Energy distribution system with source prioritization

Abstract

An energy distribution system includes at least a first energy storage system including a controller and at least one energy storage unit configured to store an amount of energy. The controller includes a memory that stores an energy metadata file. The energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to power distribution and energy management systems, and more particularly to power distribution systems configured to include prioritization of energy based on one or more criteria.

[0002] To provide a desirable driving range, electric vehicles and some hybrid electric vehicles include high-capacity battery systems capable of storing large amounts of energy. In some examples, the vehicles may be configured to return excess energy from the vehicle to an external energy source through an external device. Due to the mobile nature of an electric vehicle and the ability to charge electric vehicles from multiple different sources, electric vehicles often receive and distribute energy generated using several different types of energy, including green energy sources and non-renewable energy sources.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system that prioritizes which types of energy should be received and distributed by electric vehicle battery systems. SUMMARY

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, an energy distribution system includes at least a first energy storage system including a controller and at least one energy storage unit configured to store an amount of energy. The controller includes a memory that stores an energy metadata file. The energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the characteristics described herein, the energy type element includes at least a first category for energy from fossil fuels, at least a first category for energy from green fuels, and a category for unknown types.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the at least first green energy category includes multiple green energy categories.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the characteristics described here, the amount of energy in a reasonable energy map is associated with the metadata file.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the characteristics described here, the amount of energy is associated with an energy per unit mapping of the metadata file.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the memory further stores instructions to cause the controller to implement a method for prioritizing power distribution, the method comprising identifying a first prioritization condition for an upcoming power transfer, transferring power units that satisfy the prioritization condition during a power transfer, and determining a response when the power transfer is incomplete and the power units that satisfy the prioritization condition are depleted.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, determining the response includes identifying a second prioritization condition and transmitting energy units corresponding to the second prioritization condition.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, determining the reaction comprises terminating the energy transfer.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the prioritization condition includes a type of energy and / or a source of energy.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the type of energy includes green energy and / or wind energy and / or solar energy and / or hydroelectric energy.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the energy source includes an electrical grid and / or energy costs and / or a charging location.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the controller is configured to manage the energy metadata file through a remote connection to a cloud service or a remote server.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the at least first energy storage system includes an energy storage system for an electric vehicle.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for prioritizing energy flow between energy storage systems includes identifying a primary prioritization condition for an upcoming energy transfer, identifying energy units within an energy source that satisfy the primary prioritization condition, transferring energy units that satisfy the primary prioritization condition in an energy transfer from the energy source to an energy destination by reading an energy metadata file corresponding to the energy source, and determining a response when the energy transfer is incomplete and the energy units that satisfy the primary prioritization condition are depleted.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, determining the response includes terminating the energy transfer if the energy transfer is incomplete and the energy units corresponding to the primary prioritization condition are depleted.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, determining the response includes identifying at least one secondary prioritization condition and transferring energy units corresponding to the at least one secondary prioritization condition if the energy transfer is incomplete and the energy units corresponding to the primary prioritization condition are depleted.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the characteristics described here, the energy metadata file includes an energy type element and an energy source element.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the energy metadata file is a defensible tracking energy metadata file.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the energy metadata file is a per-unit metadata file.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the energy source or energy destination is a vehicle energy storage system.

[0024] The above-described features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features, advantages and details appear only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 an exemplary vehicle; Fig. 2 a block diagram of a vehicle connected to a charging station; Fig. 3 a visual representation of the stored energy by type of energy; Fig. 4 a method for prioritizing the use of energy types in an individual vehicle; and Fig. 5 an exemplary method for tracking and prioritizing the use of energy type in a power distribution system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals designate similar or corresponding portions and features. As used herein, the term module refers to processing circuitry that may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) with memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.As used herein, the term controller refers to any computer-based control system that includes dedicated control systems, general vehicle controllers, control programs distributed across multiple systems, or any similar control architecture.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, an energy storage system for an electric vehicle includes a battery controller. The battery controller includes a memory that stores an energy metadata file. The energy metadata file tracks a source, amount, and type of energy stored in the energy storage system. In one example, the energy metadata file tracks what portion of the stored energy is green (renewable) energy, what portion of the energy is fossil-fuel-based (non-renewable) energy, and what portion of the energy has an unknown origin.

[0028] Additionally, the energy metadata file tracks energy sources (e.g., a power grid, a home storage unit, a commercial charging station). In still further examples, the energy metadata file may track the cost of energy received from any given source, a time of day the energy was received from the energy source, and any other available information about the energy. In examples where energy is transferred between two systems (e.g., a home charger and an electric vehicle), where each system has an energy metadata file, the metadata file for the transferred energy may be provided to the receiving system to enable efficient updating of the metadata information in each system and continuous tracking of how energy units flow through an energy distribution system.

[0029] The energy metadata file can use either fungible tracking or per-unit tracking. As used here, "fungible tracking" refers to a tracking method that treats energy as a fungible element and stores the energy's contribution and origin as a percentage of the total charge. In one example, for an amount of energy, the fungible tracking method would identify the type as 80% green energy, 10% fossil fuel energy, and 10% energy of unknown origin. Any energy transferred by the electric vehicle would include metadata identifying the transferred energy as 80% green energy, 10% fossil fuel energy, and 10% energy of unknown origin.

[0030] As used herein, "per-unit tracking" refers to a tracking method where energy is treated as individual units, and the metadata file tracks amounts of energy corresponding to the respective category. For example, a per-unit tracking method would identify a type, a source, and any other available information for each unit of energy received, with the energy metadata file storing the information from each received unit. Energy transferred by a per-unit tracking method includes metadata identifying the source and type of each unit of energy transferred, as well as any available additional information such as a cost and an entity paying for the energy.

[0031] According to some example embodiments, instructions stored in memory and configured to cause a controller to implement energy transfer prioritization based on conditions related to the metadata file are also included. For example only, the conditions may prevent the transfer of energy harvested from a complementary workload device, prioritize the transfer of green energy, prioritize the transfer of energy to specific systems, etc.

[0032] With continued reference to the general system described above, Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 that at least partially defines a passenger compartment 14. The vehicle body 12 also supports various vehicle subsystems, including a propulsion system 16, an energy storage unit (a battery system 22), and other subsystems to support functions of the propulsion system 16, and other vehicle components such as a braking subsystem, a suspension system, a steering subsystem, and others.

[0033] The vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine system 18 and at least one electric motor assembly. For example, the propulsion system 16 includes a first electric motor 20 and a second electric motor 21. The motors 20 and 21 may be configured to drive wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle 10. Any number of motors positioned at various additional locations within the vehicle 10 may be used to provide power to corresponding systems and subsystems.

[0034] The battery system 22 may be electrically connected to the motors 20 and 21 and / or other components such as vehicle electronics. The battery system 22 may be configured as a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and includes multiple power cells divided into sections. A battery system controller 24 (alternatively referred to as the controller 24) is included in the battery system 22 and controls the charging and discharging functions of the battery system 22. In alternative configurations, the controller 24 may be a general vehicle controller remote from the battery system 22 and configured to control multiple systems and / or subsystems. The general vehicle controller may be located at any location within the vehicle 10.In still further alternatives, the controller 24 may be a distributed control system that includes multiple coordinating controllers throughout the vehicle 10, including controllers in the battery system 22 and controllers remote from the battery system 22.

[0035] In any example, the controller 24 includes a memory 25 that stores an energy metadata file 27. The energy metadata file 27 stores metadata about the energy stored in the battery system 22. The metadata includes, but is not limited to, data identifying a source and type of energy stored in the battery system 22. In some examples, supplemental auxiliary data is stored along with the source and type of energy.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the battery system 22 connects through a charging device 30 to an external power source 32, such as a home source, a power grid, a charging station, etc. Once the controller 24 is connected, the battery system 22 can be caused to either charge (receive power into the battery system 22) or discharge (transfer power from the battery system 22) by the charging device 30. When the charging device 30 is connected to an external power source 32, communication is established between the controller 24 and a corresponding controller at the external power source 32. The communication can occur via any form of data connection, including wired or wireless, and using any communication protocol.

[0037] If the external power source 32 contains its own energy metadata file 27, the controller 22 exchanges metadata with the external power source 32, and the controller 22 updates the metadata file 27 of the vehicle 10 with information provided by the external power source 32. If the external power source 32 lacks an energy metadata file 27, the corresponding controller of the external power source 32 can be queried by the controller 24 for information about the source and type of energy generated and any other relevant information. If the external power source 32 lacks a controller and / or is unable to communicate information about the source and type of energy, the controller 24 infers a source and / or type of energy for each unit based on the context in which the unit is received.In some examples, controller 24 may determine the likely source and type of energy based on weather, time of year, location, charging station ID, time of day, a phone tracking application, and / or any similar systems. In yet another example, the likely source and type of energy may be determined by vehicle 10 using data identifying public charging stations and private grid connections, where the data is stored either locally on vehicle 10 or remotely in a cloud storage system.

[0038] For example, if the vehicle 10 is typically located at a work location between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, the controller 24 may infer that the energy received between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM is received from a power source 32 at the work location. In alternative examples, where the contextual information is insufficient to infer either the source or type of energy, the controller 24 may identify such energy as being of unknown origin.

[0039] Use of the energy metadata file 27 enables the classification of energy sources by tracking energy generation methods (e.g., solar energy, hydroelectric energy, wind energy, coal energy, nuclear energy) and tracking energy sources (public charging stations, connection to the local electrical grid, employer-provided charging, etc.) of each unit of energy received by the vehicle 10. Tracking energy via the metadata files allows the controller 24 to categorize each unit of energy and prioritize the distribution of energy from specific sources and / or of specific types. In some examples, the energy metadata file may include additional information beyond the source and type of energy.This information is referred to as ancillary information and may include, but is not limited to, a time of day, the weather, a time of year, a location, a charging station ID, a customer configuration, a price per unit, an entity paying for the energy corresponding to a particular unit of power, etc. In some cases where energy metadata files are stored in a central repository, the data can be aggregated across multiple energy metadata files and the flow of energy through a distribution system (e.g., through the use of the energy within a fleet of electric vehicles) can be tracked.

[0040] The implementation of the energy metadata file 27 enables prioritization of energy distribution based on the source or type of energy (e.g., how renewable or green a given energy source is, how expensive a given energy source is, who paid for a given unit of energy).

[0041] Example uses may include, but are not limited to: Residential solar energy used to charge a vehicle RESS or a residential RESS in standby for later use can be prioritized to offset non-renewable energy supplied by an interconnected electrical grid.

[0042] Green energy stored in a stationary storage RESS can be used to charge a vehicle RESS for use as propulsion or as surplus storage of excess green energy that can later be used for various purposes.

[0043] Excess green energy at a generation source may be stored in a vehicle battery system 22 for use in the event that non-green energy generation is necessary to meet demand or for changes in the time of day, weather, or season.

[0044] In some examples, stored energy distribution can be selectively used to increase available tax credits or other financial incentives that depend on the use or prioritization of green energy.

[0045] With continued reference to Fig. 1 shows Fig. 2 schematically shows the vehicle 10 of the Fig. 1, which is connected to the vehicle through the charging port 30 to a charging device 104 at an external power source 32. Both the charging port 30 and the charging device 104 are capable of transferring power to and from their respective systems (the vehicle 10 and the external power source 32). The external power source 32 also includes a controller 102. The controller 102 includes a similar energy metadata file tracking system as that included on the vehicle controller 24, and both controllers 102, 24 are in wireless communication with each other. In alternative examples, the controllers 102, 104 may communicate directly or indirectly via wired communication, or are configured to communicate via any available means.

[0046] During a basic implementation of the energy metadata file 27 systems, when the vehicle operator initially connects the vehicle charging port 30 to the charging device 104, the controller 24 in the vehicle 10 initiates communication with the controller 102 of the external energy source 32. As energy is exchanged from the vehicle 10 or the external energy source 32 to the vehicle 10 or the external energy source 32, the controllers 24, 102 communicate the type of energy (solar, wind, fossil fuel, nuclear, etc.) of each transferred unit, as well as any available supplemental information (e.g., price, time of day the energy was generated). The energy metadata files 27 are updated in each of the controllers 24, 102, and the vehicle 10 and the external energy source 32 monitor and track the type and source of each unit of energy contained in their energy storage.

[0047] In some examples, such as a home or power grid, the external energy source 32 may provide different types of energy depending on the time of day. For example, connecting to a home that includes a solar panel may provide solar energy during the day, but energy from a local coal-fired grid during the evening or night. In such examples, the source may either inform the receiving system directly, or the type may be inferred from supplemental information (e.g., time of day).

[0048] With continued reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows Fig. 3 is a visual representation of a "type" classification of the energy stored in a battery system 22 on the vehicle 10, as the energy is tracked via the energy metadata file 27. The amount of the complete shape represents the total amount of energy 200. In one example, each unit of energy within the shape is divided into three portions comprising green energy 202, non-renewable energy 204, and energy of unknown origin 206, with the range within each portion corresponding to the amount of energy with that classification. The range within each classification may be further divided into subcategories such as solar energy 210, wind energy 212, hydroelectric energy 214, and unknown green energy 216. Similar divisions may exist within the non-renewable energy portion 204, which includes coal, nuclear energy, natural gas, and any similar energy sources.The nature of the classifications listed here is exemplary and not restrictive.

[0049] The type of classification used in Fig. Figure 3 is a visual representation of a single information axis and the classification of the “sources” of each energy unit can be visualized and subcategorized in a similar way.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 2 and continued reference to Fig. 3, one or more of the controllers 24, 102 may communicate a prioritization condition for energy transfer when an energy transfer is initiated. The prioritization condition specifies a preferred or required type and classification of energy that should be transferred first. For example only, the vehicle controller 10 24 may establish a prioritization condition by which all non-renewable energy is transferred from the vehicle 10 at the earliest possible time to maintain overall green energy operation of the vehicle 10. Similarly, the external power source 32 may establish a prioritization condition by which energy previously drawn from the external power source 32 should be transferred first.In yet another case where both systems have prioritization conditions, the controllers 24, 102 can combine the prioritization conditions and begin transmission with the energy that meets both conditions. Alternatively, if the prioritization conditions conflict, the controllers 24, 102 use a symmetrization protocol to determine which prioritization condition is implemented. In some such cases, each prioritization condition can be given a weight corresponding to its importance, and the prioritization condition with the higher weight can be implemented by the controllers 24, 102.

[0051] When the energy corresponding to the prioritization condition is exhausted, the controllers 24, 102 may either terminate the transmission (in cases where the condition is a requirement) or switch to a lower priority type of energy (in cases where the condition is a preference).

[0052] With continued reference to the Fig. 1-3 shows Fig. 4 is a diagram 300 illustrating an energy flow using a vehicle such as the vehicle 10 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, which uses the energy metadata file system 27.

[0053] First, in a step 310, the vehicle 10 charges at a solar energy charging station 210 (receives energy into the battery system 22) located away from its home.

[0054] After sufficient or full charging, vehicle 10 executes a planned trip in step 312. In the example shown, the planned trip is a trip from the solar charging station to a house.

[0055] Once the vehicle 10 arrives at the house, it connects to a home system in a step 314. Once connected, the controller 24 determines whether excess energy is available in the battery system 22 in a "Is excess green energy available" check 316. This corresponds to a prioritization condition for the "use of excess green energy" 202.

[0056] If there is no excess green energy 202, no energy is transferred from the vehicle 10 due to the prioritization condition and the vehicle 10 returns to the solar charging station in step 318.

[0057] If excess green energy 202 is available, the excess green energy 202 is transferred to the home system in a step 320 for transferring excess green energy 202 to the home.

[0058] Once the excess energy has been transferred, the vehicle 10 returns to the solar charging station in step 318.

[0059] After returning to the solar charging station, the vehicle 10 returns to the first step 310 and charges again from the solar charging station.

[0060] Although each of the steps and checks of Fig. 4 is listed in immediate succession, it should be recognized that expected delays may occur between the operation or execution of each step. Charging from the solar charging station (step 310) may, by way of example only, occur over a workday while the operator of the vehicle 10 is at work. In this example, the following steps 312, 314, 316, and 320 would occur after the owner of the vehicle 10 leaves work, and step 318 of returning to the solar station would occur the next time the owner of the vehicle 10 returns to work.

[0061] With continued reference to the Fig. 1-3 shows Fig.5 illustrates a general method 500 for applying a prioritization condition for using green energy first at a power generation source 32. First, the controller 24, 102 receives power of any type or source and categorizes the energy in step 510 using the energy metadata file 27. While receiving energy, the system receiving the energy monitors its own energy demand and determines in a check 520 whether there is a surplus of green energy provided by the various power sources. If there is no surplus, the system continues to receive power and monitor the received power.

[0062] If a surplus of green energy exists, the method 500 prioritizes receiving green energy and stores the surplus green energy in an energy storage system (e.g., the battery system 22) in step 530, and determines whether the surplus green energy is needed in a check 540. If the surplus green energy is not currently needed, the method 500 continues receiving and storing the surplus energy.

[0063] If there is a need for excess energy, the previously stored excess green energy is transferred from storage to any connected system requiring the energy in step 550. As the energy is used, the method 500 continuously checks in a check 560 whether the green energy in the energy storage system has been depleted. If the stored green energy has not been depleted, the method 500 returns to the check 540 and determines whether more energy is needed. If the green energy is depleted, the power from alternative sources is used in a step 570, and the method 500 returns to the initial check 520 to determine whether excess green energy is present.

[0064] With reference to all figures, in some examples, the energy metadata files 27 may be shared with a central database via the internet, a cloud service, cellular data connections, or any other data connection, and the central database may aggregate the energy metadata files 27 from all participating systems. The central database may track a flow of various types and sources of energy through an energy ecosystem, and the data may be used to determine charging station locations, energy transfer times and conditions, or any similar information.

[0065] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of number, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced elements. The term "or" means "and / or" unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. A reference throughout the application text to "an aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in further aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0066] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as "on" another element, it may be directly adjacent to the other element or may also have intervening elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly adjacent" to another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0067] Unless otherwise specified herein, all examination standards shall be the most recent standard in force as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the examination standard appears.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, 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.

[0069] While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements without departing from the scope thereof. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

[1] Energy distribution system that includes: at least a first energy storage system including a controller and at least one energy storage unit configured to store an amount of energy, wherein the controller includes a memory storing an energy metadata file, and wherein the energy metadata file includes an element of the type of energy and an element of the source of the energy. [2] The energy distribution system of claim 1, wherein the energy type element comprises at least a first fossil fuel energy category, at least a first green fuel energy category, and an unknown type category, and wherein the at least one first green energy category optionally comprises a plurality of energy categories. [3] The energy distribution system of claim 1, wherein the amount of energy is assigned to the energy metadata file in a mapping of reasonable energies. [4] The energy distribution system of claim 1, wherein the amount of energy is associated with the energy metadata file in an energy per unit mapping, and wherein the memory further stores instructions to cause the controller to implement a method for prioritizing energy distribution, the method comprising: Identifying a first prioritization condition for an upcoming energy transfer; Transferring energy units that meet the first prioritization condition in an energy transfer; and Determine a response when the energy transfer is incomplete and the energy units corresponding to the first prioritization condition are exhausted. [5] The power distribution system of claim 4, wherein determining the response comprises identifying a second prioritization condition and transferring energy units that meet the second prioritization condition or terminating the energy transfer. [6] The energy distribution system of claim 4, wherein the second prioritization condition comprises a type of energy and / or a source of energy. [7] The energy distribution system of claim 6, wherein the type of energy comprises green energy, wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric energy. [8] The energy distribution system of claim 7, wherein the source of energy comprises a power grid and / or energy costs and / or a charging location. [9] The energy distribution system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to manage the energy metadata file through a remote connection to a cloud service or a remote server. [10] The energy distribution system of claim 1, wherein the at least first energy storage system includes an energy storage system for an electric vehicle.

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