DE102009058945B4 - Device for charging a rechargeable battery - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for charging an accumulator (AB) with a liquid or flowable electrolyte (EL) for the electrical supply of the electric drive (EA) of an electric vehicle (EF), the charging being compared to charging in which the accumulator is connected to a power source , is faster, having: - an electrolyte exchange device (4) with means for removing the used electrolyte from the accumulator (AB) arranged in an electric vehicle (EF) and means for filling the accumulator (AB) with a fresh electrolyte, which consists of a first (4.1), a second (4.2) and a third segment (4.3), and - a connecting device (5) which can be fluidically connected to the accumulator and to the electrolyte exchange device (4), the first segment (4.1) being a Actuating element (4.1.1) for causing the electrolyte exchange, the segments (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) and the connecting device (5) having an identical plurality and A arrangement of line pairs (4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 5.4, 5.5), of which line pairs (4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.3.5, 4.3.5, 5.4, 5.5) each have a first line (4.1.4, 4.2.4, 4.3.4, 5.4) as a supply line and a second line (4.1.5, 4.2.5 , 4.3.5, 5.5) serves as a discharge for the electrolyte (EL), whereby the third segment (4.3) has to be connected to the connection device (5) for the exchange of electrolyte, whereby a guide tube ( 4.5) is provided in which a contact bolt (4.6) is present which, when combined with the connection device (5), rotates through a certain angle, thereby closing a contact switch (4.1.2), whereby the electrolyte exchange device (4) is released and when combined with the connection device (5), the electrolyte exchange can be effected by actuating the actuating element (4.1.1), and the contact pin wiede when uncoupled r takes its original position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for charging a rechargeable battery with a liquid or flowable electrolyte for the electrical supply of the electric drive of an electric vehicle, wherein the charging is faster compared to a store in which the rechargeable battery is connected to a power source.

As a measure against the emerging scarcity and increase in the price of fossil fuels, as well as to avoid pollutant emissions and in particular emissions of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), the so-called electromobility is considered a promising approach. For this purpose, the internal combustion engine is preferably completely replaced in conventional motor vehicles by an electric drive, which derives its power from appropriately sized accumulators or accumulator batteries. In this context, it proves to be a particular challenge to produce accumulators with sufficient electrical storage capacity, which are also safe in operation and sufficiently inexpensive to purchase or during use.

Conventional Elektrolytakkumulatoren, in particular lead acid batteries containing sulfuric acid, require a relatively long charging time associated with a relatively short range, so they do not seem to be suitable for use in electric vehicles.

From the DE 2 348 447 A is a charging method for an accumulator known, being replaced by a consumer electrolyte for a fresh electrolyte.

From the DE 692 10 604 T2 For example, a fuel loading system is known for automatically recharging batteries of electric vehicles. However, the publication does not describe a specific embodiment of the necessary charging device.

The invention has for its object to further develop a device of the type mentioned in that the operation of an electric vehicle with today available and manageable accumulator technology is made possible in a simple and cost-effective manner.

The object is achieved by a device for charging a rechargeable battery, the charging compared to a store in which the accumulator is connected to a power source is faster, with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of claims, the Is hereby incorporated by express reference into the description in order to avoid unnecessary text repetition.

The inventive device allows a charging method for a battery with a liquid or flowable electrolyte for the electrical supply of the electric drive of an electric vehicle, the charging compared to a shop, in which the accumulator is connected to a power source is faster, is characterized in that Charging the accumulator of the spent electrolyte is at least partially replaced by a fresh, that is saturated or charged electrolyte, wherein a device according to the invention can be used.

The device according to the invention for charging a rechargeable battery with a liquid or flowable electrolyte for the electrical supply of the electric drive of an electric vehicle, wherein the charging is faster compared to a charging in which the rechargeable battery is connected to a power source, comprises: an electrolyte replacement device with means for removing the used Electrolytes from the arranged in an electric vehicle accumulator and means for filling the accumulator with a fresh electrolyte, which is composed of a first, a second and a third segment, and a connection device which is fluidly connectable to the accumulator and with the electrolyte exchange device, wherein the first segment has an actuating element for initiating the electrolyte exchange, the segments and the connecting device having a same plurality and arrangement of line pairs, of which line pairs an e rste line as a supply line and a second line serves as a derivative for the electrolyte, wherein for exchanging electrolyte, the third segment is to be connected to the connection device, wherein for the assembly and cohesion of the three segments, a guide tube is provided in which a contact pin is present is, which performs union with the terminal device rotation through a certain angle, thereby closing a contact switch, whereby the electrolyte exchange device is released and can be effected in union with the connection device of the electrolyte exchange by actuation of the actuating element, and wherein the contact pin when uncoupled its original Takes position.

According to a basic idea of the present invention, therefore, a battery provided for operating an electric vehicle, preferably in the form of a rechargeable battery, is the highest preferably in the form of a conventional lead-acid battery, with the device according to the invention is not charged in a conventional manner by the accumulator or the electric vehicle is connected to a charging current source, but there is a charge of the accumulator according to the method described above, wherein the contained in the accumulator, consumed electrolyte is removed and is completely or at least partially replaced by a fresh electrolyte, the charging is faster than a store in which the accumulator is connected to a power source. In this way, the well-known, sophisticated and affordable accumulator technology in a simple and inexpensive way for driving electric vehicles, even in the form of hybrid models, use.

The spent electrolyte is substantially completely removed from the accumulator, and then the fresh electrolyte is introduced into the accumulator. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the removal and the filling takes place substantially simultaneously, wherein, for example, the spent electrolyte is displaced by introducing the fresh electrolyte until the accumulator is substantially completely filled with the fresh electrolyte.

It can be provided that the spent electrolyte is then refreshed again and used again to fill a rechargeable battery. The said refreshment of the spent electrolyte can be carried out essentially in a conventional manner by refreshing the electrolyte in at least one suitable charging container, which essentially corresponds to a conventional accumulator, by connecting it to a charging current source with suitable polarity.

The method can be used in particular at a filling station-type device for electric vehicles, wherein the electric vehicles drive up to the "gas station", there takes place an electrolyte exchange, for which the vehicle user pays a certain fee advantageously, and then that the electric vehicle continues its journey with fresh batteries ,

It may be provided that the charge for charging the accumulator is determined by means of the amount of electrolyte removed and / or charged. Alternatively, for example, a lump sum may be charged for a charging process, which may depend, for example, on the type of vehicle or the size of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention is designed such that refreshing means are provided, which are fluidly connected between the exchange means. The refreshing means can be a loading container corresponding to a conventional accumulator, as already mentioned above.

In order to carry out the mentioned billing process, the device according to the invention may be characterized in the course of another development, in particular by appropriate billing means, which are designed to determine the charge for the charging process by means of the withdrawn and / or filled electrolyte quantity and which in this context have, for example, a flow rate counter. which can be connected to suitable display, payment and processor means.

There may be a preferably flexible, most preferably automatic connection means for fluidly connecting the device to the battery of an electric vehicle; wherein said connection means may comprise, for example, a flexible hose or pipe connection.

The said charging method is a so-called "dual" method, since, of course, the accumulators used can alternatively be charged in a conventional manner by appropriate connection to a suitable charging current source, for example, if the electric vehicle is parked at night in the local garage with power supply ,

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention is by no means limited to use with purely electric vehicles, but is equally suitable for charging accumulator batteries intended for use in a hybrid vehicle with an additional conventional internal combustion engine.

The proposed idea regarding faster recharging of rechargeable batteries, especially for electric vehicles, leads to a significant shortening of the charging time and also allows in a cost effective manner the use of conventional, sophisticated and thus inexpensive accumulator technology. In this way, it can be expected that the costs of pure electric mobility will drop significantly and that electric vehicles will become affordable for a broad mass of the population. On the one hand, this contributes to a rapid reduction in CO ₂ emissions from motor vehicles and, on the other hand, can lead to the creation of a number of sustainable jobs in the industry. The proposed idea is quickly available and easy to implement due to the fundamental availability of the underlying technology. Furthermore, it is expected that the underlying technology has become an export article especially in less economically developed countries (emerging and developing countries).

In particular for the electrical operation of the refreshing means in the device according to the invention, that is to provide the charging current, at least a proportion of photovoltaic (solar cells) and wind energy generators, in particular in the form of space-saving vertical reversing wheels, can be used. For this reason too, the use of the device according to the invention is basically also possible in remote and poorly developed areas.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing.

1 shows a block diagram for explaining a method according to the invention or a device according to the invention;

2 shows means of an energy storage system for providing and refreshing the electrolyte in the course of an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

three shows control and accounting means of a device according to the invention;

4 shows the filling and removal means of a device according to the invention; and

5 an embodiment of a device arranged on an electric vehicle connection device, in particular for connecting to filling and removal means according to 4 ,

1 gives a basic overview of an embodiment of the rapid charging method according to the invention or a fast charging device suitable for carrying out this method on the basis of a block diagram. The device is in 1 in their entirety with the reference numerals 1 Mistake. It includes funds 2 for providing and conditioning (refreshing) a liquid or flowable electrolyte for a rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery, which is intended for the electrical supply of the electric drive EA of an electric vehicle EF. The accumulator or the accumulator battery is in 1 provided with the reference AB. This is preferably a conventional lead-acid battery with dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte EL. However, the present invention is in no way limited to such accumulators, but includes any accumulators or accumulator batteries, as long as they contain a liquid or at least during operation of the accumulator flowable electrolyte EL.

The arrows in 1 symbolize the flow of the electrolyte EL, with the upward arrows in the left part of the 1 stand for the flow of the spent electrolyte EL, while the downward arrows in the right part of the 1 represent the flow of a fresh (refreshed or treated, that is saturated or fully charged) electrolyte.

In addition to the previously mentioned provisioning or refreshing agents 2 the device comprises control means three which may also include billing and payment means for determining and paying a fee for a rapid charge made, and also filling and withdrawing means (means of exchange) 4 for the electrolyte EL contained in the accumulator AB and an adapter or connection device 5 which strictly speaking is already part of the electric vehicle EF. The device 1 acts essentially in the manner of a conventional gas station, in the present case, however, no fuel is supplied, but an exchange of the electrolyte EL takes place in the electric vehicle EF, so that the drive unit EA can be supplied with electrical energy again.

With reference numerals 2 In particular, the consumed electrolyte EL taken from the electric vehicle EF is preferably reloaded in a conventional manner and thus refreshed, so that it is subsequently available again for use in an (other) electric vehicle EF. The control three causes the preferably automatic removal of the electrolyte EL from the electric vehicle EF via the exchange means 4 and also provides for a corresponding refilling of the accumulator AB with a fresh electrolyte EL. For example, the controller determines three On the basis of the flow rate, preferably of the fresh electrolyte, a charge to be paid for the charging process, this indicates and optionally also allows a corresponding (cashless) payment transaction.

For the means of exchange (filling and withdrawing means) 4 In particular, it is a preferably flexible connecting line, for example in the form of a hose. In the course of further developments of the invention, this can also with motor means for preferably automated connection to the electric vehicle EF or its connection device 5 be equipped.

The connection device 5 forms the interface to the accumulator AB and is actually the electric vehicle EF with respect to its location assigned. It serves to connect the replacement means 4 with the accumulator AB aboard the electric vehicle EF to allow the replacement of the electrolyte EL.

Said replacement can take place in such a way that initially substantially all of the consumed electrolyte is removed from the accumulator AB and subsequently at least the same amount of fresh electrolyte is introduced. Alternatively, the replacement process can also take place in the manner of a closed circuit, wherein the accumulator AB is rinsed with fresh electrolyte until complete replacement of the spent electrolyte. In this context, the controller three For example, determine the fee on the type of a fixed price.

2 shows more exactly the treatment means 2 according to 1 that is, the electrolyte supply and refreshment means already mentioned. The treatment of entgelenem electrolyte and the delivery of refreshed electrolyte is in 2 by (without limitation) four accumulator containers 2.1 to 2.4 shown. The accumulator container 2.1 serves to receive the discharged electrolyte from the accumulator AB of the electric vehicle EF (see. 1 ). The accumulator container 2.1 to 2.4 are mutually by means of a balancing device 2.6 connected in the form of a fluidic connection shown only in sections, via which the excess electrolyte from the accumulator 2.1 over the containers 2.4 . 2.3 and 2.2 successively forwarded and finally - after the most complete refresh - returned to the illustrated or another electric vehicle EF, so that the cycle is closed.

In all accumulator containers 2.1 to 2.4 There is an electrical charge (see the plotted plus and minus electrodes) to refresh the spent electrolyte. The accumulator container 2.1 to 2.4 moreover, they act as energy storage.

All accumulator tanks 2.1 to 2.4 are - as I said - interconnected, wherein the compound preferably has a certain inclination to ensure the equalizing flow in accordance with gravity without a possible active pump support.

According to their - partially overlapping - functions can be the accumulator 2.1 to 2.4 in this order also as a receptacle (container 2.1 ), Refill container (container 2.2 ), Reservoir (container 2.3 ) and processing tanks ( 2.4 ) describe. The electrolyte in the refill container 2.2 should always have approximate full charge capacity, ie be fully charged or refreshed. In the treatment tank 2.4 finds as well as in the reservoir 2.3 the essential treatment work instead, so that at least these containers must be sized accordingly. Alternatively, the number of containers can also be adapted and / or varied.

reference numeral 2.5 in 2 denotes the already mentioned electrodes or charging plates, which are connected according to the marked polarity to a charging current source. The already mentioned compensation line or equalizing device 2.6 is - as the skilled person recognizes - of course formed acid-resistant.

three shows a detailed representation of in 1 with the reference number three provided control. In addition to sequential control of the entire removal and refilling operations, the controller is used three In particular, to determine the volumes of the withdrawn and / or the refilled electrolyte to ensure in this way the complete filling of the accumulator battery AB and to provide a simple way of charge determination for the charging process. In this regard, the device 1 or their control three be designed analogous to conventional liquid fuel stations.

With reference numerals 3.1 is a housing of the controller three shown, which receives the other components and beyond the top of the three the fluidic connection to the provisioning and refreshing means 2 according to 2 and in the lower right area, the fluidic connection to the exchange means 4 according to 4 allows. Of course, all elements of the controller three , which come into contact with the electrolyte, carried out in accordance with acid-resistant materials.

With reference numerals 3.2 a display unit is shown, which in accordance with the reference numerals 03.03 shown actual control or processing unit, which cooperates with a flow meter, not specified, which brings certain charge for display. With the display unit 3.2 may also be connected a payment device, not shown, for example in the form of a known chip or magnetic stripe card reader or a coin insertion unit. In any case, the actual sequence control takes place in accordance with the control unit 03.03 which may contain, for this purpose, in particular processor means or the like, not further illustrated.

reference numeral 3.4 refers to a flexible, acid-resistant two-hole hose with not further shown position markers and integrated electrical control cable (see. 4 ) for connecting electrical appliances - such as in particular switching elements - which additionally has a suitable protective coating.

Finally, reference numeral designates 3.5 a hanging space in the form of a recess for the exchange charger, that is the in 4 illustrated and above-mentioned exchange means 4 ,

The exchange means 4 according to 4 , also referred to here as exchange charger, are in 4 illustrated by a longitudinal sectional view and three cross-sectional views AA, BB and CC. To connect to the controller three according to three serves the already mentioned acid-resistant Zweilochschlauch, which position markers, in particular in the form of colored stripes, for example, "red" and "blue" (not shown), and at least one integrated control cable 4.1.6 has, as described above with reference to three described.

The replacement means or the replacement charger 4 according to three are or is composed of three segments, which with the reference numerals 4.1 . 4.2 such as 4.3 are designated. reference numeral 4.1 denotes a first segment of the supply line, which without limitation an actuating element in the form of a toggle switch 4.1.1 has, which is provided for initiating the actual exchange process. Furthermore, the first segment comprises 4.1 at reference numerals 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 Non-contact contact switch (switching elements) for the purpose of a safety control, which controls the operation of the device 1 or the replacement charger 4 only if a proper operating condition is ensured, in particular only if the connection has been made to the middle segment 4.2 ,

The latter is at reference numerals 4.2 shown. This is a type of actuating cylinder for or with an "on" / "off" position detection, which suitable for this purpose position transmitter 4.2.1 which is contactless with the already mentioned switches 4.3.1 of the first segment 4.1 interact.

The end segment 4.3 has locking pin or a known snap closure 4.3.1 on to the replacement charger 4 with the connection device 5 according to 5 (see also 1 ) to connect.

With reference numerals 4.4 each acid-resistant sealing rings are shown. reference numeral 4.5 denotes a guide tube for the assembly or cohesion of the three segments 4.1 to 4.3 , reference numeral 4.6 denotes a contact pin in the guide tube 4.5 in the union with the connection device 5 (see. 1 and 5 ) performs a movement with a rotation by a certain angle, for example 45 °, while the contact switch 4.1.2 closes to the replacement charger 4 release, and at the decoupling resumes its original position. In this way, it is possible to use the replacement charger 4 when combined with the connection device 5 the electrolyte exchange by pressing the toggle switch 4.1.1 cause.

The with the controller three to be connected supply line 4.1.4 and derivative 4.1.5 which in the middle segment 4.2 a plurality of, for example, four pairs of lines 4.2.4 . 4.2.5 correspond, serve to exchange the electrolyte. The latter are according to the embodiment shown angularly spaced 90 ° and find their correspondence in the end segment 4.3 (there with 4.3.4 and 4.3.5 designated). The location of the lines 4.1.4 and 4.1.5 is preferably indicated by said position markers, which marks on the middle segment 4.2 to detect currently active line connections.

The mentioned cable pairs 4.2.4 . 4.2.5 respectively. 4.3.4 . 4.3.5 each serve to exchange the electrolyte for a cell of the battery AB ( 1 ). The exact number of feeder pairs thus depends, among other things, on the battery to be supplied. The adjustment can be at the middle segment 4.2 in particular automatically, if necessary in accordance with the safety electronics 4.1.1 . 4.1.2 . 4.1.3 , which by means of the lines 4.1.6 signal-technically or electrically with the control three according to three may be connected, as described above in the description of three already mentioned.

However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the invention is in no way limited to those of 4 Restricted arrangement of electrolyte exchange lines or corresponding pairs of lines. In particular, the exchange of electrolyte for all cells of a rechargeable battery can be carried out substantially simultaneously, for which purpose the replacement recharger 4 then consistently would have a corresponding number of exchange line pairs. Also, the security electronics is not on the in 4 shown only by way of example specific embodiment, but includes virtually any known to those skilled alternatives also wireless, radio-assisted, mechanical and electromechanical type.

Finally shows 5 at reference numerals 5 an embodiment of the already mentioned connection device, which is referred to herein as a counterpart adapter. This is, as already mentioned, mounted in a suitable position on the electric vehicle EF, in particular in an in 5 indicated depression 5.1 , The connection device 5 can with a safety cover 5.2 hermetically protected from external influences. The counterpart adapter 5 is fluidly connected to the battery battery AB for the exchange of electrolyte and there in particular to opposite accumulator batteries of conventional design modified Akkunachfülldeckel 5.3 connected, which each exchange lines 5.3.1 . 5.3.2 include, which serve for electrolyte removal or refilling.

Also the connection device 5 itself has for this purpose in turn electrolyte pairs 5.4 . 5.5 on whose arrangement above on the basis of 4 already explained in detail.

To exchange electrolyte with the battery AB, the replacement charger must 4 according to 4 with the end segment 4.3 in the counterpart adapter 5 according to 5 used and locked there by means of a rotation. With facing line displays (eg in the form of colored markings on the segments 4.1 and 4.2 ; not shown) is the replacement charger 4 ready, and it is ensured that all conditions are met to exchange the electrolyte through the toggle switch 4.1.1 ( 4 ).

With the mentioned toggle switch 4.1.1 At the same time, the commands for electrolyte replacement are received from the controller three ( three ), and those contained therein or with the controller three operatively connected delivery units (eg pumps, not shown) effect a controlled exchange of the electrolyte fluid. The end of the replacement process may be indicated acoustically or visually, preferably by the controller three ,

As an alternative to the variant described above, it is possible for the replacement charger 4 according to 4 with the counterpart adapter 5 according to 5 connect or secure by a known snap closure.

Claims (4)

Contraption ( 1 ) for charging a rechargeable battery (AB) with a liquid or flowable electrolyte (EL) for supplying electrical power to the electric drive (EA) of an electric vehicle (EF), the charging being faster compared to charging in which the rechargeable battery is connected to a power source comprising: - an electrolyte replacement device ( 4 ) with means for removing the spent electrolyte from the accumulator (AB) arranged in an electric vehicle (EF) and means for filling the accumulator (AB) with a fresh electrolyte which consists of a first ( 4.1 ), a second ( 4.2 ) and a third segment ( 4.3 ), and - a connection device ( 5 ) fluidly with the accumulator and with the electrolyte exchange device ( 4 ), the first segment ( 4.1 ) an actuating element ( 4.1.1 ) for causing the electrolyte exchange, wherein the segments ( 4.1 . 4.2 . 4.3 ) and the connection device ( 5 ) a same plurality and arrangement of pairs of lines ( 4.1.4 . 4.1.5 . 4.2.4 . 4.2.5 . 4.3.4 . 4.3.5 . 5.4 . 5.5 ) of which pairs of lines ( 4.1.4 . 4.1.5 . 4.2.4 . 4.2.5 . 4.3.5 . 4.3.5 . 5.4 . 5.5 ) in each case a first line ( 4.1.4 . 4.2.4 . 4.3.4 . 5.4 ) as a supply line and in each case a second line ( 4.1.5 . 4.2.5 . 4.3.5 . 5.5 ) serves as a discharge for the electrolyte (EL), wherein for exchanging electrolyte, the third segment ( 4.3 ) with the connection device ( 5 ), wherein for the assembly and cohesion of the three segments a guide tube ( 4.5 ) is provided, in which a contact pin ( 4.6 ), which when combined with the connection device ( 5 ) performs a rotation by a certain angle, while a contact switch ( 4.1.2 ), whereby the electrolyte replacement device ( 4 ) and when combined with the connection device ( 5 ) the electrolyte exchange by actuation of the actuating element ( 4.1.1 ) can be effected, and wherein the contact pin assumes its original position when disconnected. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that settlement means are provided, which are designed to determine a charge for the charging process by means of the removed and / or filled electrolyte quantity (EL). Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an acoustic or a visual display device is provided, by means of which the end of the replacement process can be displayed. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 4.1.1 ) of the first segment ( 4.1 ) is designed in the manner of a toggle switch.

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