TWI910818B - Battery logs management methods and systems for battery energy stations - Google Patents

Abstract

Battery logs management methods and systems for battery energy stations are provided. First, for each battery that is being charged in a battery energy station, at most a predetermined number of battery logs are periodically obtained from each of the batteries at a first time interval, and at most the predetermined number of battery logs are transmitted to a remote server through a network until there are no more battery logs that the battery energy station has not obtained in each of the batteries. When the power of a first battery among the batteries has reached a fully charged state, the first battery is caused to enter a sleep state. Then, the first battery is periodically waked up at a second time interval. When there are battery logs that has not been obtained by the battery energy station in the first battery, at most the predetermined number of battery logs are obtained from the first battery, and transmitted to the remote server through the network.

Description

Battery Record Management Methods and Systems for Battery Power Stations

This invention relates to a method and system for managing battery records in a battery power station, and more particularly to a method and system for managing battery records according to the condition of the batteries.

In recent years, with rising environmental awareness and advancements in electric vehicle technology, developing electric vehicles to replace traditional fuel-powered vehicles has become a key objective in the automotive industry, leading to their increasing popularity. To improve the range and user willingness of electric vehicles, many countries and cities have begun planning to install charging stations and battery swapping stations in public places to provide charging or battery exchange services for electric vehicles and/or electric motorcycles, making the use of electric vehicles more convenient.

Generally, battery power stations are managed via the cloud. Battery power stations located in the same or different locations can connect to a remote server via the network. The remote server monitors and manages the operation of these battery power stations. For example, during a battery swapping operation, the battery power station transmits the corresponding battery identification data and user identification data to the remote server via the network. The remote server then determines whether to approve the battery swapping operation based on the received data. In addition, the battery power station also transmits its battery-related status, such as charging status and battery-related records, back to the remote server via the network. The remote server can use this data for various management tasks, such as tracking battery life and calculating user costs.

As mentioned earlier, the remote server simultaneously monitors and manages battery power stations located in the same or different locations. Due to the large number of battery power stations, the remote server requires significant system resources to handle the corresponding workload. On the other hand, since battery power stations must transmit data while maintaining normal battery swapping operations, the proper scheduling of related operations and data transmission at the battery power stations, given the limited network bandwidth, becomes crucial for ensuring stable system service.

In view of this, the present invention provides a method and system for battery record management in battery power stations.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a battery record management method for a battery power station. First, a battery power station is used to charge a plurality of batteries and provide them with a battery exchange operation. For each of the batteries charging, at a first time interval, a predetermined number of battery records are periodically obtained from each battery, and these predetermined number of battery records are transmitted to a remote server via a network until there are no more battery records for each battery that the battery power station has not obtained. Next, it is determined whether the charge of one of the batteries has reached a fully charged state. When the charge of a first battery among the batteries has reached the fully charged state, the first battery enters a sleep state. The first battery is periodically woken up at a second time interval, and it is determined whether there are any battery records in the first battery that the battery power station has not yet acquired. When there are battery records in the first battery that the battery power station has not yet acquired, the first battery acquires up to a predetermined number of these battery records and transmits them to the remote server via the network.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery record management system for a battery power station, comprising a battery power station. The battery power station includes a battery storage unit, a network connection unit, and a processing unit. The battery storage unit includes a plurality of batteries. The processing unit charges the batteries and provides a battery swapping service for the batteries. For each of the batteries charging, the processing unit periodically obtains at a first time interval a maximum of a predetermined number of battery records from each battery, and transmits the maximum predetermined number of battery records to a remote server via a network using the network connection unit, until there are no more battery records for each battery that the battery power station has not obtained. The processing unit determines whether the charge of each battery has reached a fully charged state. When one of the batteries, the first battery, reaches a fully charged state, the processing unit causes the first battery to enter a sleep state and periodically wakes it up at a second time interval to determine if there are any battery records in the first battery that the battery power station has not yet acquired. If there are battery records in the first battery that the battery power station has not yet acquired, the processing unit acquires up to a predetermined number of these battery records from the first battery and transmits these records to the remote server via the network using the network connection unit.

In some embodiments, after the processing unit has acquired at most the predetermined number of battery records from each of the batteries, it deletes the acquired at most the predetermined number of battery records from each of the batteries.

In some embodiments, each of the batteries includes a battery management system for managing the battery records, and the processing unit queries the battery management system of each of the batteries to obtain information about the corresponding battery records, and retrieves up to the predetermined number of battery records through the battery management system of each of the batteries.

In some embodiments, the remote server further provides a user interface for receiving settings corresponding to the first time interval and the predetermined number of transactions, and the remote server transmits these settings to the battery power station via the network.

In some embodiments, a battery record is generated when each of the batteries supplies power to an electric vehicle, or when each of the batteries is charged at a battery power station or when the battery exchange operation is performed.

The method described above can exist in the form of program code. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, the machine becomes a device for implementing the invention.

To make the aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent, specific embodiments are provided below, along with accompanying figures, for detailed explanation.

100: Battery Record Management System for Battery Power Stations

110: Battery Power Station

112: Battery Storage System

BA1, BA2: Batteries

114: Charging Module

116: Network Connection Unit

118: Processing Unit

120: Remote Server

122: Network Connection Unit

124: Storage Unit

126: Processing Unit

130: Internet

300: Battery

310: Battery Management System

320: Memory

BL: Battery Records

S502, S504, S506, S508, S510, S512: Steps

S602, S604: Steps

S702, S704: Steps

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery record management system for a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a remote server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the battery record management method for a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a battery record management method for a battery power station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a battery record management method for a battery power station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a battery record management system for a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery record management system 100 for a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery power station 110 and a remote server 120. The battery power station 110 has a plurality of batteries that can be supplied to at least one power-consuming device, such as an electric motorcycle or electric vehicle. The battery power station 110 can connect to the remote server 120 via a network 130, such as a wired network, telecommunications network, or wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. Note that the remote server 120 can be an electronic device. The remote server 120 can simultaneously manage other battery power stations located in the same location or in different locations via the network 130.

Figure 2 shows a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery power station 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an electronic device. As shown in the figure, the battery power station 110 includes at least a battery storage system 112, at least one charging module 114, a network connection unit 116, and a processing unit 118. The battery storage system 112 has a specific mechanism (not shown in the figure) that can store a plurality of batteries, such as batteries BA1, BA2, and selectively lock or release these batteries. The battery power station 110 can provide batteries to at least one electrical device, such as an electric motorcycle or an electric vehicle. Each battery can be configured with a corresponding charging module 114, which has an upper current limit and/or a lower current limit to charge the corresponding battery. In some embodiments, the battery power station 110 may also include an energy module (not shown in the figure) that is electrically coupled to a power grid to obtain a total current to power the battery power station 110. Notably, in some embodiments, the energy module can actively detect the total current supplied to the battery power station 110 by the power grid and notify the processing unit 118 of the corresponding total current information. The network connectivity unit 116 can be connected to a network, thereby enabling the battery power station 110 to have network connectivity. In some embodiments, the network can be a wired network, a telecommunications network, or a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. The processing unit 118 can control the operation of all hardware and software in the battery power station 110, the details of which will be explained later.

Figure 3 shows a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the battery 300 of the present invention includes at least a battery management system (BMS) 310 and a memory 320. The battery management system 310 can communicate with the battery power station 110 and perform management operations on the battery 300 according to the instructions of the battery power station 110. The memory 320 can store multiple battery records BL. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, battery records BL can be generated when each battery provides power to an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, battery records BL can be generated when each battery is charged or swapped at the battery power station.

Figure 4 shows a remote server according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote server 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be an electronic device. As previously described, the remote server 120 can simultaneously manage other battery power stations located in the same or different locations via a network 130. As shown in the figure, the remote server 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least a network connectivity unit 122, a storage unit 124, and a processing unit 126. The network connectivity unit 122 can be connected to a network, thereby enabling the remote server 120 to have network connectivity capabilities. In some embodiments, the network can be a wired network, a telecommunications network, or a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. Storage unit 124 can store relevant data, such as information received from battery power station 110, including charging/swapping operation data and battery status, such as charging status and battery records. Processing unit 126 can control the operation of all hardware and software in remote server 120 and perform related applications and management based on received information.

Figure 5 illustrates a battery record management method for a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention. This battery record management method for a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a battery power station.

First, as in step S502, a battery power station is used to charge a plurality of batteries and to provide these batteries for a battery swapping operation. It is worth noting that during the battery swapping operation, the user can place a specific battery into the battery power station. Corresponding to the battery placement, the battery power station can select one of the batteries and provide the selected battery to the user. As in step S504, for each battery charging, at a first time interval, up to a predetermined number of battery records are periodically obtained from each battery, and these up to a predetermined number of battery records are transmitted via a network to a remote server until there are no more battery records for each battery that the battery power station has not obtained. In one embodiment, the first time interval can be 5 minutes, and the predetermined number of records is 5. In other words, the battery power station retrieves up to five battery records from individual batteries every five minutes and transmits these five records to a remote server via the network until no other battery records are available.

As previously mentioned, the battery management system can communicate with the battery power station to perform related management operations on the batteries. Figure 6 shows a battery record management method for a battery power station according to another embodiment of the present invention. First, as in step S602, the battery management system manages the battery records within the batteries. Next, as in step S604, the processing unit of the battery power station queries the battery management system of the batteries to obtain the corresponding battery record information and retrieves the battery records through the battery management system of each battery. It must be noted that, in one embodiment, after the processing unit of the battery power station retrieves the battery records from each battery, the retrieved battery records can be deleted from each battery.

Next, as in step S506, it is determined whether the charge of each battery has reached a fully charged state. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, when the battery charge reaches a threshold, such as 80%, it can be determined that the battery has reached a fully charged state. It should be noted that the aforementioned threshold is only an example in this case, and the invention is not limited thereto. When no battery has reached a fully charged state (No in step S506), the process returns to step S502. When the charge of one of the batteries, the first battery, has reached a fully charged state (Yes in step S506), as in step S508, the fully charged first battery enters a sleep state. Next, as in step S510, the fully charged first battery is periodically woken up at a second time interval, such as 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours, or at a fixed time each day, and it is determined whether there are any battery records in the first battery that have not yet been acquired by the battery power station. When the first battery has no battery records that have not yet been acquired by the battery power station (No in step S510), the process returns to step S508. When the first battery has battery records that have not yet been acquired by the battery power station (Yes in step S510), as in step S512, the first battery acquires up to the predetermined number of battery records and transmits up to the predetermined number of battery records to the remote server via the network. It's worth noting that the remote server can perform relevant management based on the acquired battery records, such as tracking battery lifespan and calculating user costs.

Figure 7 illustrates a battery record management method for a battery power station according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first time interval and the predetermined number of records can be flexibly adjusted. First, as in step S702, a user interface is provided on the remote server to receive the corresponding settings for the first time interval and the predetermined number of records. In other words, relevant administrators can input/select the corresponding settings for the first time interval and the predetermined number of records through the user interface. Next, as in step S704, the remote server transmits the settings to the battery power station via the network. After receiving the settings, the battery power station can perform subsequent battery record management based on these settings.

Therefore, the battery record management method and system of this battery power station can manage the battery records of all batteries in the battery power station according to the battery status, such as charging or fully charged, thereby increasing the reliability and stability of the system and overall service provision.

The method, or a specific form or part thereof of this invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in physical media, such as floppy disks, optical discs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, or may be a computer program product not limited to its external form. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in this invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission mode. When the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in this invention. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the code, in conjunction with the processing unit, provides a unique mechanism that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Anyone skilled in the art may make modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

S502, S504, S506, S508, S510, S512: Steps

Claims (10)

A battery record management method for a battery power station, applicable to a battery power station, includes the following steps: charging a plurality of batteries using the battery power station and providing the batteries with a battery exchange operation; for each of the batteries charging, periodically obtaining at most a predetermined number of battery records from each of the batteries at a first time interval, and transmitting the at most predetermined number of battery records to a remote server via a network, until there are no battery records for each of the batteries that the battery power station has not obtained; determining the charge status of each of the batteries. The system checks whether the battery has reached a fully charged state; when the first battery reaches this state, it puts the first battery into a sleep state; and periodically wakes the first battery at a second time interval, determines whether there are any battery records in the first battery that the battery power station has not yet acquired, and if there are any battery records in the first battery that the battery power station has not yet acquired, the first battery acquires up to the predetermined number of battery records and transmits the maximum predetermined number of battery records to the remote server via the network. The battery record management method for a battery power station as described in claim 1 further includes, after the battery power station has obtained at most the predetermined number of battery records from each of the batteries, deleting the obtained at most the predetermined number of battery records from each of the batteries. The battery record management method for a battery power station as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: managing the battery record using a battery management system for each of the batteries; and the battery power station querying the battery management system of each of the batteries to obtain information about the corresponding battery record, and obtaining up to the predetermined number of battery records through the battery management system of each of the batteries. The battery record management method for a battery power station, as described in claim 1, further includes the following steps: providing a user interface on the remote server to receive settings corresponding to the first time interval and the predetermined number of records; and the remote server transmitting the settings to the battery power station via the network. The battery record management method for a battery power station as described in claim 1 further includes generating a battery record when each of the batteries provides power to an electric vehicle, or when each of the batteries is charged or swapped at the battery power station. A battery record management system for a battery power station includes at least: a battery power station, comprising: a battery storage unit including a plurality of batteries; a network connection unit; and a processing unit for charging the batteries and providing a battery exchange operation for the batteries. For each of the batteries charging, the system periodically obtains at least a predetermined number of battery records from each battery at a first time interval, and transmits the predetermined number of battery records to a remote server via a network using the network connection unit, until there are no more battery records for each battery that the battery power station has not obtained. The system determines whether each of the batteries has reached a fully charged state. When the first battery reaches this state, it enters a sleep state and periodically wakes up at a second time interval. It then determines whether the first battery contains any battery records that the battery power station has not yet acquired. If such records exist, the first battery acquires up to a predetermined number of these records and transmits them to the remote server via the network using the network connection unit. As described in claim 6 of the battery power station battery record management system, wherein after the processing unit obtains at most the predetermined number of battery records from each of the batteries, it deletes the obtained at most the predetermined number of battery records from each of the batteries. As described in claim 6 of the battery power station battery record management system, each of the batteries includes a battery management system for managing the battery records, and the processing unit queries the battery management system of each of the batteries to obtain information about the corresponding battery record, and obtains up to the predetermined number of battery records through the battery management system of each of the batteries. As described in claim 6 of the battery power station battery record management system, the remote server further provides a user interface for receiving settings corresponding to the first time interval and the predetermined number of records, and the remote server transmits the settings to the battery power station via the network. As described in claim 6 of the battery power station battery record management system, a battery record is generated when each of the batteries supplies power to an electric vehicle, or when each of the batteries is charged or swapped at the battery power station.