Method for tracking and managing power supply equipment via a blockchain-based system

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for tracking and managing power supply devices and a blockchain-based system for such tracking and monitoring. The method includes the steps of retrieving recorded characteristic data associated with an existing product identification from a blockchain, verifying such recorded characteristic data, generating a new product identification connected to the existing product identification, and recording the new product identification and new characteristic data on the blockchain. The system includes a blockchain and a middleware server that performs the above steps. A blockchain-based system for monitoring and renting power supply devices is also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring, renting, recycling, and trading electrical power supplies using blockchain. The present disclosure also relates to systems and methods for determining the price of electrical power supplies. [Background technology]

[0002] Considering the exponential growth of digital devices and electric vehicles, as well as the increasing efforts towards energy conservation, power supplies and batteries, power supplies and the batteries contained therein play an increasingly important role.

[0003] Despite the growing popularity of power supply devices, only a very small percentage of used devices are traded or recycled. These devices often end up neglected in drawers or sent to landfills, and both the production and disposal of devices generates large amounts of waste, a significant environmental hazard. Low trade and recycling rates include a lack of systems designed for trade or recycling, and low levels of awareness about battery recycling programs.

[0004] Another major obstacle to establishing a recycling scheme for power supplies is the lack of infrastructure to track and monitor the life cycle of such power supplies. Setting up a tracking system to monitor and record the production and usage history of the equipment would be of great help to battery recyclers, as it would allow them to be certain about the characteristics and quality of the batteries they recycle.

[0005] Such information would also make the life cycle of the power supply more transparent, allowing consumers to understand and verify the environmental impacts of each stage of the device's life cycle (e.g., manufacturing, packaging, use, recycling). This would make consumers more aware of the benefits they bring to the environment by recycling their power supplies and providing incentives for consumers to do so.

[0006] A further incentive to recycle could be given if consumers were given money or credits for the power supplies they recycle, and it would be desirable for the amount of money or credit paid to be determined according to the condition of the batteries in the power supply. By rewarding with money or credits whenever recycled batteries or battery materials are purchased and sold, other participants in the power supply life cycle, such as battery recyclers, manufacturers, retailers, etc., could also be incentivized to purchase and sell recycled batteries or battery materials.

[0007] However, to date, there is no database available that allows an owner, user or buyer to assess the condition of a battery based on the battery's history and then assign an instantaneous value to the battery based on such assessment.

[0008] The above tracking and monitoring systems could be further adapted to collect information regarding the status and history of the battery, including details of physical parameters such as the number of charge / discharge cycles used, which can be used to determine the condition of the battery. Such information could then be used as a basis for assigning monetary values ​​to the batteries, facilitating and incentivizing the recycling of power supplies and solving the problems outlined above. Systems adapted to reduce power supply waste and encourage reuse of power supplies (e.g., renting or buying and selling power supplies instead of disposing of them) could also utilize such information to determine the health of the battery and assign monetary values ​​in response to such transactions.

[0009] US Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0197608 A1 discloses a battery rental system. The system includes a determination unit that determines an incentive for renting a particular battery, where various factors, such as the supply and demand of batteries at a location and the battery depletion history, play a role in determining the value of the incentive, and different incentive values ​​can be provided to different users. However, the system lacks a means to fully evaluate the condition of the battery and estimate a price for the battery that would encourage users to recycle unwanted batteries.

[0010] Another problem is to secure the data stored in the database for battery assessment, which is vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks, physical attacks or malicious operators in the network. In a world where technological advances enable the growth of data networks and the integration of everyday electronic devices, data security is essential, and measures should be taken to ensure that stored data is not altered or corrupted.

[0011] Additionally, while rental power supply devices such as mobile power sources are becoming increasingly popular, one of the problems with existing rental systems is that these systems lack the ability to reliably and accurately monitor the health and performance of the power supply device and ensure that users are renting quality power supply devices.

[0012] In order to best care for power supplies and encourage their recycling and reuse, it would be advantageous to monitor the behavior of the power supply to predict battery failure and keep track of other battery performance or status parameters related to battery health or performance so that the user can be informed of the status of the power supply's health and proactive action can be taken to address any problems.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a low-cost, reliable and accurate battery monitoring system and method for unattended monitoring of batteries to estimate battery health in order to encourage users to recycle them. There is also a need for a system and method in which battery prices are assessed based on battery history without requiring consumers to provide battery information. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The aforementioned needs are met by various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein. In one aspect, a method for managing an electrical power supply device in a blockchain-based system is provided herein, the method comprising: (a) inputting into the middleware computer a user identification, an existing product identification, and a data retrieval instruction; (b) verifying, by the middleware computer, the user identity; (c) retrieving one or more virtual folders associated with the product identification from an existing block in a blockchain ledger; (d) transmitting the one or more virtual folders to the middleware computer; (e) extracting, with the middleware computer, recorded characteristic data from the one or more virtual folders; (f) verifying said characteristic data; (g) inputting new characteristic data into said middleware computer; (h) generating, by said middleware computer, a new product identification connected to said existing product identification; (i) linking, by the middleware computer, the new product identification and the new characteristic data to form a new virtual folder; (j) transmitting the new virtual folder from the middleware computer to the blockchain ledger; and (k) creating a new block in the blockchain ledger to record the new virtual folder.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising: Blockchain and one or more middleware computers; the one or more middleware computers: Receiving one or more virtual folders from the blockchain; deriving recorded characteristic data from said one or more virtual folders; Verifying user identity and said recorded characteristic data; generating a new product identification connected to an existing product identification; linking said new product identification and said new characteristic data to form a new virtual folder; Sending the new virtual folder to the blockchain; and A new block may be created in the blockchain to record the new virtual folder. A blockchain-based tracking system for managing power supply equipment is provided.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising: A blockchain ledger; a middleware server configured to send data to and receive data from the blockchain ledger; a mobile terminal comprising a rental module configured to send a command to the middleware server to rent the power supply device; a power supply device; The power supply device is Battery and a monitoring module coupled to the battery and configured to monitor one or more battery operating parameters; a main controller coupled to the monitoring module and configured to calculate one or more battery status parameters using the one or more battery operating parameters received from the monitoring module; a communication module coupled to the main controller and configured to transmit the one or more battery operating parameters and battery status parameters to the middleware server. The Company provides a blockchain-based rental and monitoring system for power supply equipment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a blockchain-based system for managing electricity supply equipment.

[0018] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a diagram depicting an embodiment of a method for trunking and managing power supplies.

[0019] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for renting, monitoring, and recycling electricity supply equipment with blockchain.

[0020] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a diagram depicting an embodiment of a middleware server.

[0021] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a power supply device with one battery.

[0022] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a diagram depicting an embodiment of a power supply device comprising multiple batteries.

[0023] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment illustrating steps for processing and storing monitored parameters of a power supply.

[0024] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment illustrating steps for recycling a power supply.

[0025] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an embodiment illustrating steps for renting a power supply.

[0026] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an embodiment illustrating steps for returning a power supply.

[0027] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an embodiment illustrating the steps for purchasing a power supply.

[0028] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a system for trading or serial rental of power supplies.

[0029] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a screenshot of a graphic user interface showing several battery operating and status parameters such as battery capacity, battery temperature and battery safety indicators. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] general definition The term "battery operating parameters" refers to any information or data that can be used by the assessment module for its processing. Battery operating parameters may include the type of battery (model and year) and any other parameters such as the number of charge / discharge cycles and any battery history data.

[0031] The term "battery status parameters" refers to any information or data that can be calculated by the assessment module using the battery operating parameters. Battery status parameters can include battery level, state of charge of the battery, and cumulative charge and discharge capacity.

[0032] The term "blockchain" (also referred to herein as "blockchain network" and "blockchain ledger") refers to a distributed data system that maintains a continuously growing record of data. In general, blockchain technology creates a secure ledger that records events or transactions, and distributes the ledger across multiple nodes in a network to ensure that transactions on the network are transparent and auditable. Blockchains cryptographically secure information within the network, and can be configured to ensure that the ledger cannot be altered by entities with access to the network.

[0033] The term "maximum continuous discharge current" refers to the maximum current that a fully charged power supply or electrochemical cell can discharge at a voltage equal to or greater than the nominal voltage of the power supply or electrochemical cell.

[0034] The term "maximum pulse discharge current" refers to the maximum current that a fully charged power supply or electrochemical cell can discharge over a short period of time, e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds, at a voltage equal to or greater than the nominal voltage of the power supply or electrochemical cell.

[0035] The term "nominal voltage" refers to the (rated) voltage across the terminals of an electrochemical cell or power supply when the electrochemical cell or power supply is loaded, and in particular to the average voltage at the plateau of the discharge curve of the electrochemical cell or power supply.

[0036] The term "state of charge (SOC)" refers to the level of charge of a power supply or electrochemical cell relative to the capacity of the power supply or electrochemical cell. A fully charged power supply or electrochemical cell has an SOC of 100%, while a fully discharged one has an SOC of 0%.

[0037] The term "State of Health (SOH)" refers to a parameter that characterizes the overall condition of a power supply or electrochemical cell relative to an ideal or initial state of the power supply or electrochemical cell. SOH may take into account a number of parameters of the power supply or electrochemical cell, such as the capacity retention of the power supply or electrochemical cell, length of use, number of charge / discharge cycles used, and performance history.

[0038] Unless specifically stated, language using the singular should not be construed to exclude embodiments using the plural. For example, when the singular article "a" or "an" is used in this disclosure, it should be understood to include both the singular and the plural.

[0039] When a numerical range is provided herein, any interval within that numerical range is also disclosed. Any specific numerical value within that numerical range is also disclosed.

[0040] As will be explained more fully below, the present invention provides an effective system and method for monitoring the production, usage, recycling and other time stages of a power supply. In particular, it provides a robust system for monitoring power supplies to facilitate recycling of the power supplies, and further for using the monitored information to determine the value of a particular power supply, all of which work to encourage recycling and reuse of power supplies to reduce the negative environmental impacts resulting from the disposal of the power supplies. The present invention also provides an effective system and method for calculating a price value of a power supply based on the power supply's history. Accordingly, the present invention solves the problems of the prior art in this respect.

[0041] 1 is a schematic diagram of the integration of a blockchain-based management system with the life cycle of an electrical power supply, including production, use, and recycling, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The different stages of the life cycle of an electrical power supply can also be best conceptualized in sectors, with each sector roughly representing one stage of the life cycle, such as recycling, production, consumption, etc. Within each sector there are many users, e.g., entities performing the tasks of that sector. For example, in the recycling sector, the users may be recycling companies, whereas in the consumer sector, the users may be ordinary consumers of electrical power supplies.

[0042] Within this system, each sector can communicatively interact with the blockchain network 101 by way of a middleware layer 102. As power supplies are manufactured, recycled, or otherwise transferred between sectors (represented by solid lines in FIG. 1), each sector can communicate information about one or more characteristics of the product (hereinafter, characteristic data) and other necessary information (information flow is represented by dashed lines in FIG. 1) to and from the blockchain network 101. It should be noted that the sectors described in the specification are not exhaustive; other sectors may be identified in the life cycle of the power supply. Similarly, characteristic data may also be collected in sectors not detailed in the following description.

[0043] The middleware layer 102 refers to a network of virtual processes (and computers, servers, smartphones, and other electronic devices that can act as an interface between a user and the blockchain) that act as a link between the user interface and the blockchain 101. The middleware layer 102 can transmit commands and data received from users or sectors to the blockchain, and can relay data and signals received from the blockchain to users or sectors. The middleware layer 102 may be divided into nodes, each designed to store, process, and / or transmit certain data and / or commands, for example, a valuation node for storing, processing, and / or transmitting data used to evaluate the buying and selling price of a power supply. It should be understood that the reference below to the middleware computer 102 should not be limited to mean a personal computer or laptop, but should extend to any electronic device, including but not limited to tablets and smartphones, that can be programmed to perform the functions described below.

[0044] The raw materials sector 103 produces raw materials for the manufacture of battery cells. During the manufacturing process, characteristic data of the raw materials can be collected and transmitted to the blockchain network by the middleware computer 102. In some embodiments, the characteristics of the raw materials can include the type of raw material, the source of the raw material, and the manufacturing conditions.

[0045] In some embodiments, the type of raw material can be a cathode material. In some embodiments, the type of raw material can be a metal salt comprising a material selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Al, Mg, Zn, Ti, La, Ce, Sn, Zr, Ru, Cr, Ni, Co, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the metal is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Al, Mg, Zn, Ti, La, Ce, Sn, Zr, Ru, Cr, Ni, Co, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the metal is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Al, Mg, Ce, La, Cr, Ni, Co, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the metal salt comprises an anion selected from the group consisting of chloride, iodide, bromide, nitrate, sulfate, sulfite, phosphate, chlorate, acetate, formate, and combinations thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the type of material can be an anode material. In some embodiments, the anode active material can be graphite, graphite, natural graphite, artificial graphite, artificial graphite particulate, hard carbon, mesophase carbon, mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB), Sn (tin) particulate, SnO2, SnO, Li4Ti5O 12 The powder is selected from the group consisting of fine particles, Si (silicon) fine particles, Si-C composite particles, and combinations thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments, the type of material can be a current collector. In some embodiments, the current collector is a cathode current collector or an anode current collector. In some embodiments, the current collector can be in the form of a foil, sheet, or film. In some embodiments, the current collector is made of titanium, nickel, aluminum, copper, or a conductive resin. In some embodiments, the cathode current collector is an aluminum thin film. In some embodiments, the anode current collector is a copper thin film.

[0048] In the cell manufacturing sector 104, cell components such as cathodes, anodes, separators, electrolytes, etc. can be produced and assembled into battery cells. During cell manufacturing, characteristic data of one or more of the cathodes, anodes, separators, electrolytes, and battery cells can be evaluated and transmitted by the middleware computer 102 to the blockchain network 101. Some non-limiting examples of the characteristic data of the battery cells are selected from the group consisting of manufacturing date, cell manufacturing time, cell manufacturing location, cell cathode type, cell cathode model, cell anode type, cell anode model, separator type, cell length, cell width, cell thickness, cell weight, cell voltage, cell nominal capacity, open circuit voltage, cell tested capacity, cell maximum charge current, cell maximum continuous discharge current, cell maximum pulse discharge current, cell discharge cutoff voltage, cell initial internal resistance, cell maximum operating temperature, cell connections within the pack, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cathode, anode, separator, and / or battery cell are manufactured by a process that ensures that the power supply is recyclable, hi some embodiments, the cathode, anode, separator, electrolyte, and / or battery cell are manufactured by an aqueous process using water-soluble chemicals.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cathode material is LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiNi x Mn y O2, LiCo x Ni y O2, Li 1+z Ni x Mn y Co 1-x-y O2, LiNi x Co y Al zand each x is independently selected from the group consisting of 0.02, LiV2O5, LiTiS2, LiV2O5, LiV2O5, LiTiS2, LiMoS2, LiMnO2, LiCrO2, LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, LiMnO3, LiFeO2, LIFePO4, and combinations thereof; each x is independently selected from the group consisting of 0.1 to 0.9, each y is independently selected from the group consisting of 0 to 0.9, and each z is independently selected from the group consisting of 0 to 0.4. In one embodiment, each x in the above general formula is independently selected from 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, and 0.9; and each y in the above general formula is independently selected from 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0 .225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875 and d0.9, and each z in the above general formula is independently selected from 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375 and 0.4. In some embodiments, each x, y and z in the above general formula independently has an interval of 0.01.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cathode material is LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiNi x Mn y O2, Li 1+z Ni x Mn y Co 1-x-y O2(NMC), LiNi x Co y Al zO2, LiV2O5, LiTiS2, LiMoS2, LiMnO2, LiCrO2, LiMn2O4, LiFeO 2、 LiFePO4, LiCo x Ni y O2 and combinations thereof, each x is independently 0.4 to 0.6, each y is independently 0.2 to 0.4, and each z is independently 0 to 0.1. In other embodiments, the cathode material is not LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiV2O5, LiTiS2, LiMoS2, LiMnO2, LiCrO2, LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, LiFeO2, or LiFePO4.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the cathode material is LiNi x Mn y O2, Li 1+z Ni x Mn y Co 1-x-y O2, LiNi x Co y Al z O2 or LiCo x Ni y where each x is independently from 0.1 to 0.9, each y is independently from 0 to 0.45, and each z is independently from 0 to 0.2. In yet another embodiment, the cathode material is LiNi 0.33 Mn 0.33 Co 0.33 O2, LiNi 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.7 Mn 0.15 Co 0.15 O2, LiNi 0.7 Mn 0.1 Co 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O2, LiNi 0.92 Mn 0.04 Co0.04 O2, and LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 is not O2.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the cathode material is Li 1+x Ni a Mn b Co c Al (1-a-b-c) O2, where -0.2 ≦ x ≦ 0.2, 0 ≦ a < 1, 0 ≦ b < 1, 0 ≦ c ≦ 1, and a + b + c ≦ 1. In some embodiments, the cathode material has the general formula Li 1+x Ni a Mn b Co c Al (1-a-b-c) O2, where 0.33 ≦ a ≦ 0.92, 0.33 ≦ a ≦ 0.9, 0.33 ≦ a ≦ 0.8, 0.4 ≦ a ≦ 0.92, 0.4 ≦ a ≦ 0.9, 0.4 ≦ a ≦ 0.8, 0.5 ≦ a ≦ 0.92, 0.5 ≦ a ≦ 0.9, 0.5 ≦ a ≦ 0.8, 0.6 ≦ a ≦ 0.92, or 0.6 ≦ a ≦ 0.9; 0 ≦ b ≦ 0.5, 0 ≦ b ≦ 0.4, 0 ≦ b ≦ 0.3, 0 ≦ b ≦ 0.2, 0.1 ≦ b ≦ 0.5, 0.1 ≦ b ≦ 0.4, 0.1 ≦ b ≦ 0.3, 0.1 ≦ b ≦ 0.2, 0.2 ≦ b ≦ 0.5, 0.2 ≦ b ≦ 0.4, or 0.2 ≦ b ≦ 0.3, 0 ≦ c ≦ 0.5, 0 ≦ c ≦ 0.4, 0 ≦ c ≦ 0.3, 0.1 ≦ c ≦ 0.5, 0.1 ≦ c ≦ 0.4, 0.1 ≦ c ≦ 0.3, 0.1 ≦ c ≦ 0.2, 0.2 ≦ c ≦ 0.5, 0.2 ≦ c ≦ 0.4, or 0.2 ≦ c ≦ 0.3. In some embodiments, the cathode material has the general formula LiMPO4, where M is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Al, Mg, Zn, Ti, La, Ce, Sn, Zr, Ru, Si, Ge, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cathode material is selected from the group consisting of LiFePO4, LiCoPO4, LiNiPO4, LiMnPO4, LiMnFePO4, LiMn d Fe (1-d) PO4, and combinations thereof, where 0 < d < 1. In some embodiments, the cathode material is LiNi e Mn fIt is O4, where 0.1 ≦ e ≦ 0.9 and 0 ≦ f ≦ 2. In certain embodiments, the cathode material is dLi2MnO3·(1 - d)LiMO2, where M is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, and combinations thereof, and where 0 < d < 1. In some embodiments, the cathode material is Li3V2(PO4)3, LiVPO4F. In certain embodiments, the cathode material has the general formula Li2MSiO4, where M is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Mn, Ni, and combinations thereof.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the cathode material is doped with a dopant selected from the group consisting of Co, Cr, V, Mo, Nb, Pd, F, Na, Fe, Ni, Mn, Al, Mg, Zn, Ti, La, Ce, Sn, Zr, Ru, Si, Ge, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the dopant is not Co, Cr, V, Mo, Nb, Pd, F, Na, Fe, Ni, Mn, Mg, Zn, Ti, La, Ce, Ru, Si, and Ge. In certain embodiments, the dopant is not Al, Sn, and Zr.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cathode material is LiNi 0.33 Mn 0.33 Co 0.33 O2 (NMC333), LiNi 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O2 (NMC532), LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O2 (NMC622), LiNi 0.7 Mn 0.15 Co 0.15 O2, LiNi 0.7 Mn 0.1 Co 0.2 O2, LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O2 (NMC811), LiNi 0.92 Mn 0.04 Co0.04 O2, LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O2 (NCA), LiNiO2 (LNO) and their combinations.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cathode material comprises a core-shell composite having a core and a shell structure, or has a core and a shell structure, the core and the shell each comprising Li 1+x Ni a Mn b Co c Al (1-a-b-c) O2, LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, LiCrO2, Li4Ti5O 12 , LiV2O5, LiTiS2, LiMoS2, LiCo a Ni b O2, LiMn a Ni band combinations thereof, where -0.2≦x≦0.2, 0≦a<1, 0≦b<1, 0≦c<1, and a+b+c≦1. In some embodiments, each x in the above general formula is independently selected from -0.2, -0.175, -0.15, -0.125, -0.1, -0.075, -0.05, -0.025, 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, and 0.2; , 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95 and 0.975; each b in the above general formula is independently selected from 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.17 0.5, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95, and 0.975; each c in the above general formula is independently selected from 0, 0.025, 0.05 , 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95, and 0.975. In some embodiments, x, a, b, and c in the above general formula have independent intervals of 0.01. In other embodiments, the core and shell each independently comprise two or more lithium transition metal oxides.In some embodiments, one of the core and shell comprises only a lithium transition metal oxide, while the other comprises two or more lithium transition metal oxides. The lithium transition metal oxide or oxides in the core and shell can be the same, different, or partially different. In some embodiments, the three or more lithium transition metal oxides are uniformly distributed on the core. In some embodiments, the three or more lithium transition metal oxides are not uniformly distributed on the core. In some embodiments, the cathode material is not a core-shell composite.

[0056] In some embodiments, each lithium transition metal oxide in the core and shell is independently doped with a dopant selected from the group consisting of Co, Cr, V, Mo, Nb, Pd, F, Na, Fe, Ni, Mn, Al, Mg, Zn, Ti, La, Ce, Sn, Zr, Ru, Si, Ge, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the core and shell each independently comprise two or more doped lithium transition metal oxides. In some embodiments, the two or more doped lithium transition metal oxides are uniformly distributed on the core and / or shell. In some embodiments, the two or more doped lithium transition metal oxides are not uniformly distributed on the core and / or shell.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cathode material comprises a core-shell composite comprising a core comprising a lithium transition metal oxide and a shell comprising a transition metal oxide, or a core-shell composite comprising a core comprising a lithium transition metal oxide and a shell comprising a transition metal oxide. In some embodiments, the lithium transition metal oxide is Li 1+x Ni a Mn b Co c Al (1-a-b-c) O2, LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, LiCrO2, Li4Ti5O 12 , LiV2O5, LiTiS2, LiMoS2, LiCo a Nib O2、LiMn a Ni bO2, and combinations thereof, where -0.2≦x≦0.2, 0≦a<1, 0≦b<1, 0≦c<1, and a+b+c≦1. In certain embodiments, x in the above general formula is independently selected from -0.2, -0.175, -0.15, -0.125, -0.1, -0.075, -0.05, -0.025, 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, and 0.2; , 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95 and 0.97, and each b in the above general formula is independently selected from 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175 , 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95 and 0.975; each c in the above general formula is independently selected from 0, 0.025, 0.05 , 0.075, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275, 0.3, 0.325, 0.35, 0.375, 0.4, 0.425, 0.45, 0.475, 0.5, 0.525, 0.55, 0.575, 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.675, 0.7, 0.725, 0.75, 0.775, 0.8, 0.825, 0.85, 0.875, 0.9, 0.925, 0.95, and 0.975. In some embodiments, x, a, b, and c in the above general formula have independent intervals of 0.01.In some embodiments, the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Fe2O3, MnO2, Al2O3, MgO, ZnO, TiO2, La2O3, CeO2, SnO2, ZrO2, RuO2, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the shell comprises a lithium transition metal oxide and a transition metal oxide.

[0058] In some embodiments, the core and shell each independently comprise two or more lithium transition metal oxides. In some embodiments, one of the core and shell comprises only a lithium transition metal oxide, while the other comprises two or more lithium transition metal oxides. The lithium transition metal oxide or oxides in the core and shell can be the same, different, or partially different. In some embodiments, the three or more lithium transition metal oxides are uniformly distributed on the core. In some embodiments, the three or more lithium transition metal oxides are not uniformly distributed on the core. In some embodiments, the cathode material is not a core-shell composite.

[0059] In the pack manufacturing sector 105, the battery cells can be assembled into a battery pack, while the characteristic data of the battery pack can be collected by the middleware computer 102 and transmitted to the blockchain network.

[0060] Some non-limiting examples of characteristic data include pack production data, pack production time, pack production location, pack casing material, pack cell assembly type, pack length, pack width, These include pack thickness, pack weight, pack voltage, pack initial capacity, pack maximum charge current, pack maximum continuous discharge current, pack maximum pulse discharge current, pack discharge cut-off voltage, pack maximum operating temperature, pack initial internal resistance, and combinations thereof.

[0061] productIn the manufacturing sector 106, the battery packs / cells can be arranged into a power supply. During manufacturing, the power supply characteristic data can be collected by the middleware computer 102 and transmitted to the blockchain network. Some non-limiting examples of the power supply characteristic data include battery module identification, battery cell identification, power supply type, power supply brand, and power supply manufacturer.

[0062] In the consumer sector 107, a finished power supply can be rented or purchased and used by a consumer. Such a consumer may include an individual, a company, or a group of people or companies. During the consumer's use of the power supply, characteristic data can be collected by the middleware computer 102 and transmitted to the blockchain network 101. Figures 3-13 depict a monitoring system that can perform this data collection and transmission process and can use such data to calculate an instantaneous value that assigns the power supply to a rental, purchase, or recycling. Some non-limiting examples of characteristic data can include total number of charge / discharge cycles, total time during the charging process, safety inspection information, error / failure history, product recall history, number of owners, state of charge, state of health, initial capacity cumulative charging and discharging capacities, physical parameters (e.g., temperature, voltage, pressure), manufacturer information, date of manufacture, type, size, and length of use of the power supply.

[0063] In the recycling sector 108, consumed and discarded power supplies are received from the consumer sector 107. The power supplies are disassembled and processed to form refurbished parts and materials that can be used in other sectors to form new power supplies. Throughout the recycling process, characteristic data of the power supplies or intermediate recycled products can be collected by the middleware computer 102 and transmitted to the blockchain network 101. Some non-limiting examples of the characteristic data include type, size, composition, source, purity, recycling process information, and previous owner information of the power supplies or intermediate recycled products.

[0064] It should be noted that the sectors need not be depicted or defined in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Each sector may include more or fewer steps and users than shown in Figure 1, or the steps and users may be grouped into sectors differently than shown in Figure 1. For example, while the steps of material remanufacturing and battery sorting are grouped into the recycling sector 108 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, these steps may instead be performed by the raw materials sector 103 and the consumer sector 107, respectively.

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates a method for monitoring the life cycle of a power supply device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As demonstrated in Figure 1, each sector represents one stage of the life cycle of the power supply device, and in each sector the device or parts thereof are created or altered to enter the next stage of the life cycle. The method 200 described below provides an example of how the characteristics collected within each sector can be integrated into a blockchain.

[0066] Method 200 can be summarized as follows: In each sector, an existing product arrives from the previous sector and is transformed into a new product to be used in the next sector to continue the life cycle of the power supply. For example, a recycler obtains used power supplies from consumers and processes the equipment to form reclaimed materials that can be sold to the raw materials sector for further processing, etc., until the power supply resumes its life cycle. When a consumer in a current sector completes transforming an existing product into a new product for the next sector, the consumer can collect new characteristic data of the new product, as illustrated in the depiction in FIG. 1 above. The consumer can then send the new data to the blockchain 101, and the blockchain can create a new block in the blockchain ledger to record the new data of the new product. A detailed description of method 200 is provided below.

[0067] An existing product from a previous sector arrives at the current sector. The existing product is associated with an existing product identification that uniquely identifies the existing product and may encode information about the existing product. In some embodiments, the existing product identification may include the source of the existing product, the type of the existing product (e.g., batteries, raw materials, recycled materials, etc.), the manufacturing process of the existing product, and the type of product that is being produced. day and time, and / or references to information about physical parameters such as weight and dimensions of the existing product. In some embodiments, the existing product identification is in the form of a machine-scannable or readable code, such as a barcode or QR code. In some embodiments, a code containing the existing product identification is printed on the body and / or packaging of the product.

[0068] Before a user performs a task in a current sector (e.g., recycling a power supply for the recycling sector, or assembling batteries into a battery pack for the pack manufacturing sector) to create a new product, it is often useful or even necessary for the user to verify one or more characteristics of an existing product. For example, a recycler may want to verify that the power supply he or she purchased contains only recyclable chemicals. Once the task in the current sector is completed and a new product is formed, the user may want to provide information about the new product to other sectors, so detailed records can be kept and accessed by any user in the system 100. The method 200 described below allows users to easily access the historical data of existing products, and to easily record the characteristic data of the new product on the blockchain, making it available for all other sectors to see as needed.

[0069] A user in the current sector can scan or otherwise input an existing product identification into middleware layer 102. The user may also input a user identification, i.e., an identification code belonging to the user, into middleware layer 102, either simultaneously with or separately from inputting the existing product identification. In some embodiments, the user identification may include personal information of the user, such as the user's name and contact information, or may include a reference to such personal information. In other embodiments, the user identification has no reference or association to the user's personal information. In some embodiments, the user identification may be generated randomly such that the user identification cannot be traced back to an individual. In some embodiments, the user identification may not be the same each time the same user uses method 100.

[0070] The middleware layer 102 can then verify the user identity to obtain the user's identity. In some embodiments, the transmission including the existing product identity and user identity may also include data retrieval instructions to the blockchain to retrieve one or more virtual folders from an existing block in the blockchain ledger.

[0071] A virtual folder refers to a collection of related data. These data may include, without limitation, a user identification, a product identification, product characteristic data associated with the product identification, and a timestamp of the transmission of the data to the blockchain. There are no particular limitations on how the different data are recognized by the blockchain and / or middleware layer 102 with respect to each other to form a virtual folder. In some embodiments, a virtual folder may be formed by cryptographically linking different data. In other embodiments, a virtual folder may be created by simply having data stored adjacent to each other.

[0072] The blockchain then retrieves the virtual folder or folders that correspond to the existing product identifications. If an instruction to retrieve one or more specific virtual folders was also sent, the blockchain 101 retrieves only the specified virtual folder or folders. The blockchain can then send the retrieved virtual folders to the middleware layer 102.

[0073] In some embodiments, the user identification comprises a user classification of the user's sector, e.g., recycler, raw material producer, etc., and the middleware layer 102 can read the associated user classification. Using the user classification, the middleware layer 102 can determine the user's access restrictions, i.e., the virtual folders the user has permission to access, and only the virtual folders accessible under the user's access restrictions are retrieved. Applying access restrictions can be advantageous to protect the privacy of all users of the system, e.g., denying users access to personal information of other users. Limiting the number of folders that can be retrieved by such a mechanism can also improve the efficiency of the virtual folder retrieval process.

[0074] Once received, the virtual folder can be read by the middleware layer 102 to retrieve the characteristic data stored therein ("recorded characteristic data"). The recorded characteristic data can include, without limitation, all characteristics mentioned in the description of the various sectors of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the recorded data includes product source, product brand, product type, product size, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a user may send a command to the middleware layer 102 to selectively extract certain recorded characteristic data. In other embodiments, the virtual folder or all recorded characteristic data in the folder may be retrieved and shown to the user. In some embodiments, access to characteristic data in a retrieved virtual folder may also be restricted by user classification access restrictions, and the middleware layer 102 may retrieve only accessible characteristic data. Such a mechanism may be useful, for example, when the recorded characteristic data includes trade secrets, confidential information, or other information that is in the interest of not being publicly disclosed.

[0075] The user may then determine the corresponding characteristics of the existing product and match the determined characteristic data ("current characteristic data") with the recorded characteristic data. This allows the user to verify that the current product is indeed the same as the product recorded in the blockchain by the previous sector. In some embodiments, the verification step is performed by middleware layer 102. In other embodiments, the verification step is performed manually or by a non-electronic device. In some embodiments, after the verification step is performed, a verification result is produced and sent to the blockchain to be recorded in the blockchain.

[0076] The current product is then processed to form a new product. Once the new product is formed, the user may determine characteristic data for the new product ("new characteristic data"). In some embodiments, the new characteristic data determined from the new product is determined according to a predefined list. This ensures uniformity of information between different batches of the same type of product, or between different sectors. The predefined list may be the same or different in each sector. In some embodiments, the same predefined list is used in two or more sectors, while other sectors have different predefined lists or lists.

[0077] In other embodiments, the user is free to choose which characteristic data to determine. This would give the user maximum freedom since the user chooses the number and type of characteristics to determine, and potentially lower the cost of determining such characteristics. In yet other embodiments, the user must determine a predetermined list of characteristic data, but is free to determine additional characteristic data. Such an approach gives the user a great deal of freedom while allowing all users from all sectors to access as much information as possible. In some embodiments, the new characteristic data comprises product source, product brand, product type, product size, or a combination thereof.

[0078] The user may then input new characteristic data into the middleware layer 102. The middleware layer 102 may then generate a new product identification that is associated with the new product based on the existing product identification. In some embodiments, the new product identification is formed from the existing product identification by adding additional information. In other embodiments, the new product identification is formed by combining new identification material with a portion of the existing product identification. In some embodiments, the new product identification may also take into account and reflect the user identification and / or other data. In other embodiments, the new product identification may be intentionally devoid of any reference to the user identification, such as for reasons of data protection and confidentiality.

[0079] The middleware layer 102 can then bind the new characteristic data and the new product identification together to form a new virtual folder. In some embodiments, the virtual folder further comprises a user identification. In other embodiments, the virtual folder may intentionally lack any reference to a user identification, such as for reasons of data protection and confidentiality. Once the new virtual folder is formed, it can be sent by the middleware layer 102 to the blockchain so that a new block containing the new virtual folder can be created to record the new virtual folder in the blockchain ledger.

[0080] In further embodiments, incentives can be provided to users in the form of physical currency, digital currency, deposits, points, or any other rewards for using method 200 and contributing to the blockchain. In some embodiments, the reward is paid to the user once the validation result is recorded in the blockchain ledger. This provides an incentive for the user to perform the validation step, thereby ensuring that a complete history is maintained and can be referenced by users in later sectors. In some embodiments, the reward is paid to the user after the new virtual folder is recorded in the blockchain ledger. In some embodiments, the reward may be paid after any other step of method 200.

[0081] The method 200 allows easy recording of all possible data that can be collected during the life cycle and easy access to that data. Through the blockchain system, all users in different sectors can access and add to the production and usage history of the power supply and its parts, with all the security provided by the blockchain. Thus, the method allows different sectors to verify the products and characteristics they buy and sell. As a result, consumers are more likely to recycle or reuse their power supplies because of the trust built in this way. In general, the method 200 encourages all users to minimize the disposal of power supplies by keeping multiple devices in the system 100, thereby reducing their environmental impact. The best case scenario would be the formation of a closed loop system that efficiently recycles power supplies into raw materials and makes them into power supplies again.

[0082] Some of the tracking and monitoring needs presented above can be met by an automated system that monitors different parameters of the power supply equipment, uses such parameters to estimate the health of the power supply equipment, and uploads such data in real time to the blockchain for recording. These parameters and health information can further be used to generate a fair rental or purchase price for the power supply equipment based on the health and history records of the equipment.

[0083] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a system for renting, monitoring and recycling a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A user 301 may rent, return or recycle a power supply device 306 by means of the system 300. FIG. 3 may also be considered to show the relationship of different entities potentially included within the application of the present invention. In some embodiments, the power supply device 306 is a mobile power source such as a power battery or a vehicle battery module. The system can operate automatically or autonomously in a safe manner.

[0084] In some embodiments, system 300 includes a user interface 302, a middleware server 303, a merchant interface 304, and a recycler interface 307. In some embodiments, system 300 does not include a recycler interface 307. In some embodiments, user interface 302, merchant interface 304, or recycler interface 307 is a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet.

[0085] The middleware server 303 may be configured to process and store data related to the monitoring, rental, and recycling of the power supply 306. The power supply 306 may include a monitoring system for monitoring and / or calculating various parameters related to the status or health of the power supply. The power supply 306 may be configured to evaluate and monitor its own status and health via the monitoring system and transmit the relevant information or parameters to the middleware server 303. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 may be configured to store, transmit, and receive data such as user identification information, transaction records, and other account information between the user interface 302, the merchant interface 304, and the recycler interface 307 for authorizing the rental and recycling of the power supply 306. In some embodiments, such data may be encrypted to enhance data security.

[0086] The user interface 302, the merchant interface 304, and the recycler interface 307 are communicatively coupled to the middleware server 303. As described in more detail herein below, the user 301, representing an individual consumer as well as a merchant 305 and a recycler 308, can access battery history and transaction history information recorded in the middleware server 303 and the blockchain 101. The battery history and transaction history information may include information such as rental prices, recycling prices, selling prices, and past status information of a particular power supply 306. In some embodiments, the user 301, the merchant 305, and the recycler 308 may access such battery and transaction history information via the user interface 302, the merchant interface 304, and the recycler interface 307, respectively. In some embodiments, the system 300 may further comprise a purchaser interface communicatively coupled to the middleware server 303 configured to enable the purchaser to access past records regarding the use, status, and price of the power supply 306 stored in the middleware server.

[0087] The middleware server 303 can transmit data and signals that are received by the blockchain network 101, and can receive data from the blockchain 101 to record and retrieve health information for a particular power supply device 306.

[0088] The blockchain network 101 may include one or more nodes. In some embodiments, the blockchain network 101 may include a battery trading node 309, a battery status node 310, and / or a wallet node 311. The battery trading node 309 may be configured to receive and store transaction records, such as records of rentals, purchases, or recycling of the power supply device 306. The battery status node 310 may be configured to receive and store status information of the power supply device, such as battery operation and status parameters. The wallet node 311 may be configured to receive and store financial information of an account of the user 301. In some embodiments, the wallet node 311 receives and stores the financial information such that the identity of the user 301 cannot be determined from the financial information or other information recorded in the blockchain alone.

[0089] In some embodiments, the blockchain network 101 may be configured to receive and store other data, such as battery history data that may be required for rental, monitoring, and recycling of the power supply 306, and the blockchain network may include additional nodes to store such data. In other embodiments, the blockchain network 101 may not include the battery trading node 309, the battery status node 310, and / or the wallet node 311. In some embodiments, one or more of the battery trading node 309, the battery status node 310, the wallet node 311, and any other nodes of the blockchain network 101 may be integrated.

[0090] In some embodiments, the blockchain network 101 may be a public ledger, which makes the information stored in the blockchain network 101 accessible to everyone and therefore allows the stored information to be audited and prevents unauthorized modification of the stored information. In other embodiments, the blockchain network 101 may be a private ledger with access limited to a certain group of users 301, merchants 305, recyclers 308, and purchasers with special permissions. A private server requires fewer resources and costs to maintain since fewer copies of the ledger need to be kept, but does not lose data confidentiality by virtue of a private server.

[0091] A user 301 can operatively interact with a user interface 302, which may include one or more smartphones, tablet computers, smartwatches, laptop computers, desktop computers, or other similar internet-connectable devices. The user interface 302 can be operatively configured by a middleware server 303 to communicate with the blockchain network 101.

[0092] The middleware server 303 may be communicatively coupled to the blockchain network 101 and may be configured to send data to the blockchain network, retrieve data from the blockchain network, and send commands to the blockchain network to store or retrieve such data. When the middleware server 303 receives a request from the user interface 302, the merchant interface 304, the recycler interface 307, or the buyer interface to access information, the middleware server 303 will send a command to the blockchain network 101 to retrieve the relevant data and send it to the middleware server, which will then relay the data to the respective interface. In some embodiments, as soon as the middleware server 303 receives data, such as transaction records, battery status information, and account information, from the user interface 302, the merchant interface 304, the recycler interface 307, the buyer interface, or the power supply 306, the middleware server 303 is configured to send such data to the blockchain network 101 for storage. In other embodiments, the middleware server 303 is configured to transmit such data to the blockchain network 101 for storage at regular intervals, such as daily, hourly, every two hours, every six hours, every 12 hours, or every 24 hours.

[0093] Any data related to the power supply 306, such as battery history data, which may include battery status information or transaction records, sent to or retrieved from the blockchain network 101, is tagged with the unique identification number of the associated power supply battery unit 503. The battery history data may be utilized in any suitable manner, such as to generate reports by retrieving the battery history data associated with the unique identification number of a particular battery unit 503.

[0094] The middleware server 303 may communicate with the blockchain network 101 via any type of communications channel, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a direct computer connection, and / or a wireless connection using radio frequency, infrared, or other wireless technologies.

[0095] FIG. 4 illustrates a middleware server 303 of the system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The middleware server 303 includes an analysis module 401, a billing module 402, a rating module 403, a communication module 404, a control module 405, a transaction database 406, a battery status database 407, and a user database 408. The embodiment described herein is only one representation of this aspect of the invention. Other representations exist that are different from those described herein. In this embodiment of the invention, the transaction database 406 and the battery status database 407 are illustrated as separate databases. In other embodiments of the invention, these databases may be integrated into an integrated database that includes both the battery status database and the transaction records. In other embodiments, the transaction database 406, the battery status database 407, and the user database 408 are separate databases. In further embodiments, these databases may be combined into an integrated database.

[0096] The middleware server 303 may determine the need to store, transmit or calculate data, and may perform the calculation, store the data, or retrieve the stored data. The middleware server 303 may be communicatively coupled to the power supply 306 via the middleware server's communication module 404. The middleware server 303 receives the battery operating parameters from the power supply 306 via the middleware server's communication module 404. The battery operating parameters may include the voltage, input / output (I / O) current, and temperature of the power supply 306. The battery operating parameters may be recorded in a battery status database 407. In some embodiments, the control module may be a microcontroller (MCU) or a microprocessor. The analysis module 401 may be configured to calculate battery status parameters of the power supply 306 based on the battery operating parameters. Once the battery status parameters are calculated, they may be recorded in the battery status database 407. The valuation module 403 can be configured to calculate various monetary values, such as rental value, recycling price, or sales price of the power supply 306 based on the battery operating parameters and / or battery status parameters. In some embodiments, the analysis module 401 and the valuation module 403 can be integrated together as a calculation module. In other embodiments, the analysis module 401 and the control module 405 are integrated together. Once the monetary value of the power supply 306 is valued, it can be recorded in the transaction database 406.

[0097] The control module 405 can assign computational assignments to the analysis module 401 and can request the analysis module to provide information related to the computations. In some embodiments, the analysis module 401 can be a computing device or digital computer, including laptops, desktops, workstations, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other suitable computers.

[0098] The battery status database 407 stores data including battery operating parameters and / or battery status parameters of the power supply 306. The transaction database 406 can store data including transaction records, rental records, rental values, recycling prices, and selling prices for each particular power supply 306. The user database 408 can store user information including, but not limited to, user identification information and account balances. In some embodiments, the middleware server does not include the user database 408 and does not contain any user information. In an era where privacy is highly valued, it is helpful to not store any information that identifies a user.

[0099] The data stored in the transaction database 406, battery status database 407, and user database 408 all form part of the battery history data of the power supply 306, which provides information that affects the market price of the power supply. Such battery history data may include usage information, such as the total number of charge / discharge cycles, the total time of the charging process, safety inspection information, error / failure history, product recall history, number of owners, operating parameters, status parameters, and any other information related to the history or value of the power supply 306. For example, if the power supply 306 is a vehicle battery, the battery history data may also include the particular type of vehicle in which the battery is used, since the particular type of vehicle may suggest heavy-duty usage, such as a commercial vehicle.

[0100] In some embodiments, the transaction database 406, the battery status database 407, and the user database 408 are volatile memory units. In another embodiment, the transaction database 406, the battery status database 407, and the user database 408 are non-volatile memory units. In further embodiments, the transaction database 406, the battery status database 407, and the user database 408 comprise volatile and non-volatile memory units. The transaction database 406, the battery status database 407, and the user database 408 can also be another form of computer readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk. The middleware server 303 can receive and execute instructions from the user 301, the recycler 308, the merchant 305, and / or the purchaser of the power supply device 306. The control module 405 can coordinate other modules in the middleware server 303, such as computing, storing, and transmitting data. The users can communicate wirelessly through the user interface 302. Such communication may occur, for example, via a radio frequency transceiver or using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other such transceivers. The control module 405 has a processor and memory for performing functions including processing, data storage, communication, and control. The billing module 402 is configured to respond to transaction requests, such as rental, return, recycling, and buying / selling requests, from the user 301, merchant 305, or recycler 308. In response to a transaction request, the billing module 402 records relevant transaction information in a transaction database 406 and, if necessary, executes an electronic payment transaction with the middleware server 303. Such relevant transaction information may include rental start and end times, rental period, rental value, rental price, recycling price, and selling price.

[0101] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a system 500 for monitoring a power supply 306 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the power supply 306 includes a memory module 501, a communication module 502, a battery unit 503, a main controller 504, a monitoring module 505, a charge / discharge interface 506, and an external power source 507. The monitoring module 505 can monitor the performance of the battery unit 503, and the communication module 502 can send information to and / or receive information from the middleware server 303. The monitoring module 505 can collect information and signals coming from the battery unit 503 via the communication module 502 according to instructions from the main controller 504, and send the information and signals to the middleware server 303 via the communication module 502.

[0102] In some embodiments, the battery unit 503 of the power supply 306 includes at least one anode, at least one cathode, and at least one split layer disposed between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode. In some embodiments, the battery unit 503 of the power supply 306 includes an anode, a cathode, and a cathode disposed between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode. In some embodiments, the at least one anode and the at least one cathode are in sheet form. In some embodiments, the at least one anode and the at least one cathode are wound in a spiral shape and disposed within the electrolyte.

[0103] In some embodiments, the dividing layer is a separator. In some embodiments, the separator is a polymer fiber selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, polypropylene / polyethylene copolymer, polybutylene, polypeptide, polyacetate, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyetheretherketone, polysulfonic acid, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyoxymethylene, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalene, polybutylene naphthalene, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the separator may be covered with one or more inorganic layers that improve its mechanical strength. In some embodiments, the one or more inorganic layers may be selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, ZrO2, BaO2, or a combination thereof. x , ZnO, CaCO3, TiN, AlN, MTiO3, K2O·nTiO2, Na2O·mTiO2, and combinations thereof, where x is 1 or 2, M is Ba, Sr, or Ca, n is 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8, and m is 3 or 6.

[0104] In some embodiments, the dividing layer is a solid electrolyte. In some embodiments, the solid electrolyte is a glass material, a ceramic material, or a polymer gel. In some embodiments, the glass material or ceramic material is a metal oxide, sulfide, phosphate, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the metal is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, Fe, Zn, Zr, Ti, Al, La, Ce, Y, Ga, Ge, Ca, Sr, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polymer gel comprises a non-aqueous electrolyte solution trapped within a polymer matrix.

[0105] Power may be transmitted to or removed from the battery unit 503 via the positive and negative electrodes. It should be noted that the battery unit 503 may be of any suitable form, such as lithium ion, nickel metal hybrid, lead acid, metal air, lithium metal, lithium polymer, solid state, or any other type of rechargeable battery.

[0106] To enhance its safety, the power supply 306 may further include a locking module that stops all activity of the power supply 306 if a warning signal is received from the middleware server 303 or the main controller 504 indicating that the battery unit 503 deviates from a normal operating condition, e.g., one or more parameters exceed a predetermined normal range. In some embodiments, the locking module is coupled to the battery unit 503. In some embodiments, the locking module is coupled to the charge / discharge interface 506. In some embodiments, the locking module is configured to disable the charge / discharge interface if the battery unit 503 deviates from a normal operating condition.

[0107] In one embodiment, the memory module 501, the battery unit 503, the main controller 504, the monitoring module 505 and the communication module 502 may be electronically connected. In some embodiments, the main controller 504 may be electronically connected to the monitoring module 505 and the communication module 502. In one embodiment, the monitoring module 505 may be electronically connected to the battery unit 503.

[0108] In some embodiments, the battery unit 503 provides power to various components of the power supply 306 such that the monitoring module 505 can monitor the performance of the battery unit 503 and the communication module 502 can send information to and / or receive information from the middleware server 303. The monitoring module 505 may collect information and signals coming from the communication module 502 and send said information and signals to the main controller 504. In some embodiments, the main controller 504 is configured to allocate power to the various modules of the power supply 306.

[0109] In some embodiments, the battery operating parameters include the voltage, input and output (I / O) current, and temperature of the battery unit 503. In some embodiments, the monitoring module 505 may include a temperature sensor communicatively coupled to the battery unit 503 to monitor its temperature. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor is a thermocouple. By placing the temperature sensor directly against an exterior surface of the battery unit 503, the temperature sensor may accurately measure the temperature of the battery unit 503. In some embodiments, the monitoring module 505 includes a voltmeter and / or ammeter coupled to the battery unit 503 and configured to monitor the voltage and current of the battery unit. Such information may be useful for diagnosing defects in the battery unit 503. In an embodiment, the monitoring module 505 may include other sensors to monitor any other parameters that may be relevant.

[0110] In some embodiments, the monitoring module 505 and / or the main controller 504 may also have a memory configured to store past values ​​of the measured battery operating parameters. For example, the memory may store a maximum voltage measured by a voltmeter and / or a maximum temperature measured by a temperature sensor. Additionally, the memory may be configured to store usage information, such as an average load, a maximum load, a duration of operation, or other parameters that may be useful in monitoring the status of the battery unit 503. The battery unit 503 may also have identification information, such as a unique identification number associated with the battery unit, stored in the memory of the monitoring module 505 and / or the main controller 504. In such a configuration, the unique identification number would be attached to any information or data sent to or received from the middleware server 303 such that the middleware server may identify the particular battery unit 503 based on the unique identification number, thereby facilitating communication between the power supply 306 and the middleware server 303.

[0111] In addition, the monitoring module 505 may also be configured to measure the state of charge within the battery unit 503 (e.g., by monitoring ion concentrations) by placing measurement devices adjacent to the anode and cathode. The measurement devices may be coupled to the anode and cathode and configured to directly measure the charge on the anode and cathode so that an accurate state of charge can be determined. The measurement devices may also be configured to measure a property of the electrolyte, such as pH.

[0112] In some embodiments, the measurement device in the monitoring module includes a voltmeter. In some embodiments, the measurement device includes a voltmeter and a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the measurement device configured to monitor other battery operating parameters of the battery unit 503 may include additional sensors. For example, in some embodiments, the measurement device may include a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within the battery unit 503. In yet other embodiments, the measurement device may include an ammeter, an ohmmeter, or other sensor configured to monitor electrical, physical, or chemical parameters of the battery unit 503. The sensor may be coupled to an exterior or interior surface of the battery unit 503.

[0113] In some embodiments, a set of sensors is coupled to the battery unit 503 to provide readings of various battery operating parameters to the monitoring module 505. In some embodiments, the monitoring module 505 can also monitor the charge / discharge cycles of the battery unit 503. The present invention allows for an accurate prediction of the state of health of the battery unit 503 to be made from a small number of parameters. This reduces the amount of data that is polled.

[0114] In some embodiments, the main controller 504 may be a microcontroller (MCU) or microprocessor that reads all incoming communications from the monitoring module 505, processes this data, and sends a communication signal with the processed data to the middleware server 303 via the communications module 502. In some embodiments, the main controller 504 may store the processed data. In other embodiments, the processed data may be stored in the memory module 501.

[0115] In some embodiments, the voltage signal and the temperature signal may be multiplexed and the multiplexed signal may be sent to the main controller 504. In alternative embodiments, the voltage signal and the temperature signal may be sent sequentially (e.g., first the voltage signal and then the temperature signal). Additional battery operating parameters (e.g., pressure, amperage, resistance, etc.) may be included in the multiplexed signal. In some embodiments, the monitoring module 505 may store this information and signals. In some embodiments, the measured battery operating parameters may be accumulated in the memory module 501 and stored in the memory module 501 for future transmission. In other embodiments, the measured battery operating parameters may instead be accumulated and stored in the memory of the monitoring module 505 and / or the main controller 504 for future transmission.

[0116] In one embodiment, the main controller 504 may be configured to process the measured battery operating parameters, calculate battery status parameters, and multiplex the calculated battery status parameters. The battery status parameters of the battery unit 503 may include the state of charge of the battery unit and the cumulative capacity of the battery unit. The multiplexed signal can then be transmitted to the communication module 502. In another embodiment, the communication module 502 may be configured to multiplex the battery operating parameters and the status parameters, and transmit the multiplexed signal to the middleware server 303. In an alternative embodiment, the battery operating parameters and the battery status parameters may be transmitted sequentially. In one embodiment, the calculated battery status parameters may be accumulated and stored in the memory module 501 for future transmission.

[0117] In some embodiments, information and signals transmitted between the power supply 306 and the middleware server 303 may be encrypted. This provides better protection of sensitive information, such as identification information. The control module 405 of the middleware server 303 and the main controller 504 of the power supply 306 may be configured to encrypt and / or decrypt signals.

[0118] In some embodiments, the communication module may be configured to transmit multiple signals indicative of multiple parameters simultaneously or sequentially. In some embodiments, the communication module 404 of the middleware server 303 and the communication module 502 of the power supply 306 may be a Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth, or any other means capable of connecting to the middleware server. In some embodiments, the communication module 502 of the power supply 306 may include location tracking capabilities, such as GPS.

[0119] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a system 600 for monitoring the performance of individual battery cells 601a and 601b in a power supply 306 comprising multiple battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power supply 306 may comprise multiple battery cells 601a and 601b electrically connected to each other. The connection or arrangement of the battery cells 601a and 601b is not particularly limited as long as the battery cells have a structure that can provide good performance. The battery cells 601a and 601b may be connected to each other in parallel, series, or parallel and series depending on the voltage and storage capacity requirements. There is no particular limit to the number of battery cells 601 in a particular power supply 306, and as many as necessary may be used to meet the requirements of the target application. In some embodiments, the power supply 306 comprises two or more battery cells 601a and 601b, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 battery cells. In some embodiments, the power supply 306 includes between 5 and 10 battery cells, between 5 and 15 battery cells, between 5 and 20 battery cells, between 5 and 50 battery cells, between 5 and 100 battery cells, between 5 and 500 battery cells, between 5 and 800 battery cells, and between 5 and 1000 battery cells.

[0120] Each battery cell 601 in the power supply 306 includes a monitoring module 505 and a battery unit 503. Thus, each individual battery cell 601 can be monitored and performance data of each battery cell can be obtained. In order to minimize the size of the power supply 306, it is preferable to send the measured battery operating parameters to the middleware server 303 to calculate the battery status parameters. After collecting the information and data coming from each individual battery unit 503 in the power supply 306, the monitoring module 505 can transmit the information and signals to the middleware server 303 via the communication module 502.

[0121] 7 illustrates a method 700 for monitoring the status of a power supply and valuing the power supply, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method 700 includes a power supply 306, a middleware server 303, and a blockchain network 101.

[0122] The monitoring module 505 of the power supply 306 may collect battery operating parameters coming from the battery unit 503 of the power supply 306 and send the battery operating parameters to the middleware server 303. The middleware server 303 receives the battery operating parameters from the power supply 306. Battery status parameters may then be calculated based on the battery operating parameters. In some embodiments, the battery status parameters include a battery state of capacity (SOC) and a battery state of health (SOH).

[0123] Once the battery status parameters are calculated, various monetary values, such as rental value, recycling price, or selling price, can be evaluated based on the battery operating parameters and / or the battery status parameters. The various monetary values ​​can then be stored in a database of the middleware server 303. In some embodiments, the monetary values ​​may also be stored in a node in the blockchain network 101 by generating a new block in the blockchain network. In some embodiments, the battery operating parameters and / or the battery status parameters may also be stored in the middleware server 303 and / or the blockchain network 101.

[0124] FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for recycling a power supply 306 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A user 301 may send a request to recycle a power supply 306 via a user interface 302. A middleware server 303 may receive the recycle request and then obtain status information of the power supply 306 from a battery status database 407 and / or a battery status node 310. The middleware server 303 may then use the status information to evaluate a recycle price for the power supply 306. The user 301 may be indicated a recycle price via the user interface 302, and once the user accepts the recycle price, the middleware server 303 may then credit the recycle price to the account of the user 301, and the user's new balance is recorded in the user database 408 and / or the wallet node 311. The middleware server 303 may record that the power supply 306 has been recycled in the transaction database 406 and / or the battery transaction node 309 by creating a new block / entry in the respective node / database. The creation of such new blocks / entries in the user database 408 / wallet node 311 and in the transaction database 406 / battery transaction node 309 can occur simultaneously or consecutively in any order.

[0125] In some embodiments, battery history data within middleware server 303 and / or blockchain network 101 may be accessed and used to evaluate a recycling price for power supply 306. In some embodiments, the health of the power supply is not taken into consideration when evaluating the recycling price and a fixed price is offered to the user. In further embodiments, user 301 and / or recycler 308 may adjust or negotiate the recycling price via user interface 302 before the recycling price is accepted by the user.

[0126] In other embodiments, the request to recycle may be issued by the merchant 305 using the merchant interface 304 instead of the user 301 using the user interface 302. This may occur when the merchant 305 simply decides to recycle the power supply 306, or when the merchant is alerted by the monitoring system 500 that the power supply is unsafe or defective, as well as any other scenario in which the merchant voluntarily recycles the device. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 will analyze the status information to determine the health of the power supply 306 and if the power supply is suitable for further use, such as further rental or resale. In other embodiments, the middleware server 303 will not analyze the status information and the power supply 306 will be recycled regardless of its health.

[0127] In some embodiments, middleware server 303 may transmit any information processed during any one or more steps of method 800 to merchant interface 304 and / or recycler interface 307 to alert the transaction merchant 305 and / or recycler 308.

[0128] By providing confidence to the user 301, the method 800 of the present invention provides a strong incentive to encourage recycling of the power supplies 306. When used in conjunction with the monitoring system 500, the present invention allows the status of the power supplies 306 to be continuously monitored and the user 301 to be constantly aware of the health of the power supplies. This discourages premature recycling, thus maximizing the lifespan of the devices, reducing waste and costs, and increasing the efficiency of power supply usage. Even if the user 301 requests premature recycling of the power supplies 306, the present invention can determine which power supplies are healthy enough for more use, further reducing waste and increasing the efficiency of usage.

[0129] 9 illustrates a rental method 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rental method 900 includes a user interface 302, a middleware server 303, and a blockchain network 101.

[0130] A user 301 may rent a power supply 900 by a rental method 900. The user 301 may send a rental request to the middleware server 303 by the user interface 302. The middleware server 303 then checks for available power supplies 306 by retrieving the status and transaction records of the power supplies from a database of power supplies, and then transmits information such as rental value and location information of the available power supplies to the user interface 302. The user interface displays such information, and the user may then select an available device 306 for renting via the user interface. After the middleware server 303 receives the selection of the device 306, the middleware server 303 checks whether there is enough balance for a deposit in the user's account by retrieving data from the user database and / or the wallet node 311. If not, the user 301 may pay the deposit by any other payment method, such as a credit card. After receiving the deposit, the middleware server 303 records the rental start time in the middleware server 303 and / or the blockchain 101. In some embodiments, a deposit is not a requirement for renting the power supply 306. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 may send any information processed during any one or more steps of the method 900 to the merchant interface 304 to alert the merchant 305 of the transaction. In further embodiments, the merchant 305 may adjust the rental value or deposit amount via the merchant interface 304 before the user 301 pays the deposit.

[0131] Prior to selecting the power supply device 306, the user 301 may also request to review the historical records of a particular available device. The user 301 may submit the request to the middleware server 303 via the user interface 302 to review the data recorded in the blockchain network 101. The middleware server 303 receives the request and accordingly generates and sends a command to the blockchain network 101 to retrieve the relevant data. In particular, the command may be generated by the control module 405 of the middleware server 303. The retrieved battery history data may then be sent to the middleware server 303 and further transmitted to the user interface 302, for example, to be displayed as a battery history report. The user 301 may then select an available device 306, and the method 900 proceeds as described above.

[0132] The rental price of the power supply 306 may be calculated based on, but is not limited to, the type of power supply 306, the price, and / or the rental value of similar products previously entered into the system. The rental price of the power supply 306 may also be calculated based on battery history data of the power supply 306. In one embodiment, the rental price is a fixed price that is not calculated based on battery history data of the power supply 306.

[0133] FIG. 10 illustrates a method for returning a power supply 306, according to an embodiment of the present invention. When a user 301 returns a power supply 306, the user 301 sends a return request 1001 to the middleware server 303 via the user interface 302. The billing module 402 then retrieves relevant transaction information from the transaction database 406 and / or the battery transaction node 309, and generates a bill based on the relevant transaction information, such as the rental price, the rental period, and possibly other information, such as the battery status information of the power supply 306. The billing module 402 executes the transaction by debiting the billing amount from the account of the user 301. The billing amount may be represented by real or virtual currency that is provided to the user 301, such as a credit or points. The rental period may be represented in hours, days, weeks, weekdays, or other lengths of time. In some embodiments, the billing amount may be a pre-defined price based on the rental period previously selected by the user 301. In some embodiments, the merchant 305 may adjust the rental price, such as applying a discount, via the merchant interface 304 before the user 301 pays the rental price. The new balance in the user's 301 account may then be recorded in the user database 408 and / or wallet node 311, and the transaction may be recorded in the transaction database 406 and / or battery transaction node 309. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 may send any information processed during any one or more steps of the method 1000 to the merchant interface 304 to alert the merchant 305 of the transaction.

[0134] In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 may also evaluate the health of the power supply 306 based on battery history data, such as battery operating parameters and status parameters. The middleware server 303 may then determine whether the power supply 306 is suitable for further use. If not, the power supply 306 may be recycled, a process which is discussed in more detail below. If the power supply 306 is deemed suitable for further use, the middleware server 303 may evaluate a new rental or sale price for the power supply 306 for next rental or sale. The evaluated health data may be stored in the battery status database 407 and / or the battery status node 310, and the new rental or sale price may be stored in the transaction database 406 and / or the battery transaction node 309 by creating a new block / entry in each node / database. Such creation of new blocks / entries in the battery status database 407 / battery status node 310 may occur simultaneously or sequentially in any order.

[0135] FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 of purchasing a power supply 306, according to one embodiment of the present invention. A user 301 may send a request to purchase a power supply 306 via a user interface 302. A middleware server 303 may receive the purchase request and then obtain status information of the power supply 306 from a battery status database 407 and / or a battery status node 310. The middleware server 303 may then use the status information to evaluate a selling price for the power supply 306. The user 301 may be presented with a selling price via the user interface 302, and once the user 301 accepts the selling price, the middleware server 303 may then debit the user's 301 account with the selling price, and the user's new balance is recorded in the user database 408 and / or the wallet node 311. The user database 408 and / or the wallet node 311 may also be updated to reflect the new owner. The middleware server 303 may make a record in the transaction database 406 and / or the battery transaction node 309 that the power supply 306 has been sold. All such records may be made simultaneously or sequentially in any order.

[0136] In some embodiments, the health of the power supply 306 is not considered when assessing the sale price, and a fixed price is provided to the user. In further embodiments, the user 301 and / or the merchant 305 may adjust or negotiate the sale price via the user interface 302 and / or the merchant interface 304 before the sale price is accepted by the user. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 may send any information processed during any one or more steps of the method 1100 to the merchant interface 304 to alert the merchant interface 304.

[0137] FIG. 12 illustrates a transaction system 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A user 301a may transfer a rented power supply 306 or sell a currently owned power supply 306 to another user 301b via the system 1200. The user 301a may make a transaction request to the middleware server 303 via the user interface 302a, selecting either a rental transfer or a sale, and specifying the other user 301b / user interface 302b. The middleware server 303 receives the transaction request and establishes a connection with the other user 301b. In some embodiments, the transaction is a rental transfer, and the middleware server 303 may process the return of the power supply 306 for the user 301a as described in method 1000, and then process the rental of the same power supply 306 for the user 301b as described in method 900 (for a rental transfer). In other embodiments, the transaction is a sale of power supply 306 from user 301a to user 301b, and middleware server 303 processes user 301b's purchase according to method 1100, where the sale price is deducted from user 301b's account and sent to user 301a's account, and an additional transaction and ownership record is stored in middleware server 303 and / or an associated database / node of blockchain network 101, reflecting the crediting of user 301a's balance and the loss of user 301a's ownership, as described in method 1000.

[0138] In one embodiment, the selling price of the power supply 306 is determined by the middleware server 303 using the battery history information according to the method 1100. In another embodiment, the selling price of the power supply 306 is specified by the user 301a by entering it into the user interface 302a. In some embodiments, the user 301a specifies the other user 301b by providing the middleware server 303 with the account or identification information of the user 301b. In one embodiment, the account or identification information of the user 301b may be in the form of a scannable barcode. In another embodiment, the user 301a may specify the user interface 302b via a mutual wireless connection between the two user interfaces 302a and 302b, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0139] In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 requests data from the blockchain network 101 to analyze the updated status and / or health of the power supply 306 when the user 301 trades the power supply. The control module 405 of the middleware server 303 compares the received battery operating parameters, status parameters, and / or evaluated data to predefined normal ranges. If the parameters or evaluated data are outside of the predefined normal ranges, the power supply 306 may be traded at a predefined fixed price for a power supply of the same or similar condition.

[0140] When a user 301 wants to trade a power supply, the middleware server 303 requests data from the blockchain network 101 to analyze the updated status of the power supply 306. The analysis module 101 of the middleware server 303 compares the received battery operating parameters and status parameters with predefined normal ranges. If the value of the status parameter is outside the predefined normal range, the power supply 306 can be recycled at a predefined fixed price for a power supply of the same or similar condition.

[0141] In general, in methods 800, 900, 1000, and 1100, the middleware server 303 may transmit any information received, whether from the power supply device 306 or from the user 301, to the blockchain network 101 for recording. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 transmits all of the information received from the power supply device 306 or from the user 301 to the blockchain network 101 for recording. In other embodiments, the middleware server 303 transmits only a portion of the information received from the power supply device 306 or from the user 301 to the blockchain network 101 for recording. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 may store information that is not transmitted to the blockchain network 101 for recording. In some embodiments, the middleware server 303 does not transmit all user identification information to the blockchain network 101 for recording. Because information on the blockchain network 101 cannot be changed or deleted, it may be advantageous from a data protection perspective not to store all user identification information thereon.

[0142] 13 is a depiction of a user interface 302 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the user interface 302 may show battery status information (such as remaining capacity and internal battery temperature), transaction information (such as time remaining in the rental period, current rental price), and / or user information (such as current account balance).

[0143] The present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, and the specific features of one embodiment should not be attributed to other embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the method and system may include numerous steps and components not mentioned herein. In other embodiments, the method and system does not include, or is substantially free of, steps and components not recited herein. Variations and modifications from the described embodiments exist. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as being within the scope of the present invention. The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below. [Appendix 1] (a) inputting into the middleware computer a user identification, an existing product identification, and a data retrieval command; (b) verifying, by the middleware computer, the user identity; (c) retrieving one or more virtual folders associated with the product identification from an existing block in the blockchain ledger; (d) transmitting the one or more virtual folders to the middleware computer; (e) extracting, using the middleware computer, the recorded characteristic data from the one or more virtual folders; (f) verifying said characteristic data; (g) inputting new characteristic data into said middleware computer; (h) generating, by said middleware computer, a new product identification connected to said existing product identification; (i) linking, by the middleware computer, the new product identification and the new characteristic data to form a new virtual folder; (j) transmitting the new virtual folder from the middleware computer to the blockchain ledger; and (k) creating a new block in the blockchain ledger to record the new virtual folder; A method for managing electricity supply equipment using a blockchain-based system. [Appendix 2] 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user identity comprises a user classification, and the one or more virtual folders retrieved in step (c) are further associated with the user classification. [Appendix 3] 3. The method of claim 2, wherein step (b) further comprises determining access restrictions for the user class, and wherein the one or more virtual folders in step (c) are associated with the user class whereby the one or more virtual folders are accessible under the access restrictions of the user class. [Appendix 4] 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) is performed by the middleware computer, and wherein the new virtual folder of step (i) is formed by further linking the new product identification and the new characteristic data to the user identification. [Appendix 5] 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the new product identification in step (h) is further connected to one or both of the user identification and the new characteristic data. [Appendix 6] 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the recorded characteristic data and the new characteristic data independently comprises a product source, a product brand, a product type, a product size, or a combination thereof. [Appendix 7] 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) further comprises producing a verification result, transmitting the verification result from the middleware computer to the blockchain ledger, and recording the verification result in the blockchain ledger. [Appendix 8] 8. The method of claim 7, wherein step (f) further comprises providing a reward once the verification result is recorded in the blockchain ledger. [Appendix 9] 8. The method of claim 7, wherein step (k) further comprises providing a reward once the new virtual folder is recorded on the blockchain ledger. [Appendix 10] Blockchain and one or more middleware computers; The one or more middleware computers include: receiving one or more virtual folders from the blockchain; deriving recorded characteristic data from said one or more virtual folders; verifying user identity and said recorded characteristic data; generating a new product identification connected to the existing product identification; linking said new product identification and said new feature data to form a new virtual folder; Sending the new virtual folder to the blockchain; and A new block may be created in the blockchain to record the new virtual folder. A blockchain-based tracking system for managing electricity supply equipment. [Appendix 11] 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more middleware computers are accessible by a plurality of users, each of which belongs to a user sector. [Appendix 12] 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sectors include one or more of a raw materials sector, a cell manufacturing sector, a pack manufacturing sector, a battery manufacturing sector, a consumer sector, and a recycling sector. [Appendix 13] A blockchain ledger; a middleware server configured to send data to and receive data from the blockchain ledger; a mobile terminal comprising a rental module configured to send a command to the middleware server to rent a power supply device; a power supply device; The power supply device includes: Battery and a monitoring module coupled to the battery and configured to monitor one or more battery operating parameters; a main controller coupled to the monitoring module and configured to calculate one or more battery status parameters using the one or more battery operating parameters received from the monitoring module; a communication module coupled to the main controller and configured to transmit the one or more battery operating parameters and battery status parameters to the middleware server. A blockchain-based rental and monitoring system for electricity supply equipment. [Appendix 14] 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises a return module configured to send an instruction to the middleware server to return the power supply device. [Appendix 15] 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the middleware server further comprises a billing module for calculating a rental fee for the power supply device. [Appendix 16] The one or more battery operating parameters include: Battery voltage, Internal battery temperature, The I / O current of the battery and The number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery 14. The system of claim 13, comprising: [Appendix 17] The one or more battery status parameters include: Battery capacity, and The cumulative capacity of the battery 14. The system of claim 13, comprising: [Appendix 18] 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the communications module comprises a Bluetooth transceiver or a Wi-Fi transceiver. [Appendix 19] 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the power supply device further comprises a locking module that disables charging / discharging of the battery. [Appendix 20] The middleware server includes: a communication module configured to receive the one or more battery operating and status parameters; configured to compare the one or more battery operating and status parameters with predetermined normal ranges to determine whether the battery is operating under normal conditions; and an analysis module configured to generate a warning signal to return to the power supply when the condition parameter is outside the predetermined normal range; configured to verify the identity of the user and verify that the balance in the user's account includes sufficient funds to cover the deposit; and a verification module configured to generate an authorization command to authorize a verified user to rent the power supply device if the battery operates under normal conditions; a memory module configured to record the one or more battery operating and status parameters and a rental period of the power supply device; 14. The system of claim 13, comprising: [Appendix 21] 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the locking module is configured to disable charging / discharging of the battery when the one or more condition parameters are outside the predetermined normal range. [Appendix 22] 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the memory module is further configured to record charge / discharge cycles of the battery.

Claims

1. (a) inputting into a middleware computer a user identification, an existing product identification, and a data retrieval command; (b) verifying, by the middleware computer, the user identity; (c) retrieving one or more virtual folders associated with the product identification from an existing block in the blockchain ledger; (d) sending the one or more virtual folders to the middleware computer; (e) extracting, using the middleware computer, the recorded characteristic data from the one or more virtual folders; (f) verifying the characterization data; (g) inputting new property data into said middleware computer; (h) generating, by said middleware computer, a new product identification connected to said existing product identification; (i) linking, by the middleware computer, the new product identification and the new characteristic data to form a new virtual folder; (j) transmitting the new virtual folder from the middleware computer to the blockchain ledger; and (k) creating a new block in the blockchain ledger to record the new virtual folder; wherein steps (a), (f) and (g) are each independently performed by users belonging to one or more sectors, and wherein said sectors include a raw materials sector, a cell manufacturing sector, a pack manufacturing sector, a battery manufacturing sector, a consumer sector, and a recycling sector. A method for managing electricity supply equipment using a blockchain-based system.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user identification comprises a user classification, and the one or more virtual folders retrieved in step (c) are further associated with the user classification.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein step (b) further comprises determining access restrictions for the user class, and wherein the one or more virtual folders in step (c) are associated with the user class such that the one or more virtual folders are accessible under the access restrictions for the user class.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) is performed by the middleware computer, and wherein the new virtual folder in step (i) is formed by further linking the new product identification and the new characteristic data to the user identification.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the new product identification in step (h) is further coupled to one or both of the user identification and the new characteristic data.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the recorded characteristic data and the new characteristic data independently comprises product source, product brand, product type, product size, or a combination thereof.

7. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (f) further comprises: producing a verification result; transmitting the verification result from the middleware computer to the blockchain ledger; and recording the verification result in the blockchain ledger.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein step (f) further comprises providing a reward once the verification result is recorded in the blockchain ledger.

9. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein step (k) further comprises providing a reward once the new virtual folder is recorded in the blockchain ledger.

10. Blockchain and one or more middleware computers; The one or more middleware computers include: receiving one or more virtual folders from the blockchain; deriving recorded characteristic data from said one or more virtual folders; verifying user identity and said recorded characteristic data; generating a new product identification connected to the existing product identification; linking said new product identification and said new feature data to form a new virtual folder; Sending the new virtual folder to the blockchain; and A new block may be created in the blockchain to record the new virtual folder; wherein the one or more middleware computers are accessible by a plurality of users, each user belonging to a sector, and wherein the sectors include one or more of a raw materials sector, a cell manufacturing sector, a pack manufacturing sector, a battery manufacturing sector, a consumer sector, and a recycling sector. A blockchain-based tracking system for managing electricity supply equipment.

11. A blockchain ledger; a middleware server configured to send data to and receive data from the blockchain ledger; a mobile terminal comprising a rental module configured to send a command to the middleware server to rent a power supply device; a power supply device; The power supply device includes: Battery and a monitoring module coupled to the battery and configured to monitor one or more battery operating parameters; a main controller coupled to the monitoring module and configured to calculate one or more battery status parameters using the one or more battery operating parameters received from the monitoring module; a communication module coupled to the main controller and configured to transmit the one or more battery operating parameters and battery status parameters to the middleware server. A blockchain-based rental and monitoring system for electricity supply equipment.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the mobile terminal further comprises a return module configured to send instructions to the middleware server to return the power supply.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the middleware server further comprises a billing module for calculating a rental fee for the power supply equipment.

14. The one or more battery operating parameters include: Battery voltage, Internal battery temperature, The I / O current of the battery and The number of charge / discharge cycles of said battery The system of claim 11 , comprising:

15. The one or more battery status parameters include: Battery capacity, and The cumulative capacity of the battery The system of claim 11 , comprising:

16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the communication module comprises a Bluetooth transceiver or a Wi-Fi transceiver.

17. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the power supply further comprises a locking module that disables charging / discharging of the battery.

18. The middleware server includes: a communication module configured to receive the one or more battery operating and status parameters; configured to compare the one or more battery operating and status parameters with predetermined normal ranges to determine whether the battery is operating under normal conditions; and an analysis module configured to generate a warning signal to return to the power supply when the condition parameter is outside the predetermined normal range; configured to verify the identity of the user and verify that the balance in the user's account includes sufficient funds to cover the deposit; and a verification module configured to generate an authorization command to authorize a verified user to rent the power supply device if the battery operates under normal conditions; a memory module configured to record the one or more battery operating and status parameters and a rental period of the power supply device; The system of claim 11 , comprising:

19. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the locking module is configured to disable charging / discharging of the battery when the one or more condition parameters are outside of a predetermined normal range.

20. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the memory module is further configured to record charge / discharge cycles of the battery.

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