Rechargeable energy storage system for a vehicle

Abstract

A rechargeable energy storage system for a vehicle includes a plurality of voltage sub-packs, a series of switches operably coupled to the plurality of voltage sub-packs, and a controller. The controller includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including executing, in response to charging data received by the controller, an energy storage architecture, identifying, via the energy storage architecture, a charging system class based on the charging data, the charging system class including one of a megawatt charging system and a combined charging system, executing, via the energy storage architecture, a switch sequencing at one or more of the series of switches, and activating at least one voltage sub-pack of the plurality of voltage sub-packs based on the executed switch sequencing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to rechargeable energy storage systems for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The information provided in this section is intended to provide a general overview of the background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors, and aspects of the description that may not conform to the prior art at the time of submission, are neither explicitly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art relative to this disclosure.

[0003] Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional vehicles that use fossil fuels. EVs offer a variety of advantages, such as reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and improved performance. However, one of the main challenges EVs face compared to traditional vehicles is limited range and long charging times. EVs typically rely on batteries to store electrical energy, which can be converted into mechanical energy to power the vehicle. Batteries have a limited capacity and need to be periodically recharged from an external power source, such as charging stations.

[0004] A charging station is a device that supplies electrical energy to the battery of an EV via cables and connectors. Charging time and the amount of energy transferred depend on various factors, such as battery capacity, battery state of charge, charging power, and charging voltage. Generally, higher charging power and higher charging voltage can reduce charging time and increase the energy transferred, but they also present technical challenges.

[0005] Most existing charging stations use charging voltages of less than 1000 volts and maximum charging power of around 350 kilowatts. These values ​​are sufficient for most current EVs, which have relatively small batteries and moderate range requirements. However, for future EVs, these values ​​may be insufficient to meet customer expectations and market demands. Future EVs may have larger batteries and higher range requirements, and may require the ability to charge quickly and conveniently, similar to filling a gas canister. To achieve this, much higher charging power and much higher charging voltage may be required.

[0006] However, increasing charging power and voltage also increases the challenges and risks associated with the charging system. For example, once the charging power exceeds 350 kW, maintaining the same charging voltage becomes more difficult because the current required to deliver that power becomes extremely high. The current-carrying cables and connectors need to be larger and heavier, making them less flexible and harder for users to handle. Furthermore, high current and high voltage can generate more heat and more electromagnetic interference, which can affect the performance of the charging system and the EV. Therefore, an improved energy system for vehicles is needed that can provide high-voltage, high-power charging without compromising system availability and reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In some aspects, a rechargeable energy storage system for a vehicle includes multiple voltage sub-packets, a series of switches operatively coupled to the multiple voltage sub-packets, and a controller. The controller includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include executing an energy storage architecture in response to charging data received by the controller, identifying a charging system category based on the charging data via the energy storage architecture, the charging system category including one of a megawatt charging system and a combined charging system, performing switch sequencing at one or more of the series of switches via the energy storage architecture, and activating at least one of the multiple voltage sub-packets based on the executed switch sequencing.

[0008] In some examples, the multiple voltage sub-packets may include at least three voltage sub-packets, and the switch series may include a first switch series, a second switch series, and a third switch series. The third switch series may be positioned between and operatively coupled to the multiple voltage sub-packets. Optionally, the at least three voltage sub-packets may include a first voltage sub-packet, a second voltage sub-packet, and a third voltage sub-packet, wherein the second and third voltage sub-packets may have voltages less than that of the first voltage sub-packet. In some configurations, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting one switch in the first switch series, one switch in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series. In other examples, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting two switches in the first switch series, one switch in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series.

[0009] In a further example, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting one switch in a first series of switches, two switches in a second series of switches, and two switches in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the series. Optionally, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting two switches in a first series of switches and two switches in a second series of switches, closing all switches in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the first series of switches and the remaining switches in the second series of switches. In other instances, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting three switches in a third series of switches and closing the remaining switches in each of the first and second series of switches. In some examples, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting at least two switches in a first series of switches, at least two switches in a second series of switches, and one switch in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the series. Optionally, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting three switches in a first series of switches and three switches in a second series of switches, closing all switches in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the first series of switches and the remaining switches in the second series of switches.

[0010] In other aspects, a rechargeable energy storage system for a vehicle includes: a plurality of voltage sub-packets, comprising at least three voltage sub-packets; a series of switches operatively coupled to the plurality of voltage sub-packets, the series of switches including a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches, the third series of switches being disposed among and operatively coupled to the plurality of voltage sub-packets; and a controller. The controller includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include executing an energy storage architecture in response to charging data received by the controller; identifying a charging system category based on the charging data via the energy storage architecture, the charging system category including one of a megawatt charging system and a combined charging system; performing a switch sequencing via the energy storage architecture at one or more of the series of switches, the switch sequencing including disconnecting at least three switches from at least one of the first series of switches, the second series of switches, and the third series of switches and closing the remaining switches in the series of switches; and activating at least one voltage sub-packet among the plurality of voltage sub-packets based on the performed switch sequencing.

[0011] In some examples, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting one switch in a first series of switches, one switch in a second series of switches, and one switch in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the series. Alternatively, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting two switches in a first series of switches, one switch in a second series of switches, and one switch in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the series. In some instances, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting one switch in a first series of switches, two switches in a second series of switches, and two switches in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the series. In other instances, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting two switches in a first series of switches and two switches in a second series of switches, closing all switches in a third series of switches, and closing the remaining switches in the first series of switches and the remaining switches in the second series of switches.

[0012] In a further example, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting three switches in a third switch series and closing the remaining switches in each of the first and second switch series. In other configurations, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting two switches in the first switch series, two switches in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series. Optionally, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting three switches in the first switch series, two switches in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series. In a further example, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting two switches in the first switch series, three switches in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series. In other configurations, performing switch sequencing may include disconnecting three switches in the first switch series and three switches in the second switch series, closing all switches in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the first and second switch series. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only for the selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 The diagram shows a vehicle connected to a charging station, the vehicle being equipped with a rechargeable energy storage system according to this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exemplary block diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exemplary block diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0021] Figure 8 This is another exemplary block diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0025] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of a rechargeable energy storage system, which includes a first series of switches, a second series of switches, and a third series of switches in various open and closed states;

[0027] Figure 14 This is an exemplary flowchart of the operation of a rechargeable energy storage system according to the present invention; and

[0028] Figure 15 This is an exemplary method of operation for a rechargeable energy storage system according to the present disclosure.

[0029] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals denote the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, that the example configuration may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0032] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0033] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish individual elements, components, regions, layers, or parts. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0034] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to or be a part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or include ASICs; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that execute code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functions described above; or some or all of the above combinations, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0035] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor, in conjunction with an additional processor, that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory, in conjunction with additional memory, that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through the medium and can therefore be considered tangible, non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0036] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented, in whole or in part, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0037] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0038] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used for temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0039] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0040] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These different implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, the programmable system including at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device, the programmable processor being dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0041] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. These processes and logic flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor storage devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented or incorporated therein by dedicated logic circuitry.

[0042] To provide interaction with the user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen, and optional keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a webpage to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The vehicle 100 is equipped with a rechargeable energy storage system 10. For example, the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle (EV) and / or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that utilizes a battery 102 to at least partially power the vehicle 100. The battery 102 is configured to be selectively charged using a third-party charging system 200. The charging system 200 may be configured as one of a megawatt charging system 202 and a combined charging system 204. The charging system 200 can therefore be configured to provide different levels of power to the battery 102 of the vehicle 100 depending on the configuration of the charging system 200 (i.e., whether the charging system 200 is a megawatt charging system 202 or a combined charging system 204).

[0044] The battery 102 of the vehicle 100 includes a plurality of voltage sub-packs 104 and a series of switches 106 operatively coupled to the voltage sub-packs 104. The number of voltage sub-packs 104 may vary depending on the configuration of the battery 102, and the number of switches in the series of switches 106 may similarly vary to reflect an increase or decrease in the number of voltage sub-packs 104. The voltage sub-packs 104 include at least three voltage sub-packs 104, 104a-n, and the series of switches 106 includes at least three series of switches 106, 106a-n. The series of switches 106, 106a-n includes a first switch series 106a, a second switch series 106b, and a third switch series 106c. Each of the series of switches 106, 106a-n includes a switch 108. For example, the first switch series 106a includes switches 108, 108a. 1-n The second switch series 106b includes switches 108, 108b1-n, and the third switch series 106c includes switches 108, 108c1-n. The number of switches 108 in the series of switches 106 can vary depending on the configuration of the battery 102, as described in more detail below.

[0045] For example, Figure 3-6 A first switch series 106a is shown, comprising a first switch 108a1, a second switch 108a2, a third switch 108a3, and a fourth switch 108a4. A second switch series 106b includes a first switch 108b1, a second switch 108b2, a third switch 108b3, and a fourth switch 108b4. A third switch series 106c includes 108c1 and a second switch 108c2. The battery 102 of the rechargeable energy storage system 10 is also shown configured with a first voltage subpack 104a, a second voltage subpack 104b, and a third voltage subpack 104c, each voltage subpack being operatively coupled to at least one of the series of switches 106.

[0046] In this configuration, the first voltage sub-packet 104a has a voltage greater than that of both the second voltage sub-packet 104b and the third voltage sub-packet 104c. For example, the second voltage sub-packet 104b and the third voltage sub-packet 104c may each have a voltage approximately half that of the first voltage sub-packet 104a. Therefore, the second voltage sub-packet 104b and the third voltage sub-packet 104c each have a voltage less than that of the first voltage sub-packet 104a. For example, the first voltage sub-packet 104a may have a voltage from approximately 700 volts (V) to approximately 750 V, and the second voltage sub-packet 104b and the third voltage sub-packet 104c may each have a voltage of approximately 350 V.

[0047] Battery 102 is communicatively coupled to controller 12 of rechargeable energy storage system 10, such that controller 12 is configured to at least partially control the operation of battery 102. For example, controller 12 includes energy storage architecture 14 configured to selectively activate voltage sub-packet 104 via the opening and closing of switches in a series of switches 106. Controller 12 includes data processing hardware 16 configured to execute energy storage architecture 14, and includes memory hardware 18 communicating with data processing hardware 16. Memory hardware 18 stores instructions that, when executed by data processing hardware 16, cause data processing hardware 16 to perform the operations described herein, including executing energy storage architecture 14.

[0048] When vehicle 100 is electrically coupled to charging system 200, energy storage architecture 14 can receive charging data 210 associated with charging system 200. Energy storage architecture 14 is configured to identify charging system category 20 based on charging data 210. For example, charging data 210 may indicate whether charging system 200 is a megawatt charging system 202 or a combined charging system 204. Energy storage architecture 14 uses the identified charging system category 20 to determine the execution of switch sequencing 22. Switch sequencing 22 is configured to activate or otherwise execute one or more of a series of switches 106. Switch sequencing 22 causes energy storage architecture 14 to selectively activate at least two of voltage sub-packets 104, 104a-n based on charging system category 20 to deliver power output 24 compatible with charging system 200.

[0049] Voltage sub-packets 104, 104a-n are selectively activated by opening and closing switches 108 in a series of switches 106. The energy storage architecture 14 is configured to determine a switch sequence 22 based on the charging system category 20. For example, the switch sequence 22 may include switches 108, 108a, and 104a. 1-nThe voltage category 30 is defined by the switch state 26 of -108c1-n. The switch state 26 can be a binary state, such that the corresponding switch 108 has an open state 26a or a closed state 26b. The voltage category 30 of the switch sequence 22 corresponds to the charging voltage 212 of the charging system 200 based on the identified charging system category 20.

[0050] For example, voltage category 30 may include standard voltage category 32, one or more intermediate voltage categories 34a, 34b, and high voltage category 36. One or more intermediate voltage categories 34a, 34b may include a first intermediate voltage category 34a and a second intermediate voltage category 34b, which will be described in more detail below. By way of example and not limitation, standard voltage category 32 may include a charging voltage 212 of approximately 700V. One or more intermediate voltage categories 34a, 34b may include a charging voltage 212 of approximately 1050V. High voltage category 36 may include a charging voltage 212 of approximately 1400V.

[0051] In standard voltage category 32, one of switches 108a1-108a4 in the first switch series 106a has an open state 26a, one of switches 108b1-108b4 in the second switch series 106b has an open state 26a, and one of switches 108c1-108c2 has an open state 26a. For example, Figure 3 The fourth switch 108a4 of the first switch series 106a is shown in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108a1-108a3 of the first switch series 106a are in the closed state 26b. The second switch series 106b is shown with the third switch 108b3 in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108a1, 108a2, and 108a4 are in the closed state 26b. The third switch series 106c is shown, with the first switch 108c1 in the open state 26a and the second switch 108c2 in the closed state 26b. As a result, the second voltage sub-packet 104b and the third voltage sub-packet 104c are activated, while the first voltage sub-packet 104a remains inactive in standard voltage category 32.

[0052] Intermediate voltage categories 34a and 34b are in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the image. Figure 4The first intermediate voltage category 34a shown includes two of switches 108a1-108a4 of a first switch series 106a with an open state 26a, one of switches 108b1-108b4 of a second switch series 106b with an open state 26a, and one of switches 108c1-108c2 with an open state 26a. For example, the third switch 108a3 and the fourth switch 108a4 of the first switch series 106a are shown in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108a1-108a2 of the first switch series 106a are in the closed state 26b. The second switch series 106b is shown, in which the fourth switch 108b4 is in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108b1-108b3 are in the closed state 26b. The third switch series 106c is shown, in which the second switch 108c2 is in the open state 26a, and the first switch 108c1 is in the closed state 26b. As a result, the first voltage sub-packet 104a and the second voltage sub-packet 104b are activated, while the third voltage sub-packet 104c remains inactive in the first intermediate voltage category 34a.

[0053] In the second intermediate voltage category 34b, such as Figure 5 As shown, one switch from 108a1 to 108a4 in the first switch series 106a is in the open state 26a; two switches from 108b1 to 108b4 in the second switch series 106b are in the open state 26a; and two switches from 108c1 to 108c2 in the third switch series 106c are in the open state 26a. For example, the third switch 108a3 of the first switch series 106a is shown in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108a1-108a2 and 108a4 of the first switch series 106a are in the closed state 26b. The second switch series 106b is shown, in which the fourth switch 108b4 is in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108b1-108b3 are in the closed state 26b. The third switch series 106c is shown, in which both the first switch 108c1 and the second switch 108c2 are in the open state 26a. As a result, the first voltage sub-packet 104a and the third voltage sub-packet 104c are activated, while the second voltage sub-packet 104b remains inactive in the second intermediate voltage category 34b.

[0054] In high voltage category 36, such as Figure 6As shown, two of switches 108a1-108a4 in the first switch series 106a are in the open state 26a, one of switches 108b1-108b4 in the second switch series 106b is in the open state 26a, and one of switches 108c1-108c2 is in the open state 26a. For example, the third switch 108a3 and the fourth switch 108a4 in the first switch series 106a are shown in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108a1 and 108a2 in the first switch series 106a are in the closed state 26b. The second switch series 106b is shown, in which the fourth switch 108b4 is in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108b1-108b3 are in the closed state 26b. The third switch series 106c is shown, in which both the first switch 108c1 and the second switch 108c2 are in the closed state 26b. As a result, all three voltage sub-packets 104a-104c were activated in high voltage category 36.

[0055] Special Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8-12 A rechargeable energy storage system 10a is provided. Given the fundamental similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the rechargeable energy storage system 10, the same reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals including letter and / or number extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0056] The battery 102a of the rechargeable energy storage system 10a includes a first voltage sub-pack 104a1, a second voltage sub-pack 104b1, a third voltage sub-pack 104c1, and a fourth voltage sub-pack 104d1. Each of the voltage sub-packs 104a1-104d1 has an equal voltage. For example, each voltage sub-pack 104a1-104d1 may have a voltage of approximately 375 volts (V). The voltage sub-packs 104a1-104d1 may also have the same or otherwise equivalent ampere-hour (Ah) capacity.

[0057] By opening and closing a series of switches 106, 106a1-106c1, including switches 108, 108a 1a-n -108c 1a-n To selectively activate voltage sub-packets 104, 104a1-n1. The energy storage architecture 14 is configured to determine the switch sequence 22a based on the charging system category 20. For example, the switch sequence 22a may include each switch 108, 108a... 1-n,a -108c 1-n,a The voltage category 30a is defined by switch state 26. Switch state 26 can be a binary state, causing the corresponding switches 108, 108a to... 1-n,a -108c 1-n,aIt has an open state 26a or a closed state 26b. The voltage category 30a of the switch sequence 22a corresponds to the charging voltage 212 of the charging system 200a based on the identified charging system category 20.

[0058] For example, voltage category 30a may include low voltage category 38a, standard voltage category 32a, one or more intermediate voltage categories 34a1, 34b1, and high voltage category 36a. The difference between low voltage category 38a and standard voltage category 32a is that low voltage category 38a typically corresponds to a voltage of approximately 350V. In contrast, standard voltage category 32a typically corresponds to a voltage of approximately 700V. One or more intermediate voltage categories 34a1, 34b1 may include a first intermediate voltage category 34a1 and a second intermediate voltage category 34b1, described in more detail below. By way of example and not limitation, one or more intermediate voltage categories 34a1, 34b1 may include a charging voltage 212 of approximately 1050V. High voltage category 36a may include a charging voltage 212 of approximately 1400V.

[0059] In low voltage category 38a, all switches 108a of the first switch series 106a1. 1a -108a 5a All switches 108b of the second switch series 106b1 have a closed state 26b. 1a -108b 5a It has a closed state 26b, and all switches 108c of the third switch series 106c1. 1a -108c 3a It has an off state 26a. For example, Figure 9 Each switch 108a of the first switch series 106a1 is shown. 1a -108a 5a 26b is in the closed state. A second series of switches 106b is also shown, with each switch being 108b. 1a -108b 5a 26b is in the closed state. The third switch series 106c is shown, in which the first switch 108c... 1a Second switch 108c 2a and the third switch 108c 3a Each of them is in the off state 26a. As a result, the fourth voltage sub-packet 104d1 is activated, while the first voltage sub-packet 104a1, the second voltage sub-packet 104b1 and the third voltage sub-packet 104c1 remain inactive in the low voltage category 38a.

[0060] In standard voltage category 32a, the first switch series 106a1 includes switch 108a. 1a -108a 5aThe two switches in the middle have an open state 26a, and the second switch series 106b1 has a switch 108b. 1a -108b 5a Two switches in the middle have an open state 26a, and switch 108c of the third switch series 106c1. 1a -108c 3a One of the switches has an open state 26a. For example, Figure 10 The third switch 108a3 and the fifth switch 108a of the first switch series 106a1 are shown. 5a 26a is in the open state, while the remaining switches 108a of the first switch series 106a1 are in the open state. 1a 108a 2a and 108a 4a 26b is in the closed state. The second switch series 106b is shown as the first switch 108b. 1a and the fourth switch 108b 4a 26a is in the open state, while the remaining switches 108b of the second switch series 106b1 are in the closed state. 2a 108b 3a and 108b 5a 26b is in the closed state. The third switch series 106c1 is shown as the second switch 108c. 2a 26a is in the open state, while the remaining switches 108c of the third switch series 106c1 are in the open state. 1a 108c 3a The voltage is in closed state 26b. As a result, the first voltage sub-packet 104a1 and the second voltage sub-packet 104b1 are activated, while the third voltage sub-packet 104c1 and the fourth voltage sub-packet 104d1 remain inactive in standard voltage category 32a.

[0061] Intermediate voltage categories 34a1 and 34b1 in Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the image. Figure 11 The first intermediate voltage category 34a1 shown includes three switches 108a in the first switch series 106a1 with an open state 26a. 1a -108a 5a Two switches 108b in the second switch series 106b1 with an open state 26a 1a -108b 5a And a switch 108c in the third switch series 106c1 with an open state 26a. 1a -108c 3a For example, the third switch 108a of the first switch series 106a1. 3a Fourth switch 108a 4a and the fifth switch 108a 5aThe switch 26a is shown in the open state, while the remaining switches 108a of the first switch series 106a1 are in the open state. 1a -108a 2a 26b is in the closed state. The second switch series 106b1 is shown as the second switch 108b. 2a and the fifth switch 108b 5a Switch 26a is in the off state, while the other switches 108b are in the off state. 1a 108b 3a and 108b 5a 26b is in the closed state. The third switch series 106c1 is shown, in which the third switch 108c... 3a Switch 26a is in the open state, while the other switches 108c are in the closed state. 1a 108c 2a The voltage is in closed state 26b. As a result, the first voltage sub-packet 104a1, the second voltage sub-packet 104b1, and the third voltage sub-packet 104c1 are activated, while the fourth voltage sub-packet 104d1 remains inactive in the first intermediate voltage category 34a1.

[0062] In the second intermediate voltage category 34b1, such as Figure 12 As shown, switch 108a of the first switch series 106a1. 1a -108a 5a Two switches, 26a and 108b, of the second switch series 106b1, are in an open state. 1a -108b 5a The three switches in the series 106c1 have an open state 26a, and the third switch series 106c1 has a switch 108c. 1a -108c 3a One of them has an open state 26a. For example, the second switch 108a of the first switch series 106a1. 2a and the fifth switch 108a 5a The switch 26a is shown in the open state, while the remaining switches 108a of the first switch series 106a1 are in the open state. 1a 108a 3a 108a 4a 26b is in the closed state. The second switch series 106b1 is shown as the second switch 108b. 2a Third switch 108b 3a and the fourth switch 108b 4a Switch 26a is in the off state, while the other switches 108b are in the off state. 1a 108b 5a The circuit is in the closed state 26b. The third switch series 106c is shown with the first switch 108c1 in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108c... 1a 108c 2aThe voltage is in closed state 26b. As a result, the second voltage sub-packet 104b1, the third voltage sub-packet 104c1 and the fourth voltage sub-packet 104d1 are activated, while the first voltage sub-packet 104a1 remains inactive in the second intermediate voltage category 34b1.

[0063] In high voltage category 36a, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first switch series 106a1 has three switches 108a. 1a -108a 5a Having an open state 26a, three switches 108b of the second switch series 106b1 1a -108b 5a It has an open state 26a, and all switches 108c1-108c3 of the third switch series 106c1 have a closed state 26b. For example, the third switch 108a of the first switch series 106a1 3a Fourth switch 108a 4a and the fifth switch 108a 5a The switch 106a1 is shown in the open state 26a, while the remaining switches 108a1 and 108a2 of the first switch series 106a1 are in the closed state 26b. The second switch series 106b1 is shown as the second switch 108b. 2a Fourth switch 108b 4a and the fifth switch 108b 5a Switch 26a is in the off state, while the other switches 108b are in the off state. 1a 108b 3a 26b is in the closed state. The third switch series 106c1 is shown, in which all switches 108c are... 1a -108c 3a 26b is in a closed state. As a result, all four voltage sub-packets 104a1-104d1 are activated in the high voltage category 36a.

[0064] Now for reference Figure 14A flowchart illustrating the operation of the rechargeable energy storage system 10 is shown. At 1400, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 determines whether the vehicle 100 has stopped. If not, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 continues monitoring until the vehicle 100 has stopped. If the vehicle 100 has stopped, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 determines at 1402 whether the charging system 200 is connected. If not, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 continues monitoring until the charging system 200 is connected. If the charging system 200 is connected, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 determines at 1404 whether the charging voltage 212 is a standard voltage category 32, 32a. If the charging voltage 212 is a standard voltage category 32, 32a, the energy storage architecture 14 executes a switching sequence 22 associated with the standard voltage category 32, 32a at 1406. Then, at 1408, the energy storage architecture 14 sends a command to the charging system 200 associated with the switching sequence 22 for the standard voltage category 32, 32a.

[0065] If the charging voltage 212 is not a standard voltage category 32, 32a, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 determines at 1410 whether the charging voltage 212 is one of the intermediate voltage categories 34a-34b1. If the charging voltage 212 is one of the intermediate voltage categories 34a-34b1, the energy storage architecture 14 executes a switching sequence 22 associated with one of the intermediate voltage categories 34a, 34b1 at 1412. At 1414, the energy storage architecture 14 sends a command associated with the switching sequence 22 for one of the intermediate voltage categories 34a, 34b1.

[0066] If the charging voltage 212 is not one of the standard voltage categories 32, 32a or intermediate voltage categories 34a, 34b1, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 determines at 1416 whether the charging voltage 212 is a high voltage category 36, 36a. If the charging voltage 212 is a high voltage category 36, 36a, the energy storage architecture 14 executes a switching sequence 22 associated with the high voltage category 36, 36a at 1418. At 1420, the energy storage architecture 14 sends a command associated with the switching sequence 22 for the high voltage category 36, 36a.

[0067] If the charging voltage 212 is not one of the standard voltage categories 32, 32a, intermediate voltage categories 34a, 34b1, or high voltage categories 36, 36a, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 determines at 1422 whether the charging voltage 212 is a low voltage category 38a. If the charging voltage 212 is a low voltage category 38a, the energy storage architecture 14 performs a switching sequence 22 associated with the low voltage category 38a at 1424. At 1426, the energy storage architecture 14 sends a command associated with the switching sequence 22 for the low voltage category 38a.

[0068] After sending a command associated with one of voltage categories 32-38a, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 determines at 1428 whether charging is complete. If charging is not complete, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 continues to monitor the charging process. Once charging is complete, the rechargeable energy storage system 10 stops the switching sequence 22 at 1430 to terminate charging.

[0069] refer to Figure 15 An exemplary method 1500 for operating a rechargeable energy storage system 10 is illustrated. At 1502, an energy storage architecture 14 is executed in response to charging data received by a controller 12. At 1504, the energy storage architecture 14 identifies a charging system category 20 based on charging data 210. The charging system category 20 includes one of a megawatt charging system 202 and a combined charging system 204. At 1506, the energy storage architecture 14 performs a switch sequencing 22 at one or more of a series of switches 106. The switch sequencing 22 includes disconnecting from a first series of switches 106a. 1-4 106a 1a-5a Second switch series 106b 1-4 106b 1a-5a and the third switch series 106c 1-2 106c 1a-3a At least three switches 108 of at least one of the series of switches 106 are closed, and the remaining switches 108 of the series of switches 106 are closed. At 1508, at least one voltage sub-packet 104 of the plurality of voltage sub-packets 104 is activated based on the executed switch sequence 22.

[0070] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0071] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A rechargeable energy storage system for a vehicle, the rechargeable energy storage system comprising: Multiple voltage sub-packets; A series of switches, operably coupled to multiple voltage sub-packets; and The controller includes data processing hardware and memory hardware that communicates with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including the following: In response to charging data received from the controller, the energy storage architecture is executed; The charging system category is identified based on charging data via energy storage architecture. The charging system category includes one of megawatt charging systems and combined charging systems. Switching is performed at one or more of a series of switches via an energy storage architecture; as well as Based on the executed switch sequence, at least one voltage sub-packet among multiple voltage sub-packets is activated.

2. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of voltage sub-packets includes at least three voltage sub-packets, and the series of switches includes a first switch series, a second switch series, and a third switch series, the third switch series being disposed among the plurality of voltage sub-packets and operatively coupled to the plurality of voltage sub-packets.

3. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 2, wherein, The at least three voltage sub-packets include a first voltage sub-packet, a second voltage sub-packet, and a third voltage sub-packet, wherein the second voltage sub-packet and the third voltage sub-packet have voltages that are lower than the voltage of the first voltage sub-packet.

4. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein, Performing the switch sequence includes: disconnecting one switch in the first switch series, one switch in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series.

5. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein, Performing the switch sequence includes: disconnecting two switches in the first switch series, one switch in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series.

6. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein, Performing the switch sequence includes: disconnecting one switch in the first switch series, two switches in the second switch series, and two switches in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series.

7. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein, Performing the switch sequence includes: disconnecting two switches in the first switch series and two switches in the second switch series, closing all switches in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the first switch series and the remaining switches in the second switch series.

8. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 2, wherein, Performing the switch sequence includes: disconnecting three switches in the third switch series and closing the remaining switches in each of the first and second switch series.

9. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 2, wherein, Performing the switch sequence includes: disconnecting at least two switches in the first switch series, at least two switches in the second switch series, and one switch in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the series.

10. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 2, wherein, Performing the switch sequence includes: disconnecting three switches in the first switch series and three switches in the second switch series, closing all switches in the third switch series, and closing the remaining switches in the first switch series and the remaining switches in the second switch series.

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