GB2396851A

GB2396851A - Vehicle power storage unit exchange

Info

Publication number: GB2396851A
Application number: GB0300088A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jevon Thurston Thorpe
Original assignee: LONDON TAXIS INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: LONDON TAXIS INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2003-01-03
Filing date: 2003-01-03
Publication date: 2004-07-07
Also published as: GB0300088D0

Abstract

A vehicle 102 has a power storage unit, which may be a battery 101a or a hydrogen gas container, removed by a removal means from below the vehicle (Fig. 2) and carried by a conveyor 104a to a storage unit 108 where it is recharged or refilled. A second conveyor 104b delivers a recharged/refilled power storage unit 101b to the vehicle to be fitted to it. The power storage exchange system may operate automatically and include means to identify the type of power storage unit in the vehicle.

Description

239685 1

POWER UNIT EXCHANGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for exchanging a power unit in a vehicle, in particular, the automatic replacement of replenishable power units in vehicles.

For example, the power units may be rechargeable cells and the vehicles may be electric vehicles powered by rechargeable cells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

in recent years, the amount of traffic on public highways has increased dramatically.

Generally, vehicles using public highways are powered by internal combustion or diesel IS engines which use hydrocarbon fuels. The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels produces emissions of compounds which are destructive to the environment, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides. The increase in the amount of traffic in recent years has resulted in a corresponding increase in the amount of polluting emissions causing damage to the environment.

For this reason, there has been much development in recent years in socalled "environmentally-friendly" methods of powering vehicles, particularly in the field of electric vehicles which are driven by an electric motor. The electric motor can be powered by a variety of different sources, including rechargeable cells, fuel cells and solar cells.

Rechargeable cells and fuel cells are examples of power supplies which rely on a depletable power unit which has to be replenished after a certain period of use - similar to refilling a conventional vehicle with petrol or diesel. Rechargeable cells and fuel cells operate without combustion, so they are virtually pollution free and since there are no moving parts, they are quiet, reliable sources of power.

One or more rechargeable cells are combined in series and/or parallel to form a battery. In each cell, a chemical reaction occurs between two or more reactants whilst in use to generate a potential difference across the electric motor. Examples of such rechargeable batteries are lead-acid, nickel cadmium and lithium-ion batteries. Eventually the chemicals in the battery have reacted with each other completely and the battery is depleted - it can no longer supply an electric current. In order to reuse the battery, a reverse electric current must be passed through the battery to recharge it, thereby reversing the chemical reaction. The process of re-charging can take a substantial amount of time in comparison to the simple re-filling of a vehicle with petrol or diesel. As a result, the vehicle can be out of operation for a substantial period of time. In addition, the way in which batteries are charged can have a significant effect on the life of a battery. For this reason it is often better to charge batteries away from the vehicle in which they are situated. However, the replacement of whole batteries is also difficult as they are extremely bulky and heavy.

A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce electric current. The fuel cell is composed of an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane in-between.

Electrons are separated from the hydrogen at the anode to produce an electric current which can be used to power an electric motor in a vehicle. Thus, fuel cells release virtually no harmful emissions into the atmosphere and are therefore very clean sources of electric power. However, hydrogen gas is extremely combustable and therefore it is very difficult and dangerous to transfer into a vehicle at a filling station. Accordingly, an entire hydrogen gas container is often transferred into a vehicle. However, such containers are heavy and therefore difficult to transfer into vehicles. It is vital that such containers are connected to the vehicle properly so that leakage of gas does not occur.

Rechargeable batteries or hydrogen gas containers are types of replenishable power units tor a vehicle in which the entire power unit has to be replaced when they become depleted.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for replenishing a power unit in a vehicle quickly and safely.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for exchanging a power unit in a vehicle, comprising: means for exchanging a first power unit with a second power unit in a vehicle located at a first station; and means for transporting a power unit between the exchanging means and a second station.

Thus, the present invention provides an automatic system for replacing power units in vehicles without human interaction. Thus, the need for human involvement in the removal of a power unit is eliminated, along with associated health and safety hazards, particularly if the power unit is heavy or contains dangerous fuel.

The power unit is likely to be a replenishable power unit, and the system preferably comprises means for replenishing power units received from the transporting means at the second station. Thus, a power unit can be replenished away from the vehicle so that time is not spent waiting for a power unit in the vehicle to be replenished.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises: means for storing power units at the second station; and means for manipulating power units between the storage means and the transporting means.

The manipulation means may be a computer-controlled retractable arm adapted at one end to hold a power unit and transfer it between the transporting means and storage means.

Advantageously, the system may comprise control means in communication with and controlling the operation of the exchanging means, transporting means, manipulation means and replenishing means. The control means is preferably implemented in a programmed computer.

Thus, the exchanging of a power unit can be co-ordinated efficiently to minimise the time taken to replace a power unit in a vehicle.

The control unit can control and monitor the replenishing means to charge different types of power unit in different ways, depending on the type of power unit. In fact, the control unit can maintain a record for each individual power unit of how it has been previously replenished and adapt the replenishing of an individual battery in accordance with its replenishing history, thereby maximising the life of a given power unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the exchanging means is configured to detect a type of the first power unit in the vehicle and notify the control means of the type and the control means is configured to instruct the manipulation means to supply to the exchanging means via the transporting means a power unit of the same type.

The power unit may incorporate identification means, such as a barcode or smart card, to enable the exchanging means to identify the type of power unit.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control means communicates with the vehicle to determine a type of power unit in the vehicle. Such communication may be via a wireless data link.

Different power units may have standardised dimensions, fittings and connectors which correspond with standardized dimensions, fittings and connectors on the vehicle. As such, the manipulation means, replenishing means and exchanging means are adapted to operate with different standardized power units, having different sizes, capacities, fixings etc. In fact, the type of power source in the power unit (e.g. rechargeable cells or hydrogen for fuel cells may be different). The system is adaptable to handle such differences in the type of power unit. Cassettes which have standardised connections and fixings for a vehicle may be employed for different types of power units, thereby allowing nonstandardised power units to be fitted into a compartment in a vehicle adapted to use standardised connections and fittings.

In this way, the type of power unit in the vehicle can be automatically detected and an appropriate replacement power unit chosen from the storing means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the exchanging means is configured to open and close a panel on the vehicle which when closed prevents access to the power unit in the vehicle.

Preferably, the exchanging means comprises a lifting platform for transferring power units vertically between the transport means and an underside of the vehicle. This way, a vehicle can drive over the lifting platform on a ramp and a power unit can be inserted into or removed *om a compartment on the underside of the vehicle where it is conveniently located out of the way.

However, the system is not restricted to removal and replacement of power units on the underside of a vehicle and may be adapted to replace power units through any external surface of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the exchanging means comprises means for connecting and disconnecting a power unit fitted in the vehicle so that a power unit can be connected and disconnected safely.

Preferably, the transport means comprises at least one moving platform.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the transport means comprises a first conveyor belt for transporting a power unit from the exchanging means to the second station and a second conveyor belt for transporting a power unit from the second station to the exchanging means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the replenishable power unit is a rechargeable battery and the replenishing means is a battery recharger. In another embodiment of the present invention, the replenishable power unit is a fuel container for holding fuel for a fuel cell and the replenishing means is adapted to refill the fuel container.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a power unit adapted to be exchanged by the system described above.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises a panel which when closed prevents access to a compartment which can contain the power unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the panel is configured to be opened by the exchanging means.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises communication means for communicating with the control means and controlling an exchange of a power unit.

The communication means may monitor the status of a power unit and inform the driver of the nearest battery exchange station from information stored in memory and the location of the vehicle determined from received GPS (Global Positioning System) signals. In addition, the communication means may communicate with the control means at power unit exchange stations by a wireless link (such as a cellular network) to assist the control means in scheduling power unit availability and replenishing. In fact, this information might be used to inform an electricity supplier of expected demand for recharging of batteries in the case where the power units are rechargeable batteries. The control means can instruct the manipulation means to transfer a power unit of the correct type to the transport means prior to the arrival of the vehicle at the first station.

Preferably, the vehicle is configured to inform the control means of the type of power unit in the vehicle.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication means is configured to signal panel actuators to open or close the panel on receipt of an instruction from the control means. Thus, the compartment containing the power unit can be kept dry and free from dirt.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle comprises means for connecting the power unit to and disconnecting the power unit from the vehicle on instruction from the communication means under instruction from the control means.

Connection of a power unit with the vehicle may include fixing the power unit to the vehicle and connecting power supply connectors, such as electrical or gas supply connectors. Disconnection of a power unit from the vehicle may include unfixing the power unit from the vehicle and disconnecting power supply connectors.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of exchanging a power unit in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: removing a first power unit from the vehicle; transporting the first power unit between a first station at which the vehicle is located and a second station; transporting a second power unit from the second station to the first station; and inserting the second power unit into the vehicle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is an initial step of providing control means for co-ordinating the exchange of a power unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A specific embodiment is now described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan representation of the system according to the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a side representation of the system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described below relative to a specific embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a number of different applications and embodiments and is not specifically limited in its application to the particular embodiment depicted herein. In particular, the present invention will be discussed below in connection with re-chargeable batteries, although those of ordinary skill will recognise that the device could be modified to be used with other types of power units, including non-rechargeable batteries.

Fig. I shows a system (100) in accordance with the present invention for exchanging a battery (lOla, lOlb) in a vehicle (102). Exchanging means (106) comprises a lifting platform (107b) and means (107a) for connecting and disconnecting a battery (lOla, lOlb) from an underside of the vehicle (102).

The exchanging means (106) removes a first battery (lOla) from the underside of the vehicle (102) by disconnecting it using the connecting/disconnecting means (107a), receiving it and moving down to the level of the first conveyor belt (104a) which transports the battery away from a first station (A) at which the vehicle (102) is located. A second battery (lOlb) is received by the exchanging means (106) from a second conveyor belt (104b), the lifting platform (107b) lifts the battery into the vehicle (102) and connects it to the vehicle (102) using the connecting/disconnecting means (107a). The exchanging means (106) further comprises a third conveyor belt (not shown) on the surface of the lifting platform (107b) to supply and receive batteries from the first and second conveyor belts (104a, 104b).

At a second station (B), a retractable arm (110) acting as manipulation means removes the first battery (lOla) as it arrives from the first conveyor belt (104a) and places it in storage means (108). The storage means (108) includes at least one charging means (112) for re charging the first battery (lot a) if it is depleted. Each position for storing a battery in the storage means (108) includes terminals which connect with the battery (lOla/b) and charging means (112). The charging means (112) charges a battery (lOlalb) according on of a number of pre-defined charging routines, depending on the type of battery (lOla/b) and the amount of residual charge left in it. Batteries can be sensitive to the profile of the charge they receive (i.e. there can be optimum potential difference vs. time curves to which batteries should be subjected). A "top-up" or fast charge often reduces the overall lifetime of a battery, but may be implemented in the charging means (112) as the preferable option for an operator who is likely to want to minimise system down time.

The second battery (lOlb), which has been charged by the charging means (112) at its location in the storage means (108), is picked up by the retractable arm (110) and placed on the second conveyor belt (104b) whilst the first battery (lOla) is being removed from the vehicle (102). Thus, the second battery (lOlb) arrives at the first station (A) just as the first battery (lOla) is supplied to the first conveyor belt (104a). This way, there is no delay in waiting for the second battery (lOlb) to arrive at the exchanging means (106) after the first battery (lOla) has been removed from the vehicle (102).

The exchanging means (106) receives the second battery (lOlb) from the second conveyor belt (104b) and lifts it into the vehicle (102). The connection/disconnection means (107a) connects the second battery (101 b) with the vehicle (102).

The above process is co-ordinated by a computer (114) which communicates, as shown, with the retractable arm (110), charging means (112), first, second and third conveyor belts and exchanging means (106) to manage the exchanging process in the most efficient way.

Such co-ordination includes changing the speed of the first and second conveyor belts (104a, 104b) depending on the location of the second battery (lOlb) and whether the first battery (101 a) has been removed.

Fig. 2 shows a system (100) in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle (102) approaches the first station (A) along a first ramp (201a) and departs via a second ramp (201b) after a battery (lOlalb) has been exchanged. There may be a warning light (212) which indicates when the vehicle (102) is in the correct position for the exchanging means (106) to access a compartment (204) located in the underside of the vehicle (102). The warning light (212) is operated by the computer (114) in response to signals received from detectors (not shown) in the surface of the ramps (201a, 201b).

The computer (114) communicates via a radio link (220) with communication means (222) in the vehicle (102). The communication means (222) transmits to the computer (114) an information signal (220) containing information on the type of battery (l Olb) in the vehicle (102). The computer (114) can then instruct the retractable arm (110) to select a battery (lOla) of the same type from the storage means (108) for transporting via the second conveyor belt (104b) to the exchanging means (106). The communication means (220) instructs panel actuators (232) to open a panel (230) covering the compartment (204) so that the exchanging means (106) can access the compartment (204) to replace the battery (lOla/b).

The computer (114) communicates with the charging means (112) and can control the charging means (112) to charge different types of battery in different ways, depending on the type of battery. In fact, the computer (114) can maintain a record for each individual battery of its charging history and adapt the charging process for individual batteries in accordance with each battery's charging history, thereby maximising the life of a given battery.

The computer (114) instructs lifting actuators (202) to lift the lifting platform (107b) up to the underside of the vehicle (102) through a gap (270) in the floor. Under instruction from the computer (114), the connection/disconnection means (107a) connect with fixings on the battery (lOla) which hold it in place and disconnect the battery (lOla) so that it becomes supported entirely on the lifting platform (107b). The communication means (220) can also instruct the fixings themselves to release the battery (lOla). The computer (114) instructs the lifting actuators (202) to lower the platform to the level of the first and second conveyor belts (104a, 104b) so that battery (lOla) can be transferred to the first conveyor belt (104a) by operation of the third conveyor belt.

The connection/disconnection means (107a) can operate on different types of standardised fixings and batteries depending on the information about the vehicle (102) and its battery type received from the communication means (220) by the computer (114).

A reverse procedure to that described above is carried out when the second battery (lOlb) is received at the exchanging means (106) from the second conveyor belt (104b) in order to insert and fix the second battery (101 b) into the vehicle (102).

On completion of the exchange, the warning light (212) is operated by the computer (114) to indicate that the battery (lOla/b) has been replaced, so that the vehicle (102) can depart from the first station (A) via the second ramp (201b). Another vehicle (102) can then drive up the first ramp (201a) and approach the first station (A).

In conclusion, the system and method hereinbefore described enable quick and efficient replacement of batteries and other types of power units in vehicles so as to minimise interruption to a vehicle's operation. Accordingly, the financial attractiveness of environmentally friendly vehicles is increased and the demand for conventional vehicles and corresponding environmental damage caused by the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels is reduced.

It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the I S invention.

Claims

1. A system for exchanging a power unit in a vehicle, comprising: means adapted to exchange a first power unit with a second power unit in a vehicle located at a first station; and means adapted to transport a power unit between the exchanging means and a second station.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the power unit is a replenishable power I O unit.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising means for replenishing power units received from the second station.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: means for storing power units at the second station; and means for manipulating power units between the storage means and the transporting means.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising control means in communication with and controlling the operation of the exchanging means, the transporting means, the manipulation means and/or the replenishing means.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the exchanging means is configured to detect a type of the first power unit in the vehicle and notify the control means of the type; and the control means is configured to instruct the manipulation means to supply to the exchanging means via the transporting means a power unit of the same type.

7. A system according to claim 5, wherein the control means communicates with the vehicle to determine a type of power unit in the vehicle.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchanging means is configured to open and close a panel on the vehicle which when closed prevents access to a compartment in the vehicle which can contain a power unit.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchanging means comprises a lifting platform for transferring power units vertically between the transport means and an underside of the vehicle.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchanging means comprises means for connecting and disconnecting a power unit fitted in the vehicle.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport means comprises at least one moving platform.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the transport means comprises a first conveyor belt for transporting a power unit from the exchanging means to the second station and a second conveyor belt for transporting a power unit from the second station to the exchanging means.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein the power unit is a rechargeable battery and the replenishing means is a battery recharger.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein the replenishable power unit is a fuel container for holding fuel for a fuel cell and the replenishing means is adapted to refill the fuel container.

15. A vehicle comprising a power unit adapted to be exchanged by the system of any one of the preceding claims.

16. A vehicle according to claim 15 comprising a panel which when closed prevents access to a compartment which can contain a power unit.

17. A vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the panel is configured to be opened by the exchanging means.

18. A vehicle according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 5, comprising communication means for communicating with the control means and controlling an exchange of a power unit.

19. A vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the communication means is configured to inform the control means of the type of power unit in the vehicle.

20. A vehicle according to claim 18 or claim 19 when dependent on claim 16, wherein the communication means is configured to signal panel actuators to open or close the panel on receipt of an instruction from the control means.

21. A vehicle according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising means for connecting the power unit to and disconnecting the power unit from the vehicle on instruction Prom the communication means under instruction from the control means.

22. A method of exchanging a power unit in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: removing a first power unit from the vehicle; transporting the first power unit between a first station at which the vehicle is located and a second station; transporting a second power unit from the second station to the first station; and inserting the second power unit into the vehicle.

23. A method according to claim 22, further comprising an initial step of providing control means for co-ordinating the exchange of a power unit.

24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein: the step of removing a first power unit from a vehicle includes lowering the first power unit from an underside of the vehicle; and the step of inserting the second power unit into the vehicle includes raising the second power unit up to the underside of the vehicle.

25. A system for exchanging a power unit in a vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. A vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A method of exchanging a power unit in a vehicle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.