Patent Application
20220153139
The embodiments herein are generally related to the field of electric vehicles. The embodiments herein are generally related to the field of electric vehicles powered by metal-air batteries. The embodiments herein are more particularly related to a system and a method for extending a range of an electric vehicle by using a graphene-based metal-air battery.
The alarming signs of climate change due to human activities have never been more apparent. Large-scale emissions of greenhouse gases into the environment are one of the reasons for a continuous rise in global temperatures. A major portion of these greenhouse gases arises from the transportation sector which accounts for about 14% of the total emissions. Therefore, in the pursuit of environmental protection, there is a need for reducing these emissions by using vehicles driven by electricity instead of combustion engines.
Although electric vehicles (EVs) have been on the scene for quite a few years, they still account for a very small market share. In the early years, electric vehicles were not an attractive option for consumers due to their high cost in comparison to conventional vehicles. Over the years, due to the advancement in battery technology and full-scale commercialization of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, the cost of electric vehicles has significantly reduced to match the scale of conventional vehicles. However, in spite of cost-cutting and advancing battery technology, electric vehicles are still struggling to penetrate the market due to their limited driving range and long charging times. The highest range covered by an electric vehicle in a single charge is, for example, about 450 kilometres (km). However, this high range is implemented in upscale electric vehicle models such as those manufactured by Tesla, Inc., that expensive and run on top-of-the-line Li-ion batteries. On average, the range for most electric vehicles still hovers from about 100 km to 150 km before they are needed to be charged again.
One method to resolve the issue of the low range of an electric vehicle is through developing and using batteries having high energy density. Hence, there is a need for a system and a method that extends the range of an electric vehicle by employing a high energy density graphene-based metal-air battery. Moreover, there is a need for optimizing a power generation reaction within the graphene-based metal-air battery installed in the electric vehicle. Furthermore, there is a need for continuously computing and monitoring a state of charge of auxiliary power sources operably connected to the graphene-based metal-air battery in real time to facilitate a continuous delivery of the power to components of the electric vehicle.
The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages, and problems are addressed herein and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
The primary object of the embodiments herein is to provide a system and a method for extending a range of an electric vehicle by using a graphene-based metal-air battery.
Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a graphene-based metal-air battery system (GMABS) comprising a plurality of cells that are electrically connected to each other and configured to be filled with an electrolyte for initiating a reaction in the graphene-based metal-air battery system to generate power.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a flow management system for regulating a circulation of the electrolyte in the GMABS, controlling a flow of the electrolyte in the GMABS, and facilitating a uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the cells of the GMABS.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide an electrolyte management system for regulating and maintaining a temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the cells of the GMABS in a range, for example, from about 10 degree Celsius to about 80 degree Celsius, during the reaction, and for purifying and freeing the electrolyte from impurities that interfere with the reaction in the GMABS.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a single auxiliary power source operably connected to the GMABS for receiving the power from the GMABS and delivering the received power to components of the electric vehicle.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a plurality of auxiliary power sources, where any one of the auxiliary power sources receives the power from the GMABS when another one of the auxiliary power sources is discharged to a predefined state of charge (SoC), and delivers the received power to components of the electric vehicle.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a real-time monitoring and feedback system comprising one or more feedback sensors for regulating a plurality of parameters, for example, temperature, flow, power, energy, etc., within the electric vehicle and continuously computing and monitoring the SoC of each of the auxiliary power sources in real time to facilitate a continuous delivery of the power to the components of the electric vehicle by any one of the auxiliary power sources, thereby extending the range of the electric vehicle.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a display unit for projecting real-time values of the plurality of parameters regulated by the feedback sensors positioned in the real-time monitoring and feedback system.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a regenerative braking system for recapturing a kinetic energy of the electric vehicle for charging at least one of the auxiliary power sources during braking.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide one or more buffer tanks for storing additional quantities of the electrolyte and replenishing the electrolyte in the cells of the GMABS to a predefined composition.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a mechanical refuelling system for retracting metal consumed during the reaction in the GMABS and inserting units containing metal into the cells of the GMABS.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide an overflow management system for preventing a leakage of the electrolyte inside the electric vehicle.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a temperature control unit, also referred to as a “heating-cooling system”, for controlling the temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the cells of the GMABS.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a hydrogen harvesting system, also referred to as a “hybrid system”, for collecting and storing a hydrogen gas produced during the reaction in the GMABS.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a hydrogen harvesting system comprising a hydrogen fuel cell for operating on the hydrogen gas and providing power for charging the auxiliary power sources.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a graphene-based air conditioning system for providing a desired air composition for an operation of the cells of the GMABS.
Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a switching unit configured as an electronic circuit, in operable communication with the real-time monitoring and feedback system, for selectively switching between the auxiliary power sources for delivering the power to the components of the electric vehicle based on the computed SoC of each of the auxiliary power sources.
These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the scope and spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The embodiments herein provide a system and a method for extending a range of an electric vehicle by using a graphene-based metal-air battery. Moreover, the embodiments herein optimize a power generation reaction within the graphene-based metal-air battery by purifying the electrolyte, uniformly distributing the electrolyte in the cells of the graphene-based metal-air battery, replenishing the electrolyte, regulating a flow of the electrolyte within the graphene-based metal-air battery, regulating and maintaining a temperature of an electrolyte flowing through cells of the graphene-based metal-air battery, and replenishing metal contained in the graphene-based metal-air battery. Furthermore, the embodiments herein continuously compute and monitor a state of charge (SoC) of auxiliary power sources operably connected to the graphene-based metal-air battery in real time to facilitate a continuous delivery of the power to components of the electric vehicle. The embodiments herein solve the long-standing technical issue of a low range of electric vehicles and provide a substitute to conventional vehicles.
According to one embodiment herein, the system comprises a graphene-based metal-air battery system (GMABS), a flow management system, an electrolyte management system, one or more of a plurality of auxiliary power sources, and a real-time monitoring and feedback system. The GMABS comprises a plurality of cells electrically connected to each other and configured to be filled with an electrolyte for initiating a reaction in the GMABS to generate power. The GMABS is selected from the group consisting of an aluminium-air battery, a zinc-air battery, a lithium-air battery, and an iron-air battery. The flow management system is operably connected to the GMABS. The flow management system is configured to regulate a circulation of the electrolyte in the GMABS. According to an embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises one or more pumps configured to control a flow of the electrolyte in the GMABS. According to another embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises one or more rotameters integrated with one or more valves. The rotameters are configured to facilitate a uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the plurality of cells of the GMABS. According to another embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises one or more distribution channels for distributing the electrolyte through the plurality of cells of the GMABS. According to another embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises an overflow management system configured to prevent a leakage of the electrolyte inside the electric vehicle.
According to one embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system is in operable communication with the flow management system. The electrolyte management system is configured to regulate and maintain a temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the plurality of cells of the GMABS during the reaction. According to an embodiment herein, a temperature control unit, also referred to as a “heating-cooling system”, is operably coupled to the electrolyte management system. The temperature control unit is configured to control the temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the plurality of cells of the GMABS. According to an embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system comprises one or more filters configured to purify and free the electrolyte from impurities that interfere with the reaction in the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, at least one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is operably connected to the GMABS. The plurality of auxiliary power sources is selected from the group consisting of a metal ion battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a redox flow battery, a supercapacitor, a nickel metal hydride battery, a zinc-bromine battery, a polysulfide-bromide battery, and any combination thereof. Any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is configured to receive the power from the GMABS when another one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is discharged to a predefined SoC. Any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is configured to deliver the received power to components of the electric vehicle. According to an embodiment herein, a single auxiliary power source is operably connected to the GMABS for receiving the power from the GMABS and delivering the received power to components of the electric vehicle. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a switching unit, in operable communication with the real-time monitoring and feedback system, for selectively switching between the plurality of auxiliary power sources for delivering the power to the components of the electric vehicle based on the computed SoC of each of the plurality of auxiliary power sources.
According to one embodiment herein, the real-time monitoring and feedback system comprises one or more feedback sensors configured to regulate a plurality of parameters comprising, for example, temperature, flow, power, energy, etc., within the electric vehicle. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a display unit operably coupled to the real-time monitoring and feedback system for projecting real-time values of the plurality of parameters regulated by the feedback sensors positioned in the real-time monitoring and feedback system. According to an embodiment herein, the real-time monitoring and feedback system is configured to continuously compute and monitor a SoC of each of the plurality of auxiliary power sources in real time to facilitate a continuous delivery of the power to the components of the electric vehicle by any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources, thereby extending the range of the electric vehicle.
According to one embodiment herein, the system comprises a regenerative braking system operably connected to the plurality of auxiliary power sources. The regenerative braking system is configured to recapture a kinetic energy of the electric vehicle for charging at least one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources during braking. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises one or more buffer tanks operably connected to the GMABS. The buffer tanks are configured to store additional quantities of the electrolyte and replenish the electrolyte in the plurality of cells of the GMABS to a predefined composition. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a mechanical refuelling system configured to retract metal consumed during the reaction in the GMABS and insert units containing metal into the plurality of cells of the GMABS. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a hydrogen harvesting system, also referred to as a “hybrid system”, operably coupled to the GMABS. The hydrogen harvesting system is configured to collect and store a hydrogen gas produced during the reaction in the GMABS. According to an embodiment herein, the hydrogen harvesting system comprises a hydrogen fuel cell configured to operate on the hydrogen gas and provide power for charging any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a graphene-based air conditioning system configured to provide a desired air composition for an operation of the plurality of cells of the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, a method for extending a range of an electric vehicle is disclosed. In the method disclosed herein, a GMABS comprising a plurality of cells as disclosed above is installed in the electric vehicle. The flow management system operably connected to the GMABS circulates the electrolyte in the GMABS to fill the plurality of cells of the GMABS. The electrolyte filled in the plurality of cells of the GMABS initiates a reaction in the GMABS to generate power. The electrolyte management system, in operable communication with the flow management system, regulates and maintains a temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the plurality of cells of the GMABS during the reaction. The switching unit selectively connects one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources to the GMABS to receive the power from the GMABS when another one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is discharged to a predefined SoC. The connected auxiliary power source delivers the received power to components of the electric vehicle. The real-time monitoring and feedback system continuously computes and monitors the SoC of each of the plurality of auxiliary power sources in real time to facilitate a continuous delivery of the power to the components of the electric vehicle by any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources, thereby extending the range of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, in the method disclosed herein, the regenerative braking system, the buffer tanks, the mechanical refuelling system, the pumps and rotameters of the flow management system, the overflow management system, the temperature control unit, the filters of the electrolyte management system, the hydrogen harvesting system, and the graphene-based air conditioning system perform their respective functions as disclosed above during the operation of the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, related systems comprise circuitry and/or programming for effecting the methods disclosed herein. According to an embodiment herein, the circuitry and/or programming are any one of a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to execute the methods disclosed herein depending upon the design choices of a system designer. According to an embodiment herein, various structural elements are employed depending on the design choices of the system designer.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:
Although the specific features of the embodiments herein are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the embodiments herein.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that logical, mechanical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The embodiments herein provide a system and a method for extending a range of an electric vehicle by using a graphene-based metal-air battery. As used herein, “electric vehicle” refer to an all-electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a hybrid vehicle that has multiple propulsion sources out of which one is an electric drive system. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a graphene-based metal-air battery system (GMABS), a flow management system, an electrolyte management system, one or more of a plurality of auxiliary power sources, and a real-time monitoring and feedback system.
According to one embodiment herein, the GMABS comprises a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells is electrically connected to each other and configured to be filled with an electrolyte for initiating a reaction in the GMABS to generate power.
According to one embodiment herein, the GMABS is selected from the group consisting of an aluminium-air battery, a zinc-air battery, a lithium-air battery, and an iron-air battery.
According to one embodiment herein, the flow management system is operably connected to the GMABS. The flow management system is configured to regulate a circulation of the electrolyte in the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises one or more pumps configured to control a flow of the electrolyte in the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises one or more rotameters integrated with one or more valves. The rotameters are configured to facilitate a uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the plurality of cells of the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises one or more distribution channels for distributing the electrolyte through the plurality of cells of the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, the flow management system comprises an overflow management system configured to prevent a leakage of the electrolyte inside the electric vehicle.
According to one embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system is in operable communication with the flow management system. The electrolyte management system is configured to regulate and maintain a temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the plurality of cells of the GMABS during the reaction.
According to one embodiment herein, a temperature control unit is operably coupled to the electrolyte management system. The temperature control unit is configured to control the temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the plurality of cells of the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system comprises one or more filters configured to purify and free the electrolyte from impurities that interfere with the reaction in the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, at least one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is operably connected to the GMABS. The plurality of auxiliary power sources is selected from the group consisting of a metal ion battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a redox flow battery, a supercapacitor, a nickel metal hydride battery, a zinc-bromine battery, a polysulfide-bromide battery, and any combination thereof. Any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is configured to receive the power from the GMABS when another one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is discharged to a predefined SoC. Any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources is configured to deliver the received power to components of the electric vehicle.
According to one embodiment herein, a single auxiliary power source is operably connected to the GMABS for receiving the power from the GMABS and delivering the received power to components of the electric vehicle. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a switching unit, in operable communication with the real-time monitoring and feedback system, for selectively switching between the plurality of auxiliary power sources for delivering the power to the components of the electric vehicle based on the computed SoC of each of the plurality of auxiliary power sources.
According to one embodiment herein, the real-time monitoring and feedback system comprises one or more feedback sensors configured to regulate a plurality of parameters comprising, for example, temperature, flow, power, energy, etc., within the electric vehicle. According to an embodiment herein, the system comprises a display unit operably coupled to the real-time monitoring and feedback system for projecting real-time values of the plurality of parameters regulated by the feedback sensors positioned in the real-time monitoring and feedback system.
According to one embodiment herein, the real-time monitoring and feedback system is configured to continuously compute and monitor a SoC of each of the plurality of auxiliary power sources in real time to facilitate a continuous delivery of the power to the components of the electric vehicle by any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources, thereby extending the range of the electric vehicle.
According to one embodiment herein, the system comprises a regenerative braking system operably connected to the plurality of auxiliary power sources. The regenerative braking system is configured to recapture a kinetic energy of the electric vehicle for charging at least one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources during braking.
According to one embodiment herein, the system comprises one or more buffer tanks operably connected to the GMABS. The buffer tanks are configured to store additional quantities of the electrolyte and replenish the electrolyte in the plurality of cells of the GMABS to a predefined composition.
According to one embodiment herein, the system comprises a mechanical refuelling system configured to retract metal consumed during the reaction in the GMABS and insert units containing metal into the plurality of cells of the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, the system comprises a hydrogen harvesting system operably coupled to the GMABS. The hydrogen harvesting system is configured to collect and store a hydrogen gas produced during the reaction in the GMABS.
According to one embodiment herein, the hydrogen harvesting system comprises a hydrogen fuel cell configured to operate on the hydrogen gas and provide power for charging any one of the plurality of auxiliary power sources.
According to one embodiment herein, the system comprises a graphene-based air conditioning system configured to provide a desired air composition for an operation of the plurality of cells of the GMABS.
The embodiments herein also provide a method for extending a range of an electric vehicle as disclosed in the detailed description of
The flow management system 111 is operably connected to the GMABS 104. The flow management system 111 regulates a circulation of the electrolyte in the GMABS 104. According to an embodiment herein, the flow management system 111 comprises one or more pumps, for example, 113, for controlling a flow of the electrolyte in the GMABS 104. The pumps 113 are, for example, diaphragm pumps, submersible pumps, centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, hydraulic pumps, etc. The pumps 113 pump the electrolyte through the GMABS 104 for filling the cells 106 of the GMABS 104 and allow a controlled flow of the electrolyte in the GMABS 104. According to another embodiment herein, the flow management system 111 comprises one or more rotameters, for example, 114, integrated with one or more valves, for example, 112 and 115. The valves 112 and 115 are, for example, gate valves, solenoid valves, ball valves, etc. The rotameters 114 in operable communication with the valves 112 and 115 regulate a flow rate of the electrolyte. The rotameters 114 facilitate a uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the cells 106 of the GMABS 104 at a volumetric flow rate of, for example, about 1 litre per minute (LPM) to about 20 LPM.
According to one embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system 116 is in operable communication with the flow management system 111. The electrolyte management system 116 regulates and maintains a temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the cells 106 of the GMABS 104 in a range, for example, from about 10 degree Celsius to about 80 degree Celsius, during the reaction. According to an embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system 116 comprises a reservoir 107 configured as an electrolyte storage tank for storing the electrolyte. The electrolyte is circulated from the reservoir 107 to the GMABS 104 via a circulation pipe 111a, and from the GMABS 104 back to the reservoir 107 via a circulation pipe 116a. According to an embodiment herein, the system 100 provides a thermal insulation to each of the circulation pipes 111a and 116a. According to an embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system 116 further comprises a thermal insulation layer 108 that envelopes and thermally insulates the reservoir 107. Thermally insulating the reservoir 107 and the circulation pipes 111a and 116a increases the energy efficiency of the system 100. Since the system 100 requires a particular range of temperature for the optimal working of the GMABS 104, thermal insulation aids in conserving energy that otherwise would be lost during a heat exchange with the surrounding environment.
According to one embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system 116 further comprises a thermocouple 109 positioned in the reservoir 107 for measuring the temperature of the electrolyte contained within the reservoir 107. According to an embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system 116 further comprises one or more filters 110 for purifying and freeing the electrolyte from impurities that interfere with the reaction in the GMABS 104. The filters 110 are, for example, screen filters, disc filters, graphene-based filters, etc., or any combination thereof. The filters 110 filter the impurities that interfere with the reaction in the GMABS 104 by collecting spent metal during the operation of the GMABS 104 and at the end of each flow cycle. Continuous removal of the spent metal is required for an optimal working of the GMABS 104 since the spent metal hinders the undergoing half-cell reaction occurring at the metal electrodes in the GMABS 104. According to an embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system 116 further comprises a pump 117 for pumping the electrolyte from the GMABS 104 to the reservoir 107.
According to one embodiment herein, a temperature control unit 118, also referred to as a “heating-cooling system”, is operably coupled to the electrolyte management system 116. The temperature control unit 118 controls the temperature of the electrolyte flowing through the cells 106 of the GMABS 104 as disclosed in the detailed description of
According to one embodiment herein, any one of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122 is operably connected to the GMABS 104. That is, at any time, only one of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122 is charged by the GMABS 104, which would later be used for powering the electric vehicle once the first auxiliary power source 121 is discharged to a set state of charge (SoC). The SoC is a level of charge of the auxiliary power source relative to its capacity. The auxiliary power sources 121 and 122 are selected from the group consisting of a metal ion battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a redox flow battery, a supercapacitor, a nickel metal hydride battery, a zinc-bromine battery, a polysulfide-bromide battery, etc., or any combination thereof. The metal ion battery is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a potassium-ion battery, etc. The redox flow battery is, for example, a vanadium redox battery. The connected auxiliary power source, for example, 121, receives power from the GMABS 104 when the other auxiliary power source, for example, 122, is discharged to a predefined SoC. The connected auxiliary power source 121 delivers the received power to components of the electric vehicle. Therefore, at any time, only one of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122 delivers power to a motor 126 and electronics of the electric vehicle. According to an embodiment herein, a single auxiliary power source, for example, 121, is operably connected to the GMABS 104 for receiving the power from the GMABS 104 and delivering the received power to components of the electric vehicle as disclosed in the detailed description of
According to an embodiment herein, the real-time monitoring and feedback system 127 comprises one or more feedback sensors 128 for regulating multiple parameters comprising, for example, temperature, flow, power, energy, etc., within the electric vehicle. According to an embodiment herein, the feedback sensors comprises thermocouples such as nickel-chromium thermocouples, nickel-alumel thermocouples, etc., for temperature sensing, drive shaft sensors for motor control, filtration sensors for monitoring a need to replace the filters 110 and flowmeters that control the flow of electrolyte through the system 100, etc. According to an embodiment herein, the system 100 comprises a display unit 130 operably coupled to the real-time monitoring and feedback system 127 for projecting real-time values of the parameters regulated by the feedback sensors 128. According to an embodiment herein, the real-time monitoring and feedback system 127 further comprises a data acquisition and compiler system 129 operably coupled to the feedback sensors 128 and the display unit 130 for processing data collected by the feedback sensors 128 and projecting real-time values of the parameters regulated by the feedback sensors 128 on the display unit 130. The feedback sensors 128 comprise, for example, direct and/or indirect variables, sensors, actuators, and associated control systems that provide data to the data acquisition and compiler system 129. The feedback sensors 128 measure and/or monitor parameters comprising, for example, voltage, current, and SoC of each of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122, voltage and current of the GMABS 104, voltage of each of the cells 106 of the GMABS 104, flow rate and temperature of the electrolyte, etc. The feedback sensors 128 help in real-time monitoring of different parameters, for example, electrolyte temperature, flow rate, water level, etc., of the system 100. The real-time values of the parameters are displayed on the display unit 130 for an operator to view the operation of the GMABS 104.
The data collected by the feedback sensors 128 is transformed, processed, and executed by an algorithm in the data acquisition and compiler system 129. As the size of the collected data is large, the data acquisition and compiler system 129 prioritizes the data, generates a priority list for processing, and processes only the high priority data from respective feedback sensors 128. According to an embodiment herein, the priority list changes depending on the status of the switching unit 124 and the data acquisition and compiler system 129. The data acquisition and compiler system 129 executes the algorithm and generates multiple dynamic curves showing multiple real-time values, for example, temperature variation of the GMABS 104 with time and electrolyte flow, charging speed and charge level of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122, etc. According to an embodiment herein, the real-time monitoring and feedback system 127 continuously computes and monitors a SoC of each of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122 in real time to facilitate a continuous delivery of the power to the components of the electric vehicle by any one of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122, thereby extending the range of the electric vehicle.
According to one embodiment herein, the system 100 comprises a regenerative braking system 125 operably connected to the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122. The regenerative braking system 125 provides an energy recovery mechanism that recovers, reuses, and/or stores kinetic energy generated by the electric vehicle during braking or slowing down of the electric vehicle. The regenerative braking system 125 recaptures a kinetic energy of the electric vehicle for charging at least one of the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122 during braking as disclosed in the detailed description of
Consider an example where the system 100 disclosed herein in installed in an electric vehicle. As illustrated in
The GMABS 104 is operably connected to two auxiliary power sources 121 and 122. The switching unit 124 controls the power supply to charge the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122. Another electronic switching unit 123 controls the power supply to a shaft 126a of a motor 126 of the electric vehicle. The regenerative braking system 125 recaptures the kinetic energy of the electric vehicle during braking and uses the recaptured kinetic energy for charging the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122. The thermocouple 109 positioned in the reservoir 107 measures the temperature of the electrolyte contained in the reservoir 107. The series of filters 110 removes the spent metal from the incoming electrolyte that enters the reservoir 107 through the circulation pipe 116a. The valve 112 is a normally open valve that remains open during the operation of the pump 113 for the circulation of the electrolyte from the reservoir 107 to the GMABS 104. The rotameter 114 monitors and controls a flow of the electrolyte from the reservoir 107 to the GMABS 104. The pump 117 circulates the electrolyte from the GMABS 104 to the reservoir 107. The valve 115 is a normally closed valve that remains closed during the operation of the pump 113. The temperature control unit 118, in operable communication with the microcontroller 119, maintains the temperature of the electrolyte in a desired range. According to an embodiment herein, the feedback sensors 128 collect data from the hydrogen harvesting system 120, the auxiliary power sources 121 and 122, the switching unit 123, the shaft 126a of the motor 126, and the filters 110 and feed the data to the data acquisition and compiler system 129, which processes and projects the data on the display unit 130.
According to one embodiment herein, the distribution channels 150 along with the overflow management system 151 prevent a leakage of the electrolyte inside the electric vehicle 301. As illustrated in
The reservoir 107 stores an electrolyte of an alkaline nature. The electrolyte is flown from the reservoir 107 through the stack of cells 106 of the GMABS 104 that are electrically connected to each other. Only when the electrolyte fills the cells 106, a reaction starts in which a metal, for example, aluminium, contained in the anode converts into a metal oxide while oxygen from the ambient air diffuses through the air cathode and reduces to hydroxide (OH−) ions, thereby generating power. The electrolyte management system, in communication with the temperature control unit 118, maintains the temperature of the electrolyte at an optimal range, for example, between about 10 degree Celsius and about 80 degree Celsius to increase efficiency of the reaction. A by product of this reaction is metal oxide particles, for example, aluminium oxide particles, that are retreated from the cells 106 of the GMABS 104 with the electrolyte flow. According to an embodiment herein, the electrolyte management system comprises filter cartridges that entrap the metal oxide particles and free the electrolyte from any metal oxide particle impurities that may interfere with the reaction.
The real-time monitoring and feedback system dynamically monitors concentration of the electrolyte in all the cells 106 of the GMABS 104 and uses the buffer tanks to replenish the electrolyte in the cells 106 to the desired composition. The kinetics of the reaction in the GMABS 104 and thereby the power generated from each of the cells 106 in the GMABS 104 is a direct function of the level to which the electrolyte is filled inside the cells 106. Through a set of flowmeters, valves, rotameters, etc., of the flow management system, the flow management system ensures that each of the cells 106 of the GMABS 104 is filled to a same level and hence the same power is generated from each of the cells 106. An optimum flow of the electrolyte through the cells 106 also leads to a uniform rate of metal dissolution, for example, aluminium dissolution, inside the cells 106.
Since the GMABS 104 generates power in a direct current (DC) form, the system disclosed herein comprises a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) converter 158 for appliances that operate on AC power. The real-time monitoring and feedback system continuously monitors the state of charge (SoC) of the auxiliary power source 122, which relates to the amount of power left in the GMABS 104, and when the auxiliary power source 122 reaches a particular SoC, the switching circuit disconnects that auxiliary power source 122 from the GMABS 104 and the other auxiliary power source 121, which was being charged by the GMABS 104, provides power to the load 601 as illustrated in
The real-time monitoring and feedback system then measures 909a current and a voltage and waits 910 for the interrupt. If the real-time monitoring and feedback system does not receive the interrupt signal 911, the real-time monitoring and feedback system continues 910 to wait for the interrupt. If the real-time monitoring and feedback system receives the interrupt signal 911, the real-time monitoring and feedback system integrates 912 current and time. The real-time monitoring and feedback system then computes 913 the SoC value. From the reference voltage, the real-time monitoring and feedback system retrieves 914 the SoC value from the lookup table. The real-time monitoring and feedback system then determines 915 whether the estimated SoC value is equal to the SoC value stored in the lookup table or less than or equal to 10% of the SoC value stored in the lookup table. If the estimated SoC value is equal to the SoC value stored in the lookup table or less than or equal to 10% of the SoC value stored in the lookup table, the real-time monitoring and feedback system sets 916 the new SoC value as equal to the old SoC value+10% of the SoC value stored in the lookup table and displays and stores 917 the SoC value and repeats the loop from step 909. If the estimated SoC value is not equal to the SoC value stored in the lookup table or less than or equal to 10% of the SoC value stored in the lookup table, the real-time monitoring and feedback system displays and stores 917 the SoC value and repeats the loop from step 909.
While the range of most electric vehicles is, for example, about 100 km to about 150 km before they need to be recharged, the graphene-based metal-air battery system (GMABS) disclosed herein extends the range of the electric vehicle beyond 1000 km. During the operation of the GMABS, one of the auxiliary power sources is being continuously charged by the GMABS, while the other auxiliary power source is being discharged to provide a required power to run the electric vehicle. The functions of the auxiliary power sources are reversed once the discharging auxiliary power source reaches a particular state of charge (SoC). In this way, the high energy density of the GMABS allows the electric vehicles to cover long ranges on a single charge. Furthermore, the embodiments herein optimize a power generation reaction within the GMABS by purifying the electrolyte, uniformly distributing the electrolyte in the cells of the GMABS, replenishing the electrolyte, regulating a flow of the electrolyte within the GMABS, regulating and maintaining a temperature of an electrolyte flowing through cells of the GMABS, and replenishing metal contained in the GMABS.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the claims.
The foregoing examples and illustrative implementations of various embodiments have been provided merely for explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the embodiments disclosed herein. While the embodiments have been described with reference to various illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the embodiments have been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, techniques, and implementations, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the embodiments extend to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, that the embodiments disclosed herein are capable of modifications and other embodiments may be effected and changes may be made thereto, without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201811043055 | Dec 2018 | IN | national |
The present application is a National Phase application of the PCT application with the serial number PCT/IN2019/050924 filed on Dec. 16, 2019 with the title, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXTENDING A RANGE OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE”. The embodiments herein claim the priority of the Indian Provisional Patent Application with serial number 201811043055, filed on Nov. 15, 2018, with the title “SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR RANGE EXTENSION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES USING GRAPHENE BASED METAL-AIR BATTERY”, and subsequently post-dated by 1 month to Dec. 15, 2018. The content of the Provisional patent application is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IN2019/050924 | 12/16/2019 | WO | 00 |
