A system to identify health status of switching units in electric vehicle and methods thereof
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ATHER ENERGY LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure IB2025059424_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
A SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY HEALTH STATUS OF SWITCHING UNITS IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND METHODS THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric vehicles, and more particularly, to a system and a method to identify a health status of a plurality of switching units in an energy storage unit of a vehicle.BACKGROUND
[0002] A vehicle, especially a two-wheeled vehicle (referred to as ‘vehicle’) is a preferred mode of transportation that is widely used for different purposes, for example, commutation, carriage, etc. In the current technological era, many technical developments have taken place in the vehicle to ensure the comfort of riders. For example, a start / stop switch has been provided in vehicles to ensure ease of starting of the vehicles. Further, numerous electronic devices are provided in the vehicle which ensure ease of access to various functions, for example, ease of access to an infotainment system in the vehicle for a rider, when the rider is riding the vehicle. Further, each of the electronic devices, the start / stop switch, and other components in the vehicle received power from a pack of energy storage units installed in the vehicle.
[0003] The energy storage unit acts in two states, namely, a charging state and a discharging state. The energy storage unit includes a plurality of switching units, for example, a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) to control the charging state and the discharging state. The plurality of switching units operates unidirectionally.
[0004] Typically, in the charging state, a charging switching unit, in an ON state, allows a flow of power from a charger to the energy storage unit to charge the energy storage unit. The charging switching unit allows the flow of power by controlling a charge current flowing from the charger to the energy storage unit.
[0005] Further, in the discharge state, a discharging switching unit, in an ON state, allows a flow of power from the energy storage unit to the different electronic devices, start / stop switch, and other components of the vehicle. The discharging switching unit allows the flow of power by controlling a discharge current flowing from a positive terminal of the energy storage unit to a negative terminal of the energy storage unit, within a safe limit. Further, the charging switching unit changes from the ON state to the OFF state and restricts the flow of the power to the energy storage unit when the energy storage unit is completely charged, or in different scenarios, for example, overcharging, overcurrent, high temperature, etc. Additionally, the discharging switching unit changes from the ON state to the OFF state andrestricts the flow of the power to the components of the vehicle, in different scenarios, for example, undervoltage, overcurrent, high temperature, etc., of the energy storage unit,
[0006] However, this configuration has limitations, that when any switching unit from the plurality of switching units malfunctions because of different factors, for example, faulty components, wrong connection, etc., this leads to various problems, for example, a short circuit in the energy storage unit, overcharging of the energy storage unit, over-discharging of the energy storage unit, high temperature of the energy storage unit, etc. Particularly, when the discharging switching unit becomes faulty and remains in the ON state or fails in short, in that case, the charging switching unit cannot restrict the flow of the power from the energy storage unit to the components in the vehicle. This leads to the short circuit, over-discharging of the energy storage unit, etc. Similarly, when the charging switching unit becomes faulty and remains in the ON state or fails in short, in that case, the discharging switching unit cannot restrict the flow of the power from the charger to the energy storage unit. This results in a short circuit, overcharging of the energy storage unit, etc. Thus, impacting the overall life and efficiency of the energy storage unit. Thus, there is a need to monitor or identify the health status of the plurality of switching units to overcome the above-mentioned problems.
[0007] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a system and a method that can overcome the above-mentioned problems by identifying the health status of the plurality of switching units.SUMMARY
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[0009] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system to identify a health status of a plurality of switching units in an energy storage unit of a vehicle. The system includes a charging switching unit, a discharging switching unit, and at least one controller. The charging switching unit among the plurality of switching units is configured to allow a flow of power from a power source to the energy storage unit. The discharging switching unit among the plurality of switching units is connected in series with the charging switching unit. The discharging switching unit is configured to allow a flow of power from the energy storage unit to a load of the vehicle. The at least one controller is coupled with the charging switching unit and the discharging switching unit. The at least one controller is configured to identify an operational state of one of the charging switching unit and the discharging switching unit.
[0010] In response to identifying the operational state of the discharging switching unit as an OFF state, the at least one controller is configured to activate a diagnostic switching unit connected in parallel with each of the charging switching unit and the discharging switching unit. The at least one controller is configured to determine a value of a diagnostic voltage across the diagnostic switching unit. The at least one controller is configured to compare the determined value of diagnostic voltage with a predefined threshold value of a voltage. The at least one controller is configured to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit as compromised in response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage.
[0011] Further, in response to identifying the operational state of the charging switching unit as an ON state, the at least one controller is configured to deactivate the charging switching unit based on a received communication from another controller provided in the vehicle. The at least one controller is configured to compare a value of a current in the energy storage unit with a predefined threshold value of a charging current of the energy storage unit. The at least one controller is configured to identify the health status of the charging switching unit as compromised in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit exceeds the predefined threshold value.
[0012] In another embodiment, a method to identify a health status of a plurality of switching units in an energy storage unit of a vehicle. The method includes identifying, by at least one controller, an operational state of one of a charging switching unit and a discharging switching unit.
[0013] In response to identifying the operational state of the discharging switching unit as an OFF state, the method includes activating, by the at least one controller, a diagnostic switching unit connected in parallel with each of the charging switching unit and the discharging switching unit. The method includes determining, by the at least one controller, a value of a diagnostic voltage across the diagnostic switching unit. The method includes comparing, by the at least one controller, the determined value of diagnostic voltage with a predefined threshold value of a voltage. The method includes identifying, by the at least one controller, the health status of the discharging switching unit as compromised in response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage.
[0014] Further, in response to identifying the operational state of the charging switching unit as an ON state, the method includes deactivating, by the at least one controller, the charging switching unit, based on a received communication from another controller providedin a vehicle. The method includes comparing, by the at least one controller, a value of a current in the energy storage unit with a predefined threshold value of charging current of the energy storage unit. The method includes identifying, by the at least one controller, the health status of the charging switching unit as compromised in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit exceeds the predefined threshold value.
[0015] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0017] Figure 1A illustrates an environment having a vehicle with a system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] Figure IB illustrates a side view of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system to identify a health status of a plurality of switching units in an energy storage unit of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the system to identify the health status of a discharging switching unit among the plurality of switching units in the energy storage unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an operation performed by the system to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit among the plurality of switching units in the energy storage unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an operation performed by the system to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit among the plurality of switching units in the energy storage unit, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an operation performed by the system to identify the health status of a charging switching unit among the plurality of switching units in the energy storage unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0024] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a flow diagram of an operation performed by the system to identify the health status of the plurality of switching units in the energy storage unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. 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 embodiments of the present invention 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.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0026] For the purpose of promoting an 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.”
[0029] 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 ofthe 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 fulfill the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0030] 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 of only 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] The terms “comprises”, “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.
[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0034] Figure 1A illustrates a block diagram indicating a vehicle 100 having a system 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure IB illustrates a side view of the vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be an Electric Vehicle (referred interchangeably as “the electric vehicle 100” and / or “the EV 100” hereinafter). In another embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be any other vehicle having an energy storage unit 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The Electric Vehicle may be one of a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or a four-wheeled vehicle which may be operated by an electric motor. Further, the electric motor may receive power from an energy storage unit, i.e., a battery of the vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the battery of the vehicle may be adapted to be charged to provide power to the vehicle 100 / any primary and ancillary components associated with the vehicle 100.
[0036] The Electric Vehicle (EV) 100 or a battery-powered vehicle (including, but not limited to, two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes / motorcycles; three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) primarily work on the principle of driving the electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the electric vehicle 100). Furthermore, the electric vehicle 100 may have at least one wheel that is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member that allows traversal of the electric vehicle 100 over a path. The types of EVs 100 include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
[0037] The EV 100 typically comprises the energy storage unit 102 enclosed within a battery casing or a battery pack and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an onboard charger 107, a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor 112, and an electric transmission system 105. The primary function of the above-mentioned elements is detailed in the subsequent paragraphs. The energy storage unit 102 (also known as an Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or a traction battery) of the EV 100 is re-chargeable in nature and is the primary source of energy required for the operation of the EV 100. The energy storage unit 102 is typically charged using an electric current taken from a grid through a charging infrastructure 111. The energy storage unit 102 may be charged using an Alternating Current (AC) or a Direct Current (DC). Moreover, in case of the AC input, the on-board charger converts the AC signal to the DC signal after which the DC signal is transmitted to the energy storage unit 102 via the BMS. However, in the case of DC charging, the on-board charger 107 is bypassed, and the current is transmitted directly to the energy storage unit 102 via the BMS.
[0038] The energy storage unit 102 is made up of a plurality of cells which are grouped into a plurality of modules in a manner in which the temperature difference between the cells does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. The terms “battery”, “cell”, and “battery cell” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any of a variety of different rechargeable cell compositions and configurations including, but not limited to, lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver zinc, or other battery type / configuration. The term “battery pack” as used herein may be referred to multiple individual batteries enclosed within a single structure or multi -piece structure. The individual batteries may be electrically interconnected to achieve a desired voltage and capacity for a desired application. The Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system whose primary function is to ensure that the energy storage unit 102 is operating safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously monitors different parameters of the battery such as temperature, voltage, current, and so on, and communicates these parameters to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Motor Controller Unit (MCU) in the EV 100 using a plurality of protocols including and not limited to Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol which facilitates the communication between the ECU / MCU and other peripheral elements of the EV 100 without the requirement of a host computer.
[0039] The MCU primarily controls / regulates the operation of the electric motor 112 based on the signal transmitted from the energy storage unit 102 of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the primary functions of the MCU may include, but are not limited to, initialization of the electric motor 112, stopping the electric motor 112, controlling the speed of the electric motor 112, enabling the vehicle 100 to move in a reverse direction and protecting the electric motor from premature wear and tear. The primary function of the electric motor 112 is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. In one or more embodiments, the converted mechanical energy is subsequently transferred to the transmission system of the EV 100 to facilitate the movement of the EV 100. Additionally, the electric motor also acts as a generator during regenerative braking (i.e., kinetic energy generated during vehicle braking / deceleration is converted into potential energy and stored in the battery of the EV). The types of motors generally employed in EVs include, but are not limited to DC series motors, Brushless DC motors (also known as BLDC motors), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), Three Phase AC Induction Motors, and Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM).
[0040] The transmission system of the EV 100 facilitates the transfer of the generated mechanical energy by the electric motor to the wheels of the EV 100. Generally, the transmission systems used in EVs include a single speed transmission system and / or a multispeed (i.e., two-speed) transmission system. The single speed transmission system may include a single gear pair whereby the EV 100 is maintained at a constant speed. However, the multi-speed / two-speed transmission system may include a compound planetary gear system with a double pinion planetary gear set and a single pinion planetary gear set thereby resulting in two different gear ratios which facilitate higher torque and vehicle speed.
[0041] In one embodiment, all data pertaining to the EV 100 and / or charging infrastructure are collected and processed using a remote server (known as cloud). In one or more embodiments, the processed data is indicated to the rider / driver of the EV 100 through a display unit present in the dashboard of the EV 100. In an embodiment, the display unit may be an interactive display unit. In another embodiment, the display unit may be a non-interactive display unit.
[0042] Thus, to maintain the optimum operation of all the components of the vehicle 100 as mentioned above, a flow of power to / from the energy storage unit 102 is required. In this regard, a plurality of switching units 106 may be installed in the battery pack which may control the flow of the power to / from the energy storage unit 102. However, the plurality of switching units 106 may become faulty due to various factors, for example, wrong assembly, faulty components, etc., which may impact the operation of the energy storage unit 102. Therefore, there is a need to constantly identify a health status of the plurality of switching units 106, to maintain the operation of the energy storage unit 102. In this regard, the system 104 is disclosed. The system 104 may be coupled with the plurality of switching units 106. The system 104 may be configured to identify the health status of the plurality of switching units 106 based on a plurality of inputs. Thus, the system 104 identifies the health status of each of the switching units and thereafter communicates to another controller 226 (as shown in Figure 2) such that the another control unit 226 controls the flow of the power to / from the energy storage unit 102, maintaining the optimum working of the energy storage unit 102.
[0043] The constructional and operational details of the system 104 are explained in detail in subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figures 2 to 6.
[0044] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram 200 of the system 104 to identify the health status of the plurality of switching units 106 in the energy storage unit 102 of the vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] In an embodiment, the system 104 may include a charging switching unit 204 among the plurality of switching units 106, a discharging switching unit 202, and at least one controller 206.
[0046] In an embodiment, the charging switching unit 204 may be configured to allow a flow of power from a power source to the energy storage unit 102. In an embodiment, the power source may be a charging unit, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0047] In an embodiment, the discharging switching unit 202 may be connected in series with the charging switching unit 204 (as shown in Figure 3). The discharging switching unit 202 may be configured to allow a flow of power from the energy storage unit to a load 302 (as shown in Figure 3) of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the load 302 may include, but is not limited to, a motor, a headlamp, a tail lamp, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0048] The at least one controller 206 may be deployed in the BMS. The at least one controller 206 may be configured to be coupled with each of the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202. The at least one controller 206 may include, but is not limited to, memory 208, a processor 208, and module(s) 212.
[0049] The key elements of the at least one controller 206 typically include communication protocols including, but not limited to, a CAN protocol, Serial Communication Interface (SCI) protocol, and so on. The sequence of programmed instructions and data associated therewith may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory 208 or a storage device which may be any suitable memory apparatus such as, but not limited to, readonly memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk drive, and the like. In one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, non-transitory computer-readable storage media may be embodied with a sequence of programmed instructions for monitoring and controlling the operation of different components of the vehicle 100.
[0050] The processor 210 may include any computing system which includes, but is not limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), and / or an Al-dedicated processor such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). In an embodiment, the processor 210 may be a single processing unit or several units, all of which could include multiple computing units. Theprocessor 210 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
[0051] Among other capabilities, the processor 210 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 208. The instructions may be compiled from source code instructions provided in accordance with a programming language such as Java, C++, C#.net, or the like. The instructions may also comprise code and data objects provided in accordance with, for example, the Visual Basic™ language, Lab VIEW, or another structured or object-oriented programming language. The one or a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (Al) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning algorithms which include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.
[0052] Furthermore, the modules 212, processes, systems, and devices may be implemented as a single processor or as a distributed processor. Also, the processes, the modules 212, and sub-modules described in the various figures of and for embodiments herein may be distributed across multiple computers or systems or may be co-located in a single processor or system. Further, the modules 212 may be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by the processor 210, or by a combination thereof. A processing unit may comprise a computer, the processor 210, such as the processor 210, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions.
[0053] The processor 210 may be a general -purpose processor that executes instructions to cause the general -purpose processor to perform the required tasks, or the processor 210 may be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules 212 may be machine -readable instructions (software) which, when executed by the processor / processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities. The database serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by the modules 212.
[0054] Exemplary embodiment alternatives suitable for implementing the modules 212, sections, systems, means, or processes described herein are provided below. In an implementation, the module(s) 212 may include an identifying module 214, an activating module 216, a determining module 218, a comparing module 220, a deactivating module 222, and a transmitting module 224 may be in communication with each other.
[0055] In the present disclosure, the identifying module 214, the activating module 216, the determining module 218, the comparing module 220, the deactivating module 222, and the transmitting module 224 along with the processor 210 are configured to perform one or more operations which are explained in subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figures 3 to 5 in conjunction with Figure 2.
[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram 300 of the system 104 to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 among the plurality of switching units 106 in the energy storage unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] In an embodiment, the load 302 may be in a series connection with the charging switching unit 204. Further, the load 302 may also be coupled with a positive terminal of the energy storage unit 102. In an embodiment, the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202 may be in the series connection with each other. In an embodiment, the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202 may be also connected to the positive terminal of the energy storage unit 102. In an embodiment, the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202 may correspond to a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, a plurality of resistance units 308, 310 may be in a parallel connection with each other and in the series connection with each of the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202.
[0058] Thereafter, a diagnostic switching unit 304 may be in a parallel connection with each of the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202. Further, the diagnostic switching unit 304 may be in the series connection with each resistance unit. In an embodiment, the diagnostic switching unit 304 may be at least one of the Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor and Bipolar Junction Transistor, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, MOSFET may be at least one of a p-channel MOSFET and a n-channel MOSFET. Lastly, a negative terminal of the energy storage unit 102 may be coupled with the controller 206. The controller 206 may be configured to be coupled with the diagnostic switching unit 304 such that the controller 206 controls, through a general purpose input / output (GPIO), the diagnostic switching unit 304 and receives a diagnostic voltage 306 across the diagnostic switching unit 304.
[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an operation 400 performed by the system 104 to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 among the plurality of switching units 106 in the energy storage unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] In an embodiment, the operation 400 may be explained in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4.
[0061] Initially, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify an operational state of the charging switching unit 204 or the discharging switching unit 202. At step 402, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify if the discharging switching unit 202 may be in an OFF state.
[0062] Further, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify that the discharging switching unit 202 may be in the OFF state by sensing a value of a voltage across the discharging switching unit 202. When the discharging switching unit 202 is in a shorted state, the voltage across the discharging switching unit 202 may be approximately zero. Particularly, when the discharging switching unit 202 may be in the shorted state, then in that case, a resistor unit 308 from the plurality of resistor units 308, 310 may be directly connected to the negative terminal of the energy storage unit 102, thus the voltage across the discharging switching unit 202 may be approximately zero. Further, when the discharging switching unit 202 is in the OFF state, the voltage across the discharging switching unit 202 may be higher than zero. Thereafter, in response to identifying the operational state of the discharging switching 202 as the OFF state, the operation disclosed in steps 404 to 414 is performed which is discussed in detail in subsequent paragraphs.
[0063] At step 404, the activating module 216 may be configured to activate the diagnostic switching unit 304 connected in parallel with each of the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202. In an embodiment, the activating module 216 may be configured to activate the diagnostic switching unit 304, when the BMS may be in at least one condition, for example, when the BMS may be in a protection state, when the BMS is in a resting state, and when the BMS may be in an OFF state. The BMS in the protection state indicates that the BMS may have detected a potential risk associated with the energy storage unit 102 and operated accordingly to be in the protection state, avoiding any possible damage to the energy storage unit 102. The BMS in the resting state indicates that the energy storage unit 102 may not be actively charging or discharging and is in a state of minimal or idle activity. The BMS in the OFF state indicates that the BMS may have completely disengaged from the controlling functions of the energy storage unit 102. Additionally, in an embodiment, the activating module 216 may be configured to activate the diagnostic switching unit 304 after a predetermined time interval, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure . Further, at step 406, the determining module 218 may be configured to determine a value of the diagnostic voltage 306 across the diagnostic switching unit 304.
[0064] At step 408, the comparing module 220 may be configured to compare the determined value of the diagnostic voltage 306 with a predefined threshold value of a voltage. In an embodiment, the voltage corresponds to a voltage of the pack of the energy storage unit 102. Further, different packs of the energy storage unit 102 may have different predefined threshold value of the voltage. In an embodiment, the predefined threshold value of the voltage may be zero, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage 306 is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage, at step 410, the deactivating module 222 may be configured to deactivate the diagnostic switching unit 304. In response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage 306 is greater than the predefined threshold value of the voltage, the operation returns to step 406.
[0065] In an embodiment, at step 412, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 as compromised in response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage 306 is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage and based on the deactivation of the diagnostic switching unit 304. Simultaneously, the identifying module 214 may be configured to raise power path shorted fault, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the discharging switching as compromised by increasing a value of each resistance unit, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In yet another embodiment, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 as compromised by connecting the diagnostic switching unit 304 across the discharging switching unit 202. Further, the diagnostic switching unit 202 may be connected with the positive terminal of the energy storage unit 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0066] In an embodiment, at step 414, the transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit, to the another controller 226, a signal associated with the identified health status of the discharging switching unit 202. The transmitting module 224 may transmit the signal in a manner that the another controller 226 generates a signal to deactivate the load 302. In one example, the load 302 may be the motor. Now, the another controller 226, after receiving the signal associated with the identified health status of the discharging switching unit 202, transmits a signal to a motor controller associated with the motor to deactivate a power stage of the motor.
[0067] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an operation 500 performed by the system 104 to identify a health status of the discharging switching unit 202 among the plurality of switching units 106 in the energy storage unit 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0068] Initially, the identifying module 214 identifies the operational state of the discharging switching unit 202. At step 502, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify if the operational state of the discharging switching unit 202 may be ON state. Further, in response to identifying the operational state of the discharging switching unit 202 as the ON state, the operation disclosed in steps 506 to 516 is performed which is discussed in detail in the subsequent paragraph.
[0069] At step 506, the deactivating module 222 may be configured to deactivate the discharging switching unit 202 based on a received communication from the another controller 226 provided in the vehicle 100. Further, the another controller 226 may be configured to transmit a signal to a control unit associated with the load 302 to receive the discharge current such that the energy storage unit 102 is discharged into the load 302 while the power stage is in an OFF state. Herein, the discharge current is greater than the predefined threshold value of the charging current of the energy storage unit 102.
[0070] Thereafter, at step 508, the comparing module 220 may be configured to compare a value of a current in the energy storage unit 102 with the predefined threshold value of the charging current of the energy storage unit 102. At step 510, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 as compromised in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit 102 exceeds the predefined threshold value. When the identifying module 214 identifies the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 as compromised, in that case, the BMS raises the DSG FET Diagnostic fail fault flag.
[0071] Further, at step 512, the transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit, to the another controller 226, a signal associated with the identified health status of the discharging switching unit 202. The transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit the signal to the another controller 226 in a manner that the another controller 226 generates a signal to deactivate the load 302 and restrict further discharging of the energy storage unit 102.
[0072] Further, at step 514, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 as a normal state in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit 102 is smaller than the predefinedthreshold value. When the identifying module 214 identifies the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 as the normal state, in that case, the BMS raises the DSG FET Diagnostic pass flag, and at least one controller 206 exits a diagnostic mode and turns ON the discharging switching unit 202.
[0073] Thereafter, at step 516, the transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit, to the another controller 226, a signal associated with the identified health status of the discharging switching unit 202. The transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit the signal to the another controller 226 in a manner that the another controller 226 generates a signal to resume further normal riding flow of the discharge current from the energy storage unit 102 to the load 302, when the identified health status of the discharging switching unit 202 indicates the normal state.
[0074] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an operation 600 performed by the system 104 to identify a health status of a charging switching unit 204 among the plurality of switching units 106 in the energy storage unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] Initially, the identifying module 214 identifies the operational state of the charging switching unit 204. At step 602, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify if the operational state of the charging switching unit 204 may be the ON state. Further, in response to identifying the operational state of the charging switching unit 204 as the ON state, the operation disclosed in steps 606 to 616 is performed which is discussed in detail in the subsequent paragraph.
[0076] At step 606, the deactivating module 222 may be configured to deactivate the charging switching unit 204 based on a received communication from the another controller 226 provided in the vehicle 100. Further, the another controller 226 may be configured to transmit a signal to the power source to provide a value of a charging current greater than a predefined threshold value of charging current of the energy storage unit 102.
[0077] Thereafter, at step 608, the comparing module 220 may be configured to compare a value of a current in the energy storage unit 102 with the predefined threshold value of the charging current of the energy storage unit 102. At step 610, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the charging switching unit 204 as compromised in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit 102 exceeds the predefined threshold value. When the identifying module 214 identifies the health status of the charging switching unit 204 as compromised, in that case, the BMS raises the CHG FET Diagnostic fail fault flag.
[0078] Further, at step 612, the transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit, to the another controller 226, a signal associated with the identified health status of the charging switching unit 204. The transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit the signal to the another controller 226 in a manner that the another controller 226 generates a signal to restrict further charging of the energy storage unit 102.
[0079] Further, at step 614, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the charging switching unit 204 as a normal state in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit 102 is smaller than the predefined threshold value. When the identifying module 214 identifies the health status of the charging switching unit 204 as the normal state, in that case, the BMS raises the CHG FET Diagnostic pass flag and the at least one controller 206 exits a diagnostic mode.
[0080] Thereafter, at step 616, the transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit, to the another controller 226, a signal associated with the identified health status of the charging switching unit 204. The transmitting module 224 may be configured to transmit the signal to the another controller 226 in a manner that the another controller 226 generates a signal to resume further charging of the energy storage unit 102, when the identified health status of the charging switching unit 204 indicates the normal state.
[0081] In an embodiment, the identifying module 214 may be configured to identify the health status of the charging switching unit 204 after completion of each charge cycle of the energy storage unit 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0082] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a flow diagram of a method 700 performed to identify the health status of the plurality of switching units 106 in the energy storage unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7A illustrates the method 700 to identify the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 in the energy storage unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B illustrates the method 700 to identify the health status of the charging switching unit 204 in the energy storage unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0083] The present disclosure also relates to a method 700 to identify the health status of the plurality of switching units 106 in the energy storage unit 102, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps may be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. Additionally, individual steps may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0084] The method 700 for identifying the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 may be performed by the system 104 as shown in Figures 3 to 4.
[0085] The method 700 begins at step 702. At step 702, the method 700 includes identifying, by the at least one controller 206, the operational state of one of the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202.
[0086] At step 704, the method 700 includes in response to identifying the operational state of the discharging switching unit 202 as the OFF state: steps 706 to 712 are performed.
[0087] At step 706, the method 700 includes activating, by the at least one controller 206, the diagnostic switching unit 304 connected in parallel with each of the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202.
[0088] At step 708, the method 700 includes determining, by the at least one controller 206, the value of the diagnostic voltage 306 across the diagnostic switching unit 304.
[0089] At step 710, the method 700 includes comparing, by the at least one controller 206, the determined value of diagnostic voltage 306 with the predefined threshold value of the voltage.
[0090] At step 712, the method 700 includes identifying, by the at least one controller 206, the health status of the discharging switching unit 202 as compromised in response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage 306 is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage.
[0091] Further, referring to Figure 6B, the method 700 for identifying the health status of the charging switching unit 204 may be performed by the system 104 as shown in Figure 6.
[0092] At step 716, the method 700 includes in response to identifying the operational state of the charging switching unit 204 as the ON state: steps 718 to 722 are performed.
[0093] At step 718, the method 700 includes deactivating, by the at least one controller 206, the charging switching unit 204 based on the received communication from another controller 226 provided in the vehicle 100.
[0094] At step 720, the 700 method includes comparing, by the at least one controller 206, the value of the current in the energy storage unit 102 with the predefined threshold value of the charging current of the energy storage unit 102.
[0095] At step 722, the method 700 includes identifying, by the at least one controller 206, the health status of the charging switching unit 204 as compromised in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit 102 exceeds the predefined threshold value.
[0096] The system 104 and the method 700 of the present disclosure ensure efficient identification of the health status of each of the charging switching unit 204 and the discharging switching unit 202 while maintaining the operation of other components of the system 104. After identifying the health status of each switching unit, the system 104 transmits the signal associated with the health status to the another controller 226 such that the another controller 226 controls the flow of the power to / from the energy storage unit 102. This configuration protects the energy storage unit 102 from various problems, for example, high / low temperature, over current, short circuit, high / low voltage, etc., unlike existing art, thus maintaining an optimum operation of the energy storage unit 102.
[0097] It will be appreciated that the modules, processes, systems, and devices described above can be implemented in hardware, hardware programmed by software, software instruction stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a combination of the above. Embodiments of the methods, processes, modules, devices, and systems (or their subcomponents or modules), may be implemented on a general-purpose computer, a specialpurpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmed logic circuit such as a programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic (PAL) device, or the like. In general, any process capable of implementing the functions or steps described herein may be used to implement embodiments of the methods, systems, or computer program products (software program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium).
[0098] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that may be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program products may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software may be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and / or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and / or the particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.
[0099] 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 invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
Claims
We Claim:
1. A system (104) to identify a health status of a plurality of switching units (106) in an energy storage unit (102) of a vehicle (100), comprising:a charging switching unit (204) among the plurality of switching units (106), configured to allow a flow of power from a power source to the energy storage unit (102);a discharging switching unit (202) among the plurality of switching units (106), the discharging switching unit (202) is connected in series with the charging switching unit (204) and configured to allow a flow of power from the energy storage unit (102) to a load (302) of the vehicle (100);at least one controller (206) coupled with each of the charging switching unit (204) and the discharging switching unit (202), wherein the at least one controller (206) is configured to:identify an operational state of one of the charging switching unit (204) and the discharging switching unit (202);in response to identifying the operational state of the discharging switching unit (202) as an OFF state:activate a diagnostic switching unit (304) connected in parallel with each of the charging switching unit (204) and the discharging switching unit (202);determine a value of a diagnostic voltage (306) across the diagnostic switching unit (304);compare the determined value of diagnostic voltage (306) with a predefined threshold value of a voltage;identify the health status of the discharging switching unit (202) as compromised in response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage (306) is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage; andin response to identifying the operational state of the charging switching unit (204) as an ON state:deactivate the charging switching unit (204) based on a received communication from another controller (226) provided in the vehicle (100); compare a value of a current in the energy storage unit (102) with a predefined threshold value of a charging current of the energy storage unit (102); andidentify the health status of the charging switching unit (204) as compromised in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit (102) exceeds the predefined threshold value.
2. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein prior to identifying the health status of the discharging switching unit (204) as compromised, the at least one controller (206) is configured to:deactivate the diagnostic switching unit (304), in response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage (306) is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage.
3. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein after identifying the health status of the discharging switching unit (204) as compromised, the at least one controller (206) is configured to:transmit, to the another controller (226), a signal associated with the identified health status of the discharging switching unit (204) in a manner that the another controller (226) generates a signal to deactivate the load (302).
4. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein after identifying the health status of the charging switching unit (204) as compromised, the at least one controller (206) is configured to:transmit, to the another controller (226), a signal associated with the identified health status of the charging switching unit (204) in a manner that the another controller (226) generates a signal to restrict further charging of the energy storage unit (102).
5. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one controller (206) is configured to:transmit, to the another controller (226), a signal associated with the identified health status of the charging switching unit (204) in a manner that the another controller (226) generates a signal to resume further charging of the energy storage unit (102), when the identified health status of the charging switching unit (204) indicates a normal state.
6. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the charging switching unit (204) and the discharging switching unit (202) is a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor.
7. The system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diagnostic switching unit (304) is at least one of a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor and Bipolar Junction Transistor.
8. A method (700) to identify a health status of a plurality of switching units (106) in an energy storage unit (102) of a vehicle (100), comprising:identifying, by at least one controller (206), an operational state of one of a charging switching unit (204) and a discharging switching unit (202);in response to identifying the operational state of the discharging switching unit (202) as an OFF state:activating, by the at least one controller (206), a diagnostic switching unit (304) connected in parallel with each of the charging switching unit (204) and the discharging switching unit (202);determining, by the at least one controller (206), a value of a diagnostic voltage (306) across the diagnostic switching unit (304);comparing, by the at least one controller (206), the determined value of diagnostic voltage (306) with a predefined threshold value of a voltage;identifying, by the at least one controller (206), the health status of the discharging switching unit (202) as compromised in response to determining that the determined value of the diagnostic voltage (306) is smaller than the predefined threshold value of the voltage; andin response to identifying the operational state of the charging switching unit (204) as an ON state:deactivating, by the at least one controller (206), the charging switching unit (204) based on a received communication from another controller (226) provided in a vehicle (100);comparing, by the at least one controller (206), a value of a current in the energy storage unit (102) with a predefined threshold value of a charging current of the energy storage unit (102); andidentifying, by the at least one controller (206), the health status of the charging switching unit (204) as compromised in response to determining that the value of the current in the energy storage unit (102) exceeds the predefined threshold value.