GB2628585A

GB2628585A - Magnetic flux generator

Info

Publication number: GB2628585A
Application number: GB2304609.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heenan Thomas; Tan Chun
Original assignee: Gaussion Ltd
Current assignee: Gaussion Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-29
Filing date: 2023-03-29
Publication date: 2024-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2043-03-29
Also published as: KR20250169176A; GB2628585B; CN120917597A; GB202304609D0; EP4690346A1; WO2024200567A1

Abstract

A magnetic flux generator 1 configured to enhance ion transport in one or more electrochemical cells contained within a battery pack 40 on board of a vehicle comprises one or more magnetic field sources 10, the or each source being configured to produce a respective magnetic field through at least one of the one or more electrochemical cells. The magnetic field source(s) may be associated with modules 15 comprising a plurality of individual cells, e.g. located between the modules (as shown). Alternatively, the or each magnetic field source may be associated with individual cells, which are either provided within a plurality of modules or directly in a battery pack (figures 4-9). The magnetic field source(s) may be provided on a battery pack provided in the vehicle (figures 14-19) or may be located outside of the vehicle at a charging station (figures 20-25). In all examples, the magnetic field source(s) enhance ion transport in the electrochemical cells and are especially useful for improving the charging efficiency of vehicle batteries.

Description

MAGNETIC FLUX GENERATOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic flux generator configured to enhance ion transport in one or more electrochemical cells contained within a battery pack on board of a vehicle.

Background

Electrochemical cells are vital to many electrical systems, in particular portable devices such as mobile phones and laptops and, increasingly, electric vehicles.

Various types and configurations of electrochemical cells can be selected based on size, shape, voltage, current and other requirements. Examples of common shapes of cells are pouch cells, prismatic cells, and cylindrical cells. The cells may also be connected in a battery to provide the appropriate voltage and/or current for the application.

In the context of electric vehicles, electrochemical cells are typically arranged in battery modules which form part of the vehicle's battery pack. This is illustrated in FIGs 1A-3. Specifically, FIG 1A shows a plurality of pouch electrochemical cells 200 electrically connected and arranged in a battery module 150, while FIG. 1B shows a plurality of cylindrical electrochemical cells 200' arranged in a battery module 150. Referring to FIG. 2, the battery modules 150 of the types shown in FIGs 1A and 1B are arranged and electrically connected to provide the battery pack 400, which is integrated on board of a vehicle 300 (see FIG. 3).

The functionality of electric vehicles is dependent upon the performance of their battery packs. In general, it is desirable to have a battery pack that has a large capacity and a short charging time to increase the ratio of time that the vehicles can operate independently of an external power source to time that they must be connected to an external power source for charging.

The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a magnetic flux generator configured to enhance ion transport in one or more electrochemical cells contained within a battery pack on board of a vehicle, the magnetic flux generator comprising: one or more magnetic field sources, each configured to produce a respective magnetic field through at least one of the one or more electrochemical cells.

Advantageously, the provision of a magnetic field through an electrochemical cell (i.e. such that the magnetic field permeates the cell) can homogenise local resistances within the cell and thus improve ion transport. Improved ion transport can improve cells' capacity and/or decrease charging time. This can significantly improve the functionality of electrochemical cells contained within a battery pack on board of a vehicle and thus improve user experience when using the vehicle. In the context of the present invention, the vehicle may for example be an electric vehicle, or a hybrid electric vehicle.

Optional features of the invention are discussed below. The invention includes the combination of the aspects and optional features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

Optionally, in a first variant of the first aspect, the magnetic flux generator may be integrated on board of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the battery pack may comprise one or more battery modules, each battery module comprising a plurality of the one or more electrochemical cells, and the magnetic flux generator may be integrated inside the battery pack. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the battery pack may not comprise battery modules. Instead, the battery pack may just comprise the electrochemical cells. The magnetic flux generator may be integrated inside the battery pack. Specifically, the battery pack may be a module-less battery pack and the electrochemical cells may be directly integrated into the battery pack. That is, the battery pack may have a cell-to-pack structure.

Optionally, the magnetic flux generator may comprise a plurality of magnetic field sources and the battery pack may comprise a plurality of battery modules.

Optionally, the plurality of magnetic field sources may be interspersed among the plurality of battery modules. For example, the magnetic field sources and the battery modules may be arranged in an alternating manner. Optionally, the magnetic flux generator may comprise at least as many magnetic field sources as battery modules in the battery pack. In this case, the magnetic field sources and the battery modules within the battery pack may be arranged such that each battery module is sandwiched between a respective pair of the plurality of magnetic field sources. Conveniently, this can ensure that the electrochemical cells within each battery module are uniformly permeated by the/each generated magnetic field.

Optionally, the plurality of magnetic field sources may be arranged inside respective ones of the plurality of battery modules such that each battery module comprises at least one of the plurality of magnetic field sources.

Optionally, each battery module may comprise a respective plurality of magnetic field sources interspersed among the plurality of electrochemical cells within the respective battery module. For example, the magnetic field sources and the electrochemical cells within each battery module may be arranged in an alternating manner. Optionally, each battery module may comprise at least as many magnetic field sources as electrochemical cells. In this case, the magnetic field sources and the electrochemical cells within each battery module may be arranged such that each electrochemical cell is sandwiched between a respective pair of the plurality of magnetic field sources. Conveniently, this can ensure that the electrochemical cells within each battery module are uniformly permeated by the/each generated magnetic field.

The one or more magnetic field sources of the magnetic flux generator may be integrated inside respective ones of the one or more electrochemical cells. Specifically, when the magnetic flux generator comprises a plurality of magnetic field sources and the battery pack comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell may contain one or more of the plurality of magnetic field sources inside its housing for improved exposure to the magnetic field generated by the/each magnetic

field source provided therein.

Optionally, the magnetic flux generator may be external to the battery pack, and the one or more magnetic field sources may be positioned adjacent the battery pack. For example, the/each magnetic field source may abut a respective wall of the battery pack, or, the/each magnetic field source may be adjacent to a respective wall of the battery back such that it extends along a plane substantially parallel to and closely spaced from a wall of the battery pack.

Optionally, in a second variant of the first aspect, the magnetic flux generator may be provided off board of the vehicle.

The magnetic flux generator may be provided such that it is flush with ground level, e.g. an in-use top surface of the magnetic flux generator may be flush with ground level.

Optionally, the magnetic flux generator may be provided below ground level. That is, the magnetic flux generator may be provided underground such that it is submersed below ground level.

Alternatively, the magnetic flux generator may be provided above ground level. For example, the magnetic flux generator may be provided above ground level as a raised mat rested upon the ground, the mat having a thickness which extends in an in-use upward direction from the ground level. The magnetic flux generator may be provided on a platform raised above ground level. The platform may be vertically movable for electric vehicle applications of varying height. The platform may be coupled to a mechanism for vertically moving (i.e. raising/lowering) the platform. For example, the mechanism may comprise an electrical motor. Conveniently, this allows variation of the vertical location of the magnetic flux generator and thus of its proximity to the chassis of the vehicle. This can ensure that the battery pack on board of the vehicle is uniformly and sufficiently permeated by the/each generated magnetic field for different types of vehicles having differently shaped/sized chassis and/or shaped/sized/located battery packs. The platform may be horizontally movable, e.g. for more precise alignment with a vehicle. The platform may be coupled to a mechanism for horizontally moving the platform. For example, the mechanism may comprise an electrical motor. The mechanism for horizontally moving the platform may also be the mechanism for vertically moving (i.e. raising/lowering) the platform.

Optionally, the magnetic field may have a magnetic field strength of at least OT. Optionally, the magnetic field may have a magnetic field strength of no more than ST. Optionally, the magnetic field may have a magnetic field strength of between OT and ST inclusive. Optionally, the magnetic field may have a magnetic field strength of between OT and 1mT inclusive. Optionally, the magnetic field may have a magnetic field strength of between 1 mT and ST inclusive.

Optionally, the magnetic field produced by at least one of the one or more magnetic field sources may be a changing magnetic field.

Optionally, the/each changing magnetic field may be one of or any combination of: rotating, pulsed, and/or oscillating. Rotation of each changing magnetic field may be around an axis having a component perpendicular to a direction of the respective changing magnetic field. The rotation of each changing magnetic field may be around an axis having a component parallel to a direction of the respective changing magnetic field. Rotation of each changing magnetic field may be around an axis having a component perpendicular to a direction of current flow within the/each electrochemical cell. The rotation of each changing magnetic field may be around an axis having a component parallel to a direction of current flow of the/each electrochemical cell. Each rotating magnetic field may be provided by a rotating permanent magnet, or a temporary magnet, or an electromagnet or may be provided by an array of electromagnets which are sequentially activated to effectively rotate the respective magnetic field.

Optionally, the/each changing magnetic field may be controllably variable in one, two, or three spatial dimensions. Additionally, or alternatively, the magnitude of the/each magnetic field may be controllably variable. Conveniently, this can ensure that the battery pack on board of the vehicle is uniformly and sufficiently permeated by the/each generated magnetic field for different types of vehicles having differently shaped/sized chassis and/or shaped/sized/located battery packs.

Optionally, at least one of the one or more magnetic field sources may comprise one or more permanent magnets. When the generated magnetic field is static, the one or more permanent magnets are stationary. Alternatively, when the generated magnetic field is a changing magnetic field, the one or more permanent magnets are each coupled to a respective mechanism for moving the permanent magnet. For example, the mechanism may comprise an electric motor. Generally, the magnetic field produced by a permanent magnet may be varied by varying the direction and/or speed at which the permanent magnet is moved (rotated) by the mechanism.

Optionally, at least one of the one or more magnetic field sources may comprise one or more electromagnets. The electromagnet may be any type of electromagnet. Electromagnets generally comprise a coil of wire wound around a core. For example, the core may be a metal core (e.g. a ferromagnetic core), or it may be an air-filled space at the centre of the electromagnet, i.e. an air core. Each electromagnet is configured to be coupled to a power supply. The magnetic field produced by each electromagnet may be varied by varying the amount of electrical power and/or the direction of the electrical current supplied thereto by the power supply. For example, it may be desirable to switch one or more of the electromagnets off (i.e. supply no power to them) to vary the changing magnetic field produced by the respective magnetic flux generator. Additionally, or alternatively, it may be desirable to provide electrical current having different directions to respective different electromagnets to vary the magnetic polarity of the respective generated magnetic fields.

Each electromagnet may be an air-core electromagnet extending longitudinally (i.e. axially) and radially to define a space for accommodation of a respective one of the one or more electrochemical cells. The one or more electrochemical cells may be cylindrical. By air-core electromagnet, here it is a meant a coil of wire (i.e. solenoid) which comprises a central air-filled space defined by the coil and does not comprise a solid core, such as a ferromagnetic core. The air core may accommodate a respective electrochemical cell, e.g. a cylindrical cell.

Optionally, at least one of the magnetic field sources may comprise a plurality of permanent magnets (stationary or coupled to a respective mechanism for moving them) and/or a plurality of electromagnets.

The plurality of permanent magnets and/or the plurality of electromagnets may be arranged in the same plane, e.g. such that the/each magnetic field source is a flat (planar) magnetic field source. The plurality of permanent magnets and/or the plurality of electromagnets may be arranged in a grid.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle charging system comprising: a charging unit for charging the battery pack of the vehicle; and the magnetic flux generator as defined in the second variant of the first aspect.

The charging unit may comprise a charging cable for connection to the vehicle to charge the vehicle's battery pack.

Optionally, the vehicle charging system may further comprise a magnetic field guiding arrangement integrated on board of the vehicle.

Optionally, the magnetic field guiding arrangement may comprise at least one of: one or more metallic plates and/or one or more electromagnetic coils. Optionally, the magnetic field guiding arrangement may be provided adjacent to the battery pack of the vehicle. For example, when the magnetic field guiding arrangement comprises one or more metallic plates, the/each metallic plate may abut a respective wall of the battery pack.

Conveniently, metallic plates and electromagnetic coils can be used to selectively direct magnetic field lines of a generated magnetic field in a predetermined manner. For example, a physical arrangement of metallic plates and/or electromagnetic coils can affect the distribution of the magnetic field lines through a selected region in space, e.g. so as to focus them at/divert them away from a specific spatial location.

When the magnetic field guiding arrangement comprises one or more metallic plates, at least one of the one or more metallic plates may be used as a heat sink to provide thermal management for the battery pack and/or magnetic flux generator, in addition to performing its magnetic field guiding function.

Summary of the Figures

Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGs 1A-1B show respective variants of a conventional battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells; FIG. 2 shows a conventional battery pack for a vehicle comprising a plurality of battery modules; FIG. 3 shows the conventional battery pack of FIG. 2 integrated on board of a vehicle; FIG. 4 shows a variant configuration of a battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 shows a variant configuration of a battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 shows a variant configuration of a battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 shows a variant configuration of a battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 shows a variant configuration of a battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 shows a variant configuration of a battery module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules interspersed among a plurality of magnetic field sources according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 show a partial view of the battery pack configuration of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules interspersed among a plurality of magnetic field sources according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 shows a partial view of the battery pack configuration of FIG. 12; FIG. 14 shows a variant configuration of a battery pack and a magnetic flux generator external to the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 15 shows the battery pack and magnetic flux generator of FIG. 14 integrated on board of a vehicle; FIG. 16 shows a variant configuration of a battery pack and a magnetic flux generator external to the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 17 shows the battery pack and magnetic flux generator of FIG. 16 integrated on board of a vehicle; FIGs 18A and 18B respectively show a front and a side view of a battery pack and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention and integrated on board of a vehicle; FIGs 19A and 19B respectively show a front and a side view of a battery pack and a magnetic flux generator according to an embodiment of the present invention and integrated on board of a vehicle; FIGs 20A and 20B respectively show a front and a side view of a vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a magnetic flux generator provided off board of the vehicle and below ground level; FIGs 21A and 21B respectively show a front and a side view of a vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a magnetic flux generator provided off board of the vehicle and above ground level; FIGs 22A and 22B respectively show a front and a side view of a vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a magnetic flux generator provided off board of the vehicle on a raised platform above ground level; FIGs 23A-23B show a magnitude of a generated magnetic field being varied to controllably permeate a battery pack integrated respectively differently on board of a vehicle; FIGs 24A-24B show a magnitude of a generated magnetic field being varied to controllably permeate respective different battery packs integrated on board of a vehicle; FIG. 25 shows a partial view of a vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a magnetic flux generator provided off board of the vehicle and below ground level and a magnetic field guiding arrangement integrated on board of the vehicle; and FIG. 26 shows the three spatial dimension in which the/each magnetic field generated by the magnetic flux generator according to embodiments of the present invention may be varied.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention provides a magnetic flux generator 1 configured to enhance ion transport in one or more electrochemical cells 20 contained within a battery pack 40 on board of a vehicle 30. The magnetic flux generator 1 comprises one or more magnetic field sources 10, each being configured to produce a respective magnetic field through at least one of the one or more electrochemical cells. The battery pack may have a capacity of between 1 kWh and 5000kWh inclusive. The battery pack may have a capacity of between 1 kWh and 1000kWh inclusive. The battery pack may have a capacity of between 10kWh and 1000kWh inclusive. The battery pack may have a capacity of between 101(Wh and 300kWh inclusive. The battery pack may have a length in the range from 500mm to 5000mm inclusive, e.g. 1660mm, a width in the range from 50mm to 2500mm inclusive, e.g. 964mm, and a height in the range from 50mm to 700mm inclusive, e.g. 174mm.

As already discussed, the battery pack may optionally comprise one or more battery modules. Depending on module size, the battery pack may comprise between 1 and 100 battery modules inclusive. Each battery module may comprise up to 2000 electrochemical cells inclusive. Regardless of whether the battery pack comprises modules, and depending on cell size, the battery pack may comprise up to 200000 cells inclusive, for example up to 20000 cells inclusive.

The magnetic flux generator 1 may be integrated on board of the vehicle 30, for example inside the battery pack 40. When the battery pack comprises battery modules 15, the magnetic flux generator may be integrated inside the battery modules. This is discussed with reference to FIGs 4 to 9 which show variant configurations of a magnetic flux generator 1 comprising a plurality of magnetic field sources 10 provided inside a respective battery module 15.

In the example of FIG. 4, the battery module 15 encloses a plurality of pouch electrochemical cells 20 arranged in an alternating manner with a plurality of flat magnetic field sources 10 such that each pouch cell is sandwiched between a respective pair of magnetic field sources. Generally, the length and width of typical pouch (or prismatic) cells (including these shown in FIGs 4 and 5) may be between 10mm and 1000mm inclusive, while the thickness of the typical pouch (or prismatic) cells may be between 3mm and 300mm inclusive.

In the example of FIG. 5 the battery module 15 encloses a plurality of pouch electrochemical cells 20 and a plurality of magnetic field sources which are shaped as elongated slabs. The magnetic field sources 10 extend along respective top and bottom edges of each pouch cell 20. The top edge of a pouch cell is the edge comprising its tabs, and the bottom edge is opposite the top edge. Each pouch cell 20 is sandwiched by a respective pair of magnetic field sources 10 located respectively at its top and bottom edges. Modifications to this configuration are possible. For example, the elongated magnetic field sources 10 may extend substantially perpendicularly or at an acute/obtuse angle to the top/bottom edges of the pouch cells.

In the example of FIG. 6, the battery module 15 encloses a flat magnetic flux source 10 which supports a plurality of cylindrical electrochemical cells 20 rested upright upon the magnetic field source.

In the example of FIG. 7, each battery module encloses a mechanical support 51 supporting upright a plurality of magnetic field sources 10. The magnetic field sources are arranged in a grid. The magnetic field sources in this example are air-core electromagnets extending longitudinally (i.e. axially) and radially to define a space for accommodation of a respective cylindrical electrochemical cell 20. By air-core electromagnet, here it is a meant a coil of wire (i.e. solenoid) which comprises a central air-filled space defined by the coil and does not comprise a solid core, such as a ferromagnetic core. Thus, each magnetic field source 10 in this example surrounds a respective cylindrical cell 20.

In the example of FIG. 8, the cylindrical cells 20 are similarly arranged in a grid but each magnetic field source 10 is a flat magnetic field source. The magnetic field sources 10 are arranged such that each row of electrochemical cells 20 is sandwiched between a respective pair of magnetic field sources 10 extending upright and parallel to respective sidewalls of the battery module 15.

Finally, in the example of FIG. 9, each magnetic field source 10 is a disc-shaped magnetic field source.

The cylindrical cells 20 are arranged upright inside the battery module 15, in a grid. Each cylindrical cell has a bottom wall, a top wall, and a sidewall extending therebetween. A respective magnetic field source 10 is provided on or in close proximity to the bottom wall and the top wall of each cylindrical cell, such that each cell is longitudinally (vertically) sandwiched between a respective pair of disc-shaped magnetic field sources 10. Each magnetic field source 10 may have an area equal to or substantially equal to the area of the wall (i.e. top or bottom wall) it is provided on or in close proximity to. Each cylindrical cell may have a diameter of between 10mm and 50mm inclusive, e.g. 18mm, or 21 mm, or 46mm. Each cylindrical cell may have a height of between 50mm and 100mm inclusive, e.g. 65mm, or 70 mm, or 80mm.

It is also possible to provide the magnetic flux generator 1 inside the battery pack 40 but outside of the battery modules 15. For example, the magnetic field sources 10 may be interspersed among the battery modules. Two such example arrangements are shown in FIGs 10 and 12. In FIG. 10 the magnetic flux generator 1 comprises a plurality of flat magnetic field sources 10 arranged upright inside the battery pack 40 and parallel to side walls thereof such that the battery modules 15 (only one of which is shown) of the battery pack are each sandwiched by a respective pair of magnetic field sources. This is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 11 where a single battery module 15 sandwiched by a pair of magnetic field sources is shown. In the example of FIG. 12, the magnetic flux generator 1 similarly comprises a plurality of flat magnetic field sources 10 arranged inside the battery pack 40. However, the magnetic field sources in this example are arranged in grids parallel to the top and bottom walls of the battery pack. Thus, each battery module 15 (only one of which is shown) is vertically sandwiched by a respective pair of magnetic field sources. This is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 13 where a single battery module 15 vertically sandwiched by a pair of magnetic field sources 10 is shown.

It is also possible to provide the magnetic flux generator 1 on board of the vehicle 30 but outside of the battery pack 40. This is illustrated in the examples of FIGs 14-19B. In the example of FIG. 14 the magnetic flux generator comprises a pair of flat magnetic field sources 10 arranged parallel to sidewalls of the battery pack 40. In this example, the magnetic field sources abut the sidewalls of the battery pack and thus sandwich it sideways. This arrangement is shown integrated on board of the vehicle 30 in FIG. 15. Similarly, the magnetic flux generator 1 of FIG. 16 comprises a pair of flat magnetic field sources 10 sandwiching the battery pack 40. However, in this example, the magnetic field sources extend parallelly respectively to the top and bottom walls of the battery pack so as to abut them and vertically sandwich the battery pack. This arrangement is shown integrated on board of the vehicle 30 in FIG. 17.

Instead of two magnetic field sources, the magnetic flux generator may comprise just one magnetic field source. Examples of this are shown in FIGs 18A-19B. Specifically, the magnetic flux generator 1 of FIGs 18A and 18B comprises just one flat magnetic field source 10 extending parallel to and abutting a top wall of the battery pack. In contrast, in the example of FIGs 19A-19B, the magnetic flux generator 1 comprises just one flat magnetic field source 10 extending parallel to and abutting a bottom wall of the battery pack. In these examples, the vehicle 30 is temporarily connected to a charging unit 11 via a charging cable 12 to charge its battery pack 40. The ground level GL is also indicated in these figures by the dashed horizontal line.

Instead of on board of the vehicle, the magnetic flux generator 1 may be provided as part of a vehicle charging system 500 off board of the vehicle 30. This is discussed with reference to FIGs 20A-25. The vehicle charging system comprises the charging unit 11.

In the examples of FIGs 20A-20B, the magnetic flux generator 1 is provided below ground level GL. Specifically, the magnetic flux generator 1 comprises just one flat magnetic field source 10 which is provided underground such that it is submersed below ground level GL.

Alternatively, the magnetic flux generator 1 may be provided above ground level GL, as shown in FIGs 21, 22. In the example of FIGs 21A, 21B, the magnetic flux generator comprises just one flat magnetic field source 10 provide above ground level GL as a raised mat rested upon the ground. The mat has a thickness which extends in an in-use upward direction from the ground level GL. In the example of FIGs 22A, 22B, the magnetic flux generator 1 comprises just one flat magnetic field source 10 provided on a platform 13 raised above ground level GL. The platform may be vertically movable. The platform may be coupled to a mechanism (not shown) for vertically moving (i.e. raising/lowering) the platform. For example, the mechanism may be an electrical motor. Conveniently, this allows variation of the vertical location of the magnetic flux generator and thus of its proximity to the chassis of the vehicle 30. This can ensure that the battery pack 40 on board of the vehicle is uniformly and sufficiently permeated by the/each generated magnetic field for different types of vehicles having differently shaped/sized chassis and/or shaped/sized/located battery packs. The platform may be horizontally movable, e.g. for more precise alignment with a vehicle. The platform may be coupled to a mechanism for horizontally moving the platform. For example, the mechanism may comprise an electrical motor. The mechanism for horizontally moving the platform may also be the mechanism for vertically moving (i.e. raising/lowering) the platform.

To achieve a similar advantageous effect, the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the/each magnetic field source 10 may be controllably varied. This is illustrated in FIGs 23A, 23B and 24A, 24B. Specifically, FIGs 23A, 23B show a pair of vehicles 30, each comprising a respective battery pack 40.

However, the vertical location of the respective battery packs 40 is different inside the two vehicles. That is, the battery pack 40 of FIG. 23B is raised compared to the battery pack integrated inside the vehicle of FIG. 23A. Thus, the distance b between the ground level GL and the top wall of the battery pack of FIG. 23B is larger than the distance a between the ground level GL and the top wall of the battery pack of FIG. 23A, i.e. b>a. The magnitude of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source 10 is varied such that it is larger in the case of FIG. 23B to allow sufficient permeation of the magnetic field lines through the battery pack. Generally, the distance between the ground level GL and the top wall of the battery pack may range between 150mm to 1300mm inclusive. The distance between the ground level and the bottom wall of the battery pack may range between 100mm and 1000mm inclusive.

FIGs 24A and 24B each show a respective vehicle 30 having a respective battery pack 40, however, the battery pack shown in FIG. 24B is thicker than the battery pack of FIG. 24A. That is, the vertical dimension b of the battery pack of FIG. 24B is larger than the vertical dimension a of the battery pack of FIG. 24A, i.e. b>a. Again, the magnitude of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source 10 is correspondingly varied such that it is larger in the case of FIG. 24B to allow sufficient permeation of the magnetic field lines through the battery pack.

In addition to the magnetic flux generator 1 off board of the vehicle 30, the vehicle charging system 500 may comprise a magnetic field guiding arrangement 14 integrated on board of the vehicle 30. The magnetic field guiding arrangement comprises one or more magnetically susceptible components. An example of a magnetic field guiding arrangement is shown in FIG. 25 where the magnetic field guiding arrangement comprises a pair of metallic plates 14 abutting respectively the top and bottom walls of the battery pack 40. Conveniently, metallic plates can be used to selectively direct magnetic field lines of a generated magnetic field in a predetermined manner. For example, a physical arrangement of metallic plates can affect the distribution of the magnetic field lines through a selected region in space, e.g. so as to focus them at/divert them away from a specific spatial location. The metallic plates 14 may also be used as a heat sink to provide thermal management for the battery pack and/or magnetic flux generator, in addition to performing their magnetic field guiding function. In some embodiments, the magnetic field guiding arrangement includes one or more planar plates; in some embodiments the magnetic field guiding arrangement includes one or more curved plates. The magnetic field guiding arrangement may comprise more complicated structures including curved, e.g. coiled, components.

The/each magnetic field mat be a changing magnetic field. For example, the/each changing magnetic field may be variable in in one, two, and/ or three spatial dimensions. The three spatial dimensions x (horizontal), y (into/out of the page) and z (vertical) are indicated relative to the vehicle 30 and the battery pack 40 in FIG. 26.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. In alternatives that are not currently embodiments, it is envisaged that the battery packs and battery modules described herein could be applied to stationary applications as well as to vehicles.

Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +1-10%.

Claims

Claims: 1. A magnetic flux generator configured to enhance ion transport in one or more electrochemical cells contained within a battery pack on board of a vehicle, the magnetic flux generator comprising: one or more magnetic field sources, each configured to produce a respective magnetic field through at least one of the one or more electrochemical cells.
2. The magnetic flux generator of any preceding claim wherein the magnetic flux generator is integrated on board of the vehicle.
3. The magnetic flux generator of claim 2 wherein: the battery pack comprises one or more battery modules, each battery module comprising a plurality of the one or more electrochemical cells; and the magnetic flux generator is integrated inside the battery pack.
4. The magnetic flux generator of claim 3 wherein the magnetic flux generator comprises a plurality of magnetic field sources and the battery pack comprises a plurality of battery modules.
5. The magnetic flux generator of claim 4 wherein the plurality of magnetic field sources are interspersed among the plurality of battery modules.
6. The magnetic flux generator of claim 5 wherein the magnetic flux generator comprises at least as many magnetic field sources as battery modules in the battery pack.
7. The magnetic flux generator of claim 6 wherein the magnetic field sources and the battery modules within the battery pack are arranged such that each battery module is sandwiched between a respective pair of the plurality of magnetic field sources.
8. The magnetic flux generator of claim 4 wherein the plurality of magnetic field sources are arranged inside respective ones of the plurality of battery modules such that each battery module comprises at least one of the plurality of magnetic field sources.
9. The magnetic flux generator of claim 8 wherein each battery module comprises a respective plurality of magnetic field sources interspersed among the plurality of electrochemical cells within the respective battery module.
10. The magnetic flux generator of claim 8 or 9 wherein each battery module comprises at least as many magnetic field sources as electrochemical cells.
11. The magnetic flux generator of claim 10 wherein the magnetic field sources and the electrochemical cells within each battery module are arranged such that each electrochemical cell is sandwiched between a respective pair of the plurality of magnetic field sources.
12. The magnetic flux generator of claim 2 wherein the magnetic flux generator is external to the battery pack, and the one or more magnetic field sources are positioned adjacent the battery pack.
13. The magnetic flux generator of claim 1 wherein the magnetic flux generator is provided off board of the vehicle.
14. The magnetic flux generator of claim 13 wherein the magnetic flux generator is provided below ground level.
15. The magnetic flux generator of claim 13 wherein the magnetic flux generator is provided above ground level.
16. The magnetic flux generator of any preceding claim wherein the magnetic field produced by at least one of the one or more magnetic field sources is a changing magnetic field.
17. The magnetic flux generator of claim 16 wherein the/each changing magnetic field is one of or any combination of: rotating, pulsed, and/or oscillating.
18. The magnetic flux generator of claim 16 or 17 wherein the/each changing magnetic field is controllably variable in one, two, or three spatial dimensions.
19. The magnetic flux generator of any one of claims 16-18 wherein the magnitude of the/each magnetic field is controllably variable.
20. The magnetic flux generator of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the one or more magnetic field sources comprises one or more permanent magnets.
21. The magnetic flux generator of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the one or more magnetic field sources comprises one or more electromagnets.
22. A vehicle charging system comprising: a charging unit for charging the battery pack of the vehicle; and the magnetic flux generator as defined in any one of claims 13-15.
23. The vehicle charging system of claim 22 further comprising a magnetic field guiding arrangement integrated on board of the vehicle.
24. The vehicle charging system of claim 23 wherein the magnetic field guiding arrangement comprises at least one of: one or more metallic plates and/or one or more electromagnetic coils.
25. The vehicle charging system of claim 23 or 24 wherein the magnetic field guiding arrangement is provided adjacent to the battery pack of the vehicle.