Methods and systems for detecting cassette(s) in a charging and interchange station
The RSU-based system in charging stations performs multi-step verification to ensure accurate and secure cassette detection, addressing detection challenges and enhancing reliability and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2025/058633
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-28
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-05
Smart Images

Figure IB2025058633_05032026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Methods and systems for detecting cassette(s) in a charging and interchange stationCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application IN202441065109, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to managing charging and interchange stations, and more particularly to detecting the presence / absence of cassette(s) in a charging and interchange station.BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrical energy storage device interchange has emerged as a pivotal advancement in overcoming key limitations associated with electric vehicles (EVs). These limitations include, but are not limited to, range anxiety, prolonged recharge durations, vehicle downtime, and the need for extensive and costly charging infrastructure. Unlike traditional plug-in charging methods, the interchange approach allows for the rapid replacement of a cassette containing one or more depleted electrical energy storage devices with another cassette holding fully charged devices. This process takes place at designated charging and interchange stations, which are specifically designed to facilitate the swift and safe removal and insertion of cassettes. By significantly reducing turnaround time and improving operational efficiency, the interchange system enhances user convenience and supports broader adoption of electric mobility, especially in high-utilization scenarios; for example, fleet operations, last-mile delivery services, micromobility applications, and so on.
[0003] An essential requirement for the seamless functioning of the interchange ecosystem is the accurate and secure detection of cassettes during the insertion process into station compartments. Proper detection ensures that only authorized, compatible, and functional cassettes are accepted into the system. Inadequate or erroneous detection mechanisms can result in several operational and safety issues, including undetected theft or tampering, the insertion of counterfeit or incompatible cassettes, or the unintentional use of defective or non-communicative cassettes, particularly those originating from unauthorized or third-party manufacturers. Consequently, a robust detection framework is necessary to authenticate cassettes, verify their integrity and compatibility, and ensure safe interfacing withthe station’s charging and communication infrastructure. This not only upholds system reliability but also plays a vital role in maintaining user trust, regulatory compliance, and network-wide standardization.
[0004] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above mentioned drawback(s), among others.OBJECTS
[0005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for detecting cassette(s) in a charging and interchange station.
[0006] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose systems and methods for detecting cassette(s) in the charging and interchange station that prevent theft of energy storage devices.
[0007] Yet another object of the embodiments is to provide a systems and methods for identifying counterfeit or unauthorized cassettes during the interchange process.
[0008] Another object of the embodiments is to provide a systems and methods for verifying cassette compatibility with the specific electrical, mechanical, and communication standards of the station before initiating interchange or charging.
[0009] Still another object of the embodiments is to provide systems and methods for detecting defective, damaged, or non-functional cassettes to ensure only healthy cassettes are accepted, charged, and deployed.
[0010] A further object of the embodiments is to provide systems and methods for facilitating secure logging and tracking of cassette insertion and removal events to enable auditability and usage traceability.
[0011] Another object of the embodiments is to provide systems and methods for enabling real-time communication between the station and the cassette for authentication, health checks, and data exchange during detection.
[0012] Another object of the embodiments is to provide systems and methods for ensuring quick and reliable detection of the cassette in the charging and interchange station to minimize station turnaround time and improve throughput.
[0013] Still another object of the embodiments is to provide systems and methods for detecting improper insertion orientation or incomplete seating of the cassette in a dock in the charging and interchange station to avoid electrical or mechanical failure.
[0014] Yet another object of the embodiments is to provide systems and methods for supporting interoperability by allowing detection systems to work across different cassette models, manufacturers, and station architectures.
[0015] A further object of the embodiments is to provide systems and methods for integrating multi-level security checks during the detection process, including physical presence, electronic handshake, and unique identifier validation, to safeguard against unauthorized access and operation.
[0016] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.SUMMARY
[0017] Embodiments herein disclose systems and methods for detecting the presence of a cassette in a charging and interchange station. The station comprises at least one rack, wherein the rack can have one or more compartments configured to accommodate one or more cassettes. Each compartment includes a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of a cassette as it is being inserted, and an electrical connector configured to engage with a corresponding connector in the cassette. The cassette includes a data aggregator that collects and shares live data related to the electrical energy storage devices. A Rack Supervising Unit (RSU) manages the operations of the rack and communicates with the proximity sensor, electrical connector, and data aggregator. The RSU initiates a detection process upon receiving a signal from the proximity sensor (indicating the presence of a cassette), coordinates with the electrical connector to establish a connection, commands the data aggregator to upload live data to the RSU, and confirms the cassette’s presence based on all the inputs.
[0018] The system may also include a notification device that communicates the cassette detection status to a vehicle or station operator. This notification device may be aspeaker, a display, a touchscreen, light indicators, or other visual or audible outputs. The electrical connection between the station and the cassette may include an interchange connector loopback to ensure a properly established electrical interface. The live data transmitted from the cassette provides real-time information about its readiness and health status. Cassette insertion may be performed manually, semi -automatically, or automatically, depending on the implementation.
[0019] The RSU performs cassette detection through a multi-step verification process to ensure reliability. The system can handle multiple cassettes simultaneously across different compartments and may prioritize charging and interchange operations based on parameters such as battery level, vehicle type, demand, and so on. Additionally, the system can be integrated with a broader energy management system to help optimize power distribution and overall utilization.
[0020] The corresponding method for detecting a cassette in a charging and interchange station, which includes initiating the detection process on the RSU receiving a signal from the proximity sensor. The RSU then coordinates with the compartment’s electrical connector to establish a connection with the cassette. The RSU next commands the data aggregator in the cassette to upload live data about the electrical energy storage devices. The RSU confirms the cassette's presence only if all three verification steps — sensor signal, electrical connection, and data upload — are successful.
[0021] The method may further involve managing the operation of racks containing one or more compartments and detecting cassette insertion using proximity sensors. Establishing the electrical connection involves the connector in the compartment engaging with the cassette's connector. The data aggregator collects and transmits live data to the RSU for analysis. If any of the steps fail, the RSU sends an ‘absent’ or ‘absent with error’ notification via the notification device.
[0022] Presence confirmation occurs only when all steps are completed successfully. The electrical connection may also involve an interchange connector loopback to verify proper connection integrity. Live data (as provided by the data aggregator) provides real-time information about the cassette’s condition. Based on detection results, the RSU may issue a ‘PRESENT’ notification if all data inputs are correct, an ‘ABSENT’ notification if any input is missing, or an ‘ABSENT WITH ERROR’ notification if data is present but corrupted or incompatible.
[0023] The method may also include detection and processing of multiple cassettes in parallel compartments. Embodiments herein may prioritize cassette charging and interchange based on factors such as battery state or vehicle category. Additionally, the method supports integration with a larger energy management system to help regulate power flow and optimize infrastructure usage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0024] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustrative drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a system for detecting a cassette in a compartment of a charging and interchange station, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0026] FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting a method for detecting cassettes in a charging and interchange station, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0028] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply, and whenever appropriate, the terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted.
[0029] The words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,”, “i.e.,” are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,”, “i.e.,” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0030] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analogue and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform otherfunctions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0031] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0032] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.
[0033] The embodiments herein achieve systems and methods for detecting cassettes) in a charging and interchange station. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 2, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0034] The following terms / components / systems and corresponding reference numerals have been referred to herein:Cassette: A cassette is an electro-mechanical structure configured to accommodate multiple electrical energy storage devices along with connectors, energy storage devices management system, telematics system, GPS, thermal management system and additional required units.Compartment: An electro-mechanical structure provided in the charging and interchange station for accommodating at least one cassette and configured to establish an electrical and fluid connection with an inserted cassette for charging and cooling / heating respectively.100 - System for detecting cassettes in a charging and interchange station110 - Compartment112 - Proximity sensor114 - Connector116 - Data aggregator120 - Rack Supervising Unit (RSU)130 - Notification device
[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a system for detecting a cassette in a compartment of a charging and interchange station 100. The charging and interchange station 100 can facilitate the efficient and secure exchange of depleted electrical energy storage devices with fully charged ones. The station 100 can be implemented in various locations, such as dedicated charging facilities, parking lots, or integrated into existing fuel stations, providing a convenient solution for electric vehicle owners.
[0036] The cassette 105 is a container designed to house one or more electrical energy storage devices. It serves as a protective enclosure and facilitates easy handling and interchange of the energy storage devices. The cassette 105 can be designed to accommodate various types and sizes of electrical energy storage devices (for example, lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, other advanced energy storage technologies, and so on). In alternative embodiments, the cassette 105 may include additional features such as thermal management systems, safety mechanisms, or smart monitoring capabilities to enhance the overall performance and reliability of the energy storage devices.
[0037] The system 100 comprises a Rack Supervising Unit (RSU) 120, wherein the RSU 120 can manage the operations of a rack, and the rack can contain one or more compartments 110. Each compartment 110 is configured to accommodate one or more cassettes105. A proximity sensor 112 is provided within the compartment to detect the electrical energy storage device 105 being inserted into the compartment 110. An electrical connector 114 provided in the compartment is configured to engage the connector in the cassette 105. A data aggregator 116 is provided in the cassette 105 to collect and share live data related to the respective electrical energy storage devices with the RSU 120. A notification device 130 is provided to notify the vehicle, a user of the vehicle, or a station operator about the cassette detection status.
[0038] Each compartment 110 is equipped with the necessary components to facilitate the detection, connection, and charging of the cassette 105. The compartments 110 can be arranged in various configurations (such as, but not limited to, vertical stacks, horizontal arrays, and so on) to optimize space utilization and accessibility. In some embodiments, the compartments 110 may feature manual doors, flaps, automated doors and / or locking mechanisms to ensure the security of the cassettes 105 during the charging process.
[0039] The proximity sensor 112 is installed within each compartment 110 to detect the presence of a cassette 105 as it is being inserted. The proximity sensor 112 can utilize various technologies (such as, but not limited to, infrared, ultrasonic, capacitive sensing, and so on) to detect the presence of the cassette 105 in the compartment 110. In alternative embodiments, the proximity sensor 112 may be complemented by additional sensors (such as, but not limited to, weight sensors, optical sensors, and so on) to provide redundancy and improve the accuracy of cassette detection.
[0040] The electrical connector 114 is designed to establish a secure electrical connection with the corresponding connector in the cassette 105. The electrical connector 114 facilitates the transfer of power for charging the electrical energy storage devices and enables data communication between the cassette 105 and the RSU 120. The electrical connector 114 can support various charging standards and protocols, ensuring compatibility with different types of electrical energy storage devices. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 114 may feature self-aligning mechanisms or magnetic coupling to simplify the connection process and reduce the risk of damage during insertion or removal of the cassette 105.
[0041] The data aggregator 116 is a component integrated into each cassette 105, responsible for collecting and sharing live data related to the electrical energy storage devices with the charging and interchange station 100. The data aggregator 116 may be a microcontroller or a dedicated integrated circuit within the cassette 105 that collects andprocesses data from various sensors monitoring the electrical storage devices. This data may include parameters (such as, but not limited to, state of charge, temperature, voltage, health status of individual cells, and other relevant metrics). The data aggregator 116 can provide realtime information to the RSU 120, enabling accurate assessment of the cassette's status and readiness for use. In alternative embodiments, the data aggregator 116 may incorporate advanced analytics capabilities to perform local diagnostics or predictive maintenance analysis, further enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the system.
[0042] The Rack Supervising Unit (RSU) 120 serves as the central control and management system for the charging and interchange station 100. The RSU 120 coordinates the operations of multiple compartments 110 and oversees the entire cassette detection and verification process. The RSU 120 processes information from the proximity sensors 112, manages the electrical connections through the connectors 114, and analyzes the data received from the data aggregators 116. In an embodiment herein, the RSU 120 may utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize charging schedules, predict maintenance needs, and enhance overall system efficiency.
[0043] The notification device 130 is an output component of the system, used by the RSU 120 to communicate the status of cassette detection and any potential issues to the operator or user. The notification device 130 can take various forms, such as at least one of a speaker for audible alerts, a display or touchscreen for visual information, and a series of light indicators to signal different states. In some embodiments, the notification device 130 may be integrated with a mobile application, a user device, or a centralized monitoring system, allowing remote access to status updates and alerts.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting a method 200 for detecting cassettes in a charging and interchange station. The method 200 comprises a plurality of steps that are executed by a Rack Supervising Unit (RSU) 120 to verify the presence of a cassette 105 in a compartment 110 of the charging and interchange station. The method 200 involves detecting the cassette 105, establishing an electrical connection with the cassette, and initiating a live data transfer between the cassette and the station to confirm the presence of the cassette 105.
[0045] When an electric vehicle equipped with at least one interchange electrical energy storage device arrives at the charging and interchange station, the depleted cassette 105 can be inserted into the compartment 110 of the station (either manually or using an automated process or using a semi-automated process).
[0046] At the charging and interchange station, the RSU 120 undertakes procedures to verify the presence of the cassette 105 in the compartment 110. In step 201, the RSU 120 initiates its process upon detecting a first sensor signal from the proximity sensor 112 as the cassette 105 is being inserted into the compartment 110. The proximity sensor 112 can be any suitable type of sensor capable of detecting the presence of an object in its vicinity. For example, the proximity sensor 112 may be one of an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a capacitive sensor. The first sensor signal serves as the trigger for subsequent steps in the method 200.
[0047] In step 202, the RSU 120 coordinates with the compartment's electrical connector 114 to establish a secure electrical connection with the connector in the cassette 105. This operation, known as the interchange connector loopback, ensures that a proper electrical interface is established between the station and the cassette 105. Once this connection is successfully established, the RSU 120 proceeds to the final phase of verification. The electrical connector 114 may be a multi-pin connector designed to mate with a corresponding connector on the cassette 105. Alternative embodiments may use different types of connectors (such as, but not limited to, magnetic connectors, wireless power transfer systems, and so on) depending on the specific requirements of the charging and interchange station.
[0048] In step 203, the RSU 120 instructs the cassette 105 to upload live data of the electrical storage devices to the station through the data aggregator 116. The data transmission provides real-time information about the status and readiness of the cassette 105. This data may include parameters (such as, but not limited to, state of charge, temperature, voltage, health status of individual cells, and other relevant metrics). Upon receiving and validating this live data, the RSU 120 confirms the presence of the cassette 105 within the compartment 110.
[0049] For the RSU 120 to confirm the presence of the cassette 105 in the compartment 110, all three steps (i.e., steps 201, 202, and 203) have to be completed successfully. This multi- step verification process ensures a high level of reliability in detecting the presence of the cassette 105. It helps prevent false positives that might occur if only a single detection method were used.
[0050] If any fault occurs in any one of the above steps (i.e., steps 201, 202, and 203), in step 204, the RSU 120 sends an ‘absent’ or ‘absent with error’ notification to the operator through a notification device 130. The notification device 130 can be at least one of a speaker, a display, a touchscreen, one or more light sequences, or a visual indication. For example, thenotification device 130 may be a LED panel that displays different colours or patterns to indicate various states of the cassette detection process.
[0051] In an embodiment herein, the notification device 130 can be at least one of a speaker, a display, a touchscreen, one or more light sequences, a visual indication, and so on.
[0052] Table 1 shows different scenarios under which the RSU 120 confirms the presence of the cassette in the compartment of the charging and interchange station.Table 1
[0053] Table 1 demonstrates that the RSU confirms electrical energy storage device presence based on the availability of three specific data inputs: proximity sensor data, interchange connector loopback data, and live data from the electrical energy storage device. When all three types of data are present, the RSU 120 issues a "PRESENT" notification indicating the electrical energy storage device's presence. If any of these data inputs are missing, the RSU 120 issues an "ABSENT" notification, indicating the absence of a cassette in the compartment. If one or more data inputs are available but corrupted or incompatible, the RSU 120 issues an "ABSENT WITH ERROR" notification, indicating that the electricalenergy storage device is present but may not be compatible, properly aligned, or may have other issues.
[0054] To mitigate these challenges associated with the electrical energy storage device interchange process, embodiments herein disclose a robust cassette detection and verification system. Embodiments herein effectively enhance the reliability and security of the electrical energy storage interchange process, ensuring smooth operations and user confidence.
[0055] Alternative embodiments of the method 200 may incorporate additional verification steps. For example, the method may include a step to verify the compatibility of the detected cassette with the specific compartment or charging station. This could involve checking the cassette's model number or other identifying information against a database of supported cassette types.
[0056] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The elements include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware devices or a combination of hardware devices and software modules. The specific implementation may vary depending on the overall architecture of the charging and interchange station and the desired level of system integration.
[0057] The embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for detecting cassettes) in a charging and interchange station. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g., Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g., hardware means e.g., an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly insoftware. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g., using a plurality of CPUs.
[0058] The embodiments described herein have several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of systems and methods for cassette detection in charging and interchange stations:• that enhance detection reliability by requiring multiple independent verification steps before confirming the presence of a cassette;• that minimize the risk of false detection or undetected insertion errors by integrating physical, electrical, and data-level validation;• that improve system security by preventing unauthorized or incompatible cassettes from being accepted into the station;• that support real-time status updates and health assessments of cassettes during detection, improving operational transparency and decision-making;• that reduce manual intervention by automating the detection, verification, and feedback processes, thereby increasing operational efficiency;• that enable traceability and auditing of all cassette insertions and removals, supporting robust data logging and system accountability;• that improve user experience by providing clear and immediate feedback on the detection status through visual or audible indicators;• that ensure seamless compatibility across multiple cassette configurations and station architectures, supporting modular and scalable deployment;• that prevent damage to electrical connectors and other components by validating alignment and connection quality before initiating data or power transfer;• that allow predictive maintenance and system optimization by continuously monitoring and analysing detection and operational patterns; and• that enable adaptive control of station resources based on successful or failed detection attempts, thus optimizing energy and equipment utilization.
[0059] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments withoutdeparting from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Claims
STATEMENT OF CLAIMSWe claim:
1. A charging and interchange station, comprising: at least one rack, wherein the at least one rack comprises at least one compartment (110), and the at least one compartment (110) is configured to accommodate one or more cassettes (105); a proximity sensor (112) provided within the compartment (110), wherein the proximity sensor (112) is configured to detect a cassette (105) being inserted into the compartment (110); an electrical connector (114) provided in the compartment (110), wherein the electrical connector (114) is configured to engage with a corresponding connector in the cassette (105); and a Rack Supervising Unit (RSU) (120) configured to manage operations of the rack, wherein the RSU (120) is configured to: initiate a detection process upon receiving a first sensor signal from the proximity sensor (112); coordinate with the electrical connector (114) to establish an electrical connection with a connector in the cassette (105); command a data aggregator (116) to upload live data of electrical storage devices from the cassette (105), wherein the data aggregator (116) is present in the cassette (105); and confirm the presence of the cassette (105) within the compartment (110) based on the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system includes a notification device (130) configured to notify a vehicle or a station operator about the cassette detection status, wherein the notification device (130) includes at least one of a speaker, a display, a touchscreen, one or more light sequences, and a visual indication.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the RSU (120) is configured to send an 'absent' or 'absent with error' notification to the notification device (130) if a fault occurs in one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical connection establishes an interchange connector loopback configured to ensure proper establishment of an electrical interface between the station and the cassette 105 through the electrical connector (114).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RSU (120) is configured to: issue a 'PRESENT' notification when the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data are present; issue an 'ABSENT' notification when one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data are missing; and issue an 'ABSENT WITH ERROR' notification when one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data are available, but at least one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data is one of corrupted or incompatible.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the live data provides real-time information about the status and readiness of the cassette (105).
7. A method for detecting a cassette in a charging and interchange station, comprising: receiving, by a Rack Supervising Unit (RSU) (120), a first sensor signal from a proximity sensor (112) in a compartment (110) in the charging and interchange station; coordinating, by the RSU (120), with an electrical connector (114) in the compartment (110) to establish an electrical connection with a connector in the cassette (105); commanding, by the RSU (120), a data aggregator (116) in the cassette (105) to upload live data of electrical storage devices in the cassette (105); and confirming, by the RSU (120), the presence of the cassette (105) within the compartment (110) based on the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises detecting, by the proximity sensor (112), an electrical energy storage device (105) being inserted into the compartment (110).
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein establishing the electrical connection comprises engaging the electrical connector (114) with a corresponding connector in the cassette (105).
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the live data provides real-time information about the status and readiness of the cassette (105).
11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises sending, by the RSU (120), an 'absent' or 'absent with error' notification to a notification device (130) if a fault occurs in one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data.
12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electrical connection comprises establishing an interchange connector loopback configured to ensure proper establishment of electrical interface between the station and the cassette 105.
13. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: issuing, by the RSU (120), a 'PRESENT' notification when the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data are present; issuing, by the RSU (120), an 'ABSENT' notification when one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data are missing; and issuing, by the RSU (120), an 'ABSENT WITH ERROR' notification when one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data are available, but at least one of the first sensor signal, the established electrical connection, and the received live data is one of corrupted or incompatible.
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