Battery swapping method based on battery state of charge and its battery power station

Abstract

This invention provides a battery swapping method based on the state of charge (SOC), applicable to a battery power station for storing and charging multiple batteries. First, a battery swapping request corresponding to a user's subscribed SOC data is received. Next, the SOC of each battery in the corresponding battery power station is obtained, representing the battery's charge level. In a battery selection process, at least one specific battery with an SOC higher than the user's subscribed SOC data is excluded, and at least one target battery is selected from at least one candidate battery with an SOC no higher than the user's subscribed SOC data, and this target battery is provided according to the battery swapping request. The battery selection process prioritizes the target battery with the highest corresponding SOC from among the at least one candidate battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery swapping method and a battery power station thereof, and more particularly to a method and a battery power station that can select and swap batteries based on the user's subscribed / selected state of charge (SOC) and the current state of charge of the batteries in the battery power station. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with rising environmental awareness and advancements in electric vehicle technology, developing electric vehicles to replace traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels has gradually become a key objective in the automotive industry, leading to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. To improve the range and user willingness of electric vehicles, many countries and cities have begun planning to install charging stations and battery power stations in public places to provide charging or battery swapping services for electric vehicles and / or electric motorcycles, making the use of electric vehicles more convenient.

[0003] The charging or battery needs during peak and off-peak hours may differ for different electric vehicles. For example, the battery demand for electric motorcycles is higher during peak hours than during off-peak hours. During peak hours, battery power stations need to charge the batteries at high speeds to quickly bring them to full charge. However, during off-peak hours, because battery demand is lower, battery power stations can charge the batteries slowly to meet specific battery needs while saving costs.

[0004] On the other hand, different users may have different usage scenarios and purposes for electric motorcycles. For example, commuters who travel long distances on their electric motorcycles need a battery that can be charged quickly and fully charged. However, in some cases, housewives may use their electric motorcycles for a shorter time or for a shorter distance each day, and may only need a battery with sufficient charge rather than a fully charged one. Generally speaking, this is one of the most significant costs for battery manufacturers. How to properly manage the charging and swapping of batteries in battery power stations has become an urgent problem for the industry to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge and a battery power station thereof.

[0006] A battery swapping method based on battery state of charge (SOC) is applicable to a battery power station for storing and charging multiple batteries. First, a battery swapping request corresponding to a user's subscribed SOC data is received. Next, the SOC of each battery in the corresponding battery power station is obtained, representing the battery's charge level. In a battery selection process, at least one specific battery with an SOC higher than the user's subscribed SOC data is excluded, and at least one target battery is selected from at least one candidate battery with an SOC no higher than the user's subscribed SOC data, and this target battery is provided according to the battery swapping request. The battery selection process prioritizes the target battery with the highest corresponding SOC from the at least one candidate battery.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery power station comprising a battery storage system including multiple batteries, an energy module for charging the batteries, and a processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the battery storage system and the energy module, and receives a battery exchange request, wherein the battery exchange request corresponds to a user's subscribed state of charge (SOC) data. The processing unit obtains a SOC of each battery in the corresponding battery power station, wherein the SOC represents the battery's charge level. In a battery selection process, the processing unit excludes at least one specific battery with an SOC higher than the user's subscribed SOC data, and selects at least one target battery from at least one candidate battery with an SOC no higher than the user's subscribed SOC data. The battery selection process prioritizes the target battery with the highest corresponding SOC from the at least one candidate battery, and provides this target battery in accordance with the battery exchange request.

[0008] In some embodiments, a battery slot in the battery storage system can receive a specific battery to generate a battery exchange request. The processing unit can read the specific battery to obtain battery identification data, and use a network connection unit to transmit the battery identification data to a remote server via a network. The remote server can retrieve corresponding user identification data based on the battery identification data, query the user's subscribed state of charge (SOC) data based on the user identification data, and transmit the user's SOC data to the battery power station via the network.

[0009] In some embodiments, for each battery, it is determined whether the state of charge of the corresponding battery is higher than a predetermined threshold or a predetermined threshold ratio, and if the state of charge of the corresponding battery is not higher than the predetermined threshold or the predetermined threshold ratio, the battery is excluded from the battery selection operation.

[0010] In some embodiments, a battery slot in the battery storage system can receive a specific battery to generate a battery exchange request. The processing unit can read the specific battery to obtain its state of charge (SOC). For each battery, it is determined whether the SOC of that battery is higher than a predetermined value or a predetermined ratio for the corresponding specific battery. If the SOC of that battery is not higher than the predetermined value or predetermined ratio for the corresponding specific battery, the battery is excluded from the battery selection process.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the state of charge of each corresponding battery is higher than the user-subscribed state of charge data, at least one alternative battery is selected from the batteries in the battery selection process, wherein the battery selection process preferentially selects the alternative battery with the lowest corresponding state of charge from the batteries, and provides this alternative battery in response to the battery exchange request.

[0012] The method described above can exist in the form of program code. When the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementing the present invention.

[0013] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery power station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 The flowchart illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] List of reference numerals

[0022] 100: Battery Power Station

[0023] 110: Battery Storage System

[0024] 112: Battery

[0025] 120: Energy Module

[0026] 130: Network Connection Unit

[0027] 140: Processing Unit

[0028] 200: Remote Server

[0029] 210: Internet

[0030] S310, S320, S330, S340: Steps

[0031] S410, S420, S430, S440, S450: Steps

[0032] S510, S520, S530, S540, S550: Steps

[0033] S610, S620, S630: Steps

[0034] S710, S720, S730: Steps. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1This diagram illustrates a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery power station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an electronic device. As shown, the battery power station 100 includes at least a battery storage system 110, an energy module 120, a network connection unit 130, and a processing unit 140. The battery storage system 110 has a specific mechanism (not shown) for storing multiple batteries 112 and selectively locking or releasing these batteries. Note that the battery storage system 110 may have multiple battery slots to store the batteries 112. The battery power station 100 can provide batteries to at least one electrical device, such as an electric motorcycle or electric vehicle. The energy module 120 can be electrically coupled to a power grid (not shown) to obtain a total current to supply power to the battery power station and charge the batteries 112 according to signals from the processing unit 140. It must be noted that the battery storage system 110 may include a charging module for each battery 112, and the charging module has an upper current limit and / or a lower current limit to charge the corresponding battery. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the energy module 120 can actively detect the total current supplied by the grid to the battery power station 100 and notify the processing unit 140 of the corresponding total current information. The network connection unit 130 can be connected to a network, thereby enabling the battery power station 100 to have network connectivity. In some embodiments, the network can be a wired network, a telecommunications network, or a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. The processing unit 140 can control the operation of all hardware and software in the battery power station 100 and execute the battery exchange method based on battery state of charge of this invention, the details of which will be described later.

[0036] Figure 2 This illustrates a battery power station according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, the battery power station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an electronic device having multiple batteries that can supply power to at least one electrical device, such as an electric motorcycle or an electric vehicle. Figure 1Similar components will not be described in detail here. Battery power station 100 can connect to a remote server 200 via a network 210, such as a wired network, telecommunications network, or wireless network, such as Wi-Fi, using network connection unit 130. It should be noted that in some embodiments, remote server 200 can simultaneously manage other battery power stations located in the same or different locations. As mentioned earlier, the energy module 120 of battery power station 100 can actively detect the total current supplied to battery power station 100 by the power grid and notify processing unit 140 of the corresponding total current information. In some embodiments, remote server 200 can also notify battery power station 100 of the corresponding total current information via network 210. In some embodiments, remote server 200 can also transmit relevant information for different time periods, such as peak hours and off-peak hours, to battery power station 100 via network 210. In some embodiments, the remote server 200 may also transmit information about relevant users to the battery power station 100 via the network 210. The battery power station 100 can then perform relevant operations based on the received information.

[0037] Figure 3 This invention illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to an electronic device for storing and charging multiple batteries, such as… Figure 1 Battery power station.

[0038] First, as in step S310, a battery exchange request is received. Note that in some embodiments, the battery storage system of the battery power station may have at least one battery slot to receive a specific battery placed by the user to generate this battery exchange request. Note that the battery exchange request may correspond to a user subscribing to state-of-charge (SOC) data. In some embodiments, the user's subscribed SOC data represents the user's desired maximum charge level / capacity of the battery. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the rental fee required for a user to subscribe to a battery with a lower SOC is lower than the rental fee required for a battery with a higher SOC. Next, as in step S320, a SOC for each battery in the corresponding battery power station is obtained. Note that the battery power station can charge its internal batteries. In some embodiments, the SOC of a corresponding battery can be obtained from a Battery Management System (BMS) within the battery. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the SOC may represent a battery's capacity. Next, as in step S330, in a battery selection process, at least one specific battery with a state of charge (SOC) higher than the user's subscribed SOC data is excluded, and at least one target battery is selected from at least one candidate battery with a SOC no higher than the user's subscribed SOC data. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the battery selection process prioritizes the target battery with the highest corresponding SOC from the candidate batteries. After battery selection, as in step S340, the selected target battery is provided in accordance with the battery exchange request.

[0039] Figure 4 This invention illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to this embodiment is applicable to an electronic device for storing and charging multiple batteries, such as… Figure 1 The battery power station. In this embodiment, the user can obtain the state of charge data via a remote server.

[0040] First, as in step S410, a specific battery is received via a battery slot in the battery power station to generate a battery exchange request. As in step S420, this specific battery is read to obtain battery identification data, and as in step S430, the battery identification data is transmitted to a remote server via a network, such as a wired network, telecommunications network, or wireless network, such as Wi-Fi. As in step S440, the remote server retrieves corresponding user identification data based on the received battery identification data, and queries the user subscription state of charge (SOC) data corresponding to this user identification data. It should be noted that in some embodiments, battery / battery identification data, user / user identification data, and the corresponding user subscription SOC data can be bound together. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the user subscription SOC data represents the user's desired maximum charge level / capacity of the battery. Similarly, in some embodiments, the rental fee required for a user to subscribe to a battery with a lower SOC is lower than the rental fee required for a battery with a higher SOC. Then, as in step S450, the user's subscribed state of charge data is transmitted to the battery power station via the network.

[0041] It must be noted that in some embodiments, battery / cell identification data, user / user identification data, and corresponding user subscription state of charge data can be bound and stored in the battery power station. In this embodiment, the battery power station can directly retrieve the user subscription state of charge data internally.

[0042] Figure 5 This invention illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to this embodiment is applicable to an electronic device for storing and charging multiple batteries, such as… Figure 1 The battery power station. In this embodiment, the state of charge (SOC) of the selected battery must be greater than that of the user's specific battery.

[0043] First, as in step S510, a specific battery is received via a battery slot in the battery power station to generate a battery exchange request. As in step S520, this specific battery is read to obtain its state of charge (SOC). Next, as in step S530, for each battery, it is determined whether the SOC of that battery is higher than a predetermined value or a predetermined percentage, such as 20% of the SOC of the specific battery. It should be noted that the aforementioned predetermined value or percentage is merely an example in this case, and the invention is not limited thereto. When the SOC of the corresponding battery is higher than the predetermined value or predetermined percentage (yes in step S540), the process ends. When the SOC of the corresponding battery is not higher than the predetermined value or predetermined percentage (no in step S540), as in step S550, that battery is excluded from the battery selection process.

[0044] Figure 6 This invention illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to this embodiment is applicable to an electronic device for storing and charging multiple batteries, such as… Figure 1 The battery power station. In this embodiment, batteries can be pre-selected based on their state of charge / capacity before operation.

[0045] First, as in step S610, for each battery, it is determined whether the state of charge (SCC) of the corresponding battery is higher than a predetermined threshold value or a predetermined threshold ratio. Note that the predetermined threshold value and predetermined threshold ratio can be set according to different applications and requirements. For example, the predetermined threshold ratio can be 80% of the battery's maximum saturated capacity. It should be noted that the aforementioned predetermined threshold ratio is only an example in this case, and the invention is not limited thereto. When the battery capacity of the corresponding battery is higher than the predetermined threshold value or predetermined threshold ratio (yes in step S620), the process ends. When the SCC of the corresponding battery is not higher than the predetermined threshold value or predetermined threshold ratio (no in step S620), as in step S630, the battery is excluded from the battery selection process.

[0046] Figure 7 This invention illustrates a battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to another embodiment of the present invention. The battery swapping method based on battery state of charge according to this embodiment is applicable to an electronic device for storing and charging multiple batteries, such as… Figure 1 The battery power station. In this embodiment, when the state of charge of the batteries in the battery power station does not meet the user's needs, the battery power station can also provide alternative batteries to perform battery exchange operations.

[0047] First, as in step S710, it is determined whether the state of charge (SOC) of each battery is higher than the user-subscribed SOC data. If the SOC of each battery is not higher than the user-subscribed SOC data (No in step S710), the process ends. If the SOC of each battery is higher than the user-subscribed SOC data (Yes in step S710), as in step S720, at least one replacement battery is selected from the batteries in the battery selection process. Note that in some embodiments, the battery selection process prioritizes the replacement battery with the lowest corresponding SOC. After selecting the battery, as in step S730, this replacement battery is provided in response to the battery exchange request.

[0048] Therefore, the battery swapping method based on the state of charge (SOC) and its battery power station in this case can select and swap batteries based on the SOC of the batteries subscribed / selected by the user and the current SOC of the batteries in the battery power station. Different users may have different usage scenarios and purposes for electric motorcycles. This case can provide users with different options, such as subscribing to batteries with a lower SOC at a lower cost, to meet the actual usage scenarios and needs of electric motorcycles, thereby increasing user convenience while meeting battery swapping requirements.

[0049] The method, or a specific form or part thereof, of the present invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in physical media, such as floppy disks, optical discs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, or may be a computer program product, not limited to an external form. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. The program code may also be transmitted via transmission media, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission method. When the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the program code, in conjunction with the processing unit, provides a unique apparatus that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

[0050] Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A battery exchange method based on battery state of charge, characterized by, A battery energy station adapted to receive and charge a plurality of batteries, comprising the steps of: receiving a battery exchange request, wherein the battery exchange request corresponds to a user-subscribed state-of-charge data; obtaining a state-of-charge of each of the batteries in the battery energy station, wherein the state-of-charge represents a battery power level of the corresponding battery; in a battery selection operation, excluding at least one particular battery having a state-of-charge higher than the user-subscribed state-of-charge data, and selecting at least one target battery from at least one candidate battery having a state-of-charge not higher than the user-subscribed state-of-charge data, wherein the battery selection operation is performed by preferentially selecting the target battery having a highest state-of-charge from the at least one candidate battery; and providing the target battery corresponding to the battery exchange request.

2. The battery swap method based on battery state of charge according to claim 1, characterized in that, further comprising the steps of: receiving a particular battery by a battery slot of the battery energy station to generate the battery exchange request; reading the particular battery to obtain a battery identification data corresponding to the particular battery; transmitting the battery identification data to a remote server via a network; retrieving a user identification data corresponding to the battery identification data by the remote server, and querying the user-subscribed state-of-charge data based on the user identification data; and transmitting the user-subscribed state-of-charge data from the remote server to the battery energy station via the network.

3. The battery swap method based on battery state of charge according to claim 1, characterized in that, further comprising the steps of: for each of the batteries, determining whether the state-of-charge of the corresponding battery is higher than a predetermined threshold value or a predetermined threshold ratio; and when the state-of-charge of the corresponding battery is not higher than the predetermined threshold value or the predetermined threshold ratio, excluding the battery from the battery selection operation.

4. The battery swap method based on battery state of charge according to claim 1, characterized by, further comprising the steps of: receiving a particular battery by a battery slot of the battery energy station to generate the battery exchange request; reading the particular battery to obtain the state-of-charge of the particular battery; for each of the batteries, determining whether the state-of-charge of the corresponding battery is higher than a predetermined value or a predetermined ratio of the state-of-charge of the corresponding particular battery; and when the state-of-charge of the corresponding battery is not higher than the predetermined value or the predetermined ratio of the state-of-charge of the corresponding particular battery, excluding the battery from the battery selection operation. further comprising the steps of:

5. The battery swap method based on battery state of charge according to claim 1, characterized by, when the state-of-charge of each of the batteries is higher than the user-subscribed state-of-charge data, selecting at least one alternative battery from the batteries in the battery selection operation, wherein the battery selection operation is performed by preferentially selecting the alternative battery having a lowest state-of-charge from the batteries; and providing the alternative battery corresponding to the battery exchange request. comprising: a battery receiving system comprising a plurality of batteries; 6. A battery power station characterized by, an energy module adapted to charge the batteries; and a battery selection operation performed by preferentially selecting a target battery having a highest state-of-charge from at least one candidate battery having a state-of-charge not higher than the user-subscribed state-of-charge data. ​ ​ A processing unit coupled to the battery receiving system and the energy module to receive a battery exchange request, wherein the battery exchange request corresponds to a user subscribed state of charge data, to obtain a state of charge of each of the batteries in the battery energy station, wherein the state of charge represents a battery charge level of the corresponding battery, to exclude at least one specific battery having a state of charge higher than the user subscribed state of charge data in a battery selection operation, and to select at least one target battery from at least one candidate battery having a state of charge not higher than the user subscribed state of charge data, wherein the battery selection operation is to select the target battery from the at least one candidate battery by prioritizing the target battery having a highest state of charge, and to provide the target battery corresponding to the battery exchange request.

7. The battery power plant of claim 6, wherein, Further comprising a network connection unit, wherein a battery slot of the battery receiving system receives a specific battery to generate the battery exchange request, and the processing unit further reads the specific battery to obtain a battery identification data of the specific battery, and to transmit the battery identification data to a remote server through a network by using the network connection unit, wherein the remote server retrieves a user identification data corresponding to the battery identification data, and queries the user subscribed state of charge data according to the user identification data, and transmits the user subscribed state of charge data to the battery energy station through the network.

8. The battery power plant of claim 6, wherein, The processing unit further determines, for each of the batteries, whether the state of charge of the corresponding battery is higher than a predetermined threshold value or a predetermined threshold ratio, and excludes the battery from the battery selection operation when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is not higher than the predetermined threshold value or the predetermined threshold ratio.

9. The battery power plant of claim 6, wherein, A battery slot of the battery receiving system receives a specific battery to generate the battery exchange request, and the processing unit further reads the specific battery to obtain the state of charge of the specific battery, determines, for each of the batteries, whether the state of charge of the corresponding battery is higher than a predetermined value or a predetermined ratio of the state of charge of the corresponding specific battery, and excludes the battery from the battery selection operation when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is not higher than the predetermined value or the predetermined ratio of the state of charge of the corresponding specific battery.

10. The battery power plant of claim 6, wherein, When the state of charge of each of the batteries is higher than the user subscribed state of charge data, the processing unit selects at least one alternative battery from the batteries in the battery selection operation, wherein the battery selection operation is to select the alternative battery from the batteries by prioritizing the alternative battery having a lowest state of charge, and to provide the alternative battery corresponding to the battery exchange request.

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