IoT-enabled smart battery management module for remote shutdown and critical power control in automobiles

Abstract

An IoT-enabled automotive battery control module comprising: a microcontroller; a variety of voltage and current sensors; IoT communication hardware; one or more relay circuits for controlling the battery power supply; and an interface for mobile applications; wherein the device is configured to enable remote disconnection and reconnection of the vehicle battery.

Description

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an IoT-enabled intelligent battery control module for automobiles. The proposed invention not only enables remote battery disconnection and reconnection, but also provides intelligent energy management to improve safety, prevent parasitic consumption, and prioritize critical vehicle functions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In modern vehicles, a significant number of electronic components continuously draw power, even when the vehicle is turned off. This constant power consumption, known as a parasitic load, can lead to premature battery discharge, starting problems, and reduced battery life—especially when the vehicle is idle for extended periods.

[0003] To prevent this, the battery terminals are typically manually disconnected. However, this manual intervention is inconvenient for most users and poses potential safety risks. Furthermore, when the battery charge reaches a critically low level, existing systems lack the intelligence to selectively cut power to unnecessary systems, which can lead to starting problems or the interruption of critical functions such as engine starting or control unit operation.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a more intelligent system that monitors battery health, prioritizes power supply, enables remote control, and increases vehicle security against unauthorized starting.

[0005] Therefore, the proposed invention provides a robust solution that combines IoT capabilities with intelligent control logic to prevent unwanted battery discharge, reduce manual intervention, and improve overall reliability and safety. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The following is a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not a comprehensive overview, and is not intended to identify important or critical elements or to delimit the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description below.

[0007] Accordingly, an IoT-enabled intelligent battery control module for motor vehicles is provided.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the IoT-enabled smart battery control module is configured to be integrated directly between the battery and the wiring harness of a vehicle. The system includes a microcontroller, voltage and current sensors, communication hardware (e.g., Wi-Fi, GSM, or Bluetooth), and electronic solid-state relays.

[0009] The proposed module is designed to allow the battery to be disconnected and reconnected via a mobile application. Furthermore, the system is capable of monitoring the battery in real time, automatically shutting down non-critical subsystems when the battery charge level is low, and reconnecting the battery once it is sufficiently charged.

[0010] Additionally, the mobile application allows users to configure thresholds, monitor real-time data, receive alerts, and perform diagnostics. The system includes secure encryption for all data communications and ensures protection through integrated overcurrent and overvoltage protection circuits.

[0011] These and other aspects of the embodiments described herein will be better appreciated and understood in conjunction with the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The embodiments described herein and the various features and advantageous details will be explained in more detail with reference to the non-limiting examples and preferred embodiments presented in the following description. The terms used herein are for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of application.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, an IoT-enabled battery control module configured for installation in a vehicle environment is provided.

[0014] The system includes: • A microcontroller for processing real-time data and executing power management algorithms. • Voltage and current sensors configured to continuously monitor battery health parameters. • IoT communication hardware such as GSM, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules designed for wireless real-time communication with a companion mobile application. • One or more electronic relays that control the flow of power from the battery to the vehicle's systems. • A protective circuit with surge protection and fuses to ensure electrical safety. • A manual override switch on the module for emergency scenarios.

[0015] The intelligent control unit detects the battery charge level and automatically cuts off the power supply to non-essential systems such as infotainment or interior lighting if the charge falls below a critical level (e.g. 20%).

[0016] Critical systems such as the starter motor and the control unit continue to receive power to ensure reliable ignition. Once the battery charge level returns to the optimal threshold (e.g., 60%), the module automatically restores power to the previously disabled systems.

[0017] The mobile application interface includes: • Real-time display of battery voltage and current. • Push notifications for abnormal activities or critical charging conditions. • Manual control options for turning the battery off or on. • Customizable settings for shutdown and restart thresholds. • Historical log of battery performance and usage data.

[0018] All communication between the application and the device is secured by encryption protocols to prevent unauthorized access.

[0019] In addition, the control unit increases vehicle security by allowing the user to remotely deactivate the battery in the event of unauthorized use or attempted theft. The module can also record such events for later analysis.

[0020] The invention thus solves the problems of parasitic discharge, inefficient energy distribution and manual maintenance and provides a smarter, safer and more efficient battery management system for modern vehicles.

Claims

[1] An IoT-enabled automotive battery control module comprising: a microcontroller; a variety of voltage and current sensors; IoT communication hardware; one or more relay circuits for controlling the battery power supply; and an interface for mobile applications; wherein the device is configured to enable remote disconnection and reconnection of the vehicle battery. [2] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is configured to execute power management logic that prioritizes critical vehicle systems when the battery charge level is low. [3] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 2, wherein the module automatically reconnects non-critical systems when the battery is sufficiently charged again. [4] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 1, wherein the device communicates wirelessly with the mobile application to provide real-time battery status, control options, and alerts. [5] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 1, wherein all communication between the device and the mobile application is encrypted using secure communication protocols. [6] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 1, further comprising a manual override switch to enable direct control during a network or application failure. [7] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 1, wherein the device includes overcurrent, short circuit, and overvoltage protection components. [8] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 1, wherein the user is able to configure shutdown and restart thresholds via the application. [9] The IoT-enabled battery control module of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to store historical battery performance data and generate usage reports.