FIELD OF INVENTION

In general, the present disclosure relates to a system for providing a multi-functional energy vending machine. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a multifunctional energy vending machine configured to provide simultaneous re-charging of a plurality of electric vehicles along with providing battery swapping and BTM services at the same time. Additionally, the present disclosure also relates to a method of operation of a multi-functional energy vending machine.

BACKGROUND

An electric vehicle (EV) is one that is powered either partially or fully by stored electric energy originally obtained from an external power source, and uses one or more electric or traction motors for propulsion. Electric vehicles function by plugging into a charge point and taking electricity from the grid. They store the electricity in rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor, which turns the wheels. Over the years, a considerable number of people have been opting the electrical vehicles instead of petroleum-based vehicles due to a negative impact on the environment being caused by petroleum-based vehicles. Most EVs are provided with storage units such as batteries and since batteries in use deplete their stored charge, they are required to be re-charged at regular intervals. There is a large variety of charging equipment and energy vending machines (EVM) available for re-charging EVs.

In specific instances, electric vehicles are also used to store electric energy. In the energy vending machine, BTM (back to meter) service is one such solution that can make the most out of renewable electricity that is produced and better management of fluctuations on the electricity grid. The technical concept is based on the idea of using the batteries in parked electric vehicles in both directions and with flexibility to take in and store electricity that is produced in excess on the network and constitute an electricity reserve to power the grid when needed. In other words, it relates to the field of technologies that deal with transferring of electric power from the source electric vehicles to the grid. Furthermore, the energy vending machines also provide the vehicle battery swapping services. Battery swapping is a technology allowing super-fast charging for electric cars. Once the discharged battery modules are removed from the car, they are placed on racks of vending machine so that they can be charged and ready for the next vehicle.

In the past few years, an ample amount of research has been conducted in the field of energy vending machines, along with rapid development of pure electric automobile technology and power lithium-ion battery technology. With the advancement of technology, several electric vehicles can re-charge their electric vehicle batteries at the same time at a particular energy vending machine. There are instances when the EVM can meet the power battery charging demand of even 50 electric vehicles at the same time. However, conventional energy vending machines fail to provide other energy retail services along with re-charging of electric vehicles at the same time. Presently, the energy vending machine are able to provide only one type of energy retail service at the same time. For example, the EVMs provide only the re-charging of electric vehicles services once at a time and fail to provide other services simultaneously. Conventionally, when the energy vending machine process more than one dissimilar or similar function, for example - recharging of electric vehicles along with providing BTM services, then these two functions need to process sequentially and not simultaneously. When these two functions happen simultaneously, then there occurs a phenomenon of frequency mismatching which is not desirable. Frequency mismatching is one of the major problems in the field of multi-functional energy vending machine. Furthermore, multi-category energy retail requires the system to be dynamic. The system is required to have bi-directional flow of energy from the system to achieve the function of multi-functional EVMs. To enable bidirectional flow of energy from the system with cross-compatibility across charging applications, system is required to modulate boundary conditions of every sub-system as per Usage load, life constraints and application overlaps. This requires intelligence in the system to actively moderate interactions between sub-systems. Since most electric vehicles are not used and are parked at various periods of times, their batteries could be used to let electricity flow from the vehicles to a utility power grid to support the grid in times of high demand for electric energy. Therefore, there exists a need for an intelligent system and method of multicategory energy retail system through which a plurality of EVs can be re-charged simultaneously at a single location in an energy efficient manner, along with providing other energy retail services like battery swapping.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-functional energy vending machine.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy vending machine that is configured to rectify the frequency mismatch occurred due to multidirectional transfer of electric energy.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy vending machine that is configured to rectify the frequency mismatch occurred due to transfer of electric energy in different ways, i.e., AC and DC electrical energy transfer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of (for) operation of a multi-functional energy vending machine.

In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an energy vending machine, comprising: a multi-functional energy management unit that comprises: a battery swapping module having a plurality of swap battery charging interfaces, each configured for a battery- swapping function (BSF); a vehicle charging module having a plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces, each configured for an electric vehicle charging function (EVCF) for a direct in-vehicle charging of an electric vehicle battery; and a Back-To-Meter (BTM) service module that is electrically coupled to the battery swapping module and the vehicle charging module, and wherein the BTM service module is configured to perform a BTM function (BTMF);and an active energy routing module comprising a control circuitry configured to: actively monitor the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF of the multi-functional energy management unit of the energy vending machine, wherein at least two functions or all the three functions are executed concomitantly; and

- control a dynamic distribution of energy to the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module from the power grid in a first energy flow direction and from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module in a second energy flow direction using the BTM service module, based on the active monitoring of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF. Optionally, the losses include at least one of a radiation loss, a downtime loss, a soiling loss and a systemic loss.

Optionally, the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces are bi-directional chargers.

Optionally, the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces are bi-directional chargers.

Optionally, the BTM function (BTMF) is a function that allows to draw energy from one or more electric vehicle batteries through the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces and route the power back into the power grid via an energy meter coupled to the energy vending machine. Optionally, the control of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction is executed such that a frequency matching is realized during concomitant execution of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF.

Optionally, the control of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction comprises decoupling an alternating current (AC) step down function associated with one or more charging interfaces of the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module.

Optionally, the control of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction further comprises executing a packetization of energy units among different functions that include the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF based on at least one predefined criterion.

Optionally, the energy vending machine further comprises a power relay having a first connection end and a second connection end, wherein the first connection end is coupled to the energy meter and the second connection end is coupled to the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces to manage flow of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of operation of an energy vending machine (EVM), the method comprising:

- executing an active monitoring of a battery- swapping function (BSF), an electric vehicle charging function (EVCF), and a Back-To-Meter function (BTMF) of a multi-functional energy management unit of the EVM, wherein at least two functions or all the three functions are executed concomitantly, and - controlling a dynamic distribution of energy to a plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of a battery swapping module of the EVM and a plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of a vehicle charging module of the EVM from the power grid in a first energy flow direction and from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module in a second energy flow direction using a BTM service, based on the active monitoring of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF.

Optionally, the controlling of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction is executed such that a frequency matching is realized during concomitant execution of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF.

Optionally, the controlling of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction comprises decoupling an alternating current (AC) step down function associated with one or more charging interfaces of the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module.

Optionally, the controlling of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction further comprises executing a packetization of energy units among different functions that include the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF based on at least one predefined criterion.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained through the following examples which are set forth to illustrate but are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a block diagram of a multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a block diagram of an AC combiner used in the multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a block diagram of a particular case of AC combiner used in the multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM), in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a block diagram of a DC combiner used in the multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a block diagram of a particular case of DC combiner used in the multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM), in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of (for) operation of multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item to which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.

In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an energy vending machine, comprising: a multi-functional energy management unit that comprises: a battery swapping module having a plurality of swap battery charging interfaces, each configured for a battery- swapping function (BSF); a vehicle charging module having a plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces, each configured for an electric vehicle charging function (EVCF) for a direct in-vehicle charging of an electric vehicle battery; and a Back-To-Meter (BTM) service module that is electrically coupled to the battery swapping module and the vehicle charging module, and wherein the BTM service module is configured to perform a BTM function (BTMF);and an active energy routing module comprising a control circuitry configured to: actively monitor the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF of the multi-functional energy management unit of the energy vending machine, wherein at least two functions or all the three functions are executed concomitantly; and

- control a dynamic distribution of energy to the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module from the power grid in a first energy flow direction and from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module in a second energy flow direction using the BTM service module, based on the active monitoring of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF. Optionally, the losses include at least one of a radiation loss, a downtime loss, a soiling loss and a systemic loss.

In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of operation of an energy vending machine (EVM), the method comprising:

- executing an active monitoring of a battery- swapping function (BSF), an electric vehicle charging function (EVCF), and a Back-To-Meter function (BTMF) of a multi-functional energy management unit of the EVM, wherein at least two functions or all the three functions are executed concomitantly, and - controlling a dynamic distribution of energy to a plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of a battery swapping module of the EVM and a plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of a vehicle charging module of the EVM from the power grid in a first energy flow direction and from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module in a second energy flow direction using a BTM service, based on the active monitoring of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF.

The present disclosure provides the aforementioned system and a method of (for) operation of electric vehicle energy vending machine. The system disclosed herein is simple, robust, inexpensive, and allows real time monitoring of the transfer of electric power from or to the vehicle and/or the grid. The system efficiently ensures detecting controllable and non-controllable losses in the energy transfer of the energy vending machine. Furthermore, the disclosed system is configured to provide balanced energy transfer and thus eliminating the frequency mismatching occurred due to the multi-directional flow of energy transfer and/or transfer of electric energy in different ways, i.e., AC and DC electrical energy transfer.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “energy vending machine” as used herein relates to the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that supplies electric energy from at least an electric power distribution grid to the one or more electric vehicles coupled with the energy vending machine, for charging all types of electric and/or plugged-in electric vehicles and receiving electric energy from at least one or more electric vehicles and/or at least a plugged-in electric vehicle to the at least one electric power grid. Optionally, the energy vending machine supplies electric power from at least one power distribution grid to the one or more battery storage unit and/or at least one battery. Optionally, the energy vending machine is also configured to receive electric power from the one or more battery storage unit and/or at least one battery to the electric power distribution grid. The term “ multi-functional energy management unit relates to the multi-functional energy retail services through which different types of energy retail services can be provided. Optionally, different types of energy retail services are charging and discharging of electric vehicles and batteries or battery storage unit, V2G services, V2H, V1G services, G2V, smart charging, battery swapping, BTM services and so forth. Optionally, the multi-functional energy management unit comprises the onboard chargers and/or the off-board chargers or other charging systems.

The term “ battery swapping function" as used herein throughout the present disclosure relates to a technique through which either discharged electric vehicle batteries, or damaged or faulty batteries can be replaced with the charged functioning batteries. In some instances, even the charged or new batteries are replaced by different types of batteries in the electric vehicles.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “battery swapping module” as used herein relates to a module or interface or system or unit that provides the function of battery swapping. Optionally, the battery swapping module provides the battery swapping function that is a technique comprising swapping a discharged electric vehicle battery with one that is already charged. This would replace recharging, thus eliminating long refuelling times that is one of the major limitations of zeroemission vehicles. Optionally, the discharged batteries at the battery swapping module will either be charged at the service station or centrally collected and charged. Optionally, battery swapping module enables the process of charging/discharging so that battery as an energy unit is maintained. Optionally, battery swapping module provides the process of dispensing batteries or process of giving different interfaces to the user while they are interacting with energy vending machines. Optionally, the battery swapping module comprises a series of chargers which are converting AC to DC and charging the battery via DC current. Optionally, the battery swapping module directly feeds the electrical energy to batteries or battery storage unit as AC current. Optionally, battery swapping module comprises a cabinet that can provide user flows: when the dispense and when not to dispense the batteries. Optionally, battery swapping module comprises a control unit that decides the kind of flow of energy to follow when user interacts with the swapping module.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “swap battery charging interface” as used herein relates to an interface for providing the battery swapping functions. Battery swapping is a technique comprising swapping a discharged electric vehicle battery with one that is already charged Optionally, the swap battery charging interface comprises a charging interface for charging the batteries or battery storage unit. Optionally, the swap battery charging interface comprises a discharging interface for discharging the batteries and/or the battery storage unit. Optionally, the swap battery charging interface comprises a discharging interface through which transfer of electric power from one or more batteries or battery storage unit to the electric power distribution grid. Optionally, the swap battery charging interface are bidirectional chargers.

The term “vehicle charging module” as used herein throughout the present disclosure relates to an equipment that connects an electric vehicle (EV) to a source of electricity to recharge electric vehicles and/or neighbourhood electric vehicles and/or plug-in hybrids. More optionally, vehicle charging module comprises a data collection devices, servers, and telecommunications hardware necessary to transmit and receive real-time data and to make energy charging decisions and issue commands to field devices. Optionally, vehicle charging module comprises the advanced features such as smart metering, cellular capability and network connectivity. Optionally, vehicle charging module as disclosed herein provides at least one of level- 1 charging, level-2 charging, level-3 charging and so forth. Optionally, vehicle charging module used herein provides different types of charging such as trickle charging, AC charging, DC charging and so forth. Optionally, the vehicle charging module is basically a kind of transformer for stepping down the voltage from the voltage of the power distribution grid to the required voltage of electric vehicles. Optionally, vehicle charging module relates to a kind of transformer for stepping down the voltage to the required voltage of electric vehicles and converting the AC to DC using a rectifier for feeding the batteries of the electric vehicles or the battery storage unit.

The term “electric vehicle charging function” relates to the function of re-charging the electric vehicles by transferring electric power from the power distribution grid to the electric vehicles. Optionally, electric vehicle charging functions in the form of AC to AC charging, DC to DC charging, AC to DC charging, DC to AC charging. Optionally, vehicle charging module relates to a kind of transformer for stepping down the voltage to the required voltage of electric vehicles and converting the AC to DC using a rectifier for feeding the batteries of the electric vehicles or the battery storage unit.

The term “electric vehicle charging interface” as used herein throughout the present disclosure relates to the interface acting as a bridge between the electric power distribution grid and the electric vehicles.

The term “electric vehicle battery” as used herein relates to the energy storage units or energy storage systems essential for supplying electric power to the hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and all-electric vehicles (EVs). The energy storage unit comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal, either of which can be interposed between the input/output terminals. Optionally, electric vehicle batteries also comprise a group or string of batteries arranged to meet a voltage requirement. Optionally, the vehicle battery provides the zap of electricity needed to put electrical components to work. Optionally, electrical vehicle batteries convert chemical energy into the electrical energy that powers the vehicles and delivers voltage to its starter. Furthermore, vehicle batteries stabilize the voltage (energy supply) that keeps the engine running. Optionally, electric vehicle batteries or the energy storage units are selected from at least one of lithium-ion batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, lead acid batteries, ultracapacitors and so forth. More Optionally, electric vehicle batteries also comprise of the recycling batteries. Throughout the present disclosure, the term BTM (also known as Back to Meter) function as used herein relates to the transferring of electric power from the electric vehicle or the batteries of electric vehicle to the electric power distribution grid. Optionally, it allows plug-in electric vehicles to interact with power grids and supply the grids with excess energy in batteries. More optionally, BTM function allows to draw energy from one or more electric vehicle batteries through the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces and/or the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces and route the power back into the power grid via an energy meter coupled to the energy vending machine. Optionally, batteries can provide the grid with ancillary services like frequency regulation. Optionally, BTM service technologies provide grid regulation services which enable bidirectional power flows between energy storage devices (batteries or electric vehicles) and the grid. Optionally, BTM service function as a DC to DC energy transfer, DC to AC energy transfer, AC to AC energy transfer, AC to DC energy transfer and so forth.

The term “BTM (Back to Meter) service module” as used herein relates to an interface for providing BTM services. Optionally, BTM service interface allows to draw energy from one or more electric vehicle batteries through the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces and/or the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces and route the power back into the power grid via an energy meter coupled to the energy vending machine. Optionally, BTM service module provides BTM services functioning as a DC to DC energy transfer, DC to AC energy transfer, AC to AC energy transfer, AC to DC energy transfer and so forth. More optionally, BTM service module comprises a bi-directional converter, data collection devices, servers, and telecommunications hardware necessary to transmit and receive realtime data and to make energy discharging decisions and issue commands to field devices.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “active energy routing module” as used herein relates control unit that allows for real-time monitoring, management, control, and configuration of various energy transfer modules like charging and discharging modules, battery swapping modules, BTM service modules and so forth. Optionally, the active energy routing module control the operation of electronic onboard of the energy vending machines. Optionally, the active energy routing module refers to both hardware, software’s, firmware or their combination. “Hardware” refers to all switching, sensing, and physical interconnects including mounting devices, connectors, wiring, physical chips and so forth. “Software” refers to the control algorithms that governs and controls the timing, switching, and decision-making process based-on either feedback from measurements taken by hardware devices or software algorithms or predictive models. Optionally, active energy routing module refers to a microprocessor device, which contains software control and monitoring processor. Optionally, said active energy routing module controls the operation of vehicle batteries, the energy vending machine, and the localized electronics to provide a Positive Output, Negative Output, Open, or Bypassed, with respect to two terminals. More optionally, active energy routing module comprises a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCAD A) system for proper functioning of multi-functional energy vending machine.

The term “control circuitry” as used herein relates to the control circuits for charging a plurality of electric vehicles, discharging a plurality of electric vehicles, providing BTM and battery swapping services and so forth. Optionally, the control circuitry refers to utility transformer for coupling the energy vending machine to a local utility power distribution grid and a main circuit breaker for providing short circuit protection to the EVM, the main circuit breaker isolating the EVM from the power distribution grid during power faults. Optionally, the control circuitry comprises of comparators, switches, enclosures, conductors, relays, contactors, pilot devices, overcurrent-protection devices and so forth. More optionally, a control circuitry comprises of one or more of various electronic and electrical devices.

The term “bidirectional charger” as used herein provides the EV charging that goes two ways. Bidirectional charger allows energy to flow both ways - in and out of your EV. Optionally, in the charging mode, the bidirectional charger converts an alternating voltage (AC) into a direct voltage (DC). In the V2G (vehicle to grid) /V2H (vehicle to home) mode, the bidirectional charger converts a DC voltage (DC) into an AC voltage (AC). Optionally, bidirectional chargers for an electric automobile comprises a bidirectional terminal connected to an electrical network, a cable for connection to an electric automobile, a control panel accessible from the terminal, and communication means with an electrical network control system. Optionally, the bidirectional charger is located at the bottom of the vehicle near the powertrain. Optionally, a kind of vehicle-mounted bidirectional charger for electric automobile comprises AC/DC converter, DC/DC converter, microprocessor control circuit and filter circuit. Optionally, bidirectional chargers links to each other with bi-directional DC-DC half-bridge soft switch high-frequency circuit.

Through the present disclosure, the term “frequency matching” as used herein relates to the regulation of frequency when two or more than two of the energy retail services happen simultaneously. Optionally, frequency mismatch is a major issue that majorly happens in electricity power grid or its transmission line, and required to be eliminated as soon as it is detected. Basically, the amount of electricity fed into the electricity grid must always be equal to the amount of electricity consumed. Optionally, in most of the countries around the world, the equilibrium frequency needs to be maintained is 50 Hz. In USA and other countries, the equilibrium frequency is 60 Hz. Grid operators ensure that this frequency remains stable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The tolerance threshold is plus or minus 0.050 Hertz which is very critical. Since electric power grids are designed to operate within a certain frequency range (i.e., 50 Hz or 60 Hz), there is a risk that in some instances, this frequency may not be maintained or disconnected from the grid after a period of time. Optionally, if frequency drops below a certain level then there might be chance of black out. Higher frequency above a certain level is also not desirable as it damage the components of power grid and the transmission line.

The term “power relay” as used herein relates to a device that uses an electromagnet to open or close a circuit when the input (coil) is correctly excited. Optionally, power relays are the switches that open and close circuits electromechanically or electronically. Optionally, power relays are switches controlled by electrical power, like another switch, computer or control module. The purpose of an automotive relay is to automate this power to switch electrical circuits on and off at particular times. Optionally, the power relays provide a high level of isolation between the control signal (coil) and the output (contacts). More optionally, the power relays provide a high level of isolation between the control signal (coil) and the output (contacts) with a rated impulse voltage of 4 or 6kV. Optionally, in a normally open power relay, power flows through an input circuit, activating an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field that attracts a contact to join with the second, larger circuit, allowing current to flow through.

The term “power grid” as used herein throughout the present disclosure relates to a network for delivering electricity to consumers. It includes generator stations, transmission lines and towers, and individual consumer distribution lines. The generator produces energy. Optionally, in the power grids, electrical energy is converted into a high voltage for distribution. More optionally, power grids comprise of the power stations, electrical substation, electrical power transmission and electrical power distribution. Power grids are synchronous such that all distribution areas operate with three phase alternating current (AC) frequencies synchronized o that voltage swings occur at almost the same time.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is disclosed a multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM) 100 for providing energy retail services. The EVM comprises a grid or power distribution grid 108, a meter 110, a DC input/output of bidirectional chargers 114, an active energy routing module 116, a plurality of battery swapping module 102 having a plurality of battery swapping charging interface, a plurality of vehicle charging module 106 having a plurality of electric vehicle charging interface and a plurality of BTM service module 104 configured to be electrically coupled with the plurality of battery swapping module 102 and the plurality of electric vehicle charging module 106. In one of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery swapping module 102 and the BTM service module 104 further comprises an interface for providing a plurality of batteries (120A, 120B,..120N) to be charged or discharged at the battery swapping module or the BTM service module. The EVM 100 further comprises a power relay 118 having a first connection end and a second connection end, wherein the first connection end is coupled to the energy meter 110 and the second connection end is coupled to the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces to manage flow of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction.

In some embodiments, the DC input/output of the present disclosure 114 acts as an interface for providing input and output of the bidirectional chargers. In another embodiment, instead of DC, the input/output is also provided as AC input/output of the bidirectional chargers.

In a specific embodiment, the battery swapping module 102 having a battery swapping charging interface configured for the battery swapping function through which discharged electric vehicle batteries or damaged or faulty batteries are replaced with the charged functioning batteries. In an embodiment, the plurality of batteries (120A, 120B..120N) received from the electric vehicles are to be kept onto a rack comprising a bidirectional charger 112A1 configured for charging or discharging the electric vehicle batteries and allow energy to flow in both ways, i.e., in and out of the electric vehicles. In an embodiment, the bidirectional charger as similar to other conventional chargers includes a rectifier configured to convert AC to DC electrical current and also comprises a mini transformer for further providing step-down function of the electrical voltage to the required voltage by the electric vehicle.

The vehicle battery charging module 106 comprising a plurality of vehicle battery charging interface, that is configured for the electric vehicle charging function. The plurality of electric vehicles 122 are to be parked on a vehicle battery charging interface, comprising a plurality of charging points for charging a plurality of electric vehicles and a power relay 124. In some embodiments, the electric vehicle charging interface comprises the input-output of bidirectional chargers 114 for plugging in to charge the electric vehicle and the power relay 124 connects the DC input output of the bidirectional charger with the power relay 124. In an embodiment, various protocols are being opted for charging the electric vehicle or the electric vehicle batteries as disclosed in the EVM. For example, charger to DC- 001 or other AC to DC, DC to DC, AC to DC, AC to AC protocols for electric vehicle charging with required accessories. In another embodiment, the discharged or partially charged electric vehicles are plugged into the charging points of the electric vehicle charging interface for charging the electric vehicles. The plurality of electric vehicles are configured to be charged simultaneously on plurality of electric vehicle charge interface. In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electric vehicle charging interface comprises an alarm indicator that makes an alarm sound to indicate that the electrical vehicle has been fully charged. In yet another embodiment, the electric vehicle charging interface makes the alarm sound at every iteration of the ten percent charge of the electric vehicle batteries. For example, the vehicle charging interface makes the alarm sound at 10%, 20%, 30%....90% and 100% charge of the electric vehicle.

In the EVM as disclosed in fig. 1 of the present disclosure, there is described a plurality of BTM service module 104, also known as Back to meter service module that is configured to be electrically coupled with the battery swapping module 102 and vehicle charging module 106, that comprises a plurality of BTM service module interface comprising a plug-in point, DC input output of the bidirectional chargers 114 and a plurality of bidirectional chargers 112b. In a particular embodiment, the BTM service module transfers the electric power from the electric vehicle back to the power grid. Specifically in a particular embodiment, the BTM service module executes the BTM function (BTMF) that allows to draw energy from one or more electric vehicle batteries through the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces and route the power back into the power grid via an energy meter coupled to the energy vending machine. In an embodiment, the BTM service module when transfer the electric power back to the grid, improve the performance of the electricity grid in areas such as efficiency, stability, and reliability and also enable ancillary services, such as voltage control and spinning reserve in the power grid and also the whole of electric energy vending machines. In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, all the functions related to the energy retail such as the electric vehicle charging function, BTM function and battery swapping function happen simultaneously. As shown in fig. 1, the simultaneous functioning of charging of at least one battery at the battery swapping interface and the vehicle charging interface along with transferring of electric power back to the power grid via BTM service interface leads to a frequency mismatch in the power transmission between the power grid and vehicle batteries. Frequency mismatch is a major issue that majorly happens in electricity power grid or its transmission line, and required to be eliminated as soon as it is detected. Basically, the amount of electricity fed into the electricity grid must always be equal to the amount of electricity consumed. In most of the countries around the world, the equilibrium frequency needs to be maintained is 50 Hz. In USA and other countries, the equilibrium frequency is 60 Hz. Grid operators ensure that this frequency remains stable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The tolerance threshold is plus or minus 0.050 Hertz which is very critical. Since electric power grids are designed to operate within a certain frequency range (i.e., 50 Hz or 60 Hz), there is a risk that in some instances, this frequency may not be maintained or disconnected from the grid after a period of time. If frequency drops below a certain level then there might be chance of black out. Higher frequency above a certain level is also not desirable as it damage the components of power grid and the transmission line. Therefore, the frequency mismatch occurring due to the simultaneous functioning of charging of vehicle batteries and BTM service must be eliminated. In some embodiments, when the output of bidirectional chargers are combined, then also, there may be a case of frequency mismatch. In another embodiment, when AC power is combined or split then there may be case of frequency mismatch. In yet another embodiment, when DC power is combined or being split then also, there may be case of frequency mismatch.

In an embodiment, there is disclosed an AC combiner and de-combiner that is configured to couple or combine the outputs of AC power from two or more than two different sources. Additionally, in some embodiments, AC de-combiner or decoupler is also disclosed, through which an AC power is being split or distributed into two or more than two AC power. In some embodiments, DC combiner and decombiner (coupler) are also disclosed configured to combine DC power from two or more than two different DC source or split a particular DC power into two or more than two DC power. Combining or splitting the electric power (AC or DC) may lead to a frequency mismatch and may trip the whole transmission line and the grid. Therefore, it needs to be eliminated.

Referring to fig. 1 of the present disclosure, the active energy routing module 116 monitors the battery swapping function, the electric vehicle charging function, and the BTM function of the multi-functional energy management unit of the energy vending machine, wherein all the three functions are executed concomitantly. In some embodiments, the active energy routing module 116 monitors the battery swapping function, the electric vehicle charging function, and the BTM function of the multi-functional energy management unit of the energy vending machine, wherein at least two of said energy retail functions are executed concomitantly.

Furthermore, the active energy routing module 116 controls the dynamic distribution of energy to the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module from the power grid in a first energy flow direction and from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module in a second energy flow direction using the BTM service module, based on the active monitoring of the BSF (battery swapping function), the EVCF (electric vehicle charging function), and the BTMF (back to meter function).

The first energy flow direction and second energy flow direction relate to the direction of electric energy flow. The first energy flow relates to the transfer of energy from the electric power grid to the vehicle battery charging module, battery swapping module and the BTM service module. Furthermore, the second energy flow relates to the transfer of energy from the vehicle battery charging module, battery swapping module and or BTM service module to the electric power grid. In an embodiment, the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces are bidirectional chargers.

In another embodiment, the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces are bidirectional chargers.

In a particular embodiment, the control of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction is executed such that a frequency matching is realized during concomitant execution of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF. In another embodiment, the dynamic distribution of energy to plurality of battery swapping module, vehicle battery charging module or the BTM service module is monitored in a real time manner. Advantageously, a dynamic energy management system or the controlling the dynamic distribution energy comprises a dynamic energy management system. The dynamic energy management system is a demand-side energy resource that integrates energy efficiency and load management from a dynamic, whole-systems or networked perspective that simultaneously addresses permanent energy savings, permanent demand reductions, and temporary peak load reductions. In some embodiments, dynamic distribution of energy requires integrating dynamic energy resources with distribution in such a way as to radically changing the way distribution and transmission are used to deliver power to the customer. The basic concept is to use dynamic energy resources to move all load following requirements to the distribution system and allow for intentional islanding within possible to have the system with less losses, more transmission capabilities, more stable markets, higher level of security and double the total energy transfer over a 24-hour period without new generation or transmission.

In a specific embodiment, the control of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction comprises decoupling an alternating current (AC) step down function associated with one or more charging interfaces of the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module. In yet another embodiment, the control of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction further comprises executing a packetization of energy units among different functions that include the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF based on at least one predefined criterion (as per Usage load, life constraints and application overlaps). The electric power is transferred in the sachetized form of energy units in order to rectify frequency mismatch, voltage mismatch, current mismatch. In other words, the energy is transferred in small packets so as to monitor the transfer of energy from grid to load correctly. In some embodiment, the AC combiner or the DC combiner receive energy from one or multiple power sources, store and forward it in the form of energy packets to requesting loads connected to one or multiple ports of the switch. Energy packets carry discrete amounts of energy for a finely controlled supply. Loads receive discrete amounts of energy through packets rather than a continuing and discretionary energy flow. Using energy packets help manage the delivery of power in a more reliable, robust, and economical form than that used by the present power grid.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the BTM function and battery swapping function happens concomitantly, wherein the battery swapping function includes the charging of the discharged batteries. Herein, the charging of batteries and the BTMF are happening concomitantly, therefore, there may be the requirement of frequency mismatching which will be rectified by the active energy router module as discussed above. The active energy routing module execute an active monitoring of a battery-swapping function (BSF), and a Back-To-Meter function (BTMF) of a multi-functional energy management unit of the EVM, and control a dynamic distribution of energy to a plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of a battery swapping module of the EVM in a first energy flow direction and the plurality of BTM service interface in a BTM service module in a second energy flow direction using a BTM service, based on the active monitoring of the BSF and the BTMF.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the BTM function and vehicle charging function happens concomitantly. Herein, the charging of batteries (or electric vehicles) and the BTMF are happening concomitantly, therefore, there may be the issue of frequency mismatching which will be rectified by the active energy router module as discussed above. The active energy routing module executes an active monitoring of an electric vehicle charging function (EVCF), and a Back-To- Meter function (BTMF) of a multi-functional energy management unit of the EVM, and controls a dynamic distribution of energy to a plurality of vehicle charging interface in a vehicle charging module of the EVM in a first energy flow direction and the plurality of BTM service interface in a BTM service module in a second energy flow direction using a BTM service, based on the active monitoring of the EVCF and the BTMF.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery swapping function and vehicle charging function happen concomitantly. As the standard certain level of frequency is being used for charging the batteries of two different function, i.e., the battery swapping function and the electric vehicle charging, therefore, there may be the issue of frequency mismatching which will be rectified by the active energy router module as discussed above. The active energy routing module execute an active monitoring of an electric vehicle charging function (EVCF), and a battery swapping function (BSF) of a multi-functional energy management unit of the EVM, and control a dynamic distribution of energy to a plurality of vehicle charging interface in a vehicle charging module of the EVM and the battery swapping module in the EVM, based on the active monitoring of the EVCF and the BSF.

Referring to fig. 2 of the present disclosure, there is disclosed an AC combiner 216 used in the multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM) 200 for providing energy retail services as in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-functional energy vending machine 200 comprises a grid 208, a meter 210, an AC combiner 216, a plurality of bidirectional charger at battery swapping interface or BTM service interface (212a, 212b) and a load 214. The load 214 may be a unidirectional or bidirectional or a multi-directional load. The AC combiner (or AC coupler) 216 combine the AC power coming from the power grid and the external source 220. For example, one or more of the electric vehicles at the vehicle charging interface and the electric vehicle batteries at the battery swapping interface are being charged at the output of the AC combiner 216. The two different sources of AC power, i.e., the power grid 208 and external source 220 may have different voltage and frequency configuration, therefore combining AC power from two different sources need careful integration of voltage, current and frequency. Splitting AC generates high frequency harmonics which interfere with local power and communication circuits, thus leads to a frequency mismatch. Even a slight mismatch in frequency can trip the whole electric circuit and must be eliminated. There should always be a match between the consumption of electric power and the generation of electric power. Higher the electricity generation, higher will be the frequency and higher the electricity consumption, higher will be the drop in frequency.

Referring to fig. 1 of the present disclosure, there is provided the active energy routing module including a control circuitry, configured to actively monitor the combination of AC electric power from two or more different sources and distribute the electric power to the load as required in such a way that there occurs no frequency mismatch in the whole transmission circuit of the EVM 200. Based on the active monitoring of the combination and distribution of electric power, the active energy routing module controls the dynamic distribution of energy from the plurality of electric power sources and to the different loads such as bidirectional chargers and unidirectional or bidirectional AC load.

In another embodiment, in order to rectify the frequency mismatch, the electric power is transferred in the sachetized form of energy units. In other words, the energy is transferred in small packets so as to monitor the transfer of energy from grid to load correctly. The AC combiner as disclosed in fig. 2 receive energy from one or multiple power sources, store and forward it in the form of energy packets to requesting loads connected to one or multiple ports of the switch. Energy packets carry discrete amounts of energy for a finely controlled supply. Loads receive discrete amounts of energy through packets rather than a continuing and discretionary energy flow. Using energy packets help manage the delivery of power in a more reliable, robust, and economical form than that used by the present power grid. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control and management of the active energy routing module 116 are based on a request-grant protocol. The active energy routing module 116 uses a data network for the transmission of these requests and grants. In another embodiment, the active energy routing module 116 may be the center-piece for creating infrastructure in the realization of the digital power grid. In yet another embodiment, the design of the energy packet switch or ethemet switch is based on shared supercapacitors to shape and manage discretization of energy.

In some embodiments, the energy flows in a multi-directional way, i.e., the energy is flowing in both first energy flow direction and second energy flow direction along with combining AC power in a first energy flow direction. For example, BTM function is happening concomitantly along with the AC power combining function. In this embodiment, there will be a requirement of frequency and voltage regulation that will be achieved by the active energy routing module.

Referring to fig. 3 of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a particular case of AC combiner 316 used in the multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM) 300 for providing energy retail services as in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The EVM as disclosed herein fig. 3 comprises a plurality of bidirectional chargers (312A and 312B) , a plurality of bidirectional AC load 314, power grid 308, and meter 310 . In some embodiments, the EVM comprises bidirectional chargers (312A and 312B) and bidirectional DC load. In this scenario, back to meter service function (BTMF) is happening simultaneously from the plurality of battery swapping interface and the BTM service interface. Herein, BTM function allows to draw energy from one or more electric vehicle batteries through the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces and route the power back into the power grid via an energy meter coupled to the energy vending machine. In some embodiments, the combination of AC and DC electric power are combining in a second energy flow direction. Since, the AC electric power from two or more than two different sources are integrating simultaneously, there may occur frequency mismatch (and even voltage mismatch too) in the transmission line of the grid which is not desirable. Frequency mismatch as already discussed in the previous embodiments lead to the failure of the system or at least damage the electric power system to some extent. Therefore, the present invention provides an active energy routing module 116 including a control circuitry, configured to actively monitor the combination of AC electric power from two or more different sources and distribute the electric power to the load as required in such a way that there occurs no frequency mismatch in the whole transmission circuit of the EVM 300. Based on the active monitoring of the combination and distribution of electric power, the active energy routing module controls the dynamic distribution of energy from the plurality of electric power sources and to the different loads such as bidirectional chargers and unidirectional or bidirectional AC load. In some embodiments, in order to rectify the frequency mismatch, the electric power is transferred in the sachetized form of energy units. In other words, the energy is transferred in small packets so as to the deliver power in a more reliable, robust, and economical form than that used by the present power grid.

Referring to fig. 4 of the present disclosure, there is described a DC combiner 416 used in the multi-functional energy vending machine (EVM) for providing energy retail services as in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein, the DC electric power via a plurality of bidirectional chargers (412A and 412B) is combined to provide output to the plurality of electric batteries 410. In some embodiments, the AC to DC converter 420 is used for converting AC electric energy coming from the grid to DC electric energy as required by the load or the electric batteries. In some embodiments, charger DC is not pure DC, depending on the isolations and design, it shall have voltage harmonics after rectification, which in larger amplitude might affect the chargers connected in parallel.

In some embodiments, since the DC combiner 416 combines the electric power from two or more different sources, therefore electric power grid and the transmission line might face the problem of frequency mismatch. With reference to

T1 fig. 1, the active energy routing module actively monitors the transfer DC combiner, wherein the two or more than two DC electric power sources feed power to DC combiner. The active energy routing module control a dynamic distribution of energy to the plurality of electric batteries. In a particular embodiment, the DC combiner transfer or receive electric power in the sachetized form or in the form of packets of energy so as to rectify the frequency mismatch occurring in the system.

Referring to fig. 5, there is described a DC combiner 516 used in the multifunctional energy vending machine (EVM) for providing energy retail services as in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein fig. 5, a combination of plurality of batteries 510 are connected in series. Combining small batteries in parallel may cause hazardous situations like heavy heat generation due to huge currents leading to thermal runaway, short circuit and so forth. It is critical to decide which battery to connect in parallel as well as how to connect those batteries. In an example, current rate limiters may be used for connecting batteries. In some embodiments, when small batteries are used to provide huge DC loads, a battery management system is required to make batteries behave like cells in case of battery management system. In another embodiment, power regulators may be required at an isolated battery system 512 to remove switching related harmonics to hamper communication/power between DC combiner and isolated battery system 512.

In an embodiment, the charging in a DC charging energy system relates to level 1, level 2 and level 3 charging.

Level 1: 200-450V, 20KW and below

Level 2: 200-450V, 20 to 80KW

Level 3: 200-450V, Above 80KW

In another embodiment, the charging in an AC charging energy system relates to level 1, level 2 and level 3 charging.

Level 1: 120V Single Phase, 2KW and below Level 2: 208-240V, Single Phase, Up to 20KW

Level 3: Undefined, Single or Three Phase

Furthermore, the electric vehicle charging equipment comprises the two types of charging equipment, i.e., AC to DC (off-board) and DC to DC (on-board).

The present disclosure also relates to the method as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the method.

Now referring to Fig. 6, illustrated are steps of a method 600 for operation of an energy vending machine (EVM), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 600 as disclosed herein is configured to provide a multifunctional energy vending machine in which two or more than two EVM functions such as battery swapping function, electric vehicle battery charging function, and the BTM service function can happen simultaneously. Frequency mismatch and other major electrical issues are rectified by the method as disclosed herein. The method 600 initiates at a step 602, in which the method includes executing an active monitoring of a battery-swapping function (BSF), an electric vehicle charging function (EVCF), and a Back-To-Meter function (BTMF) of a multi-functional energy management unit of the EVM, wherein at least two functions or all the three functions are executed concomitantly. At a step 604 of the method 600, the method 600 further includes controlling a dynamic distribution of energy to a plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of a battery swapping module of the EVM and a plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of a vehicle charging module of the EVM from the power grid in a first energy flow direction and from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module and the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module in a second energy flow direction using a BTM service, based on the active monitoring of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF.

The steps 602 to 606 of method 600, are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

In an embodiment, the controlling of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction is executed such that a frequency matching is realized during concomitant execution of the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF.

In another embodiment, the method 600 includes controlling of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction comprises decoupling an alternating current (AC) step down function associated with one or more charging interfaces of the plurality of electric vehicle charging interfaces of the vehicle charging module from the plurality of swap battery charging interfaces of the battery swapping module.

In yet another embodiment, the method 600 includes controlling of the dynamic distribution of energy in the first energy flow direction as well as the second energy flow direction further comprises executing a packetization of energy units among different functions that include the BSF, the EVCF, and the BTMF based on at least one predefined criterion.

Additionally, the above-mentioned system and method may be used for operation of all types of energy vending machine such as centralized charging station, apartment vehicle charging station and so forth.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate. The present invention is not limited solely to the above-presented embodiments, but it can be modified within the teachings of the appended claims.