System and method for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (102) and a method (400) for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device. The method (400) includes receiving (402) parameters from a user and determining (404) first factors and second factors. Further, the method (400) includes determining (406) a target SoC rate and determining (408) an actual SoC rate. Further, the method (400) includes determining (410) that a value of an actual SoC is not equal to a value of a target SoC. Further, in response to the determination of the value, the method (400) include adjusting (412) the value of the actual SoC towards the value of the target SoC. Therefore, the present disclosure overcomes the limitations of traditional systems by enabling real-time adjustments based on user preferences, grid conditions, and energy storage requirements, providing enhanced battery safety.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A CHARGING RATE OF ANENERGY STORAGE DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to energy storage devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, facilitating efficient energy utilization, minimizing charging losses, and extending lifespan of the energy storage device by maintaining optimal charging conditions.BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric vehicle (EV) battery chargers operate across a wide range of voltages and currents, with a charging rate typically determined by a capability of a charger and a capacity of a battery. However, when a user desires flexibility to select a charging end time, or when an EV manufacturer needs to ensure the EV charges at a specific rate, whether, in terms of State of Charge (SoC) per minute or kilometres per minute (KM / min), the variability in battery characteristics and charger efficiency presents a significant challenge for Battery Management System (BMS) controllers. Such flexibility introduces complexity in managing the charging process which makes the charging process difficult to maintain consistent charging conditions.

[0003] Additionally, an inherent error exists in delivered current by the charger across different operating voltages and currents. Depending on a specific voltage region and a magnitude of an error in current at that voltage, the charger may sometimes deliver a current higher than permissible by the BMS or a lower current. In the case of a lower charging current, a charging time can be adversely affected, leading to extended charging durations. Discrepancies in charging can directly impact both safety and efficiency, particularly in fastcharging scenarios.

[0004] The consequences of such variability extend beyond performance concerns. For example, when charging is priced based on time, a customer may incur higher costs if charging time is prolonged due to inefficient or erroneous charging rates. Additionally, issues of the erroneous charging rates highlight the need for a more effective solution to ensure that the charging process remains both safe and optimized for time and cost.

[0005] Therefore, there is, a need to address at least the above-mentioned drawbacks and any other shortcomings, or at the very least, provide a valuable alternative to the existing methods and systems.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and a reliable system and method that obviates the above-mentioned limitations of existing systems and methods efficiently.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, facilitating efficient energy utilization, minimizing charging losses, and extending lifespan of the energy storage device by maintaining optimal charging conditions.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure relates to a system and a method that uses parameters such as a charging end time, a charging start time, a maximum State of Charge (SoC), an initial SoC, and a starting SoC to determine the required SoC per minute rate, thereby enabling precise calculation and adjustment of a charging rate.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure relates to a system and a method that uses parameters such as a distance coverage range of a vehicle per charging time duration, a maximum range of the vehicle when fully charged to determine the required SoC per minute rate, thereby providing precise charging adjustments to meet user-defined range.SUMMARY

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relates to energy storage devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, facilitating efficient energy utilization, minimizing charging losses, and extending lifespan of the energy storage device by maintaining optimal charging conditions.

[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device. The method includes receiving, by a controller associated with a system, one or more parameters from a user, and determining, by the controller, one or more first factors of the energy storage device associated with a vehicle and one or more second factors of a charger associated with the vehicle. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller, a target State of Charge (SoC) rate based on the one or more parameters, the one or more first factors, and the one or more second factors, anddetermining, by the controller, an actual SoC rate of the energy storage device based on the one or more first factors and the one or more second factors. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller, that a value of an actual SoC is not equal to a value of a target SoC based on the determination of the target SoC rate and the actual SoC rate. Further, in response to determining that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, the method includes adjusting, by the controller, the value of the actual SoC towards the value of the target SoC.

[0012] In an embodiment, the one or more parameters may include one of a distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration and a charging end time.

[0013] In an embodiment, the method may include receiving, by the controller, the one or more first factors from the energy storage device and the one or more second factors from the charger.

[0014] In an embodiment, the one or more first factors may include at least one of a State of Health (SoH), the SoC rate, a total capacity of the energy storage device, a chemical composition of cells associated with the energy storage device, a temperature value, a current demand of the energy storage device, and a charging and discharging rate.

[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more second factors may include at least one of a charging current, a charging voltage, a current limit, a power factor, a communication protocol, a charging mode, a charger availability time, a charging end time, and a dynamic electricity consumption tariff, and a type of the charger.

[0016] In an embodiment, for determining, by the controller, the target SoC rate, the method may include determining, by the controller, that the one or more parameters include the distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration, and determining, by the controller, a maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device based on the one or more first factors. Further, the method may include determining, by the controller, a maximum range of the vehicle when the energy storage device is fully charged based on the one or more first factors, and determining, by the controller, the target SoC rate based on the determination of the one or more parameters, the maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device, and the maximum range of the vehicle.

[0017] In an embodiment, for determining, by the controller, the target SoC rate, the method may include determining, by the controller, that the one or more parameters include the charging end time, and determining, by the controller, a maximum SoC of the energy storage device and an initial SoC of the energy storage device. Further, the method may include determining, by the controller, a charging start period and a charging end period, anddetermining, by the controller, the target SoC rate based on the determination of the one or more parameters, the maximum SoC of the energy storage device, the initial SoC of the energy storage device, the charging start period, and the charging end period.

[0018] In an embodiment, for determining, by the controller, that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, the method may include converting, by the controller, the target SoC rate to the target SoC, and converting, by the controller, the actual SoC rate to the actual SoC. Further, the method may include comparing, by the controller, the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC based on the conversion, and determining, by the controller, a difference between the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC based on the comparison.

[0019] In an embodiment, for adjusting, by the controller, the value of the actual SoC, the method may include determining, by the controller, an error based on the difference between the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC, and determining, by the controller, an initial charging current demand, based on the error, using a feedforward gain technique, a proportional gain technique, and an integral gain technique. Further, the method may include determining, by the controller, outputs of the feedforward gain technique, the proportional gain technique, and the integral gain technique, and determining, by the controller, a previous current demand request. Further, the method may include determining, by the controller, a total current demand based on a combination of the previous current demand request and the outputs of the feedforward gain, the proportional gain technique, and the integral gain technique, and comparing, by the controller, the total current demand with a maximum allowable current set by the energy storage device. Further, the method may include adjusting, by the controller, the total current demand to the maximum allowable current when the total current demand fail to match the maximum allowable current, and generating, by the controller, a charging current request. Further, the method may include transmitting, by the controller, the charging current request to the charger based on the adjustment to adjust the value of the actual SoC of the energy storage device.

[0020] In an embodiment, the feedforward gain technique may be configured to adjust a predictive initial charging current that does not rely on feedback from the error.

[0021] In an embodiment, the proportional gain technique may be configured to adjust a charging current proportionally to a magnitude of the error.

[0022] In an embodiment, the integral gain technique may be configured to adjust the charging current over time to eliminate steady-state errors that persist after the utilization of the feedforward gain technique and the proportional gain technique.

[0023] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device. The system includes a controller that is configured to receive one or more parameters from a user, and determine one or more first factors of the energy storage device associated with a vehicle and one or more second factors of a charger associated with the vehicle. Further, the controller is configured to determine a target SoC rate based on the one or more parameters, the one or more first factors, and the one or more second factors, and determine an actual SoC rate of the energy storage device based on the one or more first factors and the one or more second factors. Further, the controller is configured to determine that a value of an actual SoC is not equal to a value of a target SoC based on the determination of the target SoC rate and the actual SoC rate. Further, in response to determining that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, the controller is configured to adjust the value of the actual SoC towards the value of the target SoC.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram (100) of a system (102) for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGs. 2 and 3 illustrate schematic representations (200) and (300) for adjusting the charging rate of the energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method (400) for adjusting the charging rate of the energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearlycommunicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] For the purpose of understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0032] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more” or “one or more elements is required.”

[0033] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and / or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and / or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0034] Use of the phrases and / or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment,” “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and / or elements may be described herein in the context ofonly a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and / or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0035] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0036] The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in FIG. 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in FIG. 2.

[0039] The terms “energy storage device” and “battery” are interchangeably mentioned throughout the description.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to energy storage devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, facilitating efficient energy utilization, minimizing charging losses, and extending lifespan of the energy storage device by maintaining optimal charging conditions.

[0041] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to FIGs. 1-4.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram (100) of a system (102) for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the system (102) may include a memory (104), an interface(s) (106), and a controller (108). The memory (104) may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed the operations. The memory (104) may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as a Random-Access Memory (RAM), or a non-volatile memory such as an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), a flash memory, and the like. The interface(s) (106) may include a variety of interfaces, for example, a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as Input / Output (I / O) devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) (106) may facilitate communication of the system (102) with various devices coupled to it. The interface(s) (106) may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system (102).

[0044] In an embodiment, the controller (108) may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the controller (108). In the examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the controller (108) may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the controller (108). In such examples, the system (102) may comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system (102) and the processing resource. In other examples, the controller (108) may be implemented by an electronic circuitry. The controller (108) may include a parameters reception module (110), a factors determination module (112), a State of Charge (SoC) determination module (114), an adjusting module (116), and other module(s) (118). 1 he other module(s) (118) may implement functionalities that supplement applications / functions performed by the controller (108). In exemplary embodiments, the system (102) may be configured in a charging station or a vehicle.

[0045] When an Electric vehicle (EV) (e.g., a vehicle) approaches a charging station to charge the energy storage device (e.g., a battery), the charging station or the vehicle itself may be configured to adjust the charging rate of the energy storage device. For adjusting the charging rate of the energy storage device, the parameters reception module (108) may receive parameters from a user through a user interface associated with the system (102). Inexemplary embodiments, the parameters may include, but not limited to, a distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration, a charging end time, and the like.

[0046] In an embodiment, the factors determination module (112) may receive first factors from the energy storage device and second factors from the charger. In exemplary embodiments, the first factors, may include, but not limited to, a State of Health (SoH), the SoC rate, a total capacity of the energy storage device, a chemical composition of cells associated with the energy storage device, a temperature value, a current demand of the energy storage device, a charging and discharging rate, and the like. In exemplary embodiments, the second factors, may include, but not limited to, a charging current, a charging voltage, a current limit, a power factor, a communication protocol, a charging mode, a charger availability time, a charging end time, and a dynamic electricity consumption tariff, a type of charger, and the like.

[0047] In an embodiment, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine a target SoC rate based on the parameters, the first factors, and the second factors. For determining the target SoC rate, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine whether the parameters include the distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration or not. If the parameters include the distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine a maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device based on the first factors, and determine a maximum range of the vehicle when the energy storage device is fully charged based on the first factors. Further, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine a target SoC rate based on the determination of the parameters, the maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device, and the maximum range of the vehicle.

[0048] In an embodiment, for determining the target SoC rate, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine whether the parameters include the charging end time or not. If the parameters include the charging end time, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine a maximum SoC of the energy storage device and an initial SoC of the energy storage device. Further, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine a charging start period and a charging end period. Additionally, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine the target SoC rate based on the determination of the parameters, the maximum SoC of the energy storage device, the initial SoC of the energy storage device, the charging start period, and the charging end period.

[0049] In an embodiment, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine an actual SoC rate of the energy storage device based on the first factors and the second factors.Further, the SoC rate determination module (114) may determine whether a value of an actual SoC is not equal to a value of a target SoC or not based on the determination of the target SoC rate and the actual SoC rate. If the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, the adjusting module (116) may adjust the value of the actual SoC towards the value of the target SoC.

[0050] In an embodiment, for determining that the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, the SoC rate determination module (114) may convert the target SoC rate to the target SoC, and convert the actual SoC rate to the actual SoC. Further, the SoC rate determination module (114) may compare the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC based on the conversion, and determine a difference between the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC based on the comparison.

[0051] In an embodiment, for adjusting the value of the actual SoC, the adjusting module (116) may determine, by the controller, an error based on the difference between the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC, and determine an initial charging current demand, based on the error, using a feedforward gain technique, a proportional gain technique, and an integral gain technique. Further, the adjusting module (116) may determine outputs of the feedforward gain technique, the proportional gain technique, and the integral gain technique, and determine a previous current demand request. Further, the adjusting module (116) may determine a total current demand based on a combination of the previous current demand request and the outputs of the feedforward gain, the proportional gain technique, and the integral gain technique. Further, the adjusting module (116) may compare the total current demand with a maximum allowable current set by the energy storage device, and adjust the total current demand to the maximum allowable current when the total current demand fails to match the maximum allowable current. Further, the adjusting module (116) may generate a charging current request and transmit the charging current request to the charger based on the adjustment to adjust the value of the actual SoC of the energy storage device.

[0052] In an embodiment, the feedforward gain technique may be configured to adjust a predictive initial charging current that does not rely on feedback from the error. In an embodiment, the proportional gain technique may be configured to adjust a charging current proportionally to a magnitude of the error. In an embodiment, the integral gain technique may be configured to adjust the charging current over time to eliminate steady-state errors that persist after the utilization of the feedforward gain technique and the proportional gain technique.

[0053] Therefore, the present disclosure relates to the system (102) that is designed to enable the vehicle charging at a dynamically adjustable target rate, which may be set based on the required charging end time. The system (102) may ensure consistent charging performance, regardless of variations in charger characteristics or grid efficiency. In an embodiment, the target charging rate may be specified in terms of SoC per minute or kilometres added per minute (e.g., the distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration), providing flexibility to align with user preferences and requirements. In an embodiment, a closed-loop controller (e.g., 108) may be provided to achieve a predefined target value for either SoC per minute or kilometres per minute (e.g., the distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration), ensuring precise control over the charging process.

[0054] In an embodiment, the system (102) may be further capable of providing dynamic charging times tailored to meet specific user needs. By maintaining a consistent charging rate, the system (102) may provide reliable charging performance irrespective of variations in the quality, efficiency, or type of charger being used. Moreover, the system (102) may be designed to handle variations in battery chemistry and battery capacity, ensuring that the controller parameters and target values remain stable which enables the system (102) to function effectively across a range of the electric vehicle and battery configurations, delivering efficient, consistent, and user-focused electric vehicle charging.

[0055] FIGs. 2 and 3 illustrate schematic representations (200) and (300) for adjusting the charging rate of the energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, a charging rate reference (202) may represent the reference or a target charging rate established by the system (102). For instance, if the target charging rate is, for example, 2% / min, the value of 2% / min is set as the charging rate reference. Further, a charging rate calculator (204) may determine an actual charging rate, denoted as a charging rateactuai (204A) in FIG. 2 based on inputs such as the SoC and the current flow. Further, an error calculator (206) may evaluate the discrepancy between the charging rate reference (202) and the charging rateactuai (204A). For example, if the reference rate is 2% / min and the actual rate is 1.6% / min, the error is calculated as 0.4% / min.

[0057] In an embodiment, a control technique module (208) associated with the system(e.g., 102 as represented in FIG. 1) may minimize the error by adjusting the charging parameters (e.g., the actual SoC) using methods such as feedforward, proportional, and integral control. In an embodiment, the control technique module (208) may generate anadjusted reference current, represented as Ireference (208A), which is transmitted to the charger (210). In an embodiment, the charger (210) may receive the adjusted reference current and deliver the actual charging current, denoted as ICharge (210A), to the energy storage device (212).

[0058] In an embodiment, the energy storage device (212) may store the energy delivered by the charger and provide two essential outputs. A first output is the current SOCBMS (212B), which is fed back into the charging rate calculator (204) for real-time monitoring and control. A second output, IBMS (212A), may represent the current flowing within the control technique module (208) and serves as feedback for optimizing the charging process.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the system (e.g., 102 as represented in FIG. 1) may incorporate the closed-loop controller (e.g., 108 as represented in FIG. 1) to regulate the charging process, ensuring that the instantaneous charging rate in terms of SoC per minute aligns with a predefined target. In an embodiment, the controller (108) may dynamically modulate a current reference (Ireference) and transmit to the charger (208), addressing errors caused by variations in charger outputs, environmental conditions, and other factors. The reference value for SoC per minute is derived either from a predefined kilometres-per-minute (km / min) rate or a user-defined charging end time. The system (102) may be designed with an architecture where the charging controller (e.g., 108) operates as an intermediary between a Battery Management System (BMS) and the charger (208).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the controller (302) (e.g., 108 as represented in FIG. 1) may manage charging operations by processing target parameters and real-time feedback. Further, the controller (302) may provide precise adjustments to achieve the desired charging outcomes. In an embodiment, target parameters (e.g., the parameters) are specified in the target km / min (302A), the desired outcomes are defined, such as the number of kilometres added per minute during a charging session. For instance, the target parameters may be set to achieve a 5 km / min, ensuring that the vehicle gains sufficient range within a specified time frame.

[0061] In an embodiment, when the target parameters are defined based on the charging end time (302A), the desired completion time for the charging session are specified. For instance, the charging session may be set to end by 8:00 PM, requiring the system (e.g., 102) to adjust the charging rate accordingly to meet the end time.

[0062] In an embodiment, a target conversion (302B) may convert user-defined targets, such as kilometres per minute, into specific charging rate parameters, like current in amps,required to meet the specified outcomes. The conversion may provide seamless alignment between requirements of the user and the technical parameters of the charging process. In an embodiment, a charging rate controller (302C) may dynamically adjust the charging current request and transmit the charging current request to the charger (304) (e.g., 210 as represented in FIG. 2) by analyzing feedback from the energy storage device (306) (e.g., 212 as represented in FIG. 2). The feedback may include real-time data on parameters like the charging current of the BMS, the current demand of the BMS, and the SoC of the BMS, allowing for precise modulation to maintain efficiency and reliability.

[0063] In an embodiment, the charger (304) may execute the charging current request generated by the charging rate controller (302C), supplying the actual charging current to the energy storage device (306). In an embodiment, the energy storage device (306) may store electrical energy delivered by the charger (304) and provide the feedback to the charging rate controller (302C). The feedback loop may ensure that the charging rate controller (302C) may operate efficiently while meeting user-defined charging objectives. In an embodiment, the charger (304) may transmit the charging current to the charging rate controller (302C).

[0064] In exemply embodiments, the charging rate controller (302C) may set the target charging rate, expressed as either kilometres per minute or a specified end charging time and convert the target SoC rate into the required SoC per minute. The SoC per minute is further translated into a reference value for the SoC of the battery. Further, the system (102) may calculate the difference, or error, between the target SoC and the actual SoC of the battery. The error is processed by the controller (108), which determines the appropriate charging current while prioritizing battery health by adhering to cell safety limits.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, if the target SoC rate is specified as kilometres per minute (km / min), technique (1) may be used to determine SoC per min.Similarly, if the target SoC is specified as charging end time, technique (2) may be used to determine SoC per min.The SoC per minute is integrated over time to get the final SoC target.

[0066] In an embodiment, the SoC target rate may refer to the desired charging rate, as a percentage per minute (% / min). Further, the SoC target rate can be defined by the user ordetermined based on system-level objectives, such as achieving a specific charging time or ensuring sufficient range in terms of kilometres per minute. Additionally, the SoC target rate may act as an input to an integrator (not shown in figures) associated with the system (102) to convert the charging rate into a cumulative percentage target over time. In an embodiment, the integrator may be the controller (108).

[0067] In an embodiment, the integrator may perform the task of computing the cumulative SoC target over time by integrating the target charging rate (% / min) into an overall percentage (%). For instance, if the charging rate is 1 % / min, the integrator may calculate the SoC target of 10% after ten minutes. Further, the integration process may ensure the charging target is expressed in absolute percentage terms, enabling a direct comparison with the actual SoC of the battery.

[0068] In an embodiment, the controller may calculate the controller current demand using a control equation that incorporates the feedforward gains, the integral gains, and the proportional gains. The equation is expressed as:KPx (SoC Target - BMS SoC) Ki\(SoC Target BMS SoC) + KFFx (SoC Target). In this equation, KFF, the feedforward gain, is used to directly estimate the charging current based on the difference between the SoC target and the actual SoC provided by the BMS. The Ki is the integral gain, which addresses steady-state errors by considering the cumulative error over time. The KP, the proportional gain, reacts to immediate differences between the SoC target and the BMS SoC.

[0069] In an embodiment, the control gains may be derived through techniques such as pole placement or Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) methods, with state augmentation to introduce integral action. The use of these gains allows dynamic adjustment of the controller current demand to minimize discrepancies and maintain alignment with the SoC target. In an embodiment, the BMS may provide real-time information on the SoC of the battery in percentage terms. The BMS SoC may serve as an input to the charging rate controller (302C), enabling the charging rate controller (302C) to compare the actual SoC with the target SoC and compute the required adjustments to the charging process.

[0070] In an embodiment, the minimum controller block ensures that the charging current adheres to cell safety limits specified for the battery. The current demand may be calculated using the logic represented in (3)Minimum (controller current demand, (BMS current demand +(charging current BMS current)). (3)-

[0071] In an embodiment, the BMS current demand may refer to the current determined as safe and optimal for the battery (e.g., 306). The charging current may indicate the actual current supplied by the charger (304). The difference, calculated as (charging current - BMS current), represents any mismatch between the charger output and the current requirements of the battery (306). The (BMS current Demand + (Charging current - BMS current)) may be calculate the maximum current value that can be passed to battery to ensure cell safety limits.

[0072] In an embodiment, the charging current request may serve as the final output of the control system. The optimized charging current is communicated to the charger (304), ensuring that the charging rate aligns with the SoC Target while remaining within safe operational limits for the battery (e.g., 306). The control parameters, including KFF, I<|. and KP, may be tuned to account for battery characteristics and the design requirements of the system (102). In an embodiment, the charging rate controller (302C) may adapt to variations in charger performance, grid conditions, and battery states to provide consistent charging performance. The feedback loop may integrate real-time data from the BMS and the charger (304) to continuously refine the charging process. By addressing immediate and cumulative errors through the proportional, integral, and feedforward components, the system (102) may enhance charging reliability and safety.

[0073] In an embodiment, a charging system (e.g., 102) may introduce several features and methods to optimize the charging process and improve user experience. Charging rate modification allows dynamic adjustment of the charging rate based on various factors, including user preferences, grid conditions, and system-level objectives. Further, end users can set a desired charging end time, enabling the system (102) to regulate the charging rate to meet the specified timeline efficiently. Additionally, fast chargers may also adapt the charging rate based on the time of day to account for fluctuations in grid demand and supply, ensuring a balanced load on the grid.

[0074] In an embodiment, the system (102) may include mechanisms to address sensor errors that might otherwise affect charging accuracy. Scheduled full-charge functionality ensures that vehicles are fully charged at predetermined times, improving convenience and predictability for users. Additionally, smart queue management optimizes grid utilization by artificially controlling the charging rate, ensuring that the next user in the queue arrives just as the current user completes charging. This approach minimizes wait times and enhances grid efficiency.

[0075] In an embodiment, the charging system (e.g., 102) may support prepaid charging models, allowing users to specify charging durations based on the number of hours or therequired range (e.g., kilometres). By abstracting the tuning of charging algorithms away from specific vehicle charging rate requirements, the system (102) provides a versatile framework that can accommodate diverse vehicle specifications without manual intervention.

[0076] An extension of the charging techniques can be employed for enhanced diagnostics of the grid infrastructure. If the controller (108) may detect consistently high errors in charging parameters over a sustained period, the controller (108) may serve as an indicator of potential grid issues, enabling proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. Further, the system (102) supports preferential pricing models, where base-tier users receive a predefined charging rate, while higher charging rates are unlocked through premium subscriptions, creating a tiered service offering.

[0077] In an embodiment, the system (102) may provide an optimized charging alternative by calculating a target charging rate based on the charging start time and desired full-charge time of the vehicle to minimize the reliance on trickle charging, which can otherwise degrade cell health over time. By optimizing the charging rate, the system (102) ensures efficient energy use, prolongs battery lifespan and enhances overall performance.

[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method (400) for adjusting the charging rate of the energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, at (402), the method (400) may include receiving, by the controller (e.g., 108 as represented in FIG. 1) associated with the system (e.g., 102 as represented in FIG. 1), the parameters from the user. At (404), the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), the first factors of the energy storage device associated with the vehicle and the second factors of the charger associated with the vehicle. At (406), the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate based on the parameters, the first factors, and the second factors. At (408), the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), the actual SoC rate of the energy storage device based on the first factors and the second factors. At (410), the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC based on the determination of the target SoC rate and the actual SoC rate. At (412), in response to determining that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, the method (400) may include adjusting, by the controller (108), the value of the actual SoC towards the value of the target SoC.

[0080] In an embodiment, for determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate, the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), that the parameters include the distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration anddetermining, by the controller (108), a maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device based on the first factors. In an embodiment, the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), a maximum range of the vehicle when the energy storage device is fully charged based on the first factors and determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate based on the determination of the parameters, the maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device, and the maximum range of the vehicle.

[0081] In an embodiment, for determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate, the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), that the parameters comprise the charging end time and determining, by the controller (108), a maximum SoC of the energy storage device and an initial SoC of the energy storage device. Further, the method (400) may include determining, by the controller (108), a charging start period and a charging end period and determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate based on the determination of the parameters, the maximum SoC of the energy storage device, the initial SoC of the energy storage device, the charging start period, and the charging end period.

[0082] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and / or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the disclosure to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.

[0083] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0084] The present disclosure allows end users to set a desired charging end time, ensuring that a system regulates a charging process to meet specific timelines without user intervention.

[0085] The present disclosure facilitates scheduled full-charge functionality, ensuring that vehicles are fully charged at predetermined times for enhanced user convenience and predictability.

[0086] The present disclosure enables dynamic charging rate modification based on user- defined preferences, grid conditions, and system-level requirements, improving flexibility and efficiency in energy management.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method (400) for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, comprising: receiving, by a controller (108) associated with a system (102), one or more parameters from a user; determining, by the controller (108), one or more first factors of the energy storage device associated with a vehicle and one or more second factors of a charger associated with the vehicle; determining, by the controller (108), a target SoC rate based on the one or more parameters, the one or more first factors, and the one or more second factors; determining, by the controller (108), an actual SoC rate of the energy storage device based on the one or more first factors and the one or more second factors; determining, by the controller (108), that a value of an actual SoC is not equal to a value of a target SoC based on the determination of the target SoC rate and the actual SoC rate; and in response to determining that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, adjusting, by the controller (108), the value of the actual SoC towards the value of the target SoC.

2. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters comprise one of: a distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration and a charging end time.

3. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, comprising: receiving, by the controller (108), the one or more first factors from the energy storage device and the one or more second factors from the charger.

4. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first factors comprise at least one of: a State of Health (SoH), the SoC rate, a total capacity of the energy storage device, a chemical composition of cells associated with the energy storage device, a temperature value, a current demand of the energy storage device, and a charging and discharging rate.

5. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second factors comprise at least one of: a charging current, a charging voltage, a current limit, a power factor, a communication protocol, a charging mode, a charger availability time, a charging end time, and a dynamic electricity consumption tariff, and a type of charger.

6. The method (400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate comprises: determining, by the controller (108), that the one or more parameters comprise the distance coverage range of the vehicle per charging time duration; determining, by the controller (108), a maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device based on the one or more first factors; determining, by the controller (108), a maximum range of the vehicle when the energy storage device is fully charged based on the one or more first factors; and determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate based on the determination of the one or more parameters, the maximum usable SoC of the energy storage device, and the maximum range of the vehicle.

7. The method (400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate comprises: determining, by the controller (108), that the one or more parameters comprise the charging end time; determining, by the controller (108), a maximum SoC of the energy storage device and an initial SoC of the energy storage device; determining, by the controller (108), a charging start period and a charging end period; and determining, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate based on the determination of the one or more parameters, the maximum SoC of the energy storage device, the initial SoC of the energy storage device, the charging start period, and the charging end period.

8. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining, by the controller (108), that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC comprises: converting, by the controller (108), the target SoC rate to the target SoC; converting, by the controller (108), the actual SoC rate to the actual SoC; comparing, by the controller (108), the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC based on the conversion; and determining, by the controller (108), a difference between the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC based on the comparison.

9. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, wherein adjusting, by the controller (108), the value of the actual SoC comprises: determining, by the controller (108), an error based on the difference between the value of the actual SoC and the value of the target SoC; determining, by the controller (108), an initial charging current demand, based on the error, using a feedforward gain technique, a proportional gain technique, and an integral gain technique; determining, by the controller (108), outputs of the feedforward gain technique, the proportional gain technique, and the integral gain technique; determining, by the controller (108), a previous current demand request; determining, by the controller (108), a total current demand based on a combination of the previous current demand request and the outputs of the feedforward gain, the proportional gain technique, and the integral gain technique; comparing, by the controller (108), the total current demand with a maximum allowable current set by the energy storage device; adjusting, by the controller (108), the total current demand to the maximum allowable current when the total current demand does not match the maximum allowable current; generating, by the controller (108), a charging current request; and transmitting, by the controller (108), the charging current request to the charger based on the adjustment to adjust the value of the actual SoC of the energy storage device.

10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the feedforward gain technique is configured to adjust a predictive initial charging current that does not rely on feedback from the error.

11. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the proportional gain technique is configured to adjust a charging current proportionally to a magnitude of the error.

12. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the integral gain technique is configured to adjust the charging current over time to eliminate steady-state errors that persist after the utilization of the feedforward gain technique and the proportional gain technique.

13. A system (102) for adjusting a charging rate of an energy storage device, comprising: a controller (108) is configured to: receive one or more parameters from a user; determine one or more first factors of the energy storage device associated with a vehicle and one or more second factors of a charger associated with the vehicle; determine a target SoC rate based on the one or more parameters, the one or more first factors, and the one or more second factors; determine an actual SoC rate of the energy storage device based on the one or more first factors and the one or more second factors; determine that a value of an actual SoC is not equal to a value of a target SoC based on the determination of the target SoC rate and the actual SoC rate; and in response to determining that the value of the actual SoC is not equal to the value of the target SoC, adjust the value of the actual SoC towards the value of the target SoC.

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