Thereby, components in the second separate electrical connector portion 601 can be protected from electromagnetic interference.

[0046] As indicated by the slightly curved components of the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503, the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 are flexible to allow relative movement between the battery packs 31, 32, 33. That is, due to the flexible first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503, the first battery pack 31 (and associated first terminal connector 520) is free to move relative to the second battery pack 32 (and associated second terminal connector 522) and relative to the third battery pack 33 (and associated third terminal connector 524). Thereby, positioning and mounting tolerances related to space considerations can be handled in an improved manner, and the energy storage system 230 can be made less spacious and / or more rugged. The flexible first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 are Figure 3 flexible cables 501, 502, 503 in

[0047] In Figure 3 the example of, the second separate electrical connector portion 601 is rigid rather than flexible as it is embodied as a second separate bus bar 601.

[0048] Each of the first separate cables 501, 502, 503 is arranged away from an adjacent first separate cable 501, 502, 503. Thus, two adjacent first separate cables 501, 502, 503 (e.g., a first one 501 and a second one 502 of the first separate cables 501, 502, 503) are separated by a distance greater than zero. Between these two adjacent first separate cables 501, 502, a portion of the second separate electrical connection portion 601 is arranged. The flexible first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 (i.e., the first flexible cables 501, 502, 503) are flexible to move at least in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (e.g., by bending or folding in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L).

[0049] Corresponding to Figure 2 the energy storage system 130, Figure 3The energy storage system 230 in the example also includes a charging terminal 40 that connects battery packs 31, 32, 33 to a charger (not shown) (physically and electrically connected (such as physically and electrically directly connected) to a second separate electrical connector portion 601) via an incoming electrical connection 100, and the energy storage system includes a power supply terminal 50 that connects battery packs 31, 32, 33 to an inverter or a motor (such as Figure 1 the motor 10) (physically and electrically connected (such as physically and electrically directly connected) to a second separate electrical connector portion 601).

[0050] Accordingly, the battery packs 31, 32, 33 can be charged by transferring power from the charging terminal 40 to the battery packs 31, 32, 33 via the incoming electrical connection 100 and the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 and the second separate electrical connector portion 601, and can power the inverter or the motor 10 by transferring power from the battery packs 31, 32, 33 to the power supply terminal 50 via the outgoing electrical connection 104 and the same first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 and the second separate electrical connector portion 601. Thus, since the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 and the second separate electrical connector portion 601 are used both for charging the battery packs 31, 32, 33 and for powering the inverter or the motor 10, the energy storage system 230 can be made less spacious. Preferably, there is no separate electrical connection between the charging terminal 40 and the power supply terminal 50 other than the electrical connections provided by the first separate electrical connector portions 501, 502, 503 and the second separate electrical connector portion 601 and the incoming electrical connection 100 and the outgoing electrical connection 104.

[0051] The first battery pack 31, the second battery pack 32, and the third battery pack 33 of the energy storage system 230 may be the first set of battery packs. The energy storage system 230 may further include a second set of battery packs, such as the fourth battery pack 34, the fifth battery pack 35, and the sixth battery pack 36 that are connected in parallel with the first set of battery packs 31, 32, 33. The second set of battery packs 34, 35, 36 may be arranged in a manner corresponding to the first set of battery packs 31, 32, 33 (i.e., having corresponding multiple first individual electrical connector portions, multiple terminal connectors, and second individual electrical connector portions (not described in detail again)). Accordingly, the energy storage system 130 may include such a second set of battery packs that have corresponding multiple first individual electrical connector portions, multiple terminal connectors, and multiple second individual electrical connector portions. Thus, the first set of battery packs 31, 32, 33 and the second set of battery packs 34, 35, 36 are electrically connected between the charging terminal 40 and the power supply terminal 50, for example, on opposite sides of the central frame structure of the vehicle. As can be seen from Figure 3 that there is no separate electrical connection routing from the charging terminal 40 to the power supply terminal 50 in the central frame structure.

[0052] In Figure 5 more details are shown of Figures 1 to 3 two battery packs 31, 32 of the energy storage systems 30, 130, 230. The first battery pack 31 includes a first battery pack housing 71 and a plurality of battery cells 131 disposed within the first battery pack housing 71. The plurality of battery cells 131 are electrically connected to the battery pack terminals 133, typically a positive terminal 133a and a negative terminal 133b. Accordingly, the second battery pack 32 includes a second battery pack housing 72 and a plurality of battery cells 132 disposed within the second battery pack housing 72. The plurality of battery cells 132 are electrically connected to the battery pack terminals 134, typically a positive terminal 134a and a negative terminal 134b. In addition, each of the first battery pack 31 and the second battery pack 32 is associated with a corresponding battery disconnect unit 61, 62. Thus, the first battery disconnect unit 61 is disposed in the first battery pack housing 71 and is electrically connected to the battery pack terminals 133 of the first battery pack 31, and the second battery disconnect unit 62 is disposed in the second battery pack housing 72 and is electrically connected to the battery pack terminals 134 of the second battery pack 32.

[0053] Example 1. An energy storage system, comprising: a plurality of battery packs arranged in parallel; a plurality of first individual electrical connector portions, each first individual electrical connector portion being associated with a corresponding battery pack; a plurality of terminal connectors that physically and electrically connect each battery pack to the associated first individual electrical connector portion; one or more second individual electrical connector portions, wherein each second individual electrical connector portion physically and electrically connects the first individual electrical connector portions; wherein the first individual electrical connector portion and / or the second individual electrical connector portion is flexible to allow relative movement between the battery packs.

[0054] Example 2. The energy storage system according to Example 1, comprising: a charging terminal for connecting the battery pack to a charger; and a power supply terminal for connecting the battery pack to an inverter or a motor, wherein the energy storage system is arranged to charge the battery pack by transferring power from the charging terminal to the battery pack via the first individual electrical connector portion and the second individual electrical connector portion, and to supply power to the inverter or the motor by transferring power from the battery pack to the power supply terminal via the same first individual electrical connector portion and second individual electrical connector portion used for charging the battery pack.

[0055] Example 3. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the first individual electrical connector portion is rigid, while the one or more second individual electrical connector portions are flexible.

[0056] Example 4. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the one or more second individual electrical connector portions are rigid, while the first individual electrical connector portion is flexible.

[0057] Example 5. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the first individual electrical connector portion is a first individual bus bar or a first individual cable, and each of the first individual bus bar or the first individual cable is arranged to be away from an adjacent first individual bus bar or first individual cable.

[0058] Example 6. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first individual electrical connector portion and / or the second individual electrical connector portion is made of a conductive metal.

[0059] Example 7. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the one or more second individual electrical connector portions are a plurality of second individual electrical connectors arranged away from each other.

[0060] Example 8. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the flexible first separate electrical connector portion and / or the second separate electrical connector portion is a flexible busbar.

[0061] Example 9. The energy storage system according to Example 8, wherein the flexible busbar is made of braided metal wires or a stack of thin metal sheets.

[0062] Example 10. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the first separate electrical connector portion and the second separate electrical connector portion are arranged alternately along a longitudinal axis.

[0063] Example 11. The energy storage system according to Example 10, wherein the first separate electrical connector portion is flexible to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and / or wherein the second separate electrical connector portion is flexible to move in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0064] Example 12. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the first separate electrical connector portion is received in a corresponding first separate junction box.

[0065] Example 13. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the one or more second separate electrical connector portions are received in corresponding one or more second separate junction boxes.

[0066] Example 14. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, further comprising a plurality of battery disconnect units, each of the battery disconnect units being associated with a corresponding battery pack.

[0067] Example 15. The energy storage system according to Example 14, wherein each of the battery packs is arranged in a battery pack housing, and wherein the associated battery disconnect unit for the battery pack is arranged in the corresponding battery pack housing.

[0068] Example 16. The energy storage system according to Example 2, wherein there is no junction box that houses both the charging terminal and the power supply terminal.

[0069] Example 17. The energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein each of the plurality of first separate electrical connector portions, the terminal connector, and / or the one or more second separate electrical connector portions includes a corresponding positive connector and a negative connector.

[0070] Example 18. A vehicle comprising the energy storage system according to any one of Examples 1 to 17.

[0071] Example 19. The vehicle as described in Example 18 further includes an electric motor for propelling the vehicle, and the electric motor is powered by the energy storage system.

[0072] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, acts, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, acts, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0073] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element.

[0074] Relative terms such as "below" or "above", or "upper" or "lower", or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms, as well as those discussed above, are also intended to cover different device orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that unless clearly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0076] It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the figures; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. In the figures and the specification, the aspects have been disclosed for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, and the scope of the disclosure is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage system (30, 130, 230), comprising: - a plurality of battery packs (31, 32, 33) arranged in parallel; - a plurality of first individual electrical connector parts (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503), each first individual electrical connector part (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503) being associated with a corresponding battery pack (31, 32, 33), - a plurality of terminal connectors (120, 122, 124, 520, 522, 524) that physically and electrically connect each battery pack (31, 32, 33) to the associated first individual electrical connector portion (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503), - one or more second separate electrical connector parts (201, 202, 601), wherein each second separate electrical connector part (201, 202, 601) is physically and electrically connected to said first separate electrical connector part (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503), The first separate electrical connector part and / or the second separate electrical connector part (501, 502, 503, 201, 202) are flexible to allow relative movement between the battery packs (31, 32, 33).

2. The energy storage system (30, 130, 230) of claim 1, comprising: A charging terminal (40), the charging terminal being used to connect the battery pack (31, 32, 33) to a charger; and a power supply terminal (50) for connecting the battery pack (31, 32, 33) to an inverter or motor (10), wherein the energy storage system (30, 130, 230) is arranged to transfer power from the charging terminal (40) to the battery pack (31, 32, 33) via the first separate electrical connector part and the second separate electrical connector part (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503, 201, 202, 601). , 32, 33) for charging the battery packs (31, 32, 33), and the inverter or motor (10) is powered by transferring power from the battery packs (31, 32, 33) to the power supply terminals (50) via the same first separate electrical connector part and second separate electrical connector part (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503, 201, 202, 601) for charging the battery packs (31, 32, 33).

3. An energy storage system (130) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first separate electrical connector part (101, 102, 103) is rigid and the one or more second separate electrical connector parts (201, 202, 103) are flexible.

4. An energy storage system (230) as described in any of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the one or more second separate electrical connector parts (601) are rigid and the first separate electrical connector parts (501, 502, 503) are flexible.

5. The energy storage system (30, 130, 230) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first separate electrical connector part (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503) is a first separate busbar (101, 102, 103) or a first separate cable (501, 502, 503), each of the first separate busbar (101, 102, 103) or the first separate cable (501, 502, 503) being arranged away from an adjacent first separate busbar (101, 102, 103) or the first separate cable (501, 502, 503).

6. The energy storage system (30, 130, 230) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first separate electrical connector part and / or the second separate electrical connector part (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503, 201, 202, 601) are made of a conductive metal.

7. The energy storage system (130) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more second separate electrical connector parts (201, 202) are a plurality of second separate electrical connectors (201, 202) arranged away from each other.

8. The energy storage system (30, 130, 230) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flexible first separate electrical connector part and / or the second separate electrical connector part (501, 502, 503, 201, 202) is a flexible busbar.

9. The energy storage system (30, 130, 230) of claim 8, wherein the flexible busbar is made of braided metal wires or stacked thin metal sheet layers.

10. The energy storage system (30, 130) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first separate electrical connector parts and the second separate electrical connector parts (101, 102, 103, 501, 502, 503, 201, 202) are arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis (L).

11. An energy storage system (30, 130, 230) as described in claim 10, wherein the first separate electrical connector part (501, 502, 503) is flexible to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), and / or wherein the second separate electrical connector part (201, 202) is flexible to move in a direction along the longitudinal axis (L).

12. The energy storage system (130) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first separate electrical connector parts (101, 102, 103) are accommodated in corresponding first separate terminal boxes.

13. The energy storage system (230) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the one or more second separate electrical connector parts (601) are housed in corresponding one or more second separate junction boxes.

14. The energy storage system of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a plurality of battery disconnect units (61, 62), each of the battery disconnect units (61, 62) being associated with a corresponding battery pack (31, 32).

15. An energy storage system as claimed in claim 14, wherein each of the battery packs (31, 32) is arranged in a battery pack housing (71, 72), and wherein the associated battery disconnect unit (61, 62) for the battery pack (31, 32) is arranged in the corresponding battery pack housing (71, 72).

16. The energy storage system (30, 130, 230) of claim 2, wherein there is no junction box accommodating both the charging terminal (40) and the power supply terminal (50).

17. An energy storage system as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of the plurality of first separate electrical connector parts, the terminal connector and / or the one or more second separate electrical connector parts includes a corresponding positive connector and a negative connector.

18. A vehicle (1) comprising an energy storage system (30, 130, 230) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The vehicle (1) of claim 18, further comprising an electric motor (10) for propelling the vehicle (1), the electric motor (10) being powered by the energy storage system (30, 130, 230).

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