GB2612584A

GB2612584A - Locker unit

Info

Publication number: GB2612584A
Application number: GB2115752.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sibal Rajiv; Carrier Jonathan
Original assignee: Zipcharge Ltd
Current assignee: Zipcharge Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-02
Filing date: 2021-11-02
Publication date: 2023-05-10
Also published as: GB202115752D0

Abstract

A locker unit for charging rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging (e.g. for recharging the cells or batteries of a portable electric vehicle charger), and a process for charging an electric vehicle. The locker unit includes a plurality of individual locker compartments, each compartment comprising one or more charging docks located inside the compartment, each provided with power to charge one or more rechargeable cells, e.g. via physical connectors or wireless charging by induction. Each compartment also comprises an electronically locking door to allow access to the inside of the compartment. The compartments may charge a rechargeable cell or battery unit with has been removed or separated from an electric vehicle charging system, or may charge a whole electric vehicle charging system, with the whole system being placed in the compartment for charging. The process includes obtaining one or more rechargeable cells from the locker unit and using said cells to recharge an electric vehicle, and may also include depositing one or more discharged rechargeable cells in the locker unit to be recharged.

Description

Locker Unit The present invention relates to a locker unit, and in particular for charging rechargeable cells for electric vehicles.

The use of electric vehicles is increasing worldwide. In general, such vehicles are usually charged from stationary charging points, either at home, or in a car park, service station etc. A disadvantage of stationary charging points is that they tend to be provided next to a single parking space, and therefore can only charge one vehicle at a time. Further, even if the charging is provided for, for example, two or more vehicles from a single charge point this is associated with a requirement for several long cables in different directions which can present a trip hazard.

It is known also to provide movable charging units, which can be transported to the vehicle. These have the advantage that a vehicle can be charged wherever it is parked.

Examples of such systems include the SparkCharge® Roadie. This system comprises a charging unit which contains the hardware and electronics to permit the charging, and one or more battery units, which are connected to the charger unit to provide the required charge. The system is modular in that several batteries can be connected together by stacking on top of one another, and then to a single charging unit. Charging of the vehicle takes place via a DC connector. Whilst "portable" in the general sense in that the units can be individually moved and connected where needed, or can be put on a trolley, the system is heavy. The charging unit weighs about 23kg, and each 3.7 kWh battery unit about 33 kg, so even a single battery unit and charger weights over 55 kg.

A similar device is the EV Rescue Portable Electric Vehicle charging system by JTM Power. This unit comes mounted on a wheeled base, with a 5kVVh battery. Again, although marketed as "portable" the unit is heavy, weighing in at 120 kg.

Whilst the above and other known devices can provide the required charging, there remains a need for a truly lightweight charging unit, and particularly one that is easily carried by hand.

The present inventors have developed a truly portable electric vehicle charging system. The system comprises cells with sufficient capacity for electric vehicle charging, but which are lightweight. As a further development of this system, but which also could potentially be applicable to any electric vehicle charging system which is portable and/or has separable rechargeable cells, the present inventors have developed a locker system in which rechargeable cells for electric vehicles can be securely stored and charged, collected in charged state for use to charge an electric vehicle, and returned in a discharged state for recharging.

Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a locker unit for charging rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging comprising a plurality of individual locker compartments, each locker compartment comprising: a. One or more charging docks located in the interior of the locker compartment, each provided with power to charge one or more rechargeable cells, and b An electronically locking door, to allow access to the interior of the locker compartment, and in particular to the one or more charging docks.

Locker units for other applications are, of course, well-known. Brompton Bikes, for example, provide locker units ("Brompton Dock") for their fold-up bikes. Each bike sits inside a secure locker compartment. A user inputs a received code into a keypad on the locker unit, and one of the locker compartments opens to allow removal (or return) of a bike.

Amazon also use a locker unit ("Amazon Hub Locker") in which a user's packages can be stored for collection. The user again inputs a code, and the door of the locker compartment with their package or packages then opens for the packages to be retrieved.

The locker unit of the present invention takes this concept a step further, in that each locker compartment is not simply a storage compartment, but also acts to recharge rechargeable cells to be used for charging an electric vehicle. Thus, whilst the door and access arrangements may be based on a similar concept, the locker unit itself must be connected to a sufficient power supply, and power routed to charging docks in each individual locker compartment.

Each locker compartment has one or more charging docks located in the interior of the locker compartment, each charging dock being provided with power to charge rechargeable cells.

As will be apparent from the discussion below, the term "to charge rechargeable cells" encompasses charging of individual cells, charging of cells in a battery unit and charging of cells in an electric vehicle charging system.

As used herein: - the term "rechargeable cell" refers to an individual cell, - The term "battery unit" refers to a unit comprising a plurality of individual cells, and - the term "electric vehicle charging system" or "charging system" means a complete system for charging an electric vehicle, comprising cells (typically in the form of one or more battery units), and electronics for controlling the charging of an electric vehicle.

In one embodiment the lockers may charge rechargeable cells which have been removed or separated from an electric vehicle charging system. In preferred embodiments the locker charges a removed/separated battery unit. In the case of the SparkCharge® Roadie, for example, only the battery unit need be placed in a locker compartment for charging. In systems with removable or separable cells the user will retain the rest of the charging system (e.g. the electronics module) and reconnect a charged battery unit or cells before the charging system is then used to charge an electric vehicle.

A particular advantage of the locker unit in this embodiment is that the user does not need to wait for the specific cells or battery units to be recharged but can put discharged cells or battery units to be recharged into the locker unit and simply remove other, already charged, cells or battery units, from the locker unit, and the electric vehicle charging system is then ready for use again.

Alternatively, and particularly for electric vehicle charging systems where the rechargeable cells are not easily separable from the rest of the system, the whole electric vehicle charging system can be placed in a locker compartment. For particularly large charging systems the locker compartment will need to be sized accordingly. For heavy units, the locker compartment is preferably located around ground level so the charging unit can be wheeled in and out. For lighter units, however, this is less of a concern. Preferred electric vehicle charging systems in this option may be of the size of a small to medium sized suitcase, and in particular with a volume of 40 to 80 litres. Such systems may weigh 20 to 50 kg. The individual locker compartments for such systems will be sized accordingly. (And will be similar in size to corresponding luggage locker compartments at stations or airports, for example.) Again, an advantage of the locker unit in this embodiment is that the user does not need to wait for the specific electric vehicle charging system to be recharged, but can put one charging system into the locker unit to be recharged and simply remove another, already charged, charging system, from the locker unit, ready for use.

The locker unit may comprise a combination of locker compartments for different options. For example, a plurality of locker compartments may be provided for charging of separated cells or battery units and a plurality of lockers can be provided for charging of (whole) electric vehicle charging systems.

In embodiments a single locker can perform either type of charging e.g. it may be sized to enable an electric vehicle charging system to be placed inside and charged, but can also charge separated cells or battery units where these need to be charged.

Whilst in theory individual rechargeable cells can be separately recharged, typically an electric vehicle charging system comprises a large number of individual cells, often several hundred. These are further usually combined in one or more battery units each comprising a plurality of cells, whether these battery units are easily separable or are integrated in the electric vehicle charging system. Typically, a battery unit would include at least 50 cells, and more typically at least 100 cells. A single battery unit would usually comprise less than 500 cells, such as less than 300 cells. As well as the cells a typically battery unit will include connectors, such as bus-bars and a frame.

Thus for practical reasons it is generally preferred that a plurality of rechargeable cells are charged together in a locker compartment. This is preferably in the form of one of more battery units or in the form of a "complete" electric vehicle charging system, both as already described.

For ease of description below we may describe the charging of the rechargeable cells in some instances by reference to preferred embodiments involving charging of a battery unit or of a charging system (each comprising a plurality of cells), but it will be apparent that, even if not preferable, similar concepts could be applied to individual cells.

The charging docks themselves may be of any suitable configuration, not least depending on whether charging cells, battery units or whole electric vehicle charging systems. Whilst it is possible, for example, to simply have a cable which the user must connect to and disconnect from a socket on a battery unit or charging system, it is preferred that a battery unit/charging system slides into or sits over the charging dock to make a connection, for example, using suitable guides to ensure the correct positioning.

One example, for example, would be a dock in the form of a protrusion which mates on a port on the bottom of a battery unit or electric vehicle charging system, in a similar manner to how an electric kettle mates with a protrusion on a kettle power base.

The electrical connection can be "direct", by which is meant that physical connectors on the charging port connect to connectors on the battery unit or charging system. In other options the charging may be wireless charging using induction.

However configured, any electrical power to the charging dock (or docks) in each locker compartment should be shielded from the elements, particularly rain/water, and must be safe for the user. In some embodiments the safety of the user can be obtained by interlocks and/or other safety systems. For example, the power to a locker compartment charging dock can automatically turned off when the door to that locker compartment is open. In another option, the power to a locker compartment charging dock can automatically turned off if the locker compartment does not contain rechargeable cells on the charging dock. Particularly where using a "direct" connection, for example, the direct connectors can be in a non-functional state until a safety system determines that it is safe to provide charging to cells, a battery unit or an electric vehicle charging system inside the locker compartment.

In one embodiment, the interior of each locker compartment may comprise two or more charging docks, and correspondingly each individual locker compartment can then be used to charge multiple battery units/charging systems at a time.

Charging of multiple battery units in a single locker compartment may be useful where the charging system can utilise several battery units connected together, as a single locker compartment can be used to charge multiple battery units for the same user/charging system.

In general, however, it is preferred that the interior of each locker compartment comprises a single charging dock. Each locker compartment can then be used for a single battery unit or charging system at a time. (And if additional battery units are required, for example, then additional locker compartments can be accessed.) The individual locker compartments should preferably be constructed of fire resistant materials. Further, the locker unit may be provided with software which controls the detection and charging of the contents, as described further below. A safety system, typically as part of this software, can be provided which can monitor the temperature of the battery units, for example, and stop the flow of current if the temperature is too high.

Each individual locker compartment comprises an electronically locking door. The locking door is a security measure which prevents unauthorised access to the interior, and in particular prevents theft of a cells, battery unit or charging system therein. It can also, as noted above, provide a safety measure, to ensure power to the charging dock is off when a locker compartment door is opened.

Access to an individual locker compartment by the user may be by any suitable means. Typically the system will run in conjunction with an app or other user interface (e.g. a website) on a smartphone, computer or local keypad. The user will request a charged battery unit or charging system and may, for example, be provided with a code to enter into the locker unit. Alternatively, the app may communicate directly with the locker unit and a door may be opened from the app when the user is in close proximity to the locker unit. In general, the operation of the locker unit will be controlled by a suitable control unit. At its basic level this will comprise means to open individual locker compartments in response to the correct code, for example via a suitable user interface, such as a keypad, on the locker unit or by communication with an app, as noted above.

As also already noted, the control unit may comprise safety systems, including the monitoring of the temperature of the battery units, to ensure their temperature is not too high, or if there is a malfunction, and/or to ensure power to a charging dock is off when a locker compartment is open or empty.

The control unit will usually comprise means to communicate with a remote server, in particular to verify user access/codes for collection and deposit of cells/batteries/charging units (as applicable), to receive "reservation" information when a user books a charged cell/battery/charging unit in advance, and the like.

The control unit may also comprise software which monitors and reports charging status of the contents of each locker compartment (again cell/battery/charging unit as applicable) and, optionally, also its "health" e.g. if the fully charged unit is not of sufficient power.

A particular advantage of this is that cells/batteries/charging units which have degraded in performance or have developed a fault can be "reported", and then can be stored in the locker compartment for collection and replacement.

The locker unit will generally be connected to mains electricity to enable charging.

The locker unit may, however, be provided with one or more means to use renewable energy, typically in addition to the connection to mains electricity. For example, the locker unit may be provided with solar panels, which can be used to charge or at least partially charge the rechargeable cells and/or power the control unit of the locker unit. This can reduce the electricity demand from the mains.

The control unit may also comprise software which balances the demand for individual rechargeable cells versus the number of cells available, and enables more cost efficient charging. For example, if the demand for charged cells is low and a number are available, the locker unit may decide to "wait" before charging deposited discharged cells using mains electricity available at lower rates at times of low demand.

A particular advantage of the locker unit as applied to recharging cells used for electric vehicle charging is that the locker unit can charge multiple cells which can then be used to charge many vehicles. This has the advantage that a single locker unit can be provided at a single location. Also, since the locker unit only requires power, it can easily be installed in the required location. This is significantly easier and cheaper to do than providing multiple individual fixed charging points for each vehicle to be charged. This latter, for example, typically involves digging up road, pavement or a car park to run power to each individual charging point. In the present invention the individual charging docks are co-located in a single locker unit.

Each locker unit comprises multiple locker compartments. Each locker unit will typically comprise at least 4 locker compartments. There is no particular upper limit (it could, for example, comprise up to 64 locker compartments, or even higher), but usually a locker unit may comprise 4 to 32 locker compartments.

Additional locker compartments, if required, can be added by use of a further locker unit. In fact, the present invention has the advantage that it is easily expandable by adding additional locker units that can be connected to the same power supply. In some embodiments multiple locker units may utilise a single control unit/interface. For example, an initial locker unit may comprise a plurality of locker compartments, and comprises or is connected to a control unit which comprises a user interface, software etc to enable operation of the locker unit and as described already. Additional locker units may comprise additional locker compartments, but may utilise the same control unit.

The locker unit is for charging rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging. In a second aspect the present invention provides a process for charging an electric vehicle, which comprises a. obtaining one or more charged rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging from a locker unit according to the first aspect, and b. using said cells to recharge an electric vehicle.

The rechargeable cells may be in the form of individual cells, a battery unit or an electric vehicle charging system as already described for the first aspect. Preferably they are in the form of a battery unit or an electric vehicle charging system.

The process may further comprise depositing one or more discharged rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging in the locker unit, and in particular so that they can be recharged. Again, the discharged cells are preferably in the form of a battery unit or an electric vehicle charging system.

The process may comprise use of an app or website by a user to obtain access to the charged rechargeable cells and/or deposit discharged rechargeable cells, as described for the first aspect.

Claims

Claims 1. A locker unit for charging rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging comprising a plurality of individual locker compartments, each locker compartment comprising: a. One or more charging docks located in the interior of the locker compartment, each provided with power to charge one or more rechargeable cells, and b. An electronically locking door, to allow access to the interior of the locker compartment, and in particular to the one or more charging docks.
2. A locker unit according to claim 1 wherein the locker compartments may charge rechargeable cells or a battery unit which has been removed or separated from an electric vehicle charging system.
3. A locker unit according to claim 1 wherein the locker compartments may charge a whole electric vehicle charging system which is placed in the locker compartment.
4. A locker unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cells/battery unit/charging system slides into or sits over the charging dock to make an electrical connection, for example, using suitable guides to ensure the correct positioning.
5. A locker unit according to claim 4 wherein the connection can be "direct" via physical connectors on the charging port or the charging may be wireless charging using induction.
6. A locker unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the power to a locker charging dock is automatically turned off when the door to that locker compartment is open and/or if the compartment does not contain rechargeable cells on the charging dock.
7. A locker unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the interior of each locker compartment comprises a single charging dock.
8. A locker unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the individual locker compartments are constructed of fire resistant materials and the locker unit is provided with software which controls the charging of the contents and which can monitor the temperature of the cells or battery units.
9. A locker unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locker unit comprises a control unit which controls the operation of the locker unit, including means to open individual locker compartments in response to an access code.
A locker unit according to claim 9 wherein the control unit comprises safety systems, including the monitoring of the temperature of the cells or battery units, to ensure their temperature is not too high, and which ensure power to the charging dock is off when a locker compartment is open and/or empty.
11 A locker unit according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the control unit comprises means to communicate with a remote server, for example to verify user access/codes for collection and deposit of cells/batteries/charging units (as applicable) and/or to receive "reservation" information when a user books a charged cell/battery/charging unit in advance.
12 A locker unit according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the control unit comprises software which monitors and reports charging status of the contents of each locker compartment and also its health.
13 A locker unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each locker unit comprises at least 4 locker compartments, typically from 4 to 32 locker compartments.
14 A process for charging an electric vehicle, which comprises a. obtaining one or more charged rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging from a locker unit according to any one of the preceding claims, and b. using said cells to recharge an electric vehicle.A process according to claim 14 which further comprises depositing one or more discharged rechargeable cells for electric vehicle charging in the locker unit, and in particular so that they can be recharged.