Methods and systems for managing power and charging in a battery station

Abstract

Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for performing power management and priority charging in a battery charging station, wherein the battery charging station is a three-phase battery station. The battery station is configured to monitor a plurality of battery packs, maintain a power calculation matrix for each battery pack present in the battery station, determine an Available Power for each battery pack and prioritize the plurality of battery packs using the power calculation matrix and the Available Power, based on a highest State of Charge first logic. The battery station further redistribute power to the plurality of battery packs if the Available Power is negative to ensure stable operation and prevent overloading.

Description

Methods and systems for managing power and charging in a battery stationCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application IN202541028557, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to battery stations, and more particularly to methods and systems for performing power management and priority charging in a batteiy charging station.BACKGROUND

[0002] In a three-phase battery charging station (hereinafter referred to as a station, battery station, and so on) that aims to support 40A charging in the future, the station allocates its total power supply equally among three phases, with each phase responsible for charging a specific set of batteries, running a thermal unit, and supporting station operations. However, there could be issues with inefficient power management While this setup ensures safety and maintains consistent throughput undernormal conditions, it lacks the flexibility to dynamically redistribute power between phases based on real-time demand.

[0003] When a phase has no batteries to charge or its connected batteries are fully charged, the power allocated to that phase remains unused. This results in a significant waste of energy, as the excess power cannot be redirected to other phases where it might be needed to charge additional batteries. For instance, in a 15 kW system where each phase gets 5 kW, if one phase completes its charging tasks, the unused 5 kW of that phase is not utilized by the remaining phases, thereby leading to inefficiencies.

[0004] The current system design does not dynamically redistribute the power between phases to prevent overloading, short circuits, or other electrical hazards, further compounding the problem. As a result, the station operates below its potential capacity, slowing down batteiy charging and reducing throughput. This inefficiency impacts operational performance, increases waiting times for users, and diminishes customer satisfaction, making it imperative to address this issue with a smarter power management solution.

[0005] Hence, there is a need in the art for solutions which will overcome the above mentioned drawback(s), among others.OBJECTS

[0006] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for performing power management and priority charging in a battery charging station, wherein the battery charging station is a three-phase battery station.

[0007] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0008] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the following illustratory drawings. Embodiments herein are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a battery station, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an example scenario, wherein multiple battery docks are charged with at least one phase, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting the process of performing power management and priority charging in a battery station, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting the process of managing the current limits for each battery pack, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting the process of ensuring stable operation and preventing overloading in the charging station, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0014] FIGs. 6A and 6B are example flowcharts depicting the process of performing power management and priority charging in a battery station, according to embodiments as disclosed herein

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts an example station, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and

[0016] FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C depicts example trends of the AP over a plurality of instances, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0018] For the purposes of interpreting this specification, the definitions (as defined herein) will apply and whenever appropriate the terms used in singular will also include the plural and vice versa. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” are to be construed as open-ended terms unless otherwise noted .

[0019] The words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,” , “i.e.,” are merely used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein using the words / phrases "exemplary", “example”, “illustration”, “in an instance”, “and the like”, “and so on”, “etc.”, “etcetera”, “e.g.,” , “i.e.,” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0020] Embodiments herein may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components or the like, are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors,microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by a firmware. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] It should be noted that elements in the drawings are illustrated for the purposes of this description and ease of understanding and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts / sequence diagrams illustrate the method in terms of the steps required for understanding of aspects of the embodiments as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, in terms of the system, one or more components / modules which comprise the system may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present embodiments so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0022] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description. Usage of words such as first, second, third etc., to describe components / elements / steps is for the purposes of this description and should not be construed as sequential ordering / placement / occurrence unless specified otherwise.

[0023] The embodiments herein achieve methods and systems for performing power management and priority charging in a battery charging station, wherein the battery charging station is a three-phase battery station. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8C, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.

[0024] The battery station as referred to herein can be a station that can charge two or more batteries. Embodiments herein refer to the battery station as a battery charging station, station, charging station, and so on, interchangeably. In an embodiment herein, the battery station can be a battery charging and interchange station, wherein a user may interchange a depleted battery with a fully charged battery from the station. In an embodiment herein, the battery station can be a battery charging station, wherein a user may charge their battery at the station.

[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a battery station. The battery station 101 can comprise a control module 101 A, at least one battery charging dock 101B (hereinafter also referred to as a dock), a memory 101C, at least one transceiver 10 ID, and a plurality of chargers 10 IE. The station 101 can be connected to at least one external power source (not shown). In an embodiment herein, the at least one external power source can be a three phase power supply.

[0026] The control module 101 A can be at least one of a single processor, a plurality of processors, multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous cores, multiple Central Processing Units (CPUs) of different kinds, microcontrollers, special media, and other accelerators. The control module 101 A may be an Application Processor (AP), a graphics-only processing unit such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), and / or an Artificial Intelligence (Al)-dedicated processor such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

[0027] In an embodiment herein, the at least one transceiver 10 ID is configured to enable communication between the station 101, and at least one external entity through a network, and / or cloud. The transceiver 10 ID through which the station 101 and the at least one external entity communicate may include wireless communication medium compatible with one or more different communication protocols. The transceiver 10 ID may be configured for communication through a network. The network may comprise, but are not limited to, Global Positioning System (GPS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) compatibility, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Nearfield Communication (NFC), and so on. The wireless communication may further compriseone or more of Bluetooth, Zonal Intercommunication Global Standard (ZigBee), short-range wireless communication such as Ultra-wideband (UWB), medium-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, or long-range wireless communication such as Third Generation (3G), Fourth Generation (4G), Fifth Generation (5G), Sixth Generation (6G), or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), according to the usage environment.

[0028] In the embodiment shown herein, the at least one memory 101C may comprise one or more volatile and non-volatile memory components that are capable of storing data and instructions to be executed. Examples of the at least one memory 101C can be, but are not limited to,NAND, embedded Multimedia Card (eMMC), Secure Digital (SD) cards, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), solid-state drive (SSD), and so on. The at least one memory 101C may also include one or more computer-readable storage media. Examples of non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the at least one memory 101C may, in some examples, be considered a non -transitory storage medium. The term “non-transitory” may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term “non-transitory” should not be interpreted to mean that the at least one memory 101C is non-movable. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (for example, in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).

[0029] The plurality of chargers 10 IE can comprise a plurality of chargers which can operate on at least one phase each. The size of the array of chargers can be a product of the phases and the total number of chargers 101E. The size of the array of chargers can vary. In an example herein (as depicted in FIG. 2), consider that there are 3 phases - R phase, Y phase and B phase, and the R phase has 6 chargers, the Y phase has 6 chargers and the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and the B phase has 3 chargers.

[0030] In an embodiment herein, consider that the batteries (also referred to herein as battery packs) present in the respective docks 10 IB (for storage and / or charging and / or conditioning) are in an Ideal Mode (IM). In the IM, the battery has established communication with the dock, and the dock has not initiated the charging process of the battery. In an embodiment herein, consider that the batteries present in the respective docks 10 IB (for storage and / or charging and / or conditioning) are in a Constant Current (CC) mode. In an embodimentherein, the batteries can be newly inserted batteries. In an embodiment herein, the batteries can be in CC mode, but charging at a lower current limit than required.

[0031] The control module 101 A can monitor the battery packs present in the respective docks in the station 101. The control module 101 A can determine if any of the battery packs are in a "Charge End" (CE) state for each phase of the power supply. The control module 101A can determine the number of docks 101B that needs to be disabled for a phase. The control module 101A can determine the number of docks 101B that needs to be disabled for a phase can be determined based on information related to the charger in each phase, as follows:total chargers — (power per phase / power per battery)

[0032] power per phase can be power limit / 3 i.e., power supply is split into 3 equal distributions (i.e., for each phase), power per battery can be the battery used by the battery in a specific phase (i.e., phase that is being used by the charger for charging the battery); i.e., power per battery = (Default current value * battery voltage) / 920

[0033] If the number of empty docks in the station 101 and docks which contain batteries having an SOC of a predefined SOC level (for example, 90%, 95%, 100%, and so on) are greater than the number of docks required to be off / disabled (which can be defined by an operator), the control module 101 A can turn on / enable the dock.

[0034] If the total number of docks that are currently disabled is greater than the number of docks to be turned off, and the number of docks to be enabled are greater than zero, the control module 101A can turn on / enable the dock. In an example scenario, for phase R, the docks to be enabled can be determined as follows:docks to be enabled= total disabled docks using phase R— number of docks that are turned off

[0035] The number of docks to be turned off can be determined as follows:number of docks to be turned off= chargers using phase R that are off— (total number of empty docks using phase R+ number of docks that have batteries with 100% SOC and are powered by phase R)

[0036] The control module 101A can further monitor each battery pack for one or more parameters, such as, but not limited to, State of Charge (SOC), pack voltage, battery state, and so on. Based on the monitored parameters, the control module 101A can set a current limit, wherein the current limit can be tailored to the battery type.

[0037] The control module 101 A can determine the Available Power (AP) (i.e., power available in the station 101). The control module 101 A can determine the AP as the difference between a pre-defined and configurable threshold (i.e., a power threshold) and total instantaneous power consumption of the battery charging station (i.e., Total Power Consumed (P)); i.e.,:AP = Max Power Limit — Total Power Consumed (1)

[0038] The Max Power Limit can be a pre-defined and configurable threshold (i.e., the power threshold) for the station, which can be defined in production RPM settings (based on the provided PRD). In an example herein, the Max Power Limit can be 28 kW.

[0039] The control module 101 A can determine the Total Power Consumed (P) as the sum of the power consumed in R, Y, and B phases by the station, and subtracting a buffer from the sum; i.e.,P = PR + PY + PB - Buffer (2)

[0040] PR, PY, and PB are the power consumed in R, Y, and B phases respectively. The control module 101A can determine PR, PY, and PB using the ActivePower A, ActivePowerB, and ActivePowerC parameters respectively. PR, PB, and PY represent the power in each phase. PR, PB, and PY represent the instantaneous power consumed in the R phase, B phase, and Y phase respectively. The buffer can be a configurable value added for safety and tolerance. In an example herein, the buffer value can be 3 kW. The control module 101 A can use the Total Power Consumed (P) to determine the remaining power available for battery charging, using equation (1).

[0041] In an example scenario, consider that the maximum power limit (i.e., max power limit) is set to 28KW. The power consumed over R phase is 9 KW. The power consumed over Y phase is 7 KW, and the HVAC consumes 1.9 KW. The power consumed over B phase is 3 KW. The buffer has been configured as 3. Then,Total Power Consumed (P) = (9 + (7 — 1.9) + 3) — 3 = 14.1 KWAP = (28) - 14.1 = 13.9 KW

[0042] The control module 101 A can prioritize the batteries based on their SOC values, wherein the control module 101 A can give priority for charging to the batteries with the highest SOC values. For performing the same, the control module 101 A can determine:Pl = pack voltage * current limit

[0043] Therefore,AP(1 = AP(0) - Pl

[0044] The control module 101 A can represent this as one of:AP (n) = AP (n — 1) — PnAP = {AP(0) - Pl AP(1 - P2 AP 2~) - P3 > AP(n) - Pn}

[0045] Over the period(t), AP can become a negative number. On AP becoming a negative number, the control module 101 A can divide theavailable power with maximum pack voltage of the battery and set the current limit of the battery.

[0046] The control module 101A can monitor the AP continuously. On determining that AP has become negative (i.e., AP<0), the control module 101 A can redistribute the power, wherein redistributing the power comprises dividing AP by the maximum pack voltage of the respective battery, and adjusting the current limit for each battery based on the redistributed power.

[0047] The control module 101 A can determine a Charging Allocation Parameter (CAP) for a dock. The control module 101A can determine the CAP as the sum of the total power consumed and the AP (i.e., CAP = Total Power Consumed + AP). The control module 101 A can determine if the determined CAP is greater than or equal to a first pre-d efined threshold (Tl) (for example, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) (i.e., CAP>=T1). If CAP>=T1, the control module lOlAcan continue with power redistribution. IfCAPis less than the first pre -defined threshold (i.e., CAP<T1), the control module 101 A can disable the remaining docks in the station 101 to reduce power demand until the AP is greater than a second pre-defined threshold (T2) (i.e., i4P>T2), thereby ensuring stable operation and preventing overloading.

[0048] In an example, consider that Max Power Limit is 1, and the Total Power Consumed is 2.1, thenAP(3) = 1 - 2.1 = -1.1CAP (3) = 2.1 - 1.1 = 1

[0049] If the BP type is 12 / 13 / new gen(40A) (refer to table 2), the control module 101 A can determine the current limit as follows:1000 = 18A

[0050] Considerthat T1 is 0.8, and T2 is 1. If CAP >=0.8 then the control module 101 A can continue with power redistribution. If CAP<0.8, the control module 101 A can disable the remainder docks till AP>=1.

[0051] In another example, consider that Max PowerLim.it is 0.5, and the Total Power Consumed is 2.1, thenAP(3) = 0.5 - 2.1 = -1.6G4P(3) = 2.1 - 1.6 = 0.5

[0052] Since, CAP <0.8, the control module 101 A can disable the remainder dockstill AP>=1.

[0053] FIG. 2 depicts an example scenario, wherein multiple battery docks are charged withat least one phase. In the depicted example, each phase has 5 chargers. 1, 6, 7, 11, and 12 chargers are in R phase. 2, 3, 8, 13, and 14 charger and theHVAC are in Y phase. 4,5,9,10,15 chargers are in B phase.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting the process of performing power management and priority charging in a battery station. In an embodiment herein, consider that the batteries present in the respective docks 10 IB are in an Ideal Mode (IM). In an embodiment herein, consider that the batteries present in the respective docks 101 are in a Constant Current (CC) mode. In an embodiment herein, the batteries can be newly inserted batteries. In an embodiment herein, the batteries can be in CC mode, but charging at a lower current limit than required.

[0055] In step 301, the control module 101A monitors the battery packs present in the respective docks in the station 101, and maintains a power calculation matrix for each batteiy (based on the state of the battery, the monitored parameters, and so on) present in the station. The control module 101 A monitors the number of battery packs in a "Charge End" (CE) state for each phase of the power supply. The control module 101 A determines the number of docks 101B that need to be disabled. The control module 101A further monitors each battery pack for one or more parameters, such as, but not limited to, State of Charge (SOC), pack voltage, battery state, and so on. The power calculation matrix can comprise of the SOC of battery pack,pack voltage, current limit based on type, current state of the battery, set current limit (if any), and so on. The control module 101 A can read and use one or more parameters from the power calculation matrix, as per requirements. In an example scenario, consider that the control module 101A can set the current limit, based on the values of the SOC, pack voltage, and current state of the battery (CH / CC / CE). Table 1 depicts a power calculation matrix.Table 1

[0056] Table 2 depicts an example power calculation matrix.<<<Table 2

[0057] In step 302, the control module 101 A determines the Available Power(AP). The control module 101 A determines the AP as the difference between the power threshold and the Total Power Consumed (P); i.e., using equation (1).

[0058] In step 303, using the AP, and the power calculation matrix, the control module 101 A prioritizes the battery packs based onahighest SOC first logic. The control module 101A gives priority for charging to the batteries with the highest SOC values. In step 304, based on the priority, the control module 101 A sets the maximum current limit (Max current limit) that is to be used for charging the respective battery packs. The various actions in method 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 3 may be omitted.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting the process of managing the current limits for each battery pack. In step 401, the control module 101 A monitors the AP. On determining that AP has become negative (step 402), in step 403, the control module 101 A redistributes the power from the plurality of phases to the battery packs, wherein redistributing the power comprises dividing the available power by the maximum pack voltage of the respective battery, and adjusting the current limit for each battery based on the redistributed power. The various actions in method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 4 may be omitted.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting the process of ensuring stable operation and preventing overloading in the charging station. In step 501, the control module 101A determines the CAP. If CAP>=T1 (step 502), in step 503, the control module 101 A continues with power redistribution, wherein the control module 101 A sets the current limit as I = CAP / BP pack voltage) * 1000. If CAP<T1 (step 502), in step 504, the control module 101 A disables the remaining docks in the station 101 to reduce power demand until the AP is greater than the second pre-defined threshold, thereby ensuring stable operation and preventing overloading. The various actions in method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG.5 may be omitted.

[0061] FIGs. 6A and 6B are example flowcharts depicting the process of performing power management and priority charging in a battery station. In step 601, the control module 101 A maintains the power calculation matrix. In step 602, the control module 101 A determines the AP (using equation (1)). In step 603, the control module 101 A prioritizes thebatteries based on the highest SOC first logic using the maintained power calculation matrix. Based on the determined priority, in step 604, the control module 101A sets the maximum current limit. In step 605, the control module 101 A determines the AP at instance t; i.e., AP(t). If AP(t)<1.6 (step 606), in step 607, the control module 101 A determines the CAP. If CAP>0.6 (step 608),in step 609, the control module 101 A sets the current limit as I = CAP / BP pack voltage) * 1000. If CAP<=0.6, in step 610, the control module 101A disables the dock and remainder docks for which AP has to be determined. If AP(t)=>l (step 611), the control module 101A proceeds to step 602, and if AP(t)<l (step 611), the control module 101 A proceeds to step 610. The various actions in method 600 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIGs. 6A and 6B may be omitted.

[0062] Consider an example scenario (as depicted in FIG. 7), wherein the station 101 comprises a plurality of docks, wherein a battery in dock 3 is charging at 35 A, a 1 battery pack (BP) swap has been completed where the battery’s type is 12 and SOC of the battery is 3%, and the power limit is set to 15. Table 3 depicts the power calculation matrix for this case.Table 3

[0063] The AP can be determined as (15-3)-6.4=5.6. Based on the highest SOC first, the control module 101A considers the 12.3% battery SOC in dock 3 first. The battery’s maximum current limit is changed to 40. and since power is available to support another batteiy then station shall consider 3% SOC battery next and set the maximum current limit of 30A accordingly.

[0064] FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C depicts example trends of the AP over a plurality of instances.

[0065] Embodiments herein enable optimization power distribution in a three-phase battery station to ensure better performance, increased throughput (which maximizes the number of batteries charged simultaneously), efficient distribution of available power across phases, and reducing power wastage (by reallocating unused power). Embodiments herein can enable priority -based charging, wherein preference is given to batteries with higher SOC for faster turnaround. Embodiments herein provide configurable power limits, which allowsflexibility in power settings for different operational needs. Embodiments herein provide enhanced safety measures by preventing overloading and short circuits with controlled power allocation. Embodiments herein enable a reduced charging downtime, thereby ensuring continuous operation by balancing power usage. Embodiments herein are scalable. Embodiments herein can improve the efficiency of the station, thereby reducing idle time and optimizing resource usage. Embodiments herein can provide a better customer experience.

[0066] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The elements include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.

[0067] The embodiments disclosed herein describe methods and systems for performing power management and priority charging in a battery charging station, wherein the battery charging station is a three-phase battery station. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g., Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g., hardware means like e.g., an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g., an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g., using a plurality of CPUs.

[0068] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practised with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

STATEMENT OF CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A method (300) for performing power management and priority charging in a three-phase battery charging station (101), the method comprising:monitoring (301), by a control module (101A) in the battery charging station (101), a plurality of battery packs present in the battery charging station (101), wherein the plurality of battery packs present in the battery charging station (101) are in an Ideal Mode (IM), and a Constant Current (CC) mode, and are being charged by a 3 -phase power supply; maintaining (301), by the control module (101 A), a power calculation matrix for each battery pack present in the battery charging station (101);determining (302), by the control module (101 A), an Available Power (AP) for each battery pack as a difference between a power threshold and a total instantaneous power consumption of the battery charging station (101);prioritizing (303), by the control module (101 A), the plurality of battery packs using the power calculation matrix, and the Available Power (AP), based on a highest State of Charge (SOC) first logic; andsetting (304), by the control module (101A), a maximum current limit to be used for charging the plurality of battery packs , based on the priority.

2. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein monitoring the at least one battery present in the battery charging station (101) comprisesdetermining, by the control module (101A), if at least one of the battery packs are in a "Charge End" (CE) state for each phase of the 3 -phase power supply;determining, by the control module (101 A), is at least one dock (101B) is to be disabled; andmonitoring, by the control module (101 A), each battery for at least one parameter, wherein the at least one parameter comprises State of Charge (SOC) of each battery, pack voltage of each battery, and battery state of each battery.

3. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the total instantaneous power consumption of the battery charging station (101) is a sum of power consumed in R, Y, and B phases by the battery charging station (101), and subtracting a buffer from the sum of the power, whereinthe power consumed in R, Y, and B phases are determined using ActivePower A, ActivePowerB, and ActivePowerC parameters respectively, and the buffer is a configurable value.

4. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (400) comprises redistributing (403), by the control module (101A), power from the 3-phase power supply to the plurality of battery packs, if the Available Power (AP) is negative, wherein redistributing the power comprises:dividing, by the control module (101A), the Available Power (AP) by a maximum pack voltage of a battery from the plurality of battery packs; andadjusting, by the control module (101A), a current limit for each battery based on the redistributed power.

5. The method, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the method (500) comprises:determining (501), by the control module (101 A), a Charging Allocation Parameter (CAP) for a dock in the battery charging station (101);continuing (503), by the control module (101 A), the power redistribution, if the determined CAP is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold; anddisabling (504), by the control module (101 A), other docks in the battery charging station (101) until the Available Power (AP) is greater than a second pre-defined threshold, if the determined CAP is less than the first pre-defined threshold.

6. A three-phase battery charging station (101), the station (101) comprising:a control module (101 A) configured to:monitor a plurality of battery packs present in the battery charging station (101), wherein the plurality of battery packs present in the battery charging station (101) are in an Ideal Mode (IM), and a Constant Current (CC) mode, and are being charged by a 3-phase power supply;maintain a power calculation matrix for each battery pack present in the battery charging station (101);determine an Available Power (AP) for each battery pack as a difference between a power threshold and a total instantaneous power consumption of the battery charging station (101);prioritize the plurality of battery packs using the power calculation matrix, and the Available Power (AP), based on a highest State of Charge (SOC) first logic; and set a maximum current limit to be used for charging the plurality of battery packs , based on the priority.

7. The three-phase battery charging station, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control module (101 A) is configured to monitor the at least one battery present in the battery charging station (101) bydetermining if at least one of the battery packs are in a "Charge End" (CE) state for each phase of the 3 -phase power supply;determining is at least one dock (101B) is to be disabled; andmonitor each battery for at least one parameter, wherein the at least one parameter comprises State of Charge (SOC) of each battery, pack voltage of each battery, and batteiy state of each battery.

8. The three-phase battery charging station, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the total instantaneous power consumption of the battery charging station (101) is a sum of power consumed in R, Y, and B phases by the battery charging station (101), and subtracting a buffer from the sum of the power, wherein the power consumed in R, Y, and B phases are determined using ActivePower A, ActivePowerB, and ActivePowerC parameters respectively, and the buffer is a configurable value.

9. The three-phase battery charging station, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control module (101 A) is configured to redistribute power from the 3-phase power supply to the plurality of battery packs, if the Available Power (AP) is negative, wherein redistributing the power comprises:dividing the Available Power (AP) by a maximum pack voltage of a battery from the plurality of battery packs; andadjust a current limit for each battery based on the redistributed power.

10. The three-phase battery charging station, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control module (101 A) is configured to:determine a Charging Allocation Parameter (CAP) for a dock in the battery charging station (101);continue the power redistribution, if the determined CAP is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold; anddisable other docks in the battery charging station (101) until the Available Power (AP) is greater than a second pre-defined threshold, if the determined CAP is less than the first predefined threshold.

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