Modular Battery Swapping Power Supply for Fast Vehicle Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight intelligent energy system that can be used in various applications, including homeland defense, military, and residential use, as well as in vehicles, which can be refueled by swapping individual or groups of batteries at energy filling stations, similar to gasoline stations, and efficiently manage energy storage and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply system with multiple alternating and direct current inputs and outputs, incorporating a microprocessor-controlled power management system that allows for the evaluation and swapping of rechargeable battery packs, including Lithium ion batteries, enabling quick energy refueling and credit for remaining energy, with expandable enclosures and interchangeable battery racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are recharged in place, then continuous operation is maintained, but recharge time is considerable and operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery charging function from the vehicle operation system by providing externally mounted battery packs that can be quickly swapped at fueling stations. This separates the long-duration energy storage need from the vehicle's immediate operational requirements, eliminating recharge time loss while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-charging battery packs externally at fueling stations before they are needed. Multiple battery packs are maintained in a charged state in advance, allowing immediate replacement when a vehicle's battery is depleted, thus eliminating waiting time and ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery types are supported, then system versatility is improved, but battery compatibility management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized battery interface and communication protocol that works across different battery chemistries and capacities. The system can universally accept various battery types (lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride) through a common mounting interface and control architecture, managing diversity without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages battery type variability by dynamically adjusting system parameters such as voltage thresholds, charging rates, and power management settings based on the detected battery chemistry and state. This allows the system to adapt to different battery types through parameter modification rather than structural complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If battery capacity is increased, then energy storage is improved, but battery weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total energy storage requirement into multiple separate battery packs that can be distributed throughout the vehicle or stored externally. This allows the system to achieve high total energy capacity while maintaining flexibility in weight distribution and allowing individual packs to be replaced or recharged independently, reducing the practical impact of individual pack weights.
Data Source
AI summary
A scalable intelligent power-supply system and method capable of powering a defined load for a specified period of time is disclosed and claimed. Multiple external AC and DC inputs supply power to the system if available and required. An internal DC input from a back-up energy source is on board. The back-up energy source is scalable by adding additional energy cartridges such as batteries in racks mounted within frames of the system. The AC and DC inputs (including the internal DC input) are controlled, measured, sensed, and converted by circuitry controlled by the microprocessor into multiple AC and/or DC outputs. A microprocessor manages power input to, within, and output from the system. The performance of a Lithium-ion batteries used to power an automobile can be determined on the basis individual battery packs or individual battery cells within the packs. This enables the clusters or groups of Lithium ion batteries to be used in a vehicle such that these clusters operate and function as a “gas” tank or more appropriately as an “energy” tank.