[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025065047A1 - A rechargeable battery pack and method of use thereof - Google Patents

A rechargeable battery pack and method of use thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025065047A1
WO2025065047A1 PCT/AU2024/050747 AU2024050747W WO2025065047A1 WO 2025065047 A1 WO2025065047 A1 WO 2025065047A1 AU 2024050747 W AU2024050747 W AU 2024050747W WO 2025065047 A1 WO2025065047 A1 WO 2025065047A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
battery pack
pack
mode
controller
charge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/AU2024/050747
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Nathan LEECH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MLB Industrial Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
MLB Industrial Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2023903117A external-priority patent/AU2023903117A0/en
Application filed by MLB Industrial Pty Ltd filed Critical MLB Industrial Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2025065047A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025065047A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61C—LOCOMOTIVES; MOTOR RAILCARS
    • B61C5/00—Locomotives or motor railcars with IC engines or gas turbines
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
    • G01R31/3644—Constructional arrangements
    • G01R31/3647—Constructional arrangements for determining the ability of a battery to perform a critical function, e.g. cranking
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/0862—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines characterised by the electrical power supply means, e.g. battery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/0862—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines characterised by the electrical power supply means, e.g. battery
    • F02N11/0866—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines characterised by the electrical power supply means, e.g. battery comprising several power sources, e.g. battery and capacitor or two batteries
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/087—Details of the switching means in starting circuits, e.g. relays or electronic switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
    • G01R31/3644—Constructional arrangements
    • G01R31/3646—Constructional arrangements for indicating electrical conditions or variables, e.g. visual or audible indicators
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
    • G01R31/382—Arrangements for monitoring battery or accumulator variables, e.g. SoC
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/052—Li-accumulators
    • H01M10/0525—Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H01M10/482—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H01M10/486—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for measuring temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/249—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0013—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially
    • H02J7/0024—Parallel/serial switching of connection of batteries to charge or load circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0029—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits
    • H02J7/0031—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits using battery or load disconnect circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0029—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits
    • H02J7/0031—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits using battery or load disconnect circuits
    • H02J7/0032—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits using battery or load disconnect circuits disconnection of loads if battery is not under charge, e.g. in vehicle if engine is not running
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
    • H02J7/005—Detection of state of health [SOH]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0063—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with circuits adapted for supplying loads from the battery
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/14—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
    • H02J7/1446—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle in response to parameters of a vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/14—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
    • H02J7/1469—Regulation of the charging current or voltage otherwise than by variation of field
    • H02J7/1492—Regulation of the charging current or voltage otherwise than by variation of field by means of controlling devices between the generator output and the battery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/087—Details of the switching means in starting circuits, e.g. relays or electronic switches
    • F02N2011/0874—Details of the switching means in starting circuits, e.g. relays or electronic switches characterised by said switch being an electronic switch
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N2200/00—Parameters used for control of starting apparatus
    • F02N2200/06—Parameters used for control of starting apparatus said parameters being related to the power supply or driving circuits for the starter
    • F02N2200/061—Battery state of charge [SOC]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N2200/00—Parameters used for control of starting apparatus
    • F02N2200/06—Parameters used for control of starting apparatus said parameters being related to the power supply or driving circuits for the starter
    • F02N2200/062—Battery current
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H01M2010/4271—Battery management systems including electronic circuits, e.g. control of current or voltage to keep battery in healthy state, cell balancing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2200/00—Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries
    • H01M2200/10—Temperature sensitive devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/40—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0029—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits
    • H02J7/00306—Overdischarge protection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
    • H02J7/0048—Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive and a method of use thereof.
  • Battery packs are crucial components of a diesel locomotive providing the necessary electrical power for starting the locomotive’s engine as well as powering auxiliary systems and maintaining an electrical supply when the locomotive’s engine is not in operation.
  • AESS automatic start and stop
  • a locomotive engine typically equipped with an automatic start and stop (“AESS”) system, which automatically starts and stops the locomotive engines when one or more conditions exist.
  • AESS systems are configured to shut down a locomotive engines after they have been operating for a predetermined amount of time in a parked and idle state.
  • such systems are configured to restart the engines when a reverser is moved away from a neutral position, after a predetermined period of time and/or when other conditions exist.
  • T raditio nal ly diesel locomotives use lead acid batteries due to their ability to provide high starting currents and durability in handling cyclic discharging and charging, which are common in locomotive applications.
  • lead-acid batteries have many inherent deficiencies, including:
  • SoC state of charge
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive and methods of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.
  • a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive, said pack including: a plurality of lithium ion battery cells; and at least one switch operatively associated with the battery pack for ensuring the battery pack retains sufficient charge to start the diesel locomotive, said switch configured to isolate the battery pack from external loads when the battery pack has been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge (“Soc”) have reduced to predetermined thresholds.
  • Soc state of charge
  • a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive, said pack including: a plurality of lithium ion battery cells arranged in two or more layers, each layer having a battery management system (“BMS”) for at least monitoring a state of the cells in the layer; and a controller in communication with each BMS for at least ensuring sufficient charge is retained to start the diesel locomotive, said controller configured to isolate the battery pack from external loads when the battery pack has been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge (“Soc”) have reduced to predetermined thresholds.
  • BMS battery management system
  • the present invention provides a battery pack that may substitute traditional lead acid battery banks used in diesel locomotives without electrical or mechanical modification and which is compatible with Automatic Engine Stop Start (“AESS”) systems.
  • AESS Automatic Engine Stop Start
  • the use of a plurality of cells arranged in multiple layers advantageously ensures that the battery pack provides the required power output while still maintaining a small footprint.
  • the control structure including the respective battery management systems (“BMSs”) operatively associated with each layer and an overarching master controller ensures coordinated functionality across the respective layers and their associated BMSs as well as safeguards against complete battery discharges and faults.
  • BMSs battery management systems
  • the battery pack of the present invention is for use with a diesel locomotive. It will therefore be convenient to describe the battery pack with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the battery pack is capable of broader applications and may be used as a rechargeable power source in related fields, such as, e.g., with other vehicles and together with diesel-powered generators.
  • batteries play a crucial role in starting diesel locomotives and powering auxiliary systems when the locomotive engines are not running.
  • the auxiliary systems include but are not limited to lighting, air conditioning, heating, communication equipment, control systems, and instrumentation.
  • batteries supply power to these systems when the locomotive is not running, ensuring the crew's comfort and enabling essential operations.
  • the controller may automatically switch between modes based on data collected and monitored and/or when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is receiving energy from an external source, such as, e.g., an alternator associated with the diesel locomotive engine, a locomotive battery charger or a shore battery charger.
  • an external source such as, e.g., an alternator associated with the diesel locomotive engine, a locomotive battery charger or a shore battery charger.
  • the interface may further include keypad or touchpad, including one or more keys or buttons for interacting with the controller and controlling various aspects of functionality of the battery pack.
  • the ring-shaped LED may alternatively flash blue and green light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “storage” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
  • the ring-shaped LED may flash white light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “charging” mode and the SoC is less than 80%.
  • the ring-shaped LED may alternatively flash white and green light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “charging” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
  • the ring-shaped LED may flash a green light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “running” mode and when the SoC is greater than 45%.
  • the ring-shaped LED may flash an orange light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “running” mode and when the SoC is less than 45%.
  • the ring-shaped LED may flash a red light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “fault” mode.
  • Pressing of the button may enable a user to interact with the controller and display operational information and/or toggle the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, between operational modes. Pressing of the button may be a short press or a long press.
  • a short press of the button may be used to display the current operational mode and state of the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof.
  • buttons may be used to interact with the controller and toggle between operational modes, depending on the SoC of the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof.
  • a long press of the button when the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, is in the “storage” mode with the SoC being greater than 80% or between 45% and 80% may manually transition the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, into “running” mode.
  • a long press of the button when the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, is in the “running” mode with the SoC being either less than or greater than 45% may manually transition the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, into “storage” mode.
  • the button may be temporarily disabled and may not be used to toggle between operational modes until the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof is charged with the SoC greater than 45%.
  • the button when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof is in “fault” mode, the button may be temporarily disabled and may not be used to toggle between operational modes until the fault is no longer detected and/or the adverse conditions causing the fault return to normal operating conditions.
  • the ring-shaped LED may be configured to temporarily emit a constant white light as visual feedback when the button is pressed.
  • the battery pack may further include one or more heaters operatively connected to the controller and configured to heat the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, and maintain the battery pack, or the selected layer, at an optimal operating temperature.
  • the one or more heaters may prevent the battery pack from becoming too cold, which may otherwise reduce performance and the life of the battery pack.
  • the one or more heaters may be electric heaters.
  • the one or more heaters may be configured draw power from the battery pack and/or from an external source, such as, e.g., a locomotive battery charger or a shore battery charger.
  • the one or more heaters may extend beneath a lowermost layer and/or between the layers.
  • the one or more heaters may be configured to be activated by the controller when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is in “running” or “charging” mode and when the internal cell/electrical hardware is less than 10°C and/or when the battery pack is above 65V.
  • the battery pack may further include a fire suppression system configured to be activated when an internal temperature of the battery pack exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.
  • the fire suppression system may include an aerosol-based fire retardant having a temperature sensitive valve located within an enclosure of the battery pack. Any suitable aerosol-based fire retardant may be used.
  • the aerosol-based fire retardant may be configured to be released when the internal air temperature within the enclosure reaches and/or exceeds 95°C and the temperature sensitive valve is opened.
  • the battery pack may further include a tool-free battery output connector configured to eliminate the need for tools when connecting the terminals of the battery pack to cabling.
  • the connector may include a latch or snap-lock mechanism that enables a user to readily connect and disconnect the battery pack without directly contacting the terminals or the leads of the cabling.
  • a method of automatically isolating a battery pack according to the first or second aspects from an external load to ensure sufficient charge for starting a diesel locomotive is retained including: monitoring at least running time, current draw and state of charge of the battery pack; and switching an operational mode of the battery pack from an ordinary running mode to an isolated storage mode when any one of the running time, current and state of charge (“SoC”) has reached a predetermined threshold.
  • SoC state of charge
  • the method may include any one of the characteristics or features of the battery pack as hereinbefore described.
  • the predetermined threshold of current may be any suitable amount.
  • the predetermined threshold of current may be greater than 2A and less than 60A, greater than 2A and less than 55A, greater than 2A and less than 50A, greater than 2A and less than 45A or greater than 2A and less than 40A.
  • the predetermined amount of time may be about 3 hours, about 3.5 hours, about 4 hours, about 4.5 hours, about 5 hours, about 5.5 hours, 6 hours, about 6.5 hours, about 7 hours, about 7.5 hours, about 8 hours, about 8.5 hours, about 9 hours, about 9.5 hours, about 10 hours, about 10.5 hours, about 1 1 hours, about 1 1 .5 hours, or about 12 hours.
  • the predetermined SoC threshold may be about 65%, about 64.5%, about 64%, about 63.5%, about 63%, about 62.5%, about 62%, about 61 .5%, about 61%, about 60.5%, about 60%, about 59.5%, about 59%, about 58.5%, about 58%, about 57.5%, about 57%, about 56.5%, about 56%, about 55.5%, about 55%, about 54.5%, about 54%, about 53.5%, about 53%, about 52.5%, about 52%, about 51 .5%, about 51%, about 50.5%, about 50%, 49.5%, about 49%, about 48.5%, about 48%, about 47.5%, about 47%, about 46.5%, about 46%, about 45.5% or even about 45%.
  • the monitoring may further include monitoring the capacity of the battery pack and the switching may further include switching when capacity reaches a predetermined threshold.
  • the switching may be initiated, or triggered, by the controller when 20Ah of capacity have been used and the battery pack, or the selected layer, has a current of between 2A and 40A and the SoC is less than 51 .5%.
  • a method of determining an operational mode and status of a battery pack of the first or second aspects including: depressing a button of the at least one interface so as to interact with the controller; and displaying a visual signal with a visual indicator to alert a user of the operational mode and status of the battery pack.
  • the method may include one or more characteristics or features of the battery pack as hereinbefore described.
  • the depressing may include a short depress of the button of the at least one interface (i.e., less than 5s).
  • the short depress may awaken the controller.
  • the visual indicator may temporarily display a visual signal in the form of a constant white light as visual feedback of the short depress before displaying a visual signal corresponding to the operational mode and status of the battery pack.
  • the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and red lights to indicate that the battery pack is in storage mode and the SoC is less than 45%.
  • the visual indicator may flash an orange light to indicate that the battery pack is in running mode and the SoC is less than 45%.
  • a method of manually switching operational mode of a battery pack of the first or second aspects including: depressing a button of the at least one interface so as interact with a controller of the battery pack; switching the operational mode of the battery pack; and displaying a visual signal with the visual indicator to alert a user that the operational mode of the battery pack has been switched.
  • the method may include one or more characteristics or features of the battery pack as hereinbefore described.
  • the depressing may include a first short depress (i.e., less than 5s) and a second long depress (i.e., greater than 5s) of the button of the at least one interface.
  • the visual indicator may temporarily display a visual signal being a flashing light alternating in colour as visual feedback of the operational mode switch and feed back of the specific operational mode switched to and state of the battery pack.
  • the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and red light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “storage” mode, when the SoC is less than 45% and when charging is required.
  • the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and orange light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “storage” mode and when the SoC is between 45% and 80%.
  • the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and green light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “storage” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
  • the visual indicator may flash a green light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “running” mode and when the SoC is greater than 45%.
  • the visual indicator may flash an orange light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “running” mode and when the SoC is less than 45%.
  • Figure 1 is an upper perspective and transparent view of a rechargeable battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of modular units of the battery pack as shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a top view of the module unit as shown in Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the rechargeable battery pack as shown in
  • Figure 5 is a first side view of the rechargeable battery pack as shown in Figure 1 showing a location of the controller and battery management systems;
  • Figure 6 is a second side view of the rechargeable battery pack as shown in Figures 1 and 5 showing a location of a fire suppression system
  • Figure 7 is a front view of an interface of the battery pack as shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 8 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of automatically isolating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention from an external load to ensure sufficient charge for starting a diesel locomotive is retained;
  • Figure 9 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of determining an operational mode and status of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of manually switching operational mode of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the battery pack (100) further includes an enclosure (150) sized and shaped to fit inside a bounding box of a traditional lead acid battery bank.
  • the enclosure (150) includes an upper wall (152), an opposed lower wall (154), and four sidewalls (156) extending therebetween.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive and a method of use thereof. In one form, the battery pack includes: a plurality of lithium ion battery cells arranged in two or more layers, each layer having a battery management system ("BMS") for at least monitoring a state of the cells in the layer; and a controller in communication with each BMS for at least ensuring sufficient charge is retained to start the diesel locomotive, said controller configured to isolate the battery pack from external loads when the battery pack has been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge ("Soc") have reduced to predetermined thresholds.

Description

A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001 ] The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive and a method of use thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Battery packs are crucial components of a diesel locomotive providing the necessary electrical power for starting the locomotive’s engine as well as powering auxiliary systems and maintaining an electrical supply when the locomotive’s engine is not in operation.
[0003] Most modern diesel locomotives are typically equipped with an automatic start and stop (“AESS”) system, which automatically starts and stops the locomotive engines when one or more conditions exist. The primary purpose of such systems is to conserve fuel thereby lowering fuel costs while also preserving precious energy resources. Generally, such AESS systems are configured to shut down a locomotive engines after they have been operating for a predetermined amount of time in a parked and idle state. Similarly, such systems are configured to restart the engines when a reverser is moved away from a neutral position, after a predetermined period of time and/or when other conditions exist.
[0004] T raditio nal ly , diesel locomotives use lead acid batteries due to their ability to provide high starting currents and durability in handling cyclic discharging and charging, which are common in locomotive applications.
[0005] However, lead-acid batteries have many inherent deficiencies, including:
• a relatively low energy density compared to new battery chemistries resulting in larger and heavier lead-acid battery banks;
• labour intensive maintenance;
• inaccuracies in estimating the state of charge (“SoC”) of lead-acid battery banks due their nonlinear voltage-SOC relationship and the impact of factors like temperature and aging;
• safety and environmental risk associated with lead-acid battery spills in accidents and end of life disposal; and
• incompatibility issues with existing AESS systems due to lead-acid battery bank failures and inaccuracies.
[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive and methods of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive, said pack including: a plurality of lithium ion battery cells; and at least one switch operatively associated with the battery pack for ensuring the battery pack retains sufficient charge to start the diesel locomotive, said switch configured to isolate the battery pack from external loads when the battery pack has been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge (“Soc”) have reduced to predetermined thresholds.
[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive, said pack including: a plurality of lithium ion battery cells arranged in two or more layers, each layer having a battery management system (“BMS”) for at least monitoring a state of the cells in the layer; and a controller in communication with each BMS for at least ensuring sufficient charge is retained to start the diesel locomotive, said controller configured to isolate the battery pack from external loads when the battery pack has been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge (“Soc”) have reduced to predetermined thresholds.
[0010] Advantageously, the present invention provides a battery pack that may substitute traditional lead acid battery banks used in diesel locomotives without electrical or mechanical modification and which is compatible with Automatic Engine Stop Start (“AESS”) systems. The use of a plurality of cells arranged in multiple layers advantageously ensures that the battery pack provides the required power output while still maintaining a small footprint. Moreover, the control structure, including the respective battery management systems (“BMSs”) operatively associated with each layer and an overarching master controller ensures coordinated functionality across the respective layers and their associated BMSs as well as safeguards against complete battery discharges and faults. [0011 ] As indicated above, the battery pack of the present invention is for use with a diesel locomotive. It will therefore be convenient to describe the battery pack with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the battery pack is capable of broader applications and may be used as a rechargeable power source in related fields, such as, e.g., with other vehicles and together with diesel-powered generators.
[0012] Generally, batteries play a crucial role in starting diesel locomotives and powering auxiliary systems when the locomotive engines are not running. The auxiliary systems include but are not limited to lighting, air conditioning, heating, communication equipment, control systems, and instrumentation. Typically, batteries supply power to these systems when the locomotive is not running, ensuring the crew's comfort and enabling essential operations.
[0013] The present invention is at least in part predicated on the need to provide a lead- acid battery bank substitute that may be retrofitted to existing locomotives without electrical or mechanical modification.
[0014] The battery pack may include one or more positive battery terminals, one or more negative battery terminals, the plurality of lithium ion battery cells arranged in two or more layers and a battery management system (“BMS”) operatively associated with each layer.
[0015] Typically, the battery pack may further include an enclosure. The enclosure may be sized and shaped to fit inside a bounding box of a half of a traditional lead acid battery bank. The enclosure may have an upper wall, an opposed lower wall and four sidewall extending therebetween.
[0016] The enclosure may be of robust construction designed to cope with a harsh locomotive environment and withstand impact from a locomotive roll or crash. Preferably, the enclosure may be formed from metal or metal materials.
[0017] The enclosure may provide access to the one or more positive and negative battery terminals, typically the terminals may be mounted on an outer surface of the enclosure, preferably a sidewall.
[0018] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include one or more handles for handling of the battery pack. The one or more handles may be located on the upper wall and/or one of the sidewalls. Advantageously, the handles may enable the battery pack to be used as a push/pull point when inspecting battery packs mounted on a slide/draw system.
[0019] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include one or more lift points, typically located on the upper wall of the enclosure. [0020] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include one or more feet protruding from the lower wall of the enclosure. The one or more feet may preferably be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic. Advantageously, the one or more feet may function as dampeners to at least partially reduce vibrations conveyed to the battery pack from the locomotive.
[0021 ] In some such embodiments, the one or more feet may additionally anchor the enclosure to a supporting surface of the locomotive. For example, the one or more feet may clip to or be fastened to the supporting surface.
[0022] In some embodiments, the enclosure may further include one or more cable guides for guiding and holding cables for connection to the battery terminals. The one or more cable guides may preferably be mounted on a sidewall of the enclosure.
[0023] The plurality of lithium ion battery cells may include any suitable number of cells required to provide a desired voltage and/or capacity to substitute a conventional lead acid battery bank.
[0024] For example, the plurality of lithium ion battery cells may include 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or even 40 cells arranged in series to provide a desired voltage.
[0025] The plurality of lithium ion battery cells may include any suitable lithium salt electrolyte. For example, the cells may include lithium cobalt oxide (“LCO”), lithium titanate oxide (“LTO”), lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”), lithium manganese oxide (“LMO”), and lithium nickel manganese cobalt (“NMC”), preferably NMC.
[0026] Advantageously, lithium NMC battery cells provider greater power output over capacity for the same volume and thus avoids the need for too many cells and too higher capacity, which equates to a greater cost.
[0027] As indicated, the plurality of lithium ion battery cells may be arranged in two or more layers, each layer may have a BMS for at least monitoring a state of the cells in the layer, preferably two layers, more preferably two layers connected in parallel.
[0028] Advantageously, the present inventor found that arranging the cells in layers optimised power output while still maintaining a small footprint so to be able to replace existing lead acid battery banks without mechanical modification. Indeed, the two layers of lithium ion battery cells are half the size and a fifth of the weight of a conventional locomotive lead acid battery bank. [0029] In some embodiments, each layer may include one or more modules each containing a plurality of lithium ion cells.
[0030] The one or more modules in each layer may be connected in series and in parallel to provide a desired electrical output. Each module may in turn contain a subset of the plurality of lithium ion cells connected in series and/or parallel.
[0031 ] Typically, a series connection may result in a cumulative voltage increase allowing multiple battery cells connected in series to generate a higher voltage output. Conversely, a parallel connection may result in an accumulative capacity increase allowing multiple battery cells connected in parallel to have a greater capacity or overall energy storage capability.
[0032] Suitably, connecting the plurality of cells in each layer in a combination of series and parallel connections may capitalise on the benefits of both arrangements to achieve a desired voltage and capacity.
[0033] The combination of series and parallel connections may be represented by the nomenclature: “XSYP”, meaning X cells arranged in series (“S”) and subsequently interconnected in Y parallel (“P”) connected groups.
[0034] In some embodiments, each layer may have between 2 and 40 cells connected in series and between 2 and 5 groups of cells connected in parallel, preferably between 5 and 30 cells in series and between 2 and 4 groups of cells connected in parallel, more preferably between 10 and 20 cells in series and between 2 and 4 groups of cells connected in parallel, still more preferably between 15 and 18 cells in series and between 2 and 3 groups of cells connected in parallel.
[0035] In preferred embodiments, each layer may have a cellular configuration of 17S3P, i.e., 17 cells connected in series and three groups of cells connected in parallel.
[0036] In some such embodiments, each layer may be formed from three modules. Specially, each layer may be formed from two first modules each having a 6S3P cellular arrangement and one second module having a 5S3P cellular configuration.
[0037] Each module may include a module enclosure enclosing the subset of cells and having externally accessible positive and negative battery terminals for connection to other modules and the battery pack enclosure.
[0038] Each module enclosure may have an upper wall, an opposed lower wall, a pair of end walls and a pair of sidewalls extending longitudinally between the end walls. [0039] Like the battery pack enclosure, each module enclosure may be of robust construction, typically formed from plastic material or materials.
[0040] In use, each module enclosure may be fastened in place within the battery pack enclosure, generally with one or more mechanical fasteners.
[0041 ] Advantageously, the modular design enables any module to be readily removed and replaced when servicing. Additionally, the modular design provides further separation of cells for reduction of propagation in a thermal runaway event.
[0042] The resulting battery pack may have any suitable voltage. For example, the battery pack may have a voltage ranging from about 50V to about 90V, from about 55V to about 85V, from about 60V to about 80V, or from about 65V to about 75V.
[0043] Likewise, the resulting battery pack may have any suitable capacity. For example, the battery pack may have a capacity ranging from 200 to 900 Ah.
[0044] Generally, most AESS systems and other like low voltage cutoff systems may have a lower limit of 62.0V, the lower limit being a level at which the state of charge (“SoC”) is sufficient to start the engines of the locomotive.
[0045] Typically, lead acid based locomotive battery banks are primarily 64V lead acid which can be in multiples of 2.0V cells. This may give a usable voltage range of approximately 56-72V.
[0046] Accordingly, choosing a cellular configuration may be challenging with locomotive systems being able to run up to 80V but also having low voltage cutoffs depending on auxiliary equipment running. Although an 18S (i.e., 18 cells arranged in series) cellular configuration may provide a voltage of 80V or higher, the low voltage range may interfere with an existing locomotive AESS or like system. Indeed, an 18S cellular configuration may have a high voltage limit of about 77.4V but at the 62.0V AESS restart lower limit, the SoC is approximately 5% and insufficient to start the engines of the locomotive.
[0047] In contrast, the present inventor has advantageously found that a 17S (i.e., 17 cells arranged in series) cellular configuration may provide a voltage of about 73.1 V and at the 62.0V AESS restart lower limit, the SoC is approximately 45% and therefore sufficient to start the engines of the locomotive.
[0048] As indicated, in some embodiments, the battery pack may include at least one switch operatively associated with the battery pack for ensuring the battery pack retains sufficient charge to start the diesel locomotive, said switch configured to isolate the battery pack from external loads when the battery pack has been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge (“Soc”) have reduced to predetermined thresholds.
[0049] In preferred embodiments, the switch may include a controller. The controller may include a processing device, including one or more processors and one or more memory units containing executable instructions/software to be executed by the one or more processors, such as, e.g., a microcomputer. The executable instructions/software may include monitoring software for monitoring operational parameters of the battery pack and the isolation software for isolating the battery pack from external loads when the operational parameters of the battery pack reach, or reduce to, predetermined thresholds. The controller will be described in detail later.
[0050] As indicated, each layer may have a BMS operatively associated therewith for at least monitoring a state of the cells in the layer, and preferably power control switching.
[0051 ] In some embodiments, each BMS may include a comparator, a MOSFET and a balancing resistor.
[0052] In other embodiments, each BMS may include an analog-to-digital converter, a microcontroller, a MOFSET and a balancing resistor.
[0053] Generally, each BMS may monitor the state of each layer, including monitoring one or more of voltage, state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), state of power (SoP), state of safety (SoS), maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL), energy (kWh) delivered since last charge or charge cycle, internal impedance of a cell, charge (Ah) delivered or stored, total number of cycles, and temperature monitoring.
[0054] Additionally, each BMS may control recharging and discharging of the layer. For example, the BMS may ensure that charging and discharging occur within safe limits. Accordingly, each BMS may prevent overcharging and/or over-discharging.
[0055] In some embodiments, each BMS may ensure cell balancing by redistributing energy among cells to maintain uniform voltage levels across the layer, optimising performance as well as extending the layer’s lifespan.
[0056] In some embodiments, each BMS may provide various safety and protection mechanisms, such as overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, temperature managements, cell monitoring and so on. [0057] In some embodiments, each BMS may be connectable to external systems, such as, e.g., a locomotive control system, external monitoring devices and/or the master controller. Each BMS may be connect by a wired or wireless connection, preferably wired. If wireless, the BMS may include a communications module including at least one modem, such as, e.g., a cellular or radio modem.
[0058] Each BMS may be configured to provide real-time data on its corresponding battery layer performance, mode and status. This data may assist operators and technicians make informed decisions about the battery's operation and maintenance.
[0059] In some embodiments, each BMS may be configured to manage a transition between different operational modes, such as, e.g., charging, discharging or standby.
[0060] In some embodiments, each layer may further include its own external fuse to protect the battery layer against a fault, such as, e.g., a short circuit or excessive current draw. The external fuse may be any suitable fuse known in the art.
[0061 ] As indicated, the battery pack may include a controller in communication with each BMS for controlling operation of each layer and ensuring coordinated functionality across the respective layers and their associated BMSs.
[0062] The controller may include a processing device, including one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may include multiple inputs and outputs coupled to the respective BMSs and other electronic components.
[0063] The processing device may include a microcomputer.
[0064] The processing device may collect data from each BMS corresponding to cell voltages, current flow voltage, state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), state of power (SoP), state of safety (SoS), maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL), energy (kWh) delivered since last charge or charge cycle, internal impedance of a cell, charge (Ah) delivered or stored, total number of cycles, and/or temperature monitoring.
[0065] The controller may be electrically connected to electronic components of the battery pack. Likewise, the controller may wirelessly connect to external devices, such as, e.g., external processing devices.
[0066] The controller may wireless connect to external devices using a wireless communications module of the locomotive or its own dedicated wireless communication module. The wireless communications module may be in the form of a wireless network interface controller and may enable the controller to connect to external devices via wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, Satellite communication, RF communication, infrared communication, or Bluetooth™). The wireless network interface controller may include at least one modem, such as, e.g., a cellular or radio modem.
[0067] The external devices may include computing devices, such as, e.g., a computer, a tablet, a smart phone, a PDA or at least one remotely accessible server.
[0068] In some embodiments, the data may be collected and stored to a database for each layer. The database may be used for predictive maintenance and proactive optimisation.
[0069] The data may be continuously, or periodically, collected and the database updated. Preferably, the data may be collected continuously in real time.
[0070] In some embodiments, the database may be a remote database in communication with at least one remotely accessible server wirelessly connected to the controller. The server may be linked to or may maintain all data within the remote database. The server may collect and record data output from the battery pack and communicated to the server by the wireless network interface controller operatively associated with the controller.
[0071 ] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to switch the battery pack and/or a selected layer between one or more operational modes. The operational modes may include “running” mode, “storage” mode, “charging” mode, and “fault” mode.
[0072] The “running” mode may be a mode in which the battery pack, or a selected layer, may be permitted to supply energy.
[0073] The “storage” mode may be a mode in which the battery pack, or a selected layer, may be prevented from being drawn upon or discharged.
[0074] The “charging” mode may be a mode in which the battery pack, or a selected layer, may be charged with electrical energy to restore its SoC.
[0075] The “fault” mode may be mode corresponding to when a fault is detected and the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is isolated from external loads until the fault is corrected.
[0076] The controller may automatically switch between modes based on data collected and monitored and/or when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is receiving energy from an external source, such as, e.g., an alternator associated with the diesel locomotive engine, a locomotive battery charger or a shore battery charger.
[0077] For example, the controller may switch the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, to “storage” mode and disable “running” mode when the SoC is reduced to a predetermined threshold, such as, e.g., less than about 60% SoC, less than about 55% SoC, less than about 50% SoC, less than about 45% SoC, less than about 40% SoC, less than about 35% SoC, or less than about 30% SoC, preferably less than about 45% SoC.
[0078] For example, the controller may switch the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, to “storage” mode but allow “running” mode if selected when the SoC is more than about 80%, more than about 75%, more than about 70%, more than about 65%, more than about 60%, more than about 55%, more than about 50% or even more than about 45%.
[0079] Likewise, the controller may switch to “fault” mode when any of the data received and stored is indicative of a fault when compared to normal operating parameters. Such data may include, but are not limited to, individual cell voltage being too high or too low; cell voltage differences (i.e., cells out of balance); overall battery pack voltage being too high or too low; cell temperature being too low or too high; the temperature of associated electronics being too high or too low; excess current when charging or discharging; low of communication with controller; and/or an internal loom disconnection/failure.
[0080] As indicated, the controller may be configured to isolate the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, from an external load when running for predetermined amount of time and the current and SoC that have been reduced to a predetermined threshold. This function may be known as a “Last Chance Start” function. The function is intended to preserve sufficient charge in the battery pack to start a locomotive engine and is not intended to interfere with AESS requirements when the battery pack, or the selected layer is fully charged.
[0081 ] Generally, when activated, the controller may switch the battery pack, or a selected layer, to the storage mode as previously described, so as to prevent any further discharge of the battery pack, or the selected layer.
[0082] The predetermined threshold of current of current may be any suitable amount. For example, the predetermined threshold of current may be greater than 2A and less than 60A, greater than 2A and less than 55A, greater than 2A and less than 50A, greater than 2A and less than 45A or greater than 2A and less than 40A.
[0083] The predetermined amount of time may be about 3 hours, about 3.5 hours, about 4 hours, about 4.5 hours, about 5 hours, about 5.5 hours, 6 hours, about 6.5 hours, about 7 hours, about 7.5 hours, about 8 hours, about 8.5 hours, about 9 hours, about 9.5 hours, about 10 hours, about 10.5 hours, about 1 1 hours, about 1 1 .5 hours, or about 12 hours.
[0084] Likewise, the predetermined SoC threshold may be about 65%, about 64.5%, about 64%, about 63.5%, about 63%, about 62.5%, about 62%, about 61 .5%, about 61%, about 60.5%, about 60%, about 59.5%, about 59%, about 58.5%, about 58%, about 57.5%, about 57%, about 56.5%, about 56%, about 55.5%, about 55%, about 54.5%, about 54%, about 53.5%, about 53%, about 52.5%, about 52%, about 51 .5%, about 51%, about 50.5%, about 50%, 49.5%, about 49%, about 48.5%, about 48%, about 47.5%, about 47%, about 46.5%, about 46%, about 45.5% or even about 45%.
[0085] In preferred embodiments, it is envisaged that when the function is initiated by the controller, the battery pack, or the selected layer, may be switched from “running” mode to “storage” mode and may remain in “storage” mode until a user manually switches the battery pack, or the selected layer, back to “running” mode.
[0086] In some preferred embodiments, the function may be initiated, or triggered, by the controller when 20Ah of capacity have been used and the battery, or the selected layer, has a current of between 2A and 40A and the SoC is less than 51 .5%.
[0087] In other preferred embodiments, the function may be initiated, or triggered, by the controller when the battery pack, or the selected layer, has been in “running” mode for about 10.5 hours; has a current of less than 2A; and the SoC of less than 51 .5%.
[0088] In yet other embodiments, the function may be triggered by customised predetermined values and threshold.
[0089] As indicated, the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, may be switched by the controller to “fault” mode when various faults or adverse conditions are detected.
[0090] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to continuously monitor the battery pack, or the selected layer, in “fault” mode and switch the battery pack, or the selected layer, to “storage” mode upon manual input or automatically when the fault is no longer detected and/or when the adverse conditions causing the fault return to normal operating conditions. This function may be known as “fault mode recovery”.
[0091 ] In some embodiments, the controller may include at least one interface including a visual indicator for indicating an operational mode of the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof.
[0092] In some such embodiments, the visual indicator may include at least one display operatively connected to the controller for displaying operational information, such as, e.g., e.g., the operational mode, SoC, SoH, SoP, SoS, CCL, DCL, kwh, AG, total number of cycles and/or temperature monitoring.
[0093] The display may be a liquid-crystal display (“LCD”), a plasma display or light emitting diode (“LED”) display.
[0094] In some such embodiments, the interface may further include keypad or touchpad, including one or more keys or buttons for interacting with the controller and controlling various aspects of functionality of the battery pack.
[0095] In other such embodiments, the at least one display may include a touchscreen allowing a user to interact with the controller via the at least one display and control various aspects of functionality of the battery pack.
[0096] In other embodiments, the interface and at least one visual indicator may be provided by way of software configured to be run on a user’s computer, such as, e.g., a computing device or a mobile computing device. In such embodiments, the user may interact with the controller of the battery pack via software or an app run on the user’s computing device.
[0097] In yet other embodiments, the visual indicator may include at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) capable of emitting one or more flashing lights, constant lights, coloured lights, or any combination thereof in order to display operational information.
[0098] For example, in some such embodiments, the interface may include a plurality of designated LEDs each corresponding to an operational mode of the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, and configured to emit light when the battery pack or selected layer is in that operational mode.
[0099] In some such embodiments, the interface may further include one or more keys or buttons for enabling a user to interact with the controller and control various aspects of functionality of the battery pack, such as, e.g., toggling between operational modes.
[00100] In preferred embodiments, the interface may include a button with a visual indicator including a ring-shaped LED concentrically arranged about the button.
[00101] The ring-shaped LED may be configured to emit constant and flashing light in different colours in order to convey operational information about the battery pack or a selected layer thereof. Preferably, the ring-shaped LED may be configured to emit any one of blue, white, orange, green and red light, as either constant or flashing light. [00102] For example, the ring-shaped LED may alternatively flash blue and red light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “storage” mode, when the SoC is less than 45% and when charging is required.
[00103] For example, the ring-shaped LED may alternatively flash blue and orange light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “storage” mode and when the SoC is between 45% and 80%.
[00104] For example, the ring-shaped LED may alternatively flash blue and green light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “storage” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00105] For example, the ring-shaped LED may flash white light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “charging” mode and the SoC is less than 80%.
[00106] For example, the ring-shaped LED may alternatively flash white and green light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “charging” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00107] For example, the ring-shaped LED may flash a green light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “running” mode and when the SoC is greater than 45%.
[00108] For example, the ring-shaped LED may flash an orange light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “running” mode and when the SoC is less than 45%.
[00109] For example, the ring-shaped LED may flash a red light when the battery pack or a selected layer thereof is in “fault” mode.
[00110] Pressing of the button may enable a user to interact with the controller and display operational information and/or toggle the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, between operational modes. Pressing of the button may be a short press or a long press.
[0011 1] For example, a short press of the button may be used to display the current operational mode and state of the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof.
[00112] Conversely, a long press of the button may be used to interact with the controller and toggle between operational modes, depending on the SoC of the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof.
[00113] For example, a long press of the button when the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, is in the “storage” mode with the SoC being greater than 80% or between 45% and 80% may manually transition the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, into “running” mode.
[00114] For example, a long press of the button when the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, is in the “running” mode with the SoC being either less than or greater than 45% may manually transition the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, into “storage” mode.
[00115] Conversely, in scenarios in which the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, is in “storage” mode and the SoC is less than 45%, the button may be temporarily disabled and may not be used to toggle between operational modes until the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof is charged with the SoC greater than 45%.
[00116] Likewise, when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof is in “fault” mode, the button may be temporarily disabled and may not be used to toggle between operational modes until the fault is no longer detected and/or the adverse conditions causing the fault return to normal operating conditions.
[00117] In some embodiments, the ring-shaped LED may be configured to temporarily emit a constant white light as visual feedback when the button is pressed.
[00118] In some embodiments, the battery pack may further include one or more heaters operatively connected to the controller and configured to heat the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, and maintain the battery pack, or the selected layer, at an optimal operating temperature.
[00119] Advantageously, the one or more heaters may prevent the battery pack from becoming too cold, which may otherwise reduce performance and the life of the battery pack.
[00120] The one or more heaters may be electric heaters. The one or more heaters may be configured draw power from the battery pack and/or from an external source, such as, e.g., a locomotive battery charger or a shore battery charger.
[00121] The one or more heaters may extend beneath a lowermost layer and/or between the layers.
[00122] In use, the one or more heaters may be configured to be activated by the controller when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is in “running” or “charging” mode and when the internal cell/electrical hardware is less than 10°C and/or when the battery pack is above 65V.
[00123] It is envisaged that a fully charged battery pack when in “running” mode may have sufficient charge to power the one or more heaters as well as auxiliary loads of the diesel locomotive for up to 10 hours.
[00124] In some embodiments, the battery pack may further include a fire suppression system configured to be activated when an internal temperature of the battery pack exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.
[00125] The fire suppression system may include an aerosol-based fire retardant having a temperature sensitive valve located within an enclosure of the battery pack. Any suitable aerosol-based fire retardant may be used.
[00126] The aerosol-based fire retardant may be configured to be released when the internal air temperature within the enclosure reaches and/or exceeds 95°C and the temperature sensitive valve is opened.
[00127] In some embodiments, the battery pack may further include a tool-free battery output connector configured to eliminate the need for tools when connecting the terminals of the battery pack to cabling. The connector may include a latch or snap-lock mechanism that enables a user to readily connect and disconnect the battery pack without directly contacting the terminals or the leads of the cabling.
[00128] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of automatically isolating a battery pack according to the first or second aspects from an external load to ensure sufficient charge for starting a diesel locomotive is retained, said method including: monitoring at least running time, current draw and state of charge of the battery pack; and switching an operational mode of the battery pack from an ordinary running mode to an isolated storage mode when any one of the running time, current and state of charge (“SoC”) has reached a predetermined threshold.
[00129] The method may include any one of the characteristics or features of the battery pack as hereinbefore described.
[00130] The predetermined threshold of current may be any suitable amount. For example, the predetermined threshold of current may be greater than 2A and less than 60A, greater than 2A and less than 55A, greater than 2A and less than 50A, greater than 2A and less than 45A or greater than 2A and less than 40A.
[00131] The predetermined amount of time may be about 3 hours, about 3.5 hours, about 4 hours, about 4.5 hours, about 5 hours, about 5.5 hours, 6 hours, about 6.5 hours, about 7 hours, about 7.5 hours, about 8 hours, about 8.5 hours, about 9 hours, about 9.5 hours, about 10 hours, about 10.5 hours, about 1 1 hours, about 1 1 .5 hours, or about 12 hours.
[00132] Likewise, the predetermined SoC threshold may be about 65%, about 64.5%, about 64%, about 63.5%, about 63%, about 62.5%, about 62%, about 61 .5%, about 61%, about 60.5%, about 60%, about 59.5%, about 59%, about 58.5%, about 58%, about 57.5%, about 57%, about 56.5%, about 56%, about 55.5%, about 55%, about 54.5%, about 54%, about 53.5%, about 53%, about 52.5%, about 52%, about 51 .5%, about 51%, about 50.5%, about 50%, 49.5%, about 49%, about 48.5%, about 48%, about 47.5%, about 47%, about 46.5%, about 46%, about 45.5% or even about 45%.
[00133] In some embodiments, the monitoring may further include monitoring the capacity of the battery pack and the switching may further include switching when capacity reaches a predetermined threshold.
[00134] In some such embodiments, the switching may be initiated, or triggered, by the controller when 20Ah of capacity have been used and the battery pack, or the selected layer, has a current of between 2A and 40A and the SoC is less than 51 .5%.
[00135] In other such embodiments, the switching may be initiated, or triggered, by the controller when the battery pack, or the selected layer, has been in “running” mode for about 10.5 hours; has a current of less than 2A; and the SoC of less than 51 .5%.
[00136] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining an operational mode and status of a battery pack of the first or second aspects, said method including: depressing a button of the at least one interface so as to interact with the controller; and displaying a visual signal with a visual indicator to alert a user of the operational mode and status of the battery pack.
[00137] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the battery pack as hereinbefore described.
[00138] In some embodiments, the depressing may include a short depress of the button of the at least one interface (i.e., less than 5s).
[00139] The short depress may awaken the controller. In some embodiments, the visual indicator may temporarily display a visual signal in the form of a constant white light as visual feedback of the short depress before displaying a visual signal corresponding to the operational mode and status of the battery pack.
[00140] Responsive to the button being pressed, the controller may cause the visual indicator to display various visual signals specific to the operational mode and status of the battery pack.
[00141] For example, the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and red lights to indicate that the battery pack is in storage mode and the SoC is less than 45%.
[00142] For example, the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and orange lights to indicate that the battery pack is in storage mode and the SoC is between 45% and 80%.
[00143] For example, the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and green lights to indicate that the battery pack is in storage mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00144] For example, the visual indicator may flash white light to indicate that the battery pack is in charging mode and the SoC is less than 80%.
[00145] For example, the visual indicator may alternatively flash white and green lights to indicate that the battery pack is in charging mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00146] For example, the visual indicator may flash a green light to indicate that the battery pack is in running mode and the SoC is greater than 45%.
[00147] For example, the visual indicator may flash an orange light to indicate that the battery pack is in running mode and the SoC is less than 45%.
[00148] For example, the visual indicator may flash a red light to indicate that the battery pack is in fault mode and non-functioning.
[00149] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manually switching operational mode of a battery pack of the first or second aspects, said method including: depressing a button of the at least one interface so as interact with a controller of the battery pack; switching the operational mode of the battery pack; and displaying a visual signal with the visual indicator to alert a user that the operational mode of the battery pack has been switched.
[00150] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the battery pack as hereinbefore described. [00151] In some embodiments, the depressing may include a first short depress (i.e., less than 5s) and a second long depress (i.e., greater than 5s) of the button of the at least one interface.
[00152] The short depress may awaken the controller. In some embodiments, the visual indicator may temporarily display a visual signal in the form of a constant white light as visual feedback after the short depress.
[00153] The second long depress may instruct the controller to switch the operational mode.
[00154] Again, in some such embodiments, the visual indicator may temporarily display a visual signal being a flashing light alternating in colour as visual feedback of the operational mode switch and feed back of the specific operational mode switched to and state of the battery pack.
[00155] For example, the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and red light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “storage” mode, when the SoC is less than 45% and when charging is required.
[00156] For example, the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and orange light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “storage” mode and when the SoC is between 45% and 80%.
[00157] For example, the visual indicator may alternatively flash blue and green light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “storage” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00158] For example, the visual indicator may flash a green light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “running” mode and when the SoC is greater than 45%.
[00159] Conversely, the visual indicator may flash an orange light when the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, is switched to “running” mode and when the SoC is less than 45%.
[00160] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.
[00161] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00162] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
[00163] Figure 1 is an upper perspective and transparent view of a rechargeable battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00164] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of modular units of the battery pack as shown in Figure 1 ;
[00165] Figure 3 is a top view of the module unit as shown in Figure 2;
[00166] Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the rechargeable battery pack as shown in
Figure 1 ;
[00167] Figure 5 is a first side view of the rechargeable battery pack as shown in Figure 1 showing a location of the controller and battery management systems; and
[00168] Figure 6 is a second side view of the rechargeable battery pack as shown in Figures 1 and 5 showing a location of a fire suppression system;
[00169] Figure 7 is a front view of an interface of the battery pack as shown in Figure 1 ;
[00170] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of automatically isolating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention from an external load to ensure sufficient charge for starting a diesel locomotive is retained;
[00171] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of determining an operational mode and status of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00172] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of manually switching operational mode of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00173] Figures 1 to 7 show a rechargeable battery pack (100) and parts thereof for starting a diesel locomotive and replacing a conventional lead acid battery bank without electrical or mechanical modification. [00174] Referring to Figure 1 , the rechargeable battery pack (100) includes a plurality of lithium ion battery cells (110) arranged in two layers (120), each layer having a battery management system (130; “BMS”) for at least monitoring a state of the cells (110) in the layer (120); and a controller (140) in communication with each BMS (130) for at least ensuring sufficient charge is retained to start a diesel locomotive. The controller (140) is configured to isolate the battery pack (100) from external loads when the battery pack (100) have been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge (“SoC”) has reduced to predetermined thresholds.
[00175] Referring briefly to Figure 3, the battery pack (100) further includes an enclosure (150) sized and shaped to fit inside a bounding box of a traditional lead acid battery bank. The enclosure (150) includes an upper wall (152), an opposed lower wall (154), and four sidewalls (156) extending therebetween.
[00176] The enclosure (150) is of robust construction designed to cope with a harsh locomotive environment and withstand impact from a locomotive roll or crash. The enclosure (150) is formed from metal or metal materials.
[00177] As shown, the battery pack (100) includes three positive and three negative battery terminals (160) provided on an outer surface of a sidewall (156) of the enclosure (150).
[00178] The enclosure (150) include two handles (155) for handling of the battery pack (100). The handles (155) extend outwardly from an edge of the upper wall (152) of the enclosure (150) and protrude beyond a sidewall (156) of the enclosure (150). Advantageously, the handles (155) enable the battery pack (100) to be used as a push/pull point when inspecting battery packs (100) mounted on a slide/draw system.
[00179] The enclosure (150) includes four lift points (157) located in corners of the upper wall (152) for aiding in lifting and moving the batter pack (100).
[00180] The enclosure includes four feet (158) protruding from each corner of the lower wall (154) of the enclosure (150). The feet (158) are formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic. Advantageously, the feet (158) function as dampeners to at least partially reduce vibrations conveyed to the battery pack (100) from a locomotive.
[00181] The enclosure (150) includes cable guides (159) for guiding and holding cables for connection to the battery terminals (160). The cable guides (159) are mounted on a sidewall (156) of the enclosure (150). [00182] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the battery pack (100) includes 17 lithium ion cells (110) arranged in series to provide a desired voltage and/or capacity to substitute a conventional lead acid battery bank.
[00183] The lithium ion battery cells (110) include a lithium nickel manganese cobalt (“NMC”) electrolyte. Advantageously, lithium NMC battery cells (1 10) provider greater power output over capacity for the same volume and thus avoids the need for too many cells and too higher capacity, which equates to a greater cost.
[00184] Referring to Figure 2, the lithium ion battery cells (110) are arranged in two layers (120) connected in parallel.
[00185] Advantageously, the present inventor found that arranging the cells (1 10) in layers (120) optimises power output while still maintaining a small footprint so to be able to replace existing lead acid battery banks without mechanical modification.
[00186] Each layer (120) includes three modules (170) each containing a subset of the plurality of lithium ion cells (1 10).
[00187] Referring to Figure 3, the three modules (170) include two first modules (170A) each having a 6S3P cellular arrangement and one second module (170B) having a 5S3P cellular configuration to thereby provide each layer (120) with a 17S3P cellular configuration.
[00188] Referring again to Figure 2, each module (170) includes a module enclosure (172) enclosing the subset of cells (110) and having externally accessible positive and negative battery terminals (174) for connection to other modules (170) and the battery pack enclosure (150; not shown).
[00189] Each module enclosure (172) is of robust construction, typically formed from plastic material or materials. In use, each module enclosure (172) is fastened in place to enclosure (150; not shown) with one or more mechanical fasteners.
[00190] Advantageously, the modular design enables any module (170) to be readily removed and replaced when servicing. Additionally, the modular design provides further separation of cells (110) for reduction of propagation in a thermal runaway event.
[00191] The resulting battery pack (100) has a voltage ranging from about 65V to about 75V and a capacity ranging from about 200 to 900 Ah.
[00192] Referring to Figure 5, and as mentioned each layer (120) has a BMS (130) operatively associated therewith.
[00193] Each BMS (130) monitors the state of each layer (120), including monitoring one or more of voltage, state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), state of power (SoP), state of safety (SoS), maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL), energy (kWh) delivered since last charge or charge cycle, internal impedance of a cell, charge (Ah) delivered or stored, total number of cycles, and temperature monitoring.
[00194] Additionally, each BMS (130) controls recharging and discharging of the layer (120) ensuring that charging and discharging occur within safe limits and preventing overcharging and/or over-discharging.
[00195] Each BMS (130) further ensures cell balancing by redistributing energy among cells (1 10; not visible) to maintain uniform voltage levels across the layer (120), optimising performance as well as extending the layer’s (120) lifespan.
[00196] Each BMS (130) is electrically connected to the controller (140) for controlling operation of each layer (120) and ensuring coordinated functionality across the respective layers (120) and their associated BMSs (130).
[00197] The controller (140) is a processing device, including one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors include multiple inputs and outputs coupled to the respective BMSs (130) and other electronic components.
[00198] The controller (140) collects data from each BMS (130) corresponding to cell voltages, current flow voltage, state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), state of power (SoP), state of safety (SoS), maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL), energy (kWh) delivered since last charge or charge cycle, internal impedance of a cell, charge (Ah) delivered or stored, total number of cycles, and/or temperature monitoring.
[00199] The controller (140) is configured to wirelessly connect to external devices using a wireless communications module of the locomotive or its own dedicated wireless communication module, such as, e.g., a cellular or radio modem.
[00200] The external devices can include computing devices, such as, e.g., a computer, a tablet, a smart phone, a PDA or at least one remotely accessible server.
[00201] The data collected is stored to a database for each layer (120). The data is continuously collected and the database updated in real time.
[00202] The controller (140) is configured to switch the battery pack (100) and/or a selected layer (120) between operational modes. The operational modes include “running” mode, “storage” mode, “charging” mode, and “fault” mode.
[00203] In the “running” mode, the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120), is permitted to supply energy.
[00204] In the “storage” mode, the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120), is prevented from being drawn upon or discharged.
[00205] In the “charging” mode, the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120), is being charged with electrical energy to restore its SoC.
[00206] In the “fault” mode, a fault in the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120), has been detected and the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is isolated from external loads until the fault is corrected.
[00207] The controller (140) is configured to automatically switch between modes based on data collected and monitored and/or when the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120) thereof, is receiving energy from an external source, such as, e.g., an alternator associated with the diesel locomotive engine, a locomotive battery charger or a shore battery charger.
[00208] For example, the controller (140) switches the battery pack (100), or a selected layer thereof (120), to “storage” mode and disables “running” mode when the SoC is reduced to a predetermined threshold of less than about 45% SoC.
[00209] For example, the controller (140) switches the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120) thereof, to “storage” mode but allows “running” mode if manually overridden when the SoC is more than more than about 45%.
[00210] Likewise, the controller (140) switches to “fault” mode when any of the data received and stored is indicative of a fault when compared to normal operating parameters. Such data includes, but is not limited to, individual cell voltage being too high or too low; cell voltage differences (i.e., cells out of balance); overall battery pack voltage being too high or too low; cell temperature being too low or too high; the temperature of associated electronics being too high or too low; excess current when charging or discharging; low of communication with controller; and/or an internal loom disconnection/failure. [0021 1] As indicated, the controller (140) is configured to isolate the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120) thereof, from an external load when running for a predetermined amount of time and the current and SoC that have been reduced to a predetermined threshold. This function is known as a “Last Chance Start” function. The function is intended to preserve sufficient charge in the battery pack (100) to start a locomotive engine and is not intended to interfere with AESS requirements when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120) is fully charged.
[00212] When the function is initiated by the controller (140), the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is switched from “running” mode to “storage” mode and remains in “storage” mode until a user manually switches the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), back to “running” mode.
[00213] The function is initiated, or triggered, by the controller (140) when 20Ah of capacity has been used and the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), has a current of between 2A and 40A and the SoC is less than 51 .5%.
[00214] The function is also initiated, or triggered, by the controller (140) when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), has been in “running” mode for about 10.5 hours; has a current of less than 2A; and the SoC of less than 51 .5%.
[00215] As indicated, the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120) thereof, is switched by the controller (140) to “fault” mode when various faults or adverse conditions are detected.
[00216] When “fault” mode is triggered, the controller (140) is configured to continuously monitor the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), in “fault” mode and switch the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), to “storage” mode upon manual input or automatically when the fault is no longer detected and/or when the adverse conditions causing the fault return to normal operating conditions. This function is known as “fault mode recovery”.
[00217] The battery pack (100) includes an interface (180) mounted on a sidewall (156) of the enclosure (150) and electrically connected to the controller (140) for enabling a user to interact with the controller (140).
[00218] Referring to Figure 7, the interface (180) includes a central button (182) and a ringshaped light emitting diode (“LED”; 184) arranged about the button (182).
[00219] The ring-shaped LED (184) is configured to emit constant and flashing light in different colours in order to convey operational information about the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof. Specifically, the ring-shaped LED (184) is configured to emit blue, white, orange, green and red light, as either a constant or flashing light.
[00220] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and red light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “storage” mode, when the SoC is less than 45% and when charging is required.
[00221] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and orange light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “storage” mode and when the SoC is between 45% and 80%.
[00222] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and green light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “storage” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00223] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes white light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “charging” mode and the SoC is less than 80%.
[00224] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes white and green light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “charging” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00225] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes a green light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “running” mode and when the SoC is greater than 45%.
[00226] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes an orange light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “running” mode and when the SoC is less than 45%.
[00227] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes a red light when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “fault” mode.
[00228] Pressing the button (182) enables a user to interact with the controller (140; not shown) and display operational information and/or toggle when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof, between operational modes. The controller (140; not shown) recognises two different button presses, including a short press (i.e., less than 5s) and a long press (i.e., greater than 5s).
[00229] For example, a short press of the button (182) is used to display the current operational mode and state of the battery pack (100; not shown) or the selected layer (120; not shown) thereof.
[00230] Conversely, a long press of the button (182) is used to interact with the controller (140) and toggle between operational modes, depending on the SoC of the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof.
[00231 ] For example, a long press of the button (182) when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof, is in the “storage” mode with the SoC being greater than 80% or between 45% and 80% manually transitions the battery pack (100; not shown) or the selected layer (120; not shown) thereof, into “running” mode.
[00232] For example, a long press of the button (182) when the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof, is in the “running” mode with the SoC being either less than or greater than 45% manually transitions the battery pack (100; not shown), or the selected layer (120; not shown), into “storage” mode.
[00233] Conversely, in scenarios in which the battery pack (100; not shown) or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof, is in “storage” mode and the SoC is less than 45%, the controller (140; not shown) temporarily disables the button (182) temporarily disabled until the battery pack (100; not shown), or the selected layer (120; not shown) thereof, is charged with the SoC greater than 45%.
[00234] Likewise, when the battery pack (100; not shown), or a selected layer (120; not shown) thereof is in “fault” mode, the controller (140) temporarily disables the button (182) until the fault is no longer detected and/or the adverse conditions causing the fault return to normal operating conditions.
[00235] The ring-shaped LED (184) is further configured to temporarily emit a constant white light as visual feedback when the button (182) is pressed.
[00236] Referring back to Figure 6, the battery pack (100) further includes a fire suppression system (190) configured to be activated when an internal temperature of the battery pack (100) exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.
[00237] The fire suppression system (190) includes an aerosol-based fire retardant (192) having a temperature sensitive valve located within the enclosure (150) of the battery pack (100).
[00238] The aerosol-based fire retardant (192) is configured to be released when the internal air temperature within the enclosure (150) reaches and/or exceeds 95°C and the temperature sensitive valve is opened.
[00239] Referring back to Figure 5, the battery pack (100) further include tool-free battery output connectors (210) operatively associated with the terminals (160) and configured to eliminate the need for tools when connecting the terminals (160) of the battery pack (100) to cabling. The connectors (210) each include a snap-lock mechanism enabling a user to readily connect and disconnect the battery pack (100) without directly contacting the terminals (160) or the leads of any cabling.
[00240] A method (800) of operation of the last chance start function will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 8. The function is intended to be trigged by the controller (140) of the battery pack (100) to ensure sufficient charge is retained to start an associated diesel locomotive.
[00241] At step 810, the controller (140) via the respective BMSs (130) monitors the SoC and capacity of each layer (120) of the battery pack (100).
[00242] At step 820, and responsive to a predetermined threshold being reached, the controller (140) switches the operational mode of the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120) thereof, from “running” mode to “storage” mode.
[00243] The switching is triggered in two scenarios, namely (1 ) when 20Ah of capacity have been used and the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), has a current of between 2A and 40A and the SoC is less than 51.5%; or (2) when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), has been in “running” mode for about 10.5 hours; has a current of less than 2A; and the SoC of less than 51 .5%.
[00244] A method (900) of determining an operational mode and status of the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120), will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 9.
[00245] At step 910, the method (900) includes depressing the button (182) of the interface for a short period of time (i.e., less than 5s).
[00246] The depressing of the button (182) alerts the controller (140) that a user is interacting with it. The ring-shaped LED (184) of the interface (180) temporarily emits a white light as visual feedback of the short depress of the button (182).
[00247] At step 920, and responsive to the button (182) being pressed, the controller (140) causes the ring-shaped LED (184) to emit various light signals corresponding to the operational mode and status of the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120). [00248] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and red light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in storage mode and the SoC is less than 45%.
[00249] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and orange light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in storage mode and the SoC is between 45% and 80%.
[00250] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and green light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in storage mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00251] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes white light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in charging mode and the SoC is less than 80%.
[00252] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes white and green light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in charging mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00253] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes a green light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in running mode and the SoC is greater than 45%.
[00254] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes an orange light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in running mode and the SoC is less than 45%.
[00255] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes a red light to indicate that the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), is in fault mode and non-functioning.
[00256] A method (1000) of manually switching the operational mode of the battery pack (100), or a selected layer (120), will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 10.
[00257] Optionally, the method (1000) includes an initial step of depressing the button (182) of the interface (180) for a short period of time (i.e., less than 5s) to awaken the controller (140) to user interaction. The ring-shaped LED (184) of the interface (180) temporarily emits a white light as visual feedback of the short depress of the button (182).
[00258] At step 1010, a user depresses the button (182) for a long period of time (i.e., greater than 5s). [00259] At step 1020, and responsive to the long press, the controller (140) switches the operational mode of the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120). Again, the ring-shaped LED (184) of the interface (180) temporarily emits a white light as visual feedback of the long depress of the button (182).
[00260] At step 1030, the controller (140) causes the ring-shaped LED (184) to emit various light signals alerting a user that the operational mode of the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120), has been switched, and the specific operational model switched to.
[00261 ] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and red light when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120) thereof, is switched to “storage” mode, when the SoC is less than 45% and when charging is required.
[00262] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and orange light when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120) thereof, is switched to “storage” mode and when the SoC is between 45% and 80%.
[00263] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) alternatively flashes blue and green light when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120) thereof, is switched to “storage” mode and the SoC is greater than 80%.
[00264] For example, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes a green light when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer thereof (120), is switched to “running” mode and when the SoC is greater than 45%.
[00265] Conversely, the ring-shaped LED (184) flashes an orange light when the battery pack (100), or the selected layer (120) thereof, is switched to “running” mode and when the SoC is less than 45%.
[00266] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
[00267] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00268] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1 . A rechargeable battery pack for starting a diesel locomotive, said pack including: a plurality of lithium ion battery cells arranged in two or more layers, each layer having a battery management system (“BMS”) for at least monitoring a state of the cells in the layer; and a controller in communication with each BMS for at least ensuring sufficient charge is retained to start the diesel locomotive, said controller configured to isolate the battery pack from external loads when the battery pack has been running for a predetermined amount of time and current and state of charge (“Soc”) have reduced to predetermined thresholds.
2. The pack of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lithium ion battery cells are arranged in two layers connected in parallel.
3. The pack of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the two or more layers includes one or more modules each containing a subset of the plurality of lithium ion cells connected in a combination of series and parallel connections.
4. The pack of claim 3, wherein each of the two or more layers includes a cellular configuration of 17 cells connected in series and three groups of cells connected in parallel (“17S3P”).
5. The pack of claim 4, wherein each of the two or more layers is formed from three modules including two modules having a 6S3P cellular configuration and a third module having a 5S3P cellular configuration.
6. The pack of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each module includes a module enclosure enclosing the subset of cells and having externally accessible terminals for connection to other modules in the pack.
7. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the BMS operatively associated with each layer enables power control switching.
8. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each said BMS includes a comparator, a MOSFET and a balancing resistor.
9. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each said BMS includes an analog-to- digital converter, a microcontroller, a MOFSET and a balancing resistor.
10. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each said BMS monitors the state of each layer, including monitoring one or more of voltage, state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), state of power (SoP), state of safety (SoS), maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL), energy (kWh) delivered since last charge or charge cycle, internal impedance of a cell, charge (Ah) delivered or stored, total number of cycles, and temperature monitoring.
11 . The pack of claim 10, wherein each said BMS further controls recharging and discharging of the layer.
12. The pack of any one claims 1 to 11 , wherein each said BMS is configured to provide realtime data on its corresponding battery layer performance, mode and status.
13. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the controller includes a processing device configured to collect data from each said BMS corresponding to cell voltages, current flow voltage, state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), state of power (SoP), state of safety (SoS), maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL), energy (kWh) delivered since last charge or charge cycle, internal impedance of a cell, charge (Ah) delivered or stored, total number of cycles, and/or temperature monitoring.
14. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly connect to external processing devices.
15. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to switch the pack or a selected layer thereof between one or more operational modes, including a “running” mode, a “storage” mode, a “charging” mode and a “fault” mode.
16. The pack of claim 15, wherein the controller automatically switches the pack or the selected layer thereof between one of the “running” mode, the “storage” mode, the “charging” mode and the “fault” mode based on data collected and collected and monitored and when the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, is receiving energy from an external source.
17. The pack of claim 16, wherein the controller switches the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, to “storage” mode and disables “running” mode, when the SoC is reduced to less than about 45%.
18. The pack of claim 16, wherein the controller switches the battery pack, or the selected payer thereof, to “storage” mode and allows “running” mode when the SoC is more than about 45%.
19. The pack of claim 16, wherein the controller switches the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, to “fault” mode when any of the data received and stored is indicative of a fault when compared to normal operating parameters.
20. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the controller is configured to isolate the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, from external loads when the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, has been running for 10.5 hours and the SoC has reduced to less than about 51 .5%.
21 . The pack of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the controller further includes at least one interface including a visual indicator for indicating an operational mode of the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof.
22. The pack of claim 21 , wherein the at least one interface includes a button with a visual indicator including a ring-shaped LED concentrically arranged about the button.
23. The pack of claim 22, wherein the ring-shaped LED is configured to emit constant and flashing light in different colours in order to convey operational information about the batter pack, or the selected layer thereof.
24. The pack of claim 23, wherein the ring-shaped LED is configured to emit any one of blue, white, orange, green and red light as either constant or flashing light.
25. The pack of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the button enables a user to interact with the controller and display operational information and toggle the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, between operational modes.
26. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 25, further including a heater operatively connected to the controller and configured to heat the battery pack, or a selected layer thereof, and maintain the battery pack, or the selected layer thereof, at an optimal operating temperature.
27. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 26, further including a fire suppression system configured to be activated when an internal temperature of the battery pack exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.
28. The pack of claim 27, wherein the fire suppression system includes an aerosol-based fire retardant having a temperature sensitive valve located within an enclosure of the battery pack.
29. A method of automatically isolating a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 28 from an external load to ensure sufficient charge for starting a diesel locomotive is retained, said method including: monitoring at least running time, current draw and state of charge of the battery pack; and switching an operational mode of the battery pack from an ordinary running mode to an isolated storage mode when any one of the running time, current and state of charge (“SoC”) has reached a predetermined threshold.
30. A method of determining an operational mode and status of a battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 28, said method including: depressing a button of the at least one interface so as to interact with the controller; and displaying a visual signal with a visual indicator to alert a user of the operational mode and status of the battery pack.
31 . A method of manually switching operational mode of a battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 28, said method including: depressing a button of the at least one interface so as interact with a controller of the battery pack; switching the operational mode of the battery pack; and displaying a visual signal with the visual indicator to alert a user that the operational mode of the battery pack has been switched.
PCT/AU2024/050747 2023-09-28 2024-07-12 A rechargeable battery pack and method of use thereof Pending WO2025065047A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2023903117 2023-09-28
AU2023903117A AU2023903117A0 (en) 2023-09-28 A rechargeable battery pack and method of use thereof

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025065047A1 true WO2025065047A1 (en) 2025-04-03

Family

ID=95203902

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2024/050747 Pending WO2025065047A1 (en) 2023-09-28 2024-07-12 A rechargeable battery pack and method of use thereof

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025065047A1 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120160124A1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2012-06-28 Norfolk Southern Corporation Battery-powered all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations
US20150104683A1 (en) * 2012-03-30 2015-04-16 Alelion Batteries Ab Battery pack
US20210086800A1 (en) * 2019-09-22 2021-03-25 Progress Rail Locomotive Inc. Power system and method for a locomotive
WO2022076827A1 (en) * 2020-10-08 2022-04-14 Econtrols, Llc Lithium-ion battery system for forklifts
US20220376354A1 (en) * 2019-09-19 2022-11-24 Lg Energy Solution, Ltd. Battery pack comprising extinguishment unit
US20220393258A1 (en) * 2020-02-20 2022-12-08 Serinus Labs, Inc Lithium-ion battery impending failure detection
US20230198276A1 (en) * 2021-12-21 2023-06-22 Stafl Systems, LLC Intelligent battery cell system with integrated cell monitoring

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120160124A1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2012-06-28 Norfolk Southern Corporation Battery-powered all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations
US20150104683A1 (en) * 2012-03-30 2015-04-16 Alelion Batteries Ab Battery pack
US20220376354A1 (en) * 2019-09-19 2022-11-24 Lg Energy Solution, Ltd. Battery pack comprising extinguishment unit
US20210086800A1 (en) * 2019-09-22 2021-03-25 Progress Rail Locomotive Inc. Power system and method for a locomotive
US20220393258A1 (en) * 2020-02-20 2022-12-08 Serinus Labs, Inc Lithium-ion battery impending failure detection
WO2022076827A1 (en) * 2020-10-08 2022-04-14 Econtrols, Llc Lithium-ion battery system for forklifts
US20230198276A1 (en) * 2021-12-21 2023-06-22 Stafl Systems, LLC Intelligent battery cell system with integrated cell monitoring

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ANONYMOUS: "Lithium Batteries", TRIDENT S.A., 21 October 2021 (2021-10-21), XP093302061, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://tridentsa.co.za/lithium-batteries> *

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2523248B1 (en) Battery control device and method
CN102545291B (en) Solar power storage system and solar power supply system
CN111129619A (en) Power battery cluster management system
CN111478387A (en) Battery management system
CN103855748A (en) Vehicle charging system and method
CN208623377U (en) Vehicle emergency start power supply
CN102624050A (en) Battery management system capable of automatically shutting off unavailable units in serial-connection battery pack
CN105262159A (en) Charge and discharge same-interface control supercapacitor management apparatus and system thereof
CN107612073A (en) A kind of battery charge-discharge circuit, electrokinetic cell system and power battery box
JP2011029010A (en) Lithium ion secondary battery system and power supply method to management device
KR102734149B1 (en) Energy Charging Method in Parallel Battery Packs using Energy Difference between Multi-Packs Comprising the Same and the Control System Thereof
CN112886672A (en) Portable intelligent charging cabinet and control system thereof
CN216161790U (en) Energy storage system
CN114851878A (en) Hybrid electric vehicle, and discharge control method, control device and storage medium thereof
CN115276157A (en) Low-voltage battery system
CN211605342U (en) Base station retired battery intelligent management system
CN114552726A (en) New energy multi-source input low-voltage power distribution system supporting wireless communication
CN211844152U (en) Composite storage battery and vehicle with same
CN210517868U (en) Energy storage power supply
CN220492663U (en) Battery unit, battery module, battery cluster and battery pack
CN220628926U (en) Battery management circuit, single-cluster battery energy storage circuit and multi-cluster battery energy storage circuit
CN119891457A (en) Energy storage system control method, controller, battery compartment and energy storage system
WO2025065047A1 (en) A rechargeable battery pack and method of use thereof
CN217445036U (en) Vehicle-mounted mobile power supply
CN212258505U (en) BMS battery management equipment suitable for energy storage cabinet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24869469

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE2 Request for preliminary examination filed before expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)