WO2016062284A1

WO2016062284A1 - Devices, systems and methods for providing vehicle power

Info

Publication number: WO2016062284A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/092772
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lingyun Zhu
Original assignee: Two Wheels Technology, Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-10-24
Filing date: 2015-10-23
Publication date: 2016-04-28
Also published as: WO2016062121A1; CN104377758A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a battery switching method, a battery management system and a power supply device. In some embodiments, at least two energy storage units, for example, battery packs, are provided. A first energy storage unit initially provides power to an electric motor of a vehicle. When an energylevel of the first energy storage unit fallsbelow a predetermined level, the electric motor is operated at acurrent or power level that is below a given threshold, and a source of power to the electric motor is switched from the first energy storage unit to the second energy storage unit. Power to the electric motor is then supplied from the second energy storage unit.

Description

DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE POWER CROSS-REFERENCE

The presentapplication claims priority toChinese Patent Application Serial No. 201410578309.9, entitled “Battery switching method, battery management system and power supply device, ” filed October 24, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

In the world today, environmental pollution has become increasingly severe and energy continues to grow. Pure-electric cars are gradually becominga new trend in the automotive industry. However, the endurance ability and battery recharging issues of pure-electric vehicles may pose issues with respect to spread of electric vehicles.

The current electric vehicles typically use an entire group of batteries as an energy supply, which is bulky, heavy, and inconvenient for replacement. When the batteries run out of charge, dedicated charging stationsare needed for recharging the batteries. However, charging stations may not be readily available, and in at least some cases, charging times may be long. Methods of powering electric vehicles may thus not be capable of making electric vehicles suitable for widespread commercial use.

SUMMARY

Existing methods for charging batteriesmay not be effective and efficient due to battery arrangements and charging approaches. The present disclosure provides multiple solutions to improve the battery arrangements and switching among a plurality of energy storage units (e.g., battery packs) . Methods provided herein may enable rechargeable batteriesto be charged or switched in an improved manner, thus improving the power usage effectiveness of the battery packs.

In addition to selection of a proper battery pack for switching, the present disclosure also takes into account the timing for switching the battery pack. This is due, at least in part, to the switching of the battery pack sometimes causing an adverse effect on the operation of a power system of the vehicle, especially electric vehicles, which are generally driven by one or more electric motors. For example, in a situation in which the electric motor of anelectric vehicle is rotating at a highspeed or operating at a relatively-high power, a sudden switch of the battery pack may cause the electric motor to spark or may adversely affect the freewheeling of the electric motor, which may result in a traffic accident or a physical injury of an driver.

The present disclosure provides methodsand systemsforswitching batteries, a battery management system and a power supply device, thereby extending a battery life. Further, the present disclosure also provides methods and systems for powering an electric motor of a vehicle and corresponding non-transitory computer-readable media. In this way, the battery switching could be accomplished in a safe manner.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for battery switching. The method comprises determining that electric quantity of a battery pack currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined level. The method also comprises selecting a battery pack that meets priority and electric quantity requirements from at least one spare battery pack according to priority and electric quantity of each battery pack. The method further comprises switching to the selected battery pack for powering the device.

In some embodiments, the selecting of the battery pack that meets priority and electric quantity requirements according to the priority and electric quantity of each battery pack specifically comprises determining the electric quantity of a battery pack that is higher than the predetermined quantity and has the highest priority as a battery pack that complies with the priority and electricity requirements.

In some embodiments, when no battery pack whose electric quantity is greater than the predetermined level exists, the method comprisesdecreasing the predetermined level.

In some embodiments, the determining that electric quantity of a battery pack currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined level comprises determining that an output voltage of the battery pack that is currently powering the device is lower than a preset value.

In some embodiments, the switching to the selected battery pack for powering the device comprises issuing a switching-off instruction to a pack management subsystem of the battery pack that is currently powering the device and transmitting a turning-on instruction to a pack management subsystem of the selected battery pack.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery management system. The battery management system comprises a determining unit for determining that electric quantity of a battery pack currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined level. The battery management system also comprises a selecting unit for selecting a battery pack that meets priority and electric quantity requirements from at least one spare battery pack according to priority and electric quantity of each battery pack. The battery management system further comprises a switching unit for switching to the selected battery pack for powering the device.

In some embodiments, the selecting unit is used to determine a battery pack that has electricity quantity greater than a predetermined level and has a highest priority among the battery packs as the battery pack that meets the priority requirement and the electricity quantity requirement.

In some embodiments, when the selecting unit determines that there is no battery pack that meets the priority and electricity quantity requirements, the selecting unit decreases a value of the predetermined level.

In some embodiments, the determining unit is used to determine that an output voltage of the battery pack that is currently powering the device is lower than the predetermined level.

In some embodiments, the switching unit is used to transmit a switching-off instruction to a pack management subsystem of the battery pack that is currently powering the device and transmit a turning-on instruction to a pack management subsystem of the selected battery pack.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a power supply device. The power supply device comprises a battery management system and at least two battery packs, wherein the battery management system is used to determine that electricity quantity of a battery pack that is currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined level, and select a battery pack that meets priority and electricity quantity requirements from at least one spare battery pack, and switch the battery pack that powers the device from the previous one to the newly-selected one for powering the device.

In some embodiments, the battery pack comprises a battery core pack for storage of the electric energy. The battery pack also comprises a battery management subsystem for the temperature management, charging and discharging management and balance management of the battery packs. The battery pack further comprises a pack management subsystem for monitoring the electricity conditions of the battery core pack and switching on or off the circuit according to instructions of the battery management system.

In some embodiments, the battery pack comprises a battery pack housing, a battery pack housing cover, a plurality of battery cores arranged in the battery pack cover, a battery management subsystem, a pack management subsystem, a battery pack data port connected with the pack management subsystem and an output interface of the battery pack.

In some embodiments, the battery pack comprises sliding rails arranged on the battery pack cover and a handler corresponding to the battery pack cover.

In some embodiments, the power supply device comprises sliding slots corresponding to each battery pack and a housing cover for the battery pack data port and the output interface of the battery pack, wherein the sliding slots and the housing cover are used to fix the battery management system and the battery packs.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, there are provided a battery switching method, a battery management system and a power supply device. In some embodiments, there are provided at least two battery packs. When an electricity level of the battery pack that currently powers a device is lower than a predetermined level, a battery pack that complies with a priority requirement and an electricity requirement is selected and switched thereto for powering the device, thereby extending a battery life and making it easy for user to use.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle. The method comprises: (a) activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold； (b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises prior to (b) , monitoring said first energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said first energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, the method further comprisesoperating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold upon detecting said signal (s) .

In some embodiments, the method further comprises monitoring said second energy storage unit to detect an additional signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said second energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises upon detecting said additional signal (s) , operating said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is below said given threshold.

In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises using said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.

In some embodiments, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts. In some embodiments, , wherein said signal (s) is an operating current of said first energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, subsequent to (d) , charging said first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, wherein saidthird current or power level is the same as said first current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable.

In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery. In some embodiments, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery. In some embodiments, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.

In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor provides translational motion to said vehicle at said first current or power level or said third current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period. In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle. The method comprises: (a) activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level； (b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is less than said first current or power level； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above said second current or power level.

In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor is operated at said second current or power level upon a state of charge of said first energy storage unit decreasing below a given threshold.

In some embodiments, themethod further comprisesoperating said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is less than said first current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor is operated at said fourth current or power level upon a state of charge of said second energy storage unit decreasing below said given threshold.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises using said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is above said fourth current or power level.

In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts. In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, subsequent to (d) , charging said first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.

In some embodiments, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery.

In some embodiments, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery. In some embodiments, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts. In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle. The system comprises an electric motor, a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, an electrical switch that brings the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with the electric motor, andone or more computer processors operatively coupled to the electrical motor and the switch, wherein the one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to: (a) direct said electrical switch to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold； (b) operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (d) use said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.

In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed toprior to (b) , monitor said first energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said first energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programed to operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold upon detecting said signal (s) .

In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to monitor said second energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said second energy storage unit. In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to, upon detecting said additional signal (s) , operate said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is below said given threshold.

In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motorand (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.

In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to use said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is at or above said given threshold. In some embodiments, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts. In some embodiments, wherein said signal (s) is an operating current of said first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to, subsequent to (d) , charge said first energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery. In some embodiments, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.

In some embodiments, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts. In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor provides translational motion to said vehicle at said first current or power level or said third current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period. In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle. The system comprises an electric motor, a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, an electrical switch that brings the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with the electric motor, andone or more computer processors operatively coupled to the electrical motor and the switch, wherein the one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to: (a) direct said electrical switch to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level； (b) operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is less than said first current or power level； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (d) use said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above said second current or power level.

In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to operate said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is less than said first current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor is operated at said fourth current or power level upon a state of charge of said second energy storage unit decreasing below said given threshold.

In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.

In some embodiments, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to use said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is above said fourth current or power level.

In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts. In some embodiments, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, wherein saidone or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to, subsequent to (d) , charge said first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.

In some embodiments, wherein saidfirst, second or third current or power level is variable. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery. In some embodiments, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery. In some embodiments, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.

In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising machine executable code that, upon execution by one or more computer processors, implements a method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle. The method comprises: activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold； (b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine executable code that, upon execution by one or more computer processors, implements a method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, the method comprising: (a) activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level； (b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is less than said first current or power level； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above said second current or power level.

It shall be understood that different aspects of the present disclosurecan be appreciated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other. Various aspects of the present disclosuredescribed herein may be applied to any of the particular applications set forth below or for any other types of movable objects.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “figure” and “FIG. ” herein) , of which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a battery switching method, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a battery management system, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates one of structural diagrams of a power supply device, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a detailed structuraldiagram of a power supply device, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 5 schematically illustratesone of structuraldiagrams of an energy storage unit (e.g., battery pack) , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a diagram of a battery core pack, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a second structural diagram of an energy storage unit, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a second structural diagram of a power supply device, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a structural diagram of an enclosure for sliding rails, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 10 schematically illustratesa flow chart of a method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 14schematically illustrates another system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates another system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure；

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an example of a computer control system that is programmed or otherwise configured to implement methods provided herein； and

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example of a vehicle that may be used with devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

The term “vehicle, ” as used herein, generally refers to any machine that is capable of transporting objects from one point to another. A vehicle may be used in various settings, such as commercial, personal or recreational settings. The vehicle can include a form of locomotion, such as an engine (e.g., internal combustion, compressed gas, or electric motor) , which may allow displacement or translation of the vehicle from one point to another. The form of locomotion may include a power source to provide the required kinetic energy, in addition to features that enable the vehicle to control motion, such as a braking and steering system. Examples of vehicles include two, three and four-wheeled vehicles.

The term “electric motor, ” as used herein, generally refers to any suitable number and combination of motors that drive the vehicle and thereby provide translational motion to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes only one motor. In other embodiments, the vehicle includes a plurality of motors, such as two, three, four, five, or more motors. The motors maybe arranged on the vehicle as desired. For example, a motor maybe situated within the interior of the vehicle (e.g., within an internal cavity of the vehicle and/or attached to an internal surface of the vehicle) or on the exterior of the vehicle (e.g., on an external surface of the vehicle, such as on a top, bottom, front, back, or side surface) . In some embodiments, the motor is provided within a housing of the vehicle. Alternatively, the motor is provided outside a housing of the vehicle.

The motor may be powered by various energy sources and/or energy storage units. In some embodiments, the motor is an internal combustion engine which converts fossil fuel (e.g., gasoline) into motion. Alternatively, the motor is an electric motor which coverts electricity into motion. Alternatively, the motor is a hybrid motor, which may be powered by two or more energy sources. For instance, the motor may generate power from both fossil fuel and electricity.

Each motor may drive at least one wheel of the vehicle. For instance, one motor may be operatively coupled to one wheel of the vehicle. Alternatively, one motor may be operatively coupled to more than one wheel of the vehicle. For instance, one motor may drive at least two wheels via a common shaft and/or a transmission mechanism.

The term “energy storage unit, ” as used herein, generally refers to any unit, element or component that is suitable to store energy for powering a vehicle. An energy storage unit may store chemical energy. The vehicle may be apure electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, and the energy storage unit may be one or more battery packs or battery assemblies that power the electric motor of the vehicle. The battery pack herein may be various types of battery pack, such as a solid state or electrochemical battery back. For example, the battery back is a lead–acid battery pack, a nickel cadmium ( “NiCd” ) battery pack, a nickel metal hydride ( “NiMH” ) battery pack, a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery pack, orlithium ion ( “Li-ion” ) polymer battery pack. A battery back may be suitable for powering the electric motor of the vehicle.

Energy storage unitsof the present disclosure may be electrically coupled to at least a part of the vehicle, e.g., via electrical connectors such as wires, cables, pins, contacts, and the like. In some embodiments, the energy storage unitsareremovably coupled to the vehicle such that the energy storage unitscanbe removed from the vehicle, e.g., for charging, replacement, maintenance, etc. As an alternative, the energy storage units are permanently affixed to the vehicle and cannot be removed from the vehicle. The energy storage units are capable ofpoweringvarious electric components onboard the vehicle, which include but are not limited to motor (s) , controller (s) , sensor (s) , a steering system, a braking system, a navigation system, an entertainment system, a safety system, etc.

In some embodiments, an energy storage unitcomprises a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells may be electrically connected in series and/or in parallel. Alternatively, the energy storage unit may comprise only a single battery cell. The battery cell (s) of anenergy storage unit can be contained within a housing of the battery pack such that the battery packmay be provided as a single unitary device, which may facilitatehandling of the battery assembly. The battery packmay be any type of suitable battery assembly which is adapted to be mounted on or within the object in order to supply power to one or more electrical components of the object. The battery packmay bea non-rechargeable battery or primary battery. The battery pack may be a rechargeable battery or secondary battery.

The present disclosure providesa battery switching method, a battery management system and a power supply device. In some embodiments, an electric vehicle (e.g., pure electric vehicle) comprises at least two energy storage units. When an electricity (or power) level of a first energy storage unit is below than a predetermined level, a battery pack that complies with a priority requirement and an electricity requirement is selected and replaces the one currently powering the device, thereby extending a battery life and making it easier to use.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a battery switching method, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Atthe operationS101, it is determined that electric quantity of anenergy storage unit (e.g., a battery pack) currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined level. In some cases, the device herein may be an electric vehicle, such as a pure-electric vehicle, or a hybrid electric vehicle.

At operation S102, another energy storage unit (e.g., another battery pack) that meets priority and electric quantity requirements is selected from at least one spare battery pack according to priority and electric quantity of each battery pack. At operation S103, the selected battery pack is switched for powering the device.

In some cases, a battery may be switched to another battery automatically. As an alternative, a battery may be switched to another battery upon user input. For example, the user may want to change a first battery to a second battery. The user may provide instructions to switch the first battery to the second battery. Such switching may be instantaneous or may occur upon expiration of a time period (e.g., switch the batteries upon the expiration of a 1 minute or 10 minute time period) .

The above method may be suitable for powering the electric vehicle and may also be applied other electric vehicles.

By virtue of the above battery switching method, an independent energy storage unit may be used for powering the device without involvement of other energy storage units, for example, other battery packs. When one battery pack is no long discharging or not suitable for powering the device, a subsequently-selected battery pack may be used for powering the device and thereby each battery pack may have an opportunity to fully discharge in a discharging cycle, which greatly improves the efficiency of the battery and reduces the charging and discharging cycle, and thereby enhances battery life.

In some cases, each battery pack is charged separately without being affected by other battery packs. Hence, it may be easy for the users to charge the battery pack. Further, each of the battery packsmay also be designed to be removable andtherefore each battery may be removed for charging, which is more convenient for use.

In order to further improve user experience, atthe operation S102, the selecting of the battery pack that meets priority and electric quantity requirements according to the priority and electric quantity of each battery pack may specificallycomprise an operation of determining the electric quantity of a battery pack that is higher than the predetermined quantity and has the highest priority as a battery pack that complies with the priority and electricity requirements. In this manner, it may guarantee that a suitable battery pack is selected for subsequent powering.

When all the battery packs are in a low power state, in order to avoid the situation that the battery packs are completely unusable, the method may further comprise an operation of decreasing the predetermined level when there is no battery pack whose electric quantity is greater than the predetermined level. In other words, in some situations, the requirements for electric quantity may be relaxed such that a spare battery pack may be selected.

The utilization of the device may be continued when the predetermined level for the electric quantity is decreased and the electric quantity of each of the battery packs is greater than the newly-decreased level.

In some embodiments, the decrease of the predetermined level for the electric quantity is implemented progressively. In other embodiments, the predetermined level for the electric quantity is decreased directly to a lower level.

In some embodiments, the determinationat the operation S101 that electric quantity of a battery pack currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined levelis specifically as determining that an output voltage of the battery pack that is currently powering the device is lower than the predetermined level. Of course, a person skilled in the art may apply or make reference to other parameters to determine whether the electric quantity of the battery pack is lower than the predetermined level.

In some embodiments, the switching of the selected battery pack for powering the device at the operation S103 specifically comprisesissuing a switching-off instruction to a pack management subsystem of the battery pack that is currently powering the device and transmitting a switching-on instruction to a pack management subsystem of the selected battery pack.

In some embodiments, the pack management subsystem is arranged at the battery management system. In other embodiments, the pack management subsystem isarranged in the battery pack. In order to efficiently manage the battery packs, it may be better to arrange the pack management subsystem in the battery pack.

In some embodiments, the battery pack comprises a battery management subsystem for temperature management, charging and discharging management, and balance management. In this manner, the user may be able to maintain and manage each battery pack.

FIG. 2 schematically illustratesa battery management system, in accordance withsomeembodiments of the present disclosure. The battery management system may comprise a determining unit 201 for determining that electric quantity of an energy storage unit (e.g., abattery pack) currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined level, a selecting unit 202 for selecting another energy storage unit (e.g., another battery pack) that meets priority and electric quantity requirements from at least one spare battery pack according to priority and electric quantity of each battery pack, and a switching unit 203 for switching to the selected battery pack for powering the device. Each unit as illustrated in FIG. 2 may carry out the operations as illustrated in each block of FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the determining unit 201 is specifically used to determine an output voltage of the battery pack that is currently powering the device is lower than the predetermined level. Additionally or alternatively, the determining unit 201 is used to determine an output current of the battery pack that is currently powering the device is lower than the predetermined level. Further, in some embodiments, any suitable combination of the output voltage and the output current is used by the determining unit 201 to determine whether the currently-powering battery pack is suitable for powering the device.

In some embodiments, the selecting unit 202 is used to determine a battery pack that has electricity quantity greater than a predetermined level and has a highest priority among the battery packs as the battery pack that meets the priority requirement and the electricity quantity requirement.

To make it easier for utilization, when the selecting unit 202 determines that there is no battery pack that meets the priority and electricity quantity requirements, in an embodiment, the selecting unit 202 decreases or lowers the value of the predetermined level such that one or more battery packs, which fail to meet the old requirements before, meet the less strict requirement, i.e., the decreased or lowered requirement. In this way, a potential battery pack can still be found for subsequent powering even if when all the battery packs are not in a good condition or suitable state of charge.

In some embodiments, the switching unit 203 is specifically used to issue or transmit a switching-off instruction to a pack management subsystem of the battery pack that is currently powering the device and transmit a switching-on instruction to a pack management subsystem of the selected battery pack.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power supply device, as shown in FIG. 3. The power supply device may comprise a battery management system 301 and at least two energy storage units, such as the battery packs 302. In some embodiments, the battery management system 301 is used to determine that electricity quantity of a battery pack 302 that is currently powering a device is lower than a predetermined level. As discussed before, the electricity quantity herein may be characterized by an output voltage of the battery pack, an output current of the battery pack, or a combination thereof. The priority herein may be characterized by a service time, the number of charge cycles, an aging condition of the battery pack.

Then, the battery management system 301 may be used to select a battery pack that meets priority and electricity quantity requirements from at least one spare or standby battery pack. Further, the battery management system 301 may switch the battery pack that powers the device from the previous one to the newly-selected one for powering the device.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the battery pack 302 specifically comprises a battery core pack 3021 for storage of the electric energy. In some embodiments, the battery pack 302 further comprises a battery management subsystem 3022 for the temperature management, charging and discharging management and balance management directed to the battery packs. In some embodiments, the battery pack 302 also comprises a pack management subsystem 3023 for monitoring the electricity conditions of the battery core pack and switching on or off the circuit according to instructions of the battery management system 301.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 5, the battery management subsystem 3022 may further comprise a temperature management module, a charging management module, a discharging management module, and a balance management module. Since the functions of each module may be understood by those skilled in the art, the details thereof are omitted herein for a simplified purpose. In some embodiments, the pack management subsystem 3023 further comprises an electricity detection circuit, a Metal Oxide Semiconductor ( “MOS” ) switching circuit and an electric relay.

In some embodiments, the electricity detection circuit is used to detect the operating current of the battery packs and transmit the data regarding the operating current to the battery management system. Thereby, the battery management system may detect the operating current flowing from the circuit according to working statuses of the battery core packs and the operatingcurrent transmitted from the battery management subsystem and determine whether the electricity quantity of the battery packs is lower than the predetermined or preset level. In some embodiments, the operating current herein is replaced with the operating voltage.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the battery core packs may comprise two or more battery cores (or battery cells) that are connected in parallel first and then connected in series. Alternatively or additionally, each of these battery cores may comprise a single battery core, which may be directly connected with another battery core. Ports A1, A2, and A3 may respectively connect with the discharging management, the charging management module and the balance management module of the battery management subsystem 3022. The ports T1, T2, and T3 may connect with the temperature management module of the battery management subsystem 3022.

For example, the battery core pack may comprise three battery cores connected in parallel. Then, four modules may be connected in series. The electric energy may be transmitted to the battery management system through a positive terminal and a negative terminal. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the battery management subsystem may read the voltage of each in-parallel battery through the data lines A1, A2 and A3 and may further read the temperature of each in-parallel battery through the outputs T1, T2, T3 and T4 of the temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the battery management subsystem transmits the statues of the battery core packs directly to the battery management system via an RS485 data path. The electrical energy of the battery core pack may be transferred to the battery management system via the pack management subsystem 3023.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the battery pack 302, as an example of an energy storage unit, may specifically comprisea battery pack housing 4, a battery pack housing cover 5, a plurality of battery cores or cells 7 arranged in the battery pack cover 4, a battery management subsystem 8 and a pack management subsystem 9, a battery pack data port 10 connected with the pack management subsystem 9 and an output interface 11 of the battery pack.

In some embodiments, having been connected in parallel and series, the battery core 7 is fixed to the battery pack cover 4 by a support and a bolt. In other embodiments, the battery management subsystem 8 and pack management subsystem 9 are fixed to the battery pack cover 4 by the bolt. The battery pack data port 10 and the battery pack output interface 11 may be fixed to the bottom part of the battery pack cover 4. Further, the battery pack cover 5may be fixed to the front face of the battery pack cover 4 by the bolt.

To facilitate easy removal, the power supply device may be designed as illustrated in FIG. 8, and may comprise a battery pack 1, a sliding rail cover 2, and a battery management system 3, wherein the battery pack may be mounted within the sliding rail cover by the sliding rails and the battery management system may be fixed to the external face of the sliding rails through the bolts. In this manner, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the battery pack may further comprise sliding rails 12 arranged on the battery pack cover and a handler 6 corresponding to the battery pack cover. The sliding rails 12 may be fixed at the two sides of the battery pack cover 4 by the bolts and the handler 6 may be fixed to the top part of the battery pack cover 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, on the sliding rail cover 2, there are arranged the sliding slots 14 corresponding to the battery packs, the battery pack data ports 15, and the battery pack output ports 14. The sliding slots are secured to an inner side face of the sliding cover 2 by bolts. The battery pack data interface 15 and the battery pack output interface 14 are fixed to the bottom part of the sliding cover 2 by bolts.

When the power supply is in a switching-off state, the MOS switching circuits and relays of the pack management subsystems of all the battery packs may be all in a switching-off state. When the power supply is switched on, the battery management system may first check the state of each battery pack. If the states of all the battery packs are normal, then the battery pack 1 with the highest priority will be enabled to operate. In enabling the battery pack 1, the battery management system 1 may first control the relay to close and then control the MOS switching circuit to turn on, thereby completing the enablement process. The battery pack 1 is now operating and all the other battery packs are in a switching-off state.

When the energy of the battery pack 1 is running out and the battery management system finds that the reading of the battery pack 1, e.g., voltage, is lower than a predetermined value, it will first switch off the battery pack 1 and then commence operating the battery pack 2 with a second highest priority to operate. When switching the battery pack 1 to the battery pack 2, the battery management system may first turn off the MOS switching circuit in the pack management subsystem and then control the relay in the pack management subsystem in the battery pack 2 to close, and finally control the relay in the battery pack 1 to open. At this moment, the switching process is completed and the battery pack 2 is in a working state with other battery packs in disconnected states.

When the electrical quantity of the battery pack 2 runs out of the charge, the subsequent switching processes similar to the above process will proceed until the last battery pack is switched.

Each battery pack according to some embodiments of the present disclosureis detachable from the device if its energy is depleted.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the battery cores may be parallel-series connected and then fixed inside of the battery cover with a support and a bolt. The battery management subsystem and the pack management subsystem may be fixed inside of the battery cover with bolts. The battery pack data interface and the battery pack output interface may be fixed to the bottom part of the battery cover by the bolts. The sliding rails may be fixed to two sides of the battery pack cover by the bolts. The handler may be fixed to the top part of the battery pack cover by the bolts. The battery pack cover board may be fixed to the front face of the battery pack cover by the bolts.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the sliding rails may be fixed to the inner side face of the sliding rail cover by the bolts. Further, the battery interface and the data interface may be fixed to the bottom of the sliding rail cover by the bolts.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure as detailed above, there are provided a battery switching method, a battery management system and a power supply device. In some embodiments, at least two energy storage units, such as, for example, battery packs, are provided. When an electricity level of the battery pack that currently powers a device, such as a pure electric vehicle, is lower than a predetermined level, a battery pack that complies with a priority requirement and an electricity requirement is selected to replace the one currently powering the device, thereby extending a battery life and making iteasier for use.

As mentioned before, in order to switch the energy storage unit in a safe manner, the present disclosure also provides methods and systems for powering an electric motor of a vehicle and corresponding non-transitory computer-readable media. In some examples, a first energy storage unit of the vehicle, which is in electrical communication with the electric motor, may be monitored to determine whether a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge (e.g., energy level) of the first energy storage unit occurs. If such a decrease or a rate of decrease occurs, then the electric motor may be operated at a lower current or power level than before. As mentioned before, the necessity and time for switching from the first energy storage unit to the second energy storage unit may be flexibly configured. For example, the user may set a predetermined time period and upon expiration of such a time period, the energy storage unit may be automatically changed. Further, the user may manually instruct the electric vehicle to switch the energy storage unit from the old one to the new one.

Once the electric motor operates in the lower current or power level, then a second energy storage unit may be brought in electrical communication with the electric motor and the first energy storage unit may stop powering the vehicle. Then, the second energy storage unit may be used to power the electric motor. In some embodiments, one or more thresholds are used to determine whether the decrease or the rate of decrease occurs or determine whether the current or power level of the electric motor is proper.

For example, at the outset, the first energy storage unit may power the electric motor such that it may operate at a current or power level that is at or above a given threshold. Over time, the state of charge of the first energy storage unit may be decreased and then the electric motor may be operated at a second current or power level that is below the given threshold. Then, after replacing the first energy storage unit with the second energy storage unit, the electric motor of the vehicle may operate at a current or power level that is at or above the given threshold.

In some embodiments, a given threshold is set for determining a decrease in a state of charge of the first energy storage unit. For example, if the state of charge of the first energy storage unit is decreased below the given threshold, then the electric motor, which is powered to operate at a first current or power level by the first energy storage unit, should be operated at a second current or power level that is less than the first current or power level. Once the second energy storage unit is substituted for the first energy storage unit, the electric motor may operate at a third current or power level that is above the second current or power level.

The methods and systems as disclosed by the present disclosure herein may be advantageously used to switch among multiple battery packs in a safe manner. Therefore, adverse effects caused by a sudden switch of the battery pack may be eliminated.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method may compriseactivating the vehicle at the operation S1001, for example, by turning on the vehicle. The vehicle may be any suitable vehicle to which the solutions of the present disclosure may be applied. For example, the vehicle herein may generally refer to any machine that is capable of transporting objects from one point to another. A vehicle may be used in various settings, such as commercial, military, personal or recreational settings. The vehicle may include a form of locomotion, such as an engine (e.g., internal combustion, compressed gas, or electric motor) , which may allow displacement or translation of the vehicle from one point to another. The form of locomotion may include a power source to provide the required kinetic energy, in addition to features that enable the vehicle to control motion, such as a braking and steering system. Examples of vehicles may include two, three and four-wheeled vehicles, such as two, three and four-wheeled electric vehicles. In some embodiments, the electric motoris included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.

Among other things, the vehicle as described herein may comprise an electric motor to drive the vehicle to move forward, a plurality of energy storage units and an electrical switch. The plurality of energy storage units may comprise a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, which may be specifically embodied as the battery packs as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4. The electrical switch may bring the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with the electric motor. The electrical switch herein may be any operating unit or element that is capable of switching on or off a circuit using electronic circuits and power electronic devices and may include at least one controllable electronic drive device, such as a thyristor, a transistor, a field effect transistor, a silicon controlled rectifier, a relay, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical switch is implemented as one of a MOS switching circuit or an electric relay or a combination thereof as shown in the pack management subsystem as shown in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, upon activation, such as, for example, by turning on the vehicle, the electrical switch is directed to bring the first energy storage unit in electrical communication with the electric motor to provide power to the electric motor such that the electric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold. In some embodiments, the given threshold herein is any empirical value resulted from statistical data. In some embodiments, the given threshold herein is a certain percentage of a maximum current or a maximum power level of the electric motor. For example, the certain percentage may be at least about 50％, 60％, 65％, 70％, 75％, 80％, 85％, 90％, 95％.

At the operation S1002, the electric motor is operated at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold. In other words, the vehicle may decrease the current or power level of the electric motor such that the electric motor may operate at a level that is below the given threshold. In some embodiments, prior to the operation S1002, the method herein further comprises monitoringthe first energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of the first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, the monitoring operation herein is implemented by some current or electricity detection module or circuit, for example, the electricity detection circuit as depicted in FIG. 5. The decrease herein may be characterized by the decrease of the amount of current of electricity, the decrease of the amount of voltage, or the decrease of the power. The rate of decrease may be characterized by the declining rate of the amount of current of electricity, the amount of voltage, or the power over a given period of time. The given period of time herein may be at least about 0.5 second (s) , 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s, 30 s, 1 minute (min) , 1.5 mins, 2 mins, 2.5 mins, 3 mins, 3.5 mins, 4 mins, 4.5 mins, or 5 mins. In some embodiments, the signal that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of the first energy storage unitisan operating current of the first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, the second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.

At the operation S1003, with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, the electrical switch is directed to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor. The electrical communication herein between the second energy storage unit and the electric motor may establish an electrical connection therebetween. Upon the establishment of the electrical communication between the second energy storage unit and the electric motor, the electrical communication between the first energy storage unit and the electric motor may be tore down.

At the operation S1004, the second energy storage unitmay be used to provide power to the electric motor such that the electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above the given threshold.

In some embodiments, the method further comprisesmonitoring the second energy storage unit to detect an additional signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of thesecond energy storage unit. In other words, once the second energy storage unit is in operation, the monitoring operation similar to those discussed beforemay be repeated. In some embodiments, the additional signal herein isan operating current of the second energy storage unit, or a suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, upon detecting the additional signal (s) , operating the electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is below the given threshold. Similar to those discussed above, before switching or exchanging the energy storage unit, the vehicle may again slow down the electric motor or decrease its power level. In some embodiments, the fourth current or power level is the same as the second current or power level. In some embodiments, the fourth current or power level issubstantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.

Based on the above operations, in some embodiments, the method further comprises, with the electric motor operating at the fourth current or power level, directing the electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between the second energy storage unit and the electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of the plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with the electric motor and. In some embodiments, the method further comprises using the third energy storage unit to provide power to the electric motor such that the electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is at or above the given threshold.

In some embodiments, the third energy storage unit isthe first energy storage unit. In other words, the first energy storage unit may be reused to power the electric motor. To this end, in some embodiments, the method further comprises, subsequent to the operation S1004, charging the first energy storage unit. Different energy storage units of the present disclosure may be flexibly selected to power the electric motor, as appropriate. For example, the first energy storage unit may be switched to the second energy storage unit upon user input or upon expiration of a time period.

In some embodiments, thethird current or power level is the same as the first current or power level. In other embodiments, the first, second or third current or power level is variable. The current or power level of the electric motor according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be flexibly set according to different requirements or applicable environments. Therefore, in some embodiments, the electric motor provides translational motion to the vehicle at the first current or power level or the third current or power level.

In some embodiments, the first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells such as those shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery. In some embodiments, the solid state battery isa lithium- containing battery.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, the potential risk caused by a sudden switch of the battery packs could be overcome, especially for a case in which the electric motor of the vehicle is rotating at a high-speed or operating at a relatively-high power level and a sudden switch of the battery pack may cause the electric motor to spark or adversely affect the freewheeling of the electric motor, which may result in a traffic accident or a physical injury of an driver.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the method may compriseactivatingthe vehicle at the operation S1101, for example, by turning on the vehicle. Similar to those discussed with respect to FIG. 10, the vehicle herein may generally refer to any machine that is capable of transporting from one point to another. The vehicle may include a form of locomotion, such as an engine (e.g., internal combustion, compressed gas, or electric motor) , which may allow displacement or translation of the vehicle from one point to another. Examples of vehicles may include two, three and four-wheeled vehicles, such as two, three and four-wheeled electric vehicles. In some embodiments, the electric motoris included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.

Among other things, the vehicle as described herein may comprise an electric motor, a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and an electrical switch. The plurality of energy storage units herein may also be embodied as the battery packs as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4. The electrical switch may bring the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with the electric motor. The electrical switch herein may be any operating unit or element that is capable of switching on or off a circuit using electronic circuits and power electronic devices and may include at least one controllable electronic drive device, such as a thyristor, a transistor, a field effect transistor, a silicon controlled rectifier, a relay, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical switch is implemented as one of a MOS switching circuit or an electric relay or a combination thereof as shown in the pack management subsystem as shown in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, upon activation, the electrical switch may bedirected to bring the first energy storage unit in electrical communication with the electric motor to provide power to the electric motor such that the electric motor operates at a first current or power level.

At the operation S1102, the electric motor is operated at a second current or power level that is less than the first current or power level. In some embodiments, upon a state of charge of the first energy storage unit decreasing below a given threshold, the electric motor isoperated at thesecond current or power level that is less than the first current or power level. In some embodiments, the given threshold herein is a certain percentage of a maximum current or a maximum power of the electric motor. For example, the certain percentage may be at least about 20％, 25％, 30％, 35％, 40％, 45％, and 50％. In other embodiments, the given threshold herein is a certain percentage of a full charge capacity of the energy storage unit, such as at least about 20％, 25％, 30％, 35％, 40％, 45％, and 50％. The detection of the state of charge of the first energy storage unit decreases below the given threshold may be carried out by some current or electricity detection module or circuit, for example, the electricity detection circuit as depicted in FIG. 5.

At the operation S1103, with the electric motor operating at the second current or power level, the electrical switchmay be directed to (i) terminate electrical communication between the first energy storage unit and the electric motor and (ii) bring the second energy storage unit in electrical communication with the electric motor. The electrical communication herein between the second energy storage unit and the electric motor may establish an electrical connection therebetween. Upon the establishment of the electrical communication between the second energy storage unit and the electric motor, the electrical communication between the first energy storage unit and the electric motor may be tore down. In some embodiments, the second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.

At the operation S1104, the second energy storage unit may be used to provide power to the electric motor such that the electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above the second current or power level.

In some embodiments, the method comprises operating the electric motor at said second current or power level upon a state of charge of the first energy storage unit decreasing below a given threshold. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises, upon a state of charge of the second energy storage unit decreasing below the given threshold, operating the electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is less than the first current or power level. Similar to those discussed above, before switching or exchanging the energy storage unit, the vehicle may decrease its power levelor current level again. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, with the electric motor operating at the fourth current or power level, directing the electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between the second energy storage unit and the electric motor (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of the plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with the electric motor.

In some embodiments, themethod further comprises using the third energy storage unit to provide power to the electric motor such that the electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is above the fourth current or power level. In some embodiments, the third energy storage unit isthe first energy storage unit. In other words, the first energy storage unit may be reused to power the electric motor. To this end, in some embodiments, the method further comprises, subsequent to the operation S1104, charging the first energy storage unit. In some embodiments, the fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.

In some embodiments, the fourth current or power level is the same as the second current or power level. In some embodiments, the third current or power level is the same as the first current or power level. In some embodiments, the first, second or third current or power level is variable. Insome embodiments, the first energy storage unit is switched to the second energy storage unit upon user input or upon expiration of a time period.

In some embodiments, the first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells such as those shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery. In some embodiments, the solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a flow chart of another method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method as depicted in FIG. 12 and described hereinafter may be considered as an example implementation of a variant of the methods as discussed before with respect to FIGs. 10 and 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, at the operation S1201, the electric quantity of an energy storage unit (e.g., battery pack) currently powering a vehicle is monitored. The vehicle herein may be identical to the ones as discussed with respect to FIGs. 10 and 11. Examples of vehicles may include two, three and four-wheeled vehicles, such as two, three and four-wheeled electric vehicles. The battery pack is an example of an energy storage unit disclosed herein, and may be similar or identical to those shown in FIGs. 3 and 4.

Then, atthe operationS1202, it is determined whether the electric quantity of the monitored energy storage unit is lower than a predetermined quantity (or a given threshold) . The predetermined quantity herein may be an experiential value, which is resulted from previous statistics. For example, the predetermined quantity may be at least about 20％, 25％, 30％, 35％, or 40％ of the electric quantity of a full-charged battery pack. If the monitored electric quantity is not lower than the predetermined quantity, then it may be determined that the monitored energy storage unit is in a good condition for providing the power for the vehicle. Therefore, the flow may be looped back to the operation S1201, where the monitoring operation may be repeated again. In some embodiments, the looping back to the operation S1201 islaunched as soon as the determination at the operation S1202 is made. In some embodiments, the looping back to the operationS1201 is held off for a little while, for example, the looping may be delayed by at least about 1s, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, 30s, 40s, 45s, 50s, 1min, 1.5 mins, 2 mins, 3mins, 5mins, 6mins, 8mins, or 10 mins. Upon expiration of the delay time, the monitoring operation as shown at the operation S1201 may be repeated.

If the monitored electric quantity is lower than the predetermined quantity, then it may be determined that the energy storage unit (e.g., a first energy storage unit as described before) that currently powers the vehicle needs to be replaced with another energy storage unit (e.g., a second energy storage unit as described before) . It should be understood that the comparisons between the monitored electric quantity and the predetermined quantity are only for illustrative purposes and there may be other comparison manners that may be used for determining whether or not to change the energy storage unit. For instance, according to different configurations, the energy storage unit may need to be switched or exchanged if the monitored electric quantity is equal to or lower than the predetermined quantity. Further, the monitoring operation herein may be performed periodically, such as, for example, at least about per 5s, 10s, 20s, 25s, 30s, 40s, 45s, 50s, 1min, 2mins, 3mins, or 5mins according to different applicable requirements or battery operational performance.

Then the flow proceeds to the operation S1203, where a current power level of anelectric motor is checked. In addition to or instead of checking the power level of the electric motor, in some embodiments, the power level of the entire vehicle is checked or the current level of the electric motor is checked. The electric motor may be a part of an engine of the vehicle and drive the wheels of the vehicle to rotate, as discussed before. The checking of the current power level herein may be implemented in many manners. For example, there may be a controller or controller system, which may have been embed into or mounted to the vehicle, for monitoring magnitude of current, magnitude of voltage, or both in real time. Based on the monitored current or voltage, the current power level of the electric motor may be derived. Afterwards, the flow proceeds to the operation S1204, where the checked power level is compared with a predetermined level or a given threshold. The predetermined level herein may be a threshold used for determining whether the current power level is safe for battery switching. For example, if the current power level is lower than the threshold, then it may be determined that it is safe to switchthe battery pack. Otherwise, if the current power level is equal to or greater than the threshold, then it may be determined that it is detrimental to switchthe energy storage unit at the moment since it may cause the electric motor to spark or adversely affect the freewheeling of the electric motor, which may result in a traffic accident or a physical injury of an driver.

If the comparing result at the operation S1204 is that the current power level is lower than the predetermined level, then the flow proceeds to the operation S1206, where the battery switching operations as discussed before in reference to e.g., FIGs. 1 and 2 may be applied such that the vehicle is powered by a selected energy storage unit, e.g., the second energy storage unit. If the comparing result at the operation S1204 is that the current power level is equal to or greater than the predetermined level, then the flow proceeds to the operation S1205, where the current power level of the electric motor (or the entire vehicle in some embodiments) is decreased. For example, in the embodiments wherein the power level of the entire vehicle needs to be decreased, the vehicle shuts down or disables some auxiliary circuits, for example, some control circuits for variable velocity variable frequency ( “VVVF” ) inverters, some circuits for driving electric air blowers for cooling resistors of electric vehicle, some circuits for timer counting operations, etc. The decreased quantity of the power level of the electric motor may be adjustable according to different configurations. In one embodiment, the decreased quantity is a difference between the monitored current power level and the predetermined level. That is, once the current power level is lowered to be as the same as the predetermined level, the decreasing operation at the operation S1205 is completed and the battery switching operation at the operation S1206 may commence. In another embodiment, the decreased quantity is less than the difference at issue. For example, the current power level may be decreased to be a fixed percentage of the predetermined level, e.g., at least about 90％, 85％, 80％, 75％, 70％, 65％, 60％, 55％, and 50％.

After the decreasing operations as depicted at the operation S1205, the flow advances to the operation S1206, where the battery switching may be carried out such that the vehicle may be energized by a new battery pack, which is selected using the methods as described according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the method as described herein and depicted in FIG. 12is merely for illustrative purposes. For example, the battery switchingoperation may be performed at some appropriate steps as depicted in FIG. 12 instead of being performed at the operation S1206. In particular, after determining that the current battery pack is no longer sufficient for powering the vehicle at the operation S1202, a potential battery pack is selected immediately according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, for example by comparing the respective priorities or electric quantity among the multiple battery packs. After that, the checking operation at the operation S1203 may be executed. Then, when performing the battery switching operation at the operation S1206, the potential battery pack, which has been determined immediately after the operation S1202, may be selected to replace the currently-used battery pack.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, since the current or power level of the electric motor is taken into account when performing the battery exchanging, it is efficient to avoid the electric motor to spark or adversely affect the freewheeling of the motor.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the system may comprise an electric motor 1301, a plurality of energy storage units (1302, 1303, 1304, ... ) comprising a first energy storage unit 1302 and a second energy storage unit 1303, an electrical switch 1305 that brings thefirst energy storage unit and thesecond energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with theelectric motor, andone or more computer processors operatively coupled to theelectrical motor and theswitch, wherein theone or more computer processors 1306 are individually or collectively programmed to: (a) direct theelectrical switch to bring thefirst energy storage unit in electrical communication with theelectric motor to provide power to theelectric motor such that theelectric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold； (b) operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (e) use thesecond energy storage unit to provide power to theelectric motor such that theelectric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above thegiven threshold.

In some embodiments, the electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor. In some embodiments, the electric motor provides translational motion to the vehicle at the first current or power level or the third current or power level. In some embodiments, the second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts. In some embodiments, the signal (s) is an operating currentof the first energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable. In some embodiments, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, wherein the first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery. In some embodiments, wherein the solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.

In some embodiments, wherein said electric motor provides translational motion to said vehicle at said first current or power level or said third current or power level. In some embodiments, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to the second energy storage unit upon user input. In some embodiments, wherein the first energy storage unit is switched to the second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.

It is to be understood from the above description with reference to FIG. 13 that the system as described herein may implement the method as described with respect to FIG. 10. Therefore, the technical details and various embodiments that are discussed with respect to FIG. 10 may be equally applicable to the system as discussed herein.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates another system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, The system may comprise an electric motor 1401, a plurality of energy storage units (1402, 1403, 1404, ... ) comprising a first energy storage unit 1402and a second energy storage unit 1403, an electrical switch 1405 that brings thefirst energy storage unit and thesecond energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with theelectric motor, andone or more computer processors operatively coupled to the electrical motor and theswitch, wherein the one or more computer processors 1406 are individually or collectively programmed to: (a) direct theelectrical switch to bring thefirst energy storage unit in electrical communication with theelectric motor to provide power to theelectric motor such that theelectric motor operates at a first current or power level； (b) (b) operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is less than said first current or power level； (c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and (d) use said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above said second current or power level.

It is to be understood from the above description with reference to FIG. 14 that the system as described herein may implement the method as described with respect to FIG. 11. Therefore, the technical details and various embodiments that are discussed with respect to FIG. 11 may be equally applicable to the system as discussed herein.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates another system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The system as depicted in FIG. 15 and described hereinafter may be considered as an example implementation of a variant of the systems as discussed before with respect to FIGs. 13 and 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the system as depicted may embodied as a power controller 1501, which may include a power supply subsystem 1502, a power subsystem 1503 and a control subsystem 1504. The power supply subsystem herein may be used for providing a proper power source for the power controller itself and therefore the controller may be able to perform and complete a series of operational steps for internal processing or external interactions with one or more electric motors 1505and the battery management system 1506, which has been described in detail before with reference to FIG. 3. The power subsystem herein may be used for providing a proper power for the one or more electric motors. For example, when one or more proper battery packs are selected for powering the vehicle, the power subsystem may provide the proper power to the battery packs according to indications or instructions from the control subsystem. The control subsystem herein may be used for controlling and monitoring the current, voltage, or power quantity of the one or more electric motors (or the power level of the entire vehicle) . Based on the monitored result, the control subsystem may interact with the battery management system and the power subsystem to perform the battery switchingoperations.

In operation, the battery management system may determine whether the electric quantity of a battery pack currently powering a device, such as an electric vehicle, is lower than a predetermined level. If this is the case, it may be determined that the battery pack needs to be replaced with another battery pack, which may have more charge capacity or have a high priority. Once such a determination is made and the other battery pack is selected, the battery management system may inform the control subsystem of necessity of switching the battery pack. Upon receiving such information, the control subsystem may begin checking the power level of the motors or the entire vehicle. As discussed before, in some embodiments, if the checked result is that the power level of the electric motors or the entire vehicle is lower than a predetermined level, then the battery management system replaces the currently-used battery pack with the newly-selected battery pack for powering the vehicle very soon. Thereafter, by virtue of the power subsystem, the electric motor (or entire vehicle) may be powered by the newly-selected battery pack. In some embodiments, if the checked result is that the power level of the electric motors is equal to or greater than the predetermined level, then the control subsystem instructs the power subsystem to adjust the power that has been provided to the electric motor.

As discussed before, instead of replacing the battery pack right away, the power subsystem may first decrease the power level of the electric motor to or below the predetermined level and the battery switching operation may be implemented. Additionally or alternatively, the power subsystem may decrease the power level of the motor or the entire vehicle to be a fixed percentage of the predetermined level. In some embodiments, the power subsystem informs the control subsystem of the decreased result and thereby the control subsystem may instruct the battery management system to switch the battery packs immediately. In some other embodiments, after a certain period of time, during which the power subsystem completes decreasing the power level of the electric motor, the control subsystem indicates the battery management system to launch the switching operation without considering a feedback from the power subsystem. Likewise, after the battery management system informs the power controller of necessity of switching the battery pack and a certain period of time goes by, the battery management system may immediately perform the switching of the battery packs without a confirmation or instruction from the power controller, particularly the control subsystem. The certain period of time herein used by the control subsystem for checking and controlling the current power level of the electric motor (or the entire vehicle in some embodiments) is tens of millisecond magnitude or several second magnitudes.

It is to be understood from the above description with reference to FIG. 15 that the system as described herein may implement the method as described with respect to FIG. 12. Therefore, the technical details and various embodiments that are discussed with respect to FIG. 12 may be equally applicable to the system as discussed herein.

The present disclosure also provides computer control systems that are programmed to implement the methods of the disclosure. FIG. 16 shows an example of a computer system 1601 that is programmed or otherwise configured to operating a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle as discussed previously. The computer system 1601 mayregulate various aspects ofthe vehicleof the present disclosure, such as, for example, switching the energy storage unit as appropriate.

The computer system 1601 may include a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 1605, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 1601 may also include memory or memory location 1610 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory) , electronic storage unit 1615 (e.g., hard disk) , communication interface 1620 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 1625, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 1610, storage unit 1615, interface 1620 and peripheral devices 1625 may be in communication with the CPU 1605 through a communication bus (solid lines) , such as a motherboard. The storage unit 1615 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 1601 can be operatively coupled to a computer network ( “network” ) 1630 with the aid of the communication interface 1620. The network 1630 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 1630 in some cases may be a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 1630 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 1630, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 1601, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 1601 to behave as a client or a server.

The CPU 1605 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 1610. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 1605, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 1605 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1605 can include fetch, decode, execute, and write-back. Based on the operations as performed by the CPU, together with other necessary numbers, elements or units, a suitable energy storage unit for continuing to power the electric vehicle may be found to replace the low level energy storage unit. Further, each energy storage unit may be recharged and repeatedly used under the controlling operations of the CPU.

The CPU 1605 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 1601 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) .

The storage unit 1615 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 1615 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 1601 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 1601, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 1601 through an intranet or the Internet.

The computer system 1601 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 1630. For instance, the computer system 1601 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computer systems may include personal computers (e.g., portable PC) , slate or tablet PC’s (e.g.,

iPad,

Galaxy Tab) , telephones, Smart phones (e.g.,

iPhone, Android-enabled device,

) , or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 1601 via the network 1630.

Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 1601, such as, for example, on the memory 1610 or electronic storage unit 1615. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 1605. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 1615 and stored on the memory 1610 for ready access by the processor 1605. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 1615 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 1610.

The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code, or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as-compiled fashion.

Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 1601, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk. “Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer (s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables； copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

The computer system 1601 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 1635 that comprises a user interface (UI) 1640 for providing, for example, a variety of indications, such as, for example, the state of charge of each of the plurality of energy storage units, the state of the electric motor, or the state of power level of the entire vehicle. Examples of the UI may include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example of an electric vehicle, for example, atwo-wheeled vehicle 1700, which may be used with devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure. The two-wheeled vehicle herein may be illustrative of one kind of the electric vehicle and other types of the electric vehicle may also be suitable for use in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other examples of vehicles as may be used with devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are provided in PCT/CN2015/086524 and PCT/CN2015/086523, which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.

The two-wheeled vehicle herein may have a control moment gyroscope ( “CMG” ) as a balancing member and therefore it may be capable of self-balancing. The two-wheeled vehicle may, among other things, include a vehicle body 1702 having a longitudinal axis, two wheels 1704 which are aligned substantially along the longitudinal axis, each of the at least two wheels being configured to support the vehicle body against a support surface (e.g., ground on which the vehicle moves on) , a CMG 1706 coupled to the vehicle body and configured to support the self-balancing, and energy storage units 1708, including a first energy storage unit 1710 and a second energy storage unit 1712, configured for powering the vehicle upon activation.

In some cases, the CMG may include a flywheel, a gimbal frame, a motor, and a gimbaling mechanism. The rotating velocity of the flywheel may be constant. Stability about a longitudinal axis (e.g., the roll axis of the vehicle) of the vehicle body may be achieved and adjusted from the rotating flywheel by adjusting a tilting angle of the gimbal frame with respect to the vehicle floor about the gimbal axis. In some embodiments, theCMG in a single-axis gimbal frame is be mounted on the vehicle so that the spin axis of the flywheel is upright (vertical) and the gimbal axis is substantially parallel to the wheel axes of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, instead of being installed at the end part of the vehicle as shown, the one or more energy storage units are arranged at different locations of the vehicle based on the various designs. For example, the energy storage units may be mounted under the driver’s seat or arranged at a lateral side of the vehicle such that it may be easy for removaland/or charging. The control system, which may include a visual control panel, may be arranged before the steering wheel and face towards the driver such that the driver can easily control the electric vehicle, for example, turning on or stopping the electric vehicle, decreasing or increasing the current or power of the electric vehicle, or switching the energy storage units as discussed before.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

A method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, comprising:

(a) activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold；

(b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold；

(c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and

(d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.
The method of claim 1, further comprising, prior to (b) , monitoring said first energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said first energy storage unit.
The method of claim 2, further comprising operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold upon detecting said signal (s) .
The methodof claim 2, further comprising monitoring said second energy storage unit to detect an additional signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said second energy storage unit.
The methodof claim 4, further comprising, upon detecting said additional signal (s) , operating said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is below said given threshold.
The methodof claim 5, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level.
The methodof claim 5, further comprising, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.
The methodof claim 7, further comprising using said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.
The methodof claim 7, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit.
The method of claim 5, wherein said fourth current or power level issubstantially 0 ampereor 0 Watts.
The methodof claim 2, wherein said signal (s) is an operating current of said first energy storage unit.
The methodof claim 1, further comprising, subsequent to (d) , charging said first energy storage unit.
The methodof claim 1, wherein saidthird current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.
The methodof claim 1, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable.
The methodof claim 1, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells.
The methodof claim 1, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery.
The methodof claim 16, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.
The methodof claim 1, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampereor 0 Watts.
The method of claim 1, wherein said electric motor provides translational motion to said vehicle at said first current or power level or said third current or power level.
The method of claim 1, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input.
The method of claim 1, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.
The methodof claim 1, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.
A method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, comprising:

(a) activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level；

(b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is less than said first current or power level；

(c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and

(d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above said second current or power level.
The method of claim 23, wherein said electric motor is operated at said second current or power level upon a state of charge of said first energy storage unit decreasing below a given threshold,
The method of claim 23, further comprising operating said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is less than said first current or power level.
The method of claim 25, wherein said electric motor is operated at said fourth current or power level upon a state of charge of said second energy storage unit decreasing below said given threshold.
The method of claim 25, further comprising, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.
The method of claim 25, further comprising using said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is above said fourth current or power level.
The method of claim 25, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The method of claim 25, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level.
The method of claim 23, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit.
The methodof claim 23, further comprising, subsequent to (d) , charging said first energy storage unit.
The method of claim 23, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.
The method of claim 23, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable.
The method of claim 23, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells.
The method of claim 23, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery.
The method of claim 36, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.
The method of claim 23, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The methodof claim 23, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.
The method of claim 23, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input.
The method of claim 23, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.
A system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, comprising:

an electric motor；

aplurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit；

an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor； and

one or more computer processors operatively coupled to said electrical motor and said switch, wherein said one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to:

(a) direct said electrical switch to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold；

(b) operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold；

(c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and

(d) use said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.
The system of claim 42, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed toprior to (b) , monitor said first energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said first energy storage unit.
The system of claim 43, wherein said one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programed to operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold upon detecting said signal (s) .
The system of claim 43, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to monitor said second energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said second energy storage unit.
The systemof claim 45, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to, upon detecting said additional signal (s) , operate said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is below said given threshold.
The system of claim 46, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level.
The systemof claim 46, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motorand (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.
The systemof claim 48, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to use said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.
The system of claim 48, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit.
The system of claim 46, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The system of claim 43, wherein said signal (s) is an operating current of said first energy storage unit.
The systemof claim 42, whereinsaid one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to, subsequent to (d) , charge said first energy storage unit.
The system of claim 42, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.
The system of claim 42, whereinsaid first, second or third current or power level is variable.
The system of claim 42, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells.
The systemof claim 42, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery.
The systemof claim 57, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.
The system of claim 42, wherein said second current or power level is substantially0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The system of claim 42, wherein said electric motor provides translational motion to said vehicle at said first current or power level or said third current or power level.
The system of claim 42, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input.
The system of claim 42, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.
The system of claim 40, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.
A system for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, comprising:

an electric motor；

a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit；

an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor； and

one or more computer processors operatively coupled to said electrical motor and said switch, wherein said one or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to:

(a) direct said electrical switch to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first currentor power level；

(b) operate said electric motor at a second current or power level that is less than said first current or power level；

(c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and

(d) use said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above said second current or power level.
The system of claim 64, wherein said electric motor is operated at said second current or power level upon a state of charge of said first energy storage unit decreasing below a given threshold.
The system of claim 64, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed tooperate said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is less than said first current or power level.
The system of claim 65, wherein said electric motor is operated at said fourth current or power level upon a state of charge of said second energy storage unit decreasing below said given threshold.
The system of claim 65, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, direct said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.
The systemof claim 65, wherein said one or more computer processors areindividually or collectively programmed to use said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is above said fourth current or power level.
The system of claim 66, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The system of claim 66, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level.
The system of claim 64, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit.
The system of claim 64, wherein saidone or more computer processors are individually or collectively programmed to, subsequent to (d) , charge said first energy storage unit.
The systemof claim 64, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.
The system of claim 64, wherein saidfirst, second or third current or power level is variable.
The system of claim 64, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells.
The system of claim 64, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery.
The system of claim 77, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.
The system of claim 64, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The system of claim 64, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.
The system of claim 64, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input.
The system of claim 64, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.
A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine executable code that, upon execution by one or more computer processors, implements a methodfor powering an electric motor of a vehicle, the method comprising:

(a) activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level that is at or above a given threshold；

(b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold；

(c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and

(d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 83, further comprising, prior to (b) , monitoring said first energy storage unit to detect a signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said first energy storage unit.
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 84, further comprising operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is below said given threshold upon detecting said signal (s) .
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 84, further comprising monitoring said second energy storage unit to detect an additional signal (s) that is indicative of a decrease or a rate of decrease in a state of charge of said second energy storage unit.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 86, further comprising, upon detecting said additional signal (s) , operating said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is below said given threshold.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 87, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 87, further comprising, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 89, further comprising using said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is at or above said given threshold.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 89, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 87, wherein said fourth current or power level issubstantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 84, wherein said signal (s) is an operating current of said first energy storage unit.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, further comprising, subsequent to (d) , charging said first energy storage unit.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim83, wherein saidthird current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 98, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said electric motor provides translational motion to said vehicle at said first current or power level or said third current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 83, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.
A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine executable code that, upon execution by one or more computer processors, implements a method for powering an electric motor of a vehicle, the method comprising:

(a) activating said vehicle comprising (i) an electric motor, (ii) a plurality of energy storage units comprising a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, and (iii) an electrical switch that brings said first energy storage unit and said second energy storage unit in selective electrical communication with said electric motor, wherein upon activation, said electrical switch is directed to bring said first energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a first current or power level；

(b) operating said electric motor at a second current or power level that is less than said first current or power level；

(c) with said electric motor operating at said second current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said first energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring said second energy storage unit in electrical communication with said electric motor； and

(d) using said second energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a third current or power level that is above said second current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said electric motor is operated at said second current or power level upon a state of charge of said first energy storage unit decreasing below a given threshold,
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, further comprising operating said electric motor at a fourth current or power level that is less than said first current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 107, wherein said electric motor is operated at said fourth current or power level upon a state of charge of said second energy storage unit decreasing below said given threshold.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 107, further comprising, with said electric motor operating at said fourth current or power level, directing said electrical switch to (i) terminate electrical communication between said second energy storage unit and said electric motor and (ii) bring a third energy storage unit of said plurality of energy storage units in electrical communication with said electric motor.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 107, further comprising using said third energy storage unit to provide power to said electric motor such that said electric motor operates at a fifth current or power level that is above said fourth current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 107, wherein said fourth current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 107, wherein said fourth current or power level is the same as said second current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said third energy storage unit is said first energy storage unit.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, further comprising, subsequent to (d) , charging said first energy storage unit.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said third current or power level is the same as said first current or power level.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said first, second or third current or power level is variable.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a battery pack comprising a plurality of cells.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said first or second energy storage unit is a solid state battery.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 118, wherein said solid state battery is a lithium-containing battery.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said second current or power level is substantially 0 ampere or 0 Watts.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said electric motor is included in a hybrid gas-electric motor.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon user input.
The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 105, wherein said first energy storage unit is switched to said second energy storage unit upon expiration of a time period..