WO2023112052A1

WO2023112052A1 - Battery pack for electric vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023112052A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/051074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sajith AH; Naresh Kumar; Rohan Bhagwat Zadage; Sagar Sakhare; Kudithipati Narayanaswamy; Sazid Ali KHAN
Original assignee: Ola Electric Mobility Private Limited
Priority date: 2021-12-14
Filing date: 2022-12-14
Publication date: 2023-06-22

Abstract

A battery pack for a vehicle includes a first battery module (102a) and a second battery module (102b). Each of the first battery module (102a) and second battery module (102b) includes a plurality of battery cells (116,128). Longitudinal axes of the battery cells (116,128) are oriented parallel to a horizontal plane defined with respect to the EV (200). The battery pack further includes a central housing (104). The central housing (104) houses the first battery module (102a) and the second battery modules (102b), and extends from a front-end portion of a chassis (205) of the EV (200) into a boot space (206) of the EV (200).

Description

BATTERY PACK FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a battery pack for an electric vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a design of a battery module of the battery pack for an electric vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In conventional electric scooters, battery packs are placed either in a footrest area or in a boot space that is under a seat. The battery packs that are placed entirely in the footrest area have a limited cell packing density that can be achieved and has an impact on strength of battery packs. Similarly, the battery packs that are placed entirely in the boot space limit the storage space available to the user.

Moreover, conventional battery packs lack a flexible arrangement of battery cells and corresponding surrounding elements to achieve desired voltage or cell package density. Further, conventional battery packs have been impacted by insufficient heat removal from the battery cells. Hence, there exists a requirement for a battery pack that is easy to assemble and provides an increased voltage and cell package density in a limited space.

In light of the foregoing, there exists a need for a technical and reliable solution that overcomes the above-mentioned problems, and facilitates the battery pack for electric vehicles.

SUMMARY

A battery pack for a vehicle is provided substantially as shown in, and described in connection with, at least one of the figures. These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure may be appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the various exemplary embodiments of systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not limited by the appended figures, in which like references indicate similar elements:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. IB illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of the battery pack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded perspective view of the battery pack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle integrated with the battery pack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the vehicle integrated with the battery pack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 A illustrates a side perspective view of a first battery module of the battery pack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the first battery module of the battery pack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the first battery module of the battery pack, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of a second cell holder integrated with a plurality of bus bars of the first battery module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3E illustrates an exploded perspective view of the second cell holder integrated with the first plurality of bus bars of the first battery module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective view of a voltage sensing printed circuit board of the first battery module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3G illustrates a perspective view of a first insulation platform of the first battery module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3H illustrates a block diagram of a thermal management of the first battery module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of thermal interface material between a first and a first battery cover of the first battery module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments is intended for illustration purposes only and is, therefore, not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various exemplary embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described exemplary embodiments. In one example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternate and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments that are described and shown.

References to “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “yet another embodiment”, “one example”, “another example”, “yet another example”, “for example”, “an exemplary embodiment”, “ another exemplary embodiment” and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an exemplary embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Exemplary aspects of the disclosure provide a battery pack for a two- wheel electric vehicle (EV). The battery pack includes a first battery module and a second battery modules, where each of the first battery module and second battery module includes a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells longitudinal axes is oriented parallel to a horizontal plane defined with respect to the EV. The battery pack further includes a central housing. The central housing houses the first battery module and the second battery modules, and the central housing extends from a front-end portion of a chassis of the EV into a boot space of the EV.

In another embodiment a two-wheel EV is provided. The two-wheel EV includes at least one curved shape battery compartment. The curved shape battery compartment includes the first battery module and the second battery module, and the central housing. The first battery module and the second battery modules include a plurality of battery cells which have longitudinal axes that are oriented parallel to a horizontal plane defined with respect to the EV. The central housing houses the first battery module and the second battery module. And the central housing extends from a front-end portion of the chassis of the EV into a boot space of the EV. In another embodiment, the battery pack further includes a battery management system (BMS). The BMS includes one or more thermal insulation materials (TIMs).

In another embodiment, the first and second battery modules include a first set and a second set of fins which extends through an outer portion of the first and second battery modules, respectively.

In another embodiment, the first and second battery modules are placed symmetrically on either side of a central axis. The central axis extends along a length of the central housing and is central to the width of the central housing.

In another embodiment, the central housing further includes an access panel which is positioned on a top portion of the central housing, and the access panel provides an access to the BMS.

In another embodiment, the first battery module includes a first battery cover, a first cell holder, and a second cell holder. And a first plurality of bolts passes through and assembles the first battery cover, the first cell holder, and the second cell holder.

In another embodiment, the first battery cover includes one or more thermal interface materials (TIMs).

In another embodiment, the first cell holder includes a third plurality of slots, where the third plurality of slots holds the first plurality of battery cells.

In another embodiment, the second cell holder further includes a first plurality of slots, first plurality of bus bars and wire bonds and a first insulation platform. The first plurality of battery cells is glued onto the first plurality of slots. The first plurality of bus bars and wire bonds electrically connect the first plurality of battery cells. The first insulation platform snaps onto the second cell holder.

In another embodiment, the first plurality of battery cells includes a first plurality of positive and negative terminals. The first plurality of positive and negative terminals of the first plurality of battery cells are oriented to face the central axis. In another embodiment, the first insulation platform further includes a first plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses and a first wiring harness routing structure. The first plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses are routed on the first wiring harness routing structure.

In another embodiment, the second battery module includes a second battery cover, a third cell holder and a fourth cell holder. And a second plurality of bolts passes through and assembles the second battery cover, the third cell holder, and the fourth cell holder.

In another embodiment, the second battery cover includes one or more TIMs.

In another embodiment, the fourth cell holder includes a fourth plurality of slots, where the fourth plurality of slots holds the second plurality of battery cells.

In another embodiment, the third cell holder further includes a second plurality of slots, a second plurality of bus bars and wire bonds, and a second insulation platform. The second plurality of battery cells are glued onto the second plurality of slots. The second plurality of bus bars and wire bonds electrically connect the first plurality of battery cells. The second insulation platform snaps onto the third cell holder.

In another embodiment, the second plurality of battery cells includes a second plurality of positive and negative terminals. The second plurality of positive and negative terminals of the second plurality of battery cells are oriented to face the central axis.

In another embodiment, the second insulation platform further includes a second plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses and a second wiring harness routing structure. The second plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses are routed on the second wiring harness routing structure.

In another embodiment, the first battery module and the second battery module are mechanically coupled to each other by way of a third plurality of bolts.

In another embodiment, the first and second battery module further include a first and second plurality of PCBs respectively. The first and second plurality of PCBs include at least one temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the first and second battery modules. In another embodiment, a cross-section of the central housing is shaped substantially as a rectangle, a trapezoid, and a curved trapezoid.

In another embodiment, the battery pack is shaped substantially as a curve.

In another embodiment, the central housing forms a footrest of the two-wheel EV.

The battery pack for an EV provides a flexible arrangement of battery cells, which helps in achieving desired voltage or cell package density. The flexible arrangement of battery cells makes the battery pack easy to assemble and provides flexibility for different capacities of batteries with no extra tooling costs. The shape and arrangement of the battery pack allow better thermal transfer of heat from battery cells through fins compared to traditional battery packs. Further, the battery pack having a good weight distribution provides better handling characteristics and overall stability compared to traditional battery packs. And the temperature and voltage sensing can be achieved using one single PCB.

FIG. 1 A is a diagram that illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack 100 of the two- wheel EV, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack 100 includes the first battery module 102a and the second battery module 102b. The battery pack 100 is used as an energy storage and supply for the two-wheel EV. However, it should be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to energy storage and supply for the two-wheel EV. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the battery pack 100 of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of other applications where any such battery pack 100 may be used.

FIG. IB is a diagram that illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of the battery pack 100 of the two-wheel EV, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack 100 includes the first battery module 102a, and the second battery module 102b which is secured in the central housing 104. The central housing 104 has the central axis 103 that extends along the length of the central housing 104 and is central to the width of the central housing 104. The central housing 104 further includes a BMS 106 which is accessible through the access panel 108. The access panel 108 is positioned on the top side thereof to provide easy access to the BMS 106. The first battery module 102a includes a first set of fins 105 and the second battery module 102b includes the second set of fins (not shown). The first set of fins 105 and the second set of fins (not shown) improve a thermal transfer of the first battery module 102a and the second battery module 102b.

FIG. 1C is a diagram that illustrates an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack 100 includes the first battery module 102a, the second battery module 102b, the BMS 106, and the access panel 108. The first battery module 102a includes the first battery cover 110, the first cell holder 112, and the second cell holder 114. Where the first plurality of bolts passes through the first battery cover 110, the first cell holder 112, and the second cell holder 114. The second cell holder 114 includes the first plurality of battery cells 116a- 116n and the first plurality of bus bars 118a-118h. The first insulation platform 120 snaps onto the second cell holder 114. The second battery module 102b includes the second battery cover 122, the third cell holder 124, and the fourth cell holder 126. Where the first plurality of bolts passes through the second battery cover 122, the third cell holder 124, and the fourth cell holder 126. The third cell holder 124 includes the second plurality of battery cells 128a-128n and the second plurality of bus bars 130a-130h. The second insulation platform 132 snaps onto the third cell holder 124. For the sake of brevity and in order to not deviate from the scope of the invention, the construction and working of the second battery module 102b are similar to the construction of the first battery module 102a and are not explained further.

The first battery cover 110 and the second battery cover 122 securely enclose the first battery module 102a and the second battery module 102b in the central housing 104 using the third plurality of bolts 115.

In a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each cell of the first plurality of battery cells 116 and the second plurality of battery cells 118 is oriented horizontally in the battery pack 100. Specifically, each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells has a longitudinal central axis that is oriented parallel to a horizontal plane defined with respect to the EV.

In another exemplarily embodiment, the BMS 106 includes the TIM (not shown) for ensuring a good thermal efficiency of the BMS 106. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 100 is of a curve shape or a banana shape. It is evident to a person skilled in the art that the first battery module 102a and the second battery module 102b are also curved or banana shaped battery modules. The battery pack 100 that is of curve shape allows packing of more battery cells compared to traditional battery packs.

The battery pack 100 includes a first battery module 102a, a second battery module 102b, and a battery management system (BMS) 106. The BMS 106 is connected to the first battery module 102a and the second battery module 102b. The first battery module 102a and the second battery module 102b are connected to each other in series through a bus bar (not shown).

It should be noted that in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first battery module 102a and the second battery module 102b are securely housed in the central housing 104 by fastening them together using appropriate arrangements, such as a third plurality of bolts 115 and a threaded bore, a screw and a threaded bore, a pin and a threaded bore, or any other method as known to the art of fastening two components together.

FIG. 2A is a diagram that illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle 200 integrated with the battery pack 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 200 may be a two-wheeler (e.g., scooter, motor-bike, electric two-wheeler, etc.).

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the vehicle 200 integrated with the battery pack 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 200 includes at least one curved shape battery compartment 202 that extends from a front-end portion 205 of the EV 200 to a boot space 206 of the EV 200. The at least one curved shape battery compartment 202 provides a large boot space since the boot space 206 is not entirely occupied by the battery pack 100. The at least one curved shape battery compartment 202 not only efficiently uses the space in the vehicle 200 but also provides an ergonomic way of inserting and removing of the battery pack 100 by a user. The at least one curved shape battery compartment 202 that is positioned partially in the footrest area 204 and partially below a seat (i.e., in the boot space 206) provides a low center of gravity for the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 may house one or more battery modules that are arranged parallel to each other in the vehicle 200. The at least one curved shape battery compartment 202 is an integrated part with the footrest 204 and the boot space 206 of the vehicle 200. The integrated design allows structural rigidity to the at least one curved shape battery compartment 202. The shape of the at least one curved shape battery compartment 202 may be recognized in the FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3 A illustrates a side perspective view of the first battery module 102a of the battery pack 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first battery module 102a includes the first battery cover 110, the first cell holder 112, and the second cell holder 114. Where a first plurality of bolts passes through the first battery cover 110, the first cell holder 112, and the second cell holder 114. The second cell holder 114 includes the first plurality of battery cells 116a-116n and the first plurality of bus bars 118a-118h. The first insulation platform 120 snaps onto the second cell holder.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the first battery module 102a of the battery pack 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure The first battery module 102a includes the first battery cover 110, the first cell holder 112, and the second cell holder 114. Where a first plurality of bolts 301 passes through the first battery cover 110, the first cell holder 112, and the second cell holder 114. The second cell holder 114 includes the first plurality of battery cells 116a-l 16n and the first plurality of wire bonds 304. The first insulation platform 120 snaps onto the second cell holder. The first insulation platform 120 further serves the purpose to route voltage sensing and temperature sensing harness 306. The first battery cover 110 is designed in such a manner that the first TIM 308 is secured to the first battery cover 110 and allows a maximum bottom area of the first plurality of battery cells 116a-l 16n to be exposed to the first TIM 308 from which heat can be removed.

The first plurality of battery cells 116a-l 16n can be, for example, cylindrical lithium-ion cells. The first plurality of battery cells 116a-116n is positioned between the first cell holder 112 and the second cell holder 114. Each of the first cell holder 112 and the second cell holder 114 has a plurality of slots that correspond to the first plurality of battery cells 116a-116n. The plurality of slots in each of the first cell holder 112 and the second cell holder 114 allow to hold the first plurality of battery cells 116a-116n in a specific configuration as discussed below. Each battery cell of the first plurality of battery cells 116a-116n is glued to the second cell holder 114. The second cell holder 114 and the first cell holder 112 can be made of plastic (e.g., polypropylene or any suitable material). The first plurality of bus bars 118a-118h can include one or more electrically conducting materials. In the first battery module 102a, arrangement of different configurations of the first plurality of battery cells 116a-116n and the first plurality of bus bars 118a- 118h can provide different output voltages.

It should be noted that in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first battery cover 110, the first cell holder 112, and the second cell holder 114 are assembled together to form the first battery module 102a by fastening them together using appropriate arrangements, such as a first plurality of bolts 301 and a threaded bore, a screw and a threaded bore, a pin and a threaded bore, or any other method as known to the art of fastening two components together.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the first battery module 102a of the battery pack 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first battery module 102 having, for example, 112 battery cells, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3C, the 112 battery cells are grouped into seven groups of battery cells (e.g., groups 310a-310g), where each group consists of 16 battery cells. As shown in FIG. 3C, four groups of battery cells 310a-310d are positioned adjacent to three groups of battery cells 310e- 310g to ensure maximum space is covered in directions of length and depth of the battery pack 100. The 16 battery cells in each group are connected in parallel, and the seven groups of battery cells 310a-310g are connected in series. Therefore, the voltage provided by the first battery module 102a is illustrated in FIG. 3C is 7 times the voltage of individual battery cells. This configuration is referred to as 7S16P configuration and is facilitated by the unique disposition of the plurality of bus bars 118a- 118h. It is evident to a person skilled in the art that there is no particular limitation on the number of groups of battery cells connected in series and the number of battery cells connected in parallel.

FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of a second cell holder 114 integrated with a plurality of bus bars 118a-118h of the first battery module 102a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The second cell holder 114 is integrated with the first plurality of bus bars 11 Sal l 8h of the first battery module 102a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3E illustrates an exploded perspective view of the second cell holder 114 integrated with the first plurality of bus bars 118a-118h of the first battery module 102a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 3D and 3E, the first plurality of bus bars 118a-118h of the battery pack 100 includes a positive output voltage bus bar 118a, a negative output voltage bus bar 118b, an interconnecting bus bar 118c, and a plurality of internal bus bars (for example, first through fifth internal bus bars 118d-l 18h) that are embedded to the second cell holder 114. Each bus bar of the plurality of internal bus bars is positioned between any two groups of the seven groups of battery cells 310a-310g. For example, the first through third internal bus bars 118d-l 18f are positioned between the four groups of battery cells 310a-310d, while the fourth and fifth bus bars 118g- 118h are positioned between the three groups of battery cells 310e-310g which are positioned adjacent to the four groups of battery cells 310a-310d. The interconnecting bus bar 118c is positioned on a first end of the second cell holder 114. The positive output voltage bus bar 118a and the negative output voltage busbar 118b are positioned on a second end that is opposite to the first end of the second cell holder 114. The positive output voltage bus bar 118a, the negative output voltage bus bar 118b, and the interconnecting bus bar 118c are terminal bus bars of the first battery module 102a of the battery pack 100. The first plurality of battery cells 116a-116n are connected to each other using the positive output voltage bus bar 118a, the negative output voltage bus bar 118b, the interconnecting bus bar 118c, the plurality of internal bus bars 118d-l 18h, and wire bonds 304. A plurality of routing wires is used to connect the plurality of internal bus bars 118d-l 18h, the positive output voltage bus bar 118a, the negative output voltage bus bar 118b, and the interconnecting bus bar 118c to the plurality of battery cell terminals 116a- 116n as shown in FIG. 3D.

The battery pack 100 further includes a plurality of voltage-sensing printed circuit boards (PCBs) (for example, a first voltage-sensing PCB 312a, a second voltage-sensing PCB 312b, and a third voltage-sensing PCB 312c). The first voltage sensing PCB 312a is positioned at a peripheral end of the four groups of battery cells 310a-310d and connected to the first through third internal bus bars 118d-118f and the positive output voltage bus bar 118a through wire bonds. The second voltage sensing PCB 312b is positioned at a peripheral end of the three groups of battery cells 310e-310g and connected to the fourth and fifth internal bus bars 118g-l 18h, the negative output voltage bus bar 118b, and the interconnecting bus bar 118c through wire bonds. The third voltage sensing PCB 312c is positioned in between the four groups of battery cells 310a-31 Od and the three groups of battery cells 310e-310g and connected to three or more bus bars of the plurality of internal bus bars 118d-l 18h through wire bonds. The first, second, and third voltage-sensing PCBs 312a-312c can be used to sense and balance the voltage of the first battery module 102a. Moreover, the first, second, and third voltage sensing PCBs 312a-312c can be used to monitor the temperature of the first battery module 102a.

FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective view of a first voltage-sensing PCB 312a of the first battery module 102a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first voltage sensing PCB 312a includes a temperature sensor 314 that is used to measure a temperature of the plurality of battery cells 116a- 116n that is in the proximity of the PCB within the first battery module 102a. The temperature sensor 314 is an NTC thermistor attached to the PCB using SMT technology. The first voltage sensing PCB 312a includes wires for interfacing with the BMS 106. The first voltage sensing PCB 312a results in the removal of cumbersome Vsense and Tsense harness and ease of assembly. Similarly, the second and third voltage sensing PCBs 312b -312c is used to sense the temperature of battery cells that are in proximity to respective PCBs. The sensed temperature from the battery cells that are in proximity to the first, second, and third voltage sensing PCBs 312a-312c is used to determine a temperature of the first battery module 102a of the battery pack 100.

FIG. 3 G illustrates a perspective view of the first insulation platform 120 of the first battery module 102a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3G, the first insulation platform 120 is assembled on the second cell holder 114 using a snap-fit to provide protection for wire bonds. The first insulation platform 120 further serves a purpose to route voltage sensing and temperature sensing harness 306.

FIG. 3H illustrates a block diagram 309 of a thermal management of the first battery module 102a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 illustrates an arrangement 310 of a thermal interface material between a first cell holder 112 and a battery cover of the first battery module 102a, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 3H and 31, a battery cell 314 is positioned between the first cell holder 112 and the second cell holder 114. The battery cell 314 is glued to the second cell holder 114. The first thermal interface material (TIM) 308 may be positioned between the first cell holder 112 and the first battery cover 110 such that exposed surfaces of the battery cell 314 from the first cell holder 112 are in direct contact with the first TIM 308. In an embodiment, downwardly facing bottom surfaces of battery cells are in direct contact with the first TIM 308. The first TIM 308 is secured to the first battery cover 110. The first cell holder 112 is designed in such a manner that maximum bottom area of the battery cell 314 is exposed to the first TIM 308 from which heat can be removed.

In another embodiment, the first set of fins 105 is positioned on the first battery cover 110 such that the first battery cover 110 acts as a heat exchanger plate. The first TIM 308 maintains thermal contact between the plurality of battery cells 116 and the heat exchanger plate and increases the thermal conductivity between the battery cells and the heat exchanger plate during heat transfer events. The first TIM 308 may also provide electrical insulation between the plurality of battery 116 cells and the first battery cover 110. The thermal fins on the first battery cover 110 allow the transfer of heat to the atmosphere through natural convection. The horizontal arrangement of the battery pack 100 exposes the first plurality of fins 105 effectively to the atmosphere for achieving better convection of heat than traditional battery packs.

In an embodiment, the first TIM 308 includes an epoxy resin or a silicone-based material. In an embodiment, the first TIM 308 is dispensed directly on the first battery cover 110 using an auto dispenser that helps to reduce the lead time.

In an embodiment, a fuse (not shown) can be applied to each battery cell. Alternatively, the first plurality of bus bars 118a- 118g may have a fuse integrated directly into them to enhance safety of the first battery module 102a. For the potential failure scenario, the fuse mechanically disconnects and electrically isolates a battery cell with an electrical overload from the buss bar. A person skilled in the art would understand the second battery module 102b has components and functionalities similar to that of the first battery module 102a. Similarly, a second series bus bar (not shown) of the second battery module 102b is connected to the bus bar of the BMS 106, allowing the first and second battery modules 102a and 102b to be connected in series. The BMS 106 controls the functioning of the first and second battery modules 102a- 102b. The battery pack 100 with the first and second battery modules 102a- 102b has a configuration that is referred to as 14S16P configuration. Embodiments of the present invention provide intrinsically safe and compact arrangement of the first and second battery modules 102a- 102b in the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 is designed in such a way that it can be easily transformed into new configuration by adding or removing battery cells therefrom. For example, the battery pack 100 is used to achieve two configurations i.e., 3.97 and 2.97 kwh without any extra tooling cost. The battery pack 100 provides better handling characteristics compared to traditional battery packs. Moreover, the temperature and voltage sensing can be achieved using one single PCB. Moreover, the shape and arrangement of the battery pack 100 allows better thermal transfer of heat from battery cells through fins compared to traditional battery packs.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments and exemplary scenarios of the disclosed subject matter may be practiced with various computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functions, as well as pervasive or miniature computers that may be embedded into virtually any device. Further, the operations may be described as a sequential process, however some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, concurrently, and/or in a distributed environment, and with program code stored locally or remotely for access by single or multiprocessor machines. In addition, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

Techniques consistent with the disclosure provide, among other features, systems and methods for providing driving assistance for vehicles. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, and not limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the disclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A battery pack (100) for a two-wheel electric vehicle (EV) (200), the battery pack (100) comprising: first and second battery modules (102a, 102b), wherein each of the first and second battery modules (102a, 102b) include a plurality of battery cells (116,128) having longitudinal axes that are oriented parallel to a horizontal plane defined with respect to the EV (200); and a central housing (104), wherein the central housing (104) houses the first and second battery (102a, 102b) modules, and wherein the central housing (104) extends from a front-end portion of a chassis (205) of the EV (200) into a boot space (206) of the EV (200).

2. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery pack (100) further includes a battery management system (BMS) (106), and wherein the BMS (106) includes one or more thermal insulation materials (TIMs) (308).

3. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second battery modules (102a, 102b) include first and second set of fins (105) extending through outer portions of the first and second battery modules (102a, 102b), respectively.

4. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second battery modules are placed symmetrically on either side of a central axis (103) that extends along a length of the central housing (104) and is central to a width of the central housing (104).

5. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central housing (104) further includes an access panel (108), wherein the access panel ( 108) is positioned on a top portion of the central housing (104), and wherein the access panel (108) provides an access to the BMS (106).

6. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first battery module (102a) includes: a first battery cover (110), a first cell holder (112), and a second cell holder (H4), wherein a first plurality of bolts (301) passes through the first battery cover (110), the first cell holder (112), and the second cell holder (114) for assembling together the first battery cover (110), the first cell holder (112), and the second cell holder (114). The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first battery cover (110) includes one or more thermal interface materials (TIMs) (308). The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first cell holder (112) includes a third plurality of slots, wherein the third plurality of slots holds the first plurality of battery cells (116a-116n). The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second cell holder (114) further includes: a first plurality of slots; a first plurality of battery cells (116a-116n), wherein the first plurality of battery cells (116a-l 16n) is glued onto the first plurality of slots; a first plurality of bus bars (118) and wire bonds, wherein the first plurality of bus bars (118) and wire bonds electrically connect the first plurality of battery cells (11 bal l 6n); and a first insulation platform (120), wherein the first insulation platform (120) snaps onto the second cell holder (114). The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first plurality of battery cells (116a-116n) includes a first plurality of positive and negative terminals, and wherein the first plurality of positive and negative terminals of the first plurality of battery cells (116a-l 16n) are oriented to face the central axis (103).

11. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first insulation platform (120) further includes: a first plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses (306); and a first wiring harness routing structure, wherein the first plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses (306) are routed by way of the first wiring harness routing structure.

12. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the second battery module (102b) includes: a second battery cover (122), a third cell holder (124), a fourth cell holder (126), and wherein a second plurality of bolts passes through the second battery cover (122), the third cell holder (124), and the fourth cell holder (126) for assembling together the second battery cover (122), the third cell holder (124), and the fourth cell holder (126).

13. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second battery cover (122) includes one or more thermal interface material (TIMs) (308).

14. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fourth cell holder (126) includes a fourth plurality of slots, wherein the fourth plurality of slots holds the second plurality of battery cells (128a-128n).

15. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the third cell holder (124) further includes: a second plurality of slots; a second plurality of battery cells (128a-128n), wherein the second plurality of battery cells (128a-128n) are glued onto the second plurality of slots; a second plurality of bus bars (118) and wire bonds, wherein the second plurality of bus bars (118) and wire bonds electrically connect the second plurality of battery cells (128a-128n); and

19 a second insulation platform (132), wherein the second insulation platform (132) snaps onto the third cell holder (124).

16. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second plurality of battery cells (128a-128n) includes a second plurality of positive and negative terminals, and wherein the second plurality of positive and negative terminals of the second plurality of battery cells (128a-128n) are oriented to face the central axis (103).

17. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second insulation platform (132) further includes: a second plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses (306); and a second wiring harness routing structure, wherein the second plurality of voltage and temperature sensing harnesses (306) are routed by way of the second wiring harness routing structure.

18. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second battery modules (102a, 102b) are mechanically coupled to each other by way of a third plurality of bolts (H5).

19. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second battery modules (102a, 102b) further includes: a first and second plurality of PCBs respectively (312) that include at least one temperature sensor (314) for monitoring a temperature of the first and second battery modules (102a, 102b).

20. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the central housing (104) is shaped substantially as a rectangle, a trapezoid, and a curved trapezoid.

21. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery pack (100) is shaped substantially as a curve.

20 The batery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central housing (104) forms a footrest area (204) of the two-wheel EV (200). A two-wheel electric vehicle (EV) (200) comprising: at least one curved shape battery compartment (202), wherein the curved shape battery compartment includes: first and second battery modules (102a, 102b), wherein each of the first and second batery modules (102a, 102b) include a plurality of batery cells (116,128) having longitudinal axes that are oriented parallel to a horizontal plane defined with respect to the EV (200); and a central housing (104), wherein the central housing (104) houses the first and second battery module (102a, 102b), and extends from a front-end portion of a chassis (205) of the EV (200) into a boot space (206) of the EV (200).

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