Apparatus, method and article for physical security of power storage devices in vehicles

摘要

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.

主权项

1. A portable electrical energy storage device security system for a portable electrical energy storage device, comprising:
at least one controller; at least one communications device coupled to the at least one controller, wherein the at least one controller is configured to:
receive information regarding authentication of an external device via the communications module; andin response to receiving the information regarding authentication, unlock a portable electrical energy storage device locking mechanism to allow the portable electrical energy storage device to be removed from being operably connected to a vehicle; and a power interface coupled to the at least one controller and configured to be coupled to the portable electrical energy storage device and the electrical energy storage device locking mechanism to provide power to the electrical energy storage device locking mechanism.