Abstract: An interchange energy device for an electric vehicle enables an electric vehicle to be compatible with existing power lines such as overhead catenary system with little to no modification necessary to a modern electric vehicle. The interchangeable energy device has the same form factor as a battery pack, and is fully compatible with the drive system of the vehicle. The interchangeable device enables a battery pack to be swapped for an adapter to take advantage of existing power systems such as an overhead catenary system.

Abstract: A method for assembling a battery module including a unified connection array with a flexible connector is described. The flexible connector can include a plurality of pads that are secured to a central spine. The flexible connector may be a single piece connector. The flexible connector can include monitors that are mounted to the flexible connector to gather data regarding battery cells of the battery module.

Abstract: A flexible connector a battery system and a method for assembling in a battery assembly. The apparatus can include a plurality of pads that are secured to a central spine. The flexible connector may be a single piece connector. The flexible connector can include monitors that are mounted to the flexible connector to gather data regarding battery cells.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a first panel including a first upper surface and a first lower surface. The first upper surface may include a cavity extending into the first upper surface towards the first lower surface and a bus bar within the cavity. In addition, the apparatus may include a second panel having a second lower surface in direct contact with the first upper surface, wherein the second lower surface extends over a substantial portion of the cavity. In addition, the bus bar may include a first coupling element. The first coupling element may be configured to be mechanically coupled to a terminal of a battery module. Further, the cavity may position the first coupling element to align with the terminal.

Abstract: The disclosed battery management system generally includes at least one bi-directional balancing circuit and a power supply including a first battery module and a second battery module, each having at least one battery cell. The balancing circuit may be configured to transfer excess charge from one or more battery cells of the first battery module to one or more battery cells of the second battery module. By redistributing the level of charge within one or more battery cells, the balancing circuit can cause the overall charge of a power supply to last longer by taking advantage of excess charge found within one or more battery cells. Additionally, the balancing circuit may be connected to a bus bar that may be utilized to power additional accessories within a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for swapping batteries in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The method includes dismounting a first battery assembly, moving to a second battery assembly and mounting the second battery assembly onto the vehicle. Mounting and dismounting are accomplished by an onboard mounting and dismounting system. The method can be used in a zero infrastructure environment such as an underground mine since mounting and dismounting are accomplished by components on the vehicle itself. An auxiliary battery pack powers the vehicle during between dismounting a battery pack and mounting another battery pack.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may include a frame, a set of wheels, and a bucket. In addition, the vehicle may include an electric propulsion system comprising one or more electric motors and one or more electric power sources configured to deliver power to the one or more electric motors. Further, the vehicle may have a payload capacity, the payload capacity being a weight of material that can be loaded into the bucket and transported by the electric vehicle; and the payload capacity may be at least approximately 10 metric tons.

Abstract: A battery module having a plurality of battery cells is described. The battery module includes a head unit with corresponding conical positive and negative terminals that allow additional battery modules to mate together and be electrically coupled in an end-to-end relationship. A plurality of battery modules can be combined together into rows of modules that are the electrically coupled to form a multi-modular battery system. The multi-modular battery system uses interchangeable individual battery modules for ease of replacement. Battery modules of a multi-modular battery system can communicate with each other using optical communication methods, including via line-of-sight and/or optical cables.

Abstract: A module maintenance system includes a battery module comprising at least a first battery cell and a second battery cell, and a charging device comprising a bulk output and an equalization output. The battery module has a series configuration and a parallel configuration. In the parallel configuration, the charging device outputs a first voltage to the equalization output to equalize charge levels of the first and second battery cells. In the series configuration, the charging device outputs a second voltage to the bulk output to modify charge levels of the first and second battery cells, wherein the second voltage is greater than the first voltage.

Abstract: An electric power distribution system and method for an electric mining machine is described. In one embodiment, a method for electric power distribution includes receiving information associated with a state of charge of a first battery pack that supplies electric power to a front electric motor configured to drive a front axle of an electric mining machine. The method also includes receiving information associated with a state of charge of a second battery pack that supplies electric power to a rear electric motor configured to drive a rear axle of the electric mining machine. The method includes comparing the state of charge of the first battery pack and the second battery pack and, upon determining that the state of charge of the second battery pack is greater than the state of charge of the first battery pack, increasing electric power to the rear electric motor of the electric mining machine.

Abstract: The disclosed battery management system generally includes at least one bi-directional balancing circuit and a power supply including a first battery module and a second battery module, each having at least one battery cell. The balancing circuit may be configured to transfer excess charge from one or more battery cells of the first battery module to one or more battery cells of the second battery module. By redistributing the level of charge within one or more battery cells, the balancing circuit can cause the overall charge of a power supply to last longer by taking advantage of excess charge found within one or more battery cells. Additionally, the balancing circuit may be connected to a bus bar that may be utilized to power additional accessories within a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and battery system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first panel, a first bus bar, and a second panel. The first panel includes a first upper surface and a first lower surface. The first upper surface includes a first cavity extending into the first upper surface towards the first lower surface. The first bus bar is within the first cavity. The second panel has a second lower surface in direct contact with the first upper surface. The second lower surface extends over a substantial portion of the first cavity.

Abstract: A battery module having a plurality of battery cells is described. The battery module includes a head unit with corresponding conical positive and negative terminals that allow additional battery modules to mate together and be electrically coupled in an end-to-end relationship. A plurality of battery modules can be combined together into rows of modules that are the electrically coupled to form a multi-modular battery system. The multi-modular battery system uses interchangeable individual battery modules for ease of replacement. Battery modules of a multi-modular battery system can communicate with each other using optical communication methods, including via line-of-sight and/or optical cables.

Abstract: A module maintenance system includes a battery module, a charging device, and a rig. The battery module has a series configuration and a parallel configuration. In the parallel configuration, the rig connects each battery cell of the battery module in parallel and the charging device charges each battery cell of the battery module using the rig. In the series configuration, the battery module serially connects each battery cell of the battery module to a first terminal and a second terminal and the charging device charges each battery cell of the battery module using the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A zero emissions electrically powered haul truck is disclosed. The haul truck has a 40 metric ton hauling capacity and a form factor that allows the truck to travel through underground mines. The truck also includes a primary battery assembly that is externally mounted along the front and sides of the truck.

Abstract: A method and system for swapping batteries in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The method includes dismounting a first battery assembly, moving to a second battery assembly and mounting the second battery assembly onto the vehicle. Mounting and dismounting are accomplished by an onboard mounting and dismounting system. The method can be used in a zero infrastructure environment such as an underground mine since mounting and dismounting are accomplished by components on the vehicle itself. An auxiliary battery pack powers the vehicle during between dismounting a battery pack and mounting another battery pack.

Abstract: An alignment and locking system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be located onboard of an electric vehicle powered by a battery pack disposed in the battery assembly. The system includes a set of receiving members fixed to the chassis. The battery assembly includes a cage with mounting bars. When the mounting bars are received in the receiving members they may be locked into place against the chassis. The system can also include a set of v-blocks that engage vertically oriented bars in the cage to help with horizontal alignment of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A mounting and dismounting system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be located onboard of an electric vehicle powered by a battery pack disposed in the battery assembly. The system includes a pair of four-bar linkages that can be used to raise and lower the battery assembly. Each four-bar linkage includes a pair of hooks with different vertical positions. The hooks are positioned to grasp horizontal mounting bars that are disposed on the battery assembly. Using vertically displaced hooks ensures the battery can be raised and lowered without rocking.