System and method for configuration and management of an energy storage system for a vehicle

A system for configuration of a battery system of a vehicle having vehicle systems including the battery system which comprises interchangeable battery modules comprising:

• (a) a computing system configured to determine a recommended configuration for the battery system;
• (b) connectivity by the computing system with an interface to report the recommended configuration for the battery system;
• (c) connectivity by the computing system to at least one data source on the vehicle providing data relating to the vehicle and the battery system;
• (d) a predictive controller configured to predict conditions of operation of the vehicle and further configured to manage operation of the battery system based on the predicted conditions of operation, wherein the predictive controller is in communication with the computing system;
• wherein the computing system is configured to use data from data sources to determine the recommended configuration of interchangeable battery modules of the battery system based on considerations including objectives and the predicted conditions of operation of the vehicle;
• and wherein data from data sources available to the computing system for configuration of the battery system of the vehicle comprise at least data relating to (a) the vehicle, (b) a duty to be performed by the vehicle, (c) conditions of operation of the vehicle, and (d) battery modules of the battery system;
• wherein data relating to a battery module of the battery system comprises at least data relating to (a) identity of the battery module;
• (b) type of the battery module;
• (c) status of the battery module;
• so that configuration of the battery system of the vehicle is based on data and information available from data sources including at least one data source on the vehicle;
• and
• wherein the recommended configuration of interchangeable battery modules of the battery system includes instructions for including at least two different specific interchangeable battery modules with different performance characteristics in the battery system.

A method of configuring a battery system in a vehicle having vehicle systems, the battery system having battery modules, the method comprising:

• (a) obtaining, by a processor, data relating to the vehicle in data categories from data sources;
• (b) determining a route and duty;
• (c) determining, using the processor, the configuration of vehicle systems;
• (d) evaluating, using a predictive controller, data to predict anticipated conditions for the route and duty, wherein the predictive controller is in communication with the processor and is configured to manage operation of the battery system based on the predicted anticipated conditions;
• (e) determining, using the processor, a recommended configuration of the battery system based on data for operation of the vehicle and vehicle systems including at least the predicted anticipated conditions;
• wherein the recommended configuration comprises instructions regarding the type and number of at least two different battery modules to be installed in the battery system of the vehicle.

An energy storage system for a vehicle comprising:

• a pack comprising a set of interchangeable modules for energy storage, the pack configured to provide power to the vehicle;
• wherein each module in the pack comprises:
• an identifier;
• and
• at least one specified characteristic;
• wherein the pack can be selectively configured by selection and installation of at least two different individual modules that each provide a characteristic so that the pack provides a composite characteristic based on a combination of characteristics of each module in the set of modules,
• wherein the characteristic includes at least one of a battery type, a phase of operation, a battery cell chemistry, a battery module cost or warranty information, and
• wherein the energy system is configured to be coupled to a predictive controller and operate based on predicted conditions of operation determined by the predictive controller.