GB2573873A - Energy storage support apparatus - Google Patents

Energy storage support apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2573873A
GB2573873A GB1904132.6A GB201904132A GB2573873A GB 2573873 A GB2573873 A GB 2573873A GB 201904132 A GB201904132 A GB 201904132A GB 2573873 A GB2573873 A GB 2573873A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
energy storage
support unit
storage device
unit
support
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1904132.6A
Other versions
GB201904132D0 (en
Inventor
Edward Barber Adrian
Henshall David
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Emb Advanced Tech Ltd
Original Assignee
Emb Advanced Tech Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Emb Advanced Tech Ltd filed Critical Emb Advanced Tech Ltd
Publication of GB201904132D0 publication Critical patent/GB201904132D0/en
Publication of GB2573873A publication Critical patent/GB2573873A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H01M10/482—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H01M10/486—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for measuring temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/61—Types of temperature control
    • H01M10/613—Cooling or keeping cold
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/62—Heating or cooling; Temperature control specially adapted for specific applications
    • H01M10/625—Vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/256—Carrying devices, e.g. belts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H01M2010/4271—Battery management systems including electronic circuits, e.g. control of current or voltage to keep battery in healthy state, cell balancing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H01M2010/4278—Systems for data transfer from batteries, e.g. transfer of battery parameters to a controller, data transferred between battery controller and main controller
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/209—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A support unit 100 for supporting one or more energy storage devices 18, comprises a self-contained enclosure/housing 10. The self-contained enclosure has one or more output connections 12 for enabling the apparatus 100 to be connected to a plurality of pieces of equipment (not shown), such as a land or marine vehicle and/or a domestic/commercial energy storage unit. The support unit may also comprise an electronic control unit 26 for remotely monitoring and controlling the energy storage device, and a communications unit 28. The support unit may also include a cooling system. A voltage, temperature and balancing module may also be included. The support unit may also include a fire suppressor, and may be arranged in use to support an energy storage device of a vehicle.

Description

ENERGY STORAGE SUPPORT APPARATUS
The present invention relates to a support apparatus for supporting energy storage devices and monitoring characteristics of said units.
Background
Energy storage devices in the form of battery packs are becoming ever more widespread across a range of uses. With the increasingly widespread use of electric vehicles, larger units are required to provide adequate range and power supplies to operate all the features and functions for a useful period of time.
Accordingly, there has been an increase in the need for safe storage and transportation of such power units. Furthermore, a market has grown for the secondary use of electrical power units, such as ex-vehicle batteries.
However, with increased capacity and prevalence of energy storage devices, there is a heightened awareness around their safety. The most common type of batteries used for these purposes are lithium-ion batteries. These types of battery self-discharge over a period of time and can become damaged if their state of charge falls below specified limits. Furthermore, batteries of this type often contain volatile chemicals which are active even when not in use or when any of the external connections are active. Damage, and even fire can sometimes occur if the cells of the energy storage device are exposed to particularly high or low temperatures, such as may occur over the course of a single journey. Accordingly, careful monitoring of these characteristics is required throughout a journey and also prior to transport. This helps to ensure the strict criteria are met and that it is safe to transport the batteries .
Furthermore, ensuring that an energy storage device is not damaged prior to installation, for example during transportation from a manufacturing facility to an assembly facility is also rather cumbersome and time-consuming. These checks and regular monitoring require communication with a management system which may be part of the energy storage device or alternatively, may be located at a remote site .
One difficulty with this is that the communication protocols used may differ from unit to unit, causing delay and added cost to both the manufacturer and the end user.
Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a support unit which addresses, at least in part, the aforementioned problems.
Statements of Invention
The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a support unit, for supporting one or more energy storage devices, the support unit comprising a housing for mounting the one or more energy storage devices, and a monitor unit for monitoring one or more energy storage devices .
Preferably the support unit may comprise at least a first interface for connecting the energy storage device to an external system.
The support unit may be arranged in use to support an energy storage device comprising a battery pack, which battery pack may comprise one or more battery modules/cells.
The support unit may comprise a cradle for physically supporting the energy storage device. This enables the support unit to support different energy storage devices with different requirements/sizes and/or features.
The support unit may comprise a chassis. This enables the support unit to receive different cradles for example, that allow interaction with different energy storage devices. This ensures each cradle unit has a standard size so as to simplify the transportation and storage of the support units .
In a preferred arrangement the support unit includes a human-machine interface (HMI). The HMI is preferably arranged to provide ready access to the energy storage device status (including health and state of charge, for battery monitoring). It may also enable ready access to the Electronic control unit which can be used to remotely monitor and control the energy storage device either in storage, transportation or use.
The unit may include a low voltage (LV) battery or DC/DC converter for the supply, to an external system, of power taken directly from the energy storage device.
In a preferred arrangement the support unit comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) for remotely monitoring and controlling the energy storage device in storage, transport or in use in an energy storage array comprising multiple support units.
In a preferred arrangement, the support unit comprises a communication module, which may be a wireless communications module, for enabling remote communication and access to the support unit.
The battery support module preferably includes a cooling system for cooling the support unit.
An Internal high voltage (HV) connection may be provided to the energy storage device for providing a unique interface for each type of energy storage device. This may be standardised by the support unit, allowing multiple devices to connect to the single standard external interface.
Preferably, all of the components are installed inside the housing. In addition, all high voltage components and wiring connections are themselves safely enclosed and isolated to protect a human handler from inadvertently making direct contact.
The support unit may comprise a fire suppressor. The fire suppressor may comprise at least one active and/or passive fire suppression component.
Optionally, the support unit may comprise an isolation monitoring unit for checking robust electrical isolation from the HV connection to the other components.
The support unit may include an energy storage device, which may itself comprise a cooling system for ensuring the energy storage device remains at a safe temperature.
The energy storage device may include a voltage, temperature and balancing module (VTBM) for monitoring characteristics of the energy storage device.
The VTBM may be powered by the energy storage device and /or a second energy storage device housed within the support unit.
The energy storage device may include a high voltage (HV) control device for switching the HV supply when the HV supply is above a predetermined threshold, so as to isolate its connections preventing safety issues, such as electric shock and overcharging.
The energy storage device may include a low voltage (LV) external connection for control communication and/or device monitoring and may include a high voltage (HV) external connection for example connection to external devices, such as other support units.
In a preferred arrangement, the energy storage device may include a battery management system (BMS) to manage battery characteristics when in use.
Preferably the energy storage device also comprises a high voltage (HV) interlock for preventing an HV connection from being switched to a live state and exposing a user to a risk of electric shock when nothing is connected.
The energy storage device itself may include an enclosure
for increased isolation of the HV components.
The support unit may comprise an output unit. Optionally,
the output unit enables the support unit to be removably
connected to an external system, such as external equipment, so as to enable the supply of power to the equipment from the energy storage device.
The support unit may further comprise an input unit for
receiving power from an external power source to provide charge to the energy storage device
The support unit may be arranged in use to support an
energy storage device of a vehicle, such as a land vehicle or a marine vehicle, or else of a building premises such as a domestic, or commercial premises.
The interface may be provided for outputting
characteristics gathered by the management unit. The interface may include a display.
The communication unit may be arranged for outputting the characteristics monitored by the management unit to a remote module.
The communication unit may have a wired connection to the remote module. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication unit may have a wireless connection to the remote module.
The characteristics monitored by the management unit comprise one or more of, but not limited to the condition, the health, the temperature, the cell voltage and the state of charge of the energy storage device.
The control unit may further comprise a memory for storing previously recorded characteristics. The characteristics may be transferred to the remote module at predetermined intervals, and/or alternatively may be provided in realtime .
Optionally, the control unit may further comprise apparatus for determining characteristics of the energy storage device .
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing support to one or more energy storage devices, the method comprising the mounting of one or more energy storage devices in a housing, in which is also contained an interface for connecting one or more energy storage devices to an external system and a monitoring unit for monitoring one or more of the energy storage devices.
The invention may include any combination of the features of limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent.
Brief description of the Figures
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows schematically a support unit according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows schematically an energy storage device for use with the support unit of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows schematically a support unit according to an embodiment of the invention wherein an energy storage device communicates using a controlled area network;
Figure 4 shows schematically a support unit according to an embodiment of the invention wherein an energy storage device communicates using a multiplexed bus; and
Figure 5 shows schematically a common architecture for use with several embodiments of the present invention.
Specific Description
The present invention concerns a support and storage
system, which can be thought of as an intelligent stillage
for a battery.
The apparatus is primarily intended for battery
packs/modules such as those used in electric vehicles and domestic or commercial storage applications.
The cells making up these battery packs/modules contain volatile chemicals and are 'alive' internally even when they are not in use and none of the external connections are switched live.
Embodiments of the invention aim to provide a multi-use device for these batteries that can provide temporary or long-term storage, facilitate carriage and provide mounting for second use applications such as a domestic energy storage facility.
A primary function of the apparatus is to monitor the state and health of the battery pack/module and in particular monitor the cell voltages and temperatures. This is particularly important for Lithium Ion cells which can be susceptible to problems such as thermal runaway if they are not monitored and protected adequately.
Secondary functions include the control/activation of cell balancing, the managing cooling/heating of the pack/cells and the actuation of contactors to switch on the high voltage (HV) output(s) from the pack/module.
The apparatus may be used to actively monitor, record and/or store data relating to the battery state and health, and the storage/transport conditions such as maximum and minimum temperatures for the purposes of quality control and part/system warranty.
Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a battery support apparatus 100 comprising a self-contained enclosure/housing 10. The self-contained enclosure 10 has one or more output connections 12 for enabling the apparatus 100 to be connected to a plurality of pieces of equipment (not shown), such as a land or marine vehicle and/or a domestic/commercial energy storage unit.
The output connections 12 are linked to an internal high voltage connection 14, which in turn is connected to a cradle 16. A high voltage connection may be one above 60V, however, it will be appreciated that the apparatus may produce other voltage amounts, both higher and lower than 60V via the output connections 12, depending on the use.
The cradle 16 is arranged in use to receive one or more energy storage devices 18. The apparatus also comprises a chassis 13 for securing different energy storage devices 18, so as to provide a common external package size for ease of shipment, stacking and transportation.
The energy storage device 18 may comprise a one or more individual cells 181, 182. Each cell 181, 182 may be a high voltage battery or alternatively could be an energy storage device of the type described above. Each energy storage device 18 may have a management system 183 and a characteristics module 184. Alternatively each cell 181,
182 may comprise these components. The management system
183 may be provided with its own energy storage device, for example, a 12V cell, or may receive power from the energy storage device 18 itself (see below). Alternatively, the management system 183 may receive power from an external source such as a 240V supply.
Also, battery support apparatus 100 may include a number of sensors, represented as S1-S4 in Figure 1. These may comprise, for example, temperature sensors, for measuring the temperature internally and/or externally of the battery support apparatus, pressure sensors for measuring the pressure within the housing of the apparatus, gas sensors for detecting and/or measuring the presence/content of gas (such as carbon monoxide) within the housing and one or more accelerometers for measuring forces and shock that the housing is exposed to.
The apparatus 100 further comprises a low voltage wiring harness 20, connected to the energy storage device 18. This enables a lower voltage output to be provided to the output connections 12 for providing power to equipment that does not need the high voltage power supply provided directly from the energy storage device 18. The apparatus 100 can provide a voltage output as indicated by arrow A. All external connections to the apparatus are via a connection interface 15.
The apparatus 100 further comprises a number of other modules for managing and monitoring the state/condition of the energy storage device 18. The apparatus comprises a low voltage power supply 22, such as a low voltage battery or a 5 DC-to-DC converter to reduce the voltage of the energy storage device 18 and provide a low voltage power supply to the electronic control unit 24, hereinafter 'ECU', the user interface unit 26, the communications unit 28, and cooling system 29 components which do not require a high voltage 10 supply. In some embodiments, it may be necessary for the low voltage power supply 22 to provide power to a management system or characteristics module which do not form part of the energy storage device 18. Alternatively, where additional power is required to run the ECU 24 and 15 other components, this may be sourced from an external and/or independent supply.
The ECU 24 is used to monitor one or more characteristics of the energy storage device 18. The ECU 24 may comprise a 20 processor for executing a programme stored on a memory. The programme may be arranged to monitor and store characteristics of the energy storage device 18 obtained from a management system 183 and characteristics module 184. Such characteristics include but are not limited to 25 the state, the health, the temperature, the cell voltage and the state of charge of the energy storage device 18 or the individual cells 181, 182 which make up the energy storage device 18. The characteristics monitored may be determined by the characteristics module 184 of the power 30 support unit 18, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the characteristics may be provided by a management system and characteristics module forming part of the enclosure 10.
The user interface unit 26 may comprise an interactive display device, such as a touch screen or a screen with one or more hardware buttons. The user interface unit 26 may be used to manage the characteristic of the energy storage device 18, for example by controlling/activating cell balancing, and/or the actuation of contactors to switch on the high voltage output(s) from the apparatus 100. The user interface unit 26 may also display warnings and/or other notifications as and when the monitored characteristics deviate outside predetermined thresholds. These predetermined thresholds may be stored and configured within the ECU 24. Furthermore, as discussed below, the user interface unit 26 may be used to initiate a transfer of data via the communications unit 28. It will be appreciated that the user interface unit 26 may be an integral part of the ECU 24. For example, the user interface unit 26 may be used to instruct the management system 183 to perform certain actions, such as cell balancing, to ensure the energy storage device 18 does not become unbalanced which may result in undesirable conditions which may lead to failure of the energy storage device, leak or in extreme cases explosion.
The communications unit 28 is arranged to interface with the ECU 26 and the user interface unit 28. The communications unit 28 enables the monitored characteristics to be viewed/transferred to a remote device (not shown) and similarly allows control of the energy storage device 18 to be managed from a remote location. For example, when in use in a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle may be able to view the logistics/process operatives which may be stored onboard the vehicle and/or streamed live or periodically to a central controller. The communications unit 28 may comprise a wireless networking module such as 802.1la/b/g/n, Bluetooth® or other standard configuration enabling the apparatus 100 to connect to a nearby wireless network. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the communications unit 28 may comprise a wired network module, such as Ethernet, allowing the apparatus 100 to be connected to wired networks, through a connector which in some embodiments may be located alongside the other output connections 12. The communications unit 28 enables the characteristics to be sent in real time or periodically to a remote device. The characteristics may also be sent at predetermined intervals to the remote device or stored in memory and downloaded to the remote device at a later date.
The support unit 100 may be configured to hold a number of different types of energy storage device 18. Each type of energy storage device 18 will likely have different configuration requirements and may require specific programming and/or interfaces to interact with the support unit 100 and provide the monitored characteristics and configuration options to the ECU 24, thereby enabling a user to manage each support unit 100. In some embodiments, the support unit 100 may be configured to hold more than one energy storage device 18, the energy storage devices may be of the same type and/or different types.
The support unit 100 may also comprise one or more high voltage switches (not shown) which are used to internally switch the connections to the energy storage device 18 if the voltage supplied exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example 60V) . This enables more efficient isolation of the high voltage components, reducing the risk of safety issues, such as electric shock and overcharging, and reducing premature aging of any switches of the energy storage device 18. In some embodiments, the high voltage connection may be connected to another support unit which will have its own switches.
Figure 3 and Figure 4 show two different embodiments of a support unit 200,300 for use with different energy storage devices 18.
The support unit 100 may also comprise an isolation monitoring unit (not shown) which continually and/or periodically checks for robust isolation of the HV supply from the other components of the support unit 100, such as the chassis 13, enclosure 10, and other user-accessible components .
Figure 2 shows an exemplary battery pack 18 for use with a support unit 100 as described above in relation to Figure
1.
The battery pack 18 is arranged to interface with a support unit via input and output connections for both a high voltage supply 185, a low voltage supply 186 and a cooling module 187. The high voltage supply 185 may be controlled by an onboard high voltage control module HVC along with a high voltage interlock 188, which is an electrical circuit that loops through all the high voltage connections on the energy storage device, and the circuit is only closed when all the connections are correctly made. This prevents the battery pack 18 from being switched to a live state and exposing a user to the risk of electric shock when nothing is connected to it. The battery pack 18 comprises a plurality of cells 181,182 along with other components such as a management system 183 and a characteristics module 184 as described above. These modules communicate via an onboard interface such as a multiplexed bus. One or more battery packs 18 may be arranged to be connected to the support unit 100, which when connected communicate via an external interface, such as a network, which may be a CAN or FlexRAY. The management system 183 of the battery pack 18 and the ECU 24 of the support unit 200 may be programmed to communicate via the network, which may require additional software and/or hardware to ensure correct operation and efficiently, reliably and correctly communicate with each other using a predetermined communication specification. In some embodiments, the battery pack 18 may not comprise a characteristics module and may delegate this to a characteristics module in the support unit 100. In such embodiments, it will be appreciated that additional circuitry will be required so as to be able to connect the battery pack to a characteristics module or to the ECU 24 of the support unit 100 .
Figure 3 shows a support unit 200 of the type described above. Within the enclosure 10, there are provided the components described above. Figure 3 shows the connections between various of the components, in particular, the energy storage device 18, the ECU 24, the user interface unit 26 and a remote device 30.
The energy storage device 18, in this case, a battery pack such as a lithium ion battery, may comprise a management system 183 and a characteristics module 184 as mentioned above. The energy storage device 18 is stored in the support unit 200 using the cradle (not shown) . The energy storage device 18 has a single connection 45 arranged to communicate with the other components of the support unit 200, such as the ECU 24.
Where the energy storage device 18 has a management system 183 such as in Figure 3, the management system 183 will likely be a proprietary system unique to that particular type of energy storage device 18. For example, energy storage devices 18 designed for use in vehicles will likely be inherently different and may require different systems than energy storage devices 18 for use in a domestic energy storage unit. Therefore, it is necessary for the ECU 24 to be able to interface with the management systems 183 of a number of different types of energy storage device 18. One way of achieving this is to use a controlled area network 45 enabling the management systems 183 and the ECU 24 to directly interact using predefined communication specifications .
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the support unit 300 may comprise a plurality of cells 181,182 forming an energy storage device 18 wherein the energy storage device 18 is arranged to communicate with the ECU 24 using a multiplexed bus 40.
Both the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 enable communication with a remote device 30 via a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit may, as described above in relation to Figure 1, allow communication over a wired 28a and/or wireless 28b connection, allowing remote monitoring of the monitored characteristics and the remote control of the support units 200,300.
In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that a support unit 100,200,300 such as the ones described above may be employed to house energy storage devices 18 without onboard management systems 183. In such embodiments, the ECU 24 may comprise additional components for monitoring the characteristics of the energy storage devices 18. For example, voltage measurement, temperature measurement and cell balancing functions may be monitored by components within the ECU 24, and connected as described above to the energy storage device 18.
Figure 5 shows a common architecture for use with several embodiments of the present invention. There are one or more support units 100 connected to a device 500 via a connection 501. The device 500 may be the electricity grid so as to provide an energy storage and allow controlled ageing of new battery packs 18 within the support units 100, or alternatively, the device may be a vehicle wherein allowing the support unit to display, report and annunciate status and error states to the vehicle operator.
Systems, apparatus and methods such as those described above and in accordance with the present invention provide an approach to the safe transportation, storage and re-use of battery/battery packs such as those used originally in vehicles .
Accordingly, the present invention provides a support unit, for supporting one or more energy storage devices, the support unit comprising a housing for mounting the one or more energy storage devices and a monitor unit for monitoring the one or more energy storage devices.
The support unit may further comprise at least a first interface for connecting the energy storage device to an external system.
The support unit may be arranged in use to support an energy storage device comprising a battery pack. The battery pack may comprise one or more battery modules/cells. The support unit may further comprise a cradle for physically supporting the energy storage device and may comprise a chassis.
Preferably the support unit further comprises a humanmachine interface, which may comprise a display.
The support unit may further comprise an electronic control unit for remotely monitoring and controlling the energy storage device in storage, transport or in use. The electronic control unit may remotely monitor and control an energy storage array comprising multiple support units.
The human-machine interface may be arranged to provide ready access to the energy storage device status.
The human-machine interface may enable ready access to the electronic control unit.
The electronic control unit may remotely monitor and control the energy storage device, in storage, transportation or use.
The electronic control unit may further comprise a memory for storing previously recorded characteristics, which characteristics may be transferred to a remote module at predetermined intervals, and/or alternatively may be provided in real-time.
The unit may further comprise a low voltage (LV) battery or DC/DC converter for the supply, to an external system, of power taken directly from the energy storage device.
The unit may further comprise a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communications module, for enabling remote communication and access to the support unit.
The communication module may comprise a wired connection to the remote module.
The battery support module may comprise a cooling system for cooling the support unit.
The unit may further comprise an internal high voltage to the energy storage device for providing a unique interface for each type of energy storage device.
Preferably all components are installed inside the housing.
Preferably all high voltage components connections are safely enclosed and isolated.
and wiring
The unit may further comprise an isolation monitoring unit for checking robust electrical isolation from the high voltage connection to the other components.
The unit may further comprise a second energy storage device housed within the support unit.
The energy storage device may comprise a cooling system.
The energy storage device may include a voltage, temperature and balancing module for monitoring characteristics of the energy storage device.
The characteristics may comprise one or more of, the condition, the health, the temperature, the cell voltage and the state of charge of the energy storage device
Preferably the voltage, temperature and balancing module is powered by the energy storage device.
Preferably the energy storage device comprises a high voltage control device for switching the high voltage supply when the high voltage supply is above a predetermined threshold.
Preferably the energy storage device comprises a low voltage external connection for control communication and/or device monitoring.
The energy storage device may comprise a high voltage external connection for example connection to external devices .
Preferably the energy storage device comprises a battery management system to manage battery characteristics when in use .
Preferably the human-machine interface outputs characteristics gathered by the battery management system.
The communication unit may be arranged for outputting the characteristics monitored by the battery management system to a remote module.
The energy storage device may comprise a high voltage interlock for preventing a high voltage connection from being switched to a live state when nothing is connected.
Preferably the energy storage device comprises an enclosure for increased isolation of the high voltage components.
The unit may further comprise an output unit. The output unit preferably enables the support unit to be removably connected to an external system to enable the supply of power to the external system from the energy storage device .
There may be further provided an input unit for receiving power from an external power source to provide charge to the energy storage device.
The unit may further comprise a fire suppressor. Preferably the fire suppressor comprises at least one active and/or passive fire suppression component.
The support unit may be arranged in use to support an energy storage device of a vehicle, such as a land vehicle or a marine vehicle, or else of a building premises such as a domestic, or commercial premises.
The invention also provides a method of providing support to one or more energy storage devices, the method comprising the mounting of one or more energy storage devices in a housing, in which is also contained an interface for connecting the one or more energy storage devices to an external system and monitoring the one or more energy storage devices.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims (28)

1. A support unit, for supporting one or more energy storage devices, the support unit comprising a housing for mounting the one or more energy storage devices, and a monitor unit for monitoring the one or more energy storage devices.
2. The support unit of Claim 1, further comprising at least a first interface for connecting the energy storage device to an external system.
3 . The support unit of any previous claim, further comprising a cradle for physically supporting the energy storage device .
4 . The support unit of any previous claim, further
comprising an electronic control unit for remotely monitoring and controlling the energy storage device in storage, transport or in use.
5. The support unit of Claim 4, wherein the electronic control unit remotely monitors and controls an energy storage array comprising multiple support units.
6. The support unit of Claim 4 or 5, wherein the electronic control unit remotely monitors and control the energy storage device, in storage, transportation or use.
7. The support unit of any of Claims 4-6, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a memory for storing previously recorded characteristics.
8. The support unit of Claim 7, wherein the characteristics are transferred to a remote module at predetermined intervals, and/or alternatively may be provided in real-time.
9. The support unit of any previous claim, further comprising a low voltage (LV) battery or DC/DC converter for the supply, to an external system, of power taken directly from the energy storage device.
10. The support unit of any previous claim, further comprising a communication module,
11. The support unit of Claim 10, wherein the communication module is a wireless communications module, for enabling remote communication and access to the support unit.
12. The support unit of any previous claim, wherein the battery support module comprises a cooling system for cooling the support unit.
13. The support unit of any previous claim, further comprising an isolation monitoring unit for checking robust electrical isolation between the high voltage connection to the other components.
14. The support unit of any previous claim, further comprising an energy storage device.
15. The support unit of Claim 14, wherein the energy storage device comprises a cooling system.
16. The support unit of Claim 14 or 15, wherein the energy storage device may include a voltage, temperature and balancing module for monitoring characteristics of the energy storage device.
17. The support unit of Claim 16, wherein the characteristics comprise one or more of, the condition, the health, the temperature, the cell voltage and the state of charge of the energy storage device
18. The support unit of Claim 16, wherein the voltage, temperature and balancing module is powered by the energy storage device.
19. The support unit of any of Claims 16-18, wherein the energy storage device comprises a high voltage control device for switching the high voltage supply when the high voltage supply is above a predetermined threshold.
20. The support unit of any of Claims 16-19, wherein the energy storage device comprises a low voltage external connection for control communication and/or device monitoring.
21. The support unit of any of Claims 16-20, wherein the energy storage device comprises a high voltage external connection for example connection to external devices .
22. The support unit of any of Claims 16-21, wherein the energy storage device comprises a battery management system to manage battery characteristics when in use.
23. The support unit of Claim 22, wherein the communication unit is arranged for outputting the characteristics monitored by the battery management system to a remote module.
24. The support unit of any of Claims 16-23, wherein the energy storage device comprises a high voltage interlock for preventing a high voltage connection from being switched to a live state when nothing is connected.
25. The support unit of any previous claim, further comprising an input unit for receiving power from an external power source to provide charge to the energy storage device.
26. The support unit of any previous claim, further comprising a fire suppressor.
27. The support unit of any previous claim, arranged in use to support an energy storage device of a vehicle, such as a land vehicle or a marine vehicle, or else of a building premises such as a domestic, or commercial premises .
28. A method of providing support to one or more energy storage devices, the method comprising mounting the one or more energy storage devices in a housing, in which is also contained an interface for connecting the one or more energy storage devices to an external system and monitoring the one or more energy storage devices .
GB1904132.6A 2018-03-26 2019-03-26 Energy storage support apparatus Withdrawn GB2573873A (en)

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EP3776796A1 (en) 2021-02-17
GB201904132D0 (en) 2019-05-08
GB201804804D0 (en) 2018-05-09

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