Reconfigurable battery pack and a method thereof
The reconfigurable battery pack addresses cell variability through dynamic switch management and control, enhancing reliability and efficiency by adapting to cell characteristics, thus improving safety and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DREAMFLY INNOVATIONS PVT LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Large-scale battery systems face variability among cells due to manufacturing variances, aging effects, and operational usage patterns, leading to inefficiencies, safety concerns, and reduced lifespan, necessitating robust management and reconfiguration to ensure reliability and longevity.
A reconfigurable battery pack with switch arrangements and a controller unit to manage cell connections and operations dynamically, allowing for cell balancing, power transmission, and bypassing, using primary and secondary switches to optimize performance based on voltage, current, and temperature parameters.
Enhances fault tolerance, reliability, and longevity by adaptively managing cell variations, ensuring efficient power distribution and safety, while optimizing energy density and reducing costs.
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Figure IN2025051984_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
RECONFIGURABLE BATTERY PACK AND A METHOD THEREOFFIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to battery packs, and more particularly relates to reconfiguration of the battery packs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A typical battery system comprises a large aggregation of individual battery cells. Each cell, despite being part of the same system, can exhibit unique characteristics and behaviors over its operational lifetime. This variability necessitates the development of battery systems that are not only reliable but also fault-tolerant and long-lasting.
[0003] In large-scale battery systems used for energy storage, the battery cells, even from the same manufacturer and batch, exhibit variations in capacity, impedance, and aging characteristics. This variability can lead to imbalance within the battery pack, reducing overall efficiency and lifespan. The large-scale battery systems used for energy storage in the transition to electrification, managing and monitoring a large number of cells is necessary. The battery must handle tasks such as cell balancing, thermal management, and fault detection to ensure reliability and longevity.
[0004] The variability among battery cells within a system stems from factors such as manufacturing variances, aging effects, environmental conditions, and operational usage patterns. These differences can result in uneven charging and discharging rates, varying capacities, and potential failures if not managed effectively. Lithium-ion batteries used in large- scale energy storage systems pose safety concerns due to potential thermal runaway, which can result in fires or explosions if not managed effectively. Robust safety protocols and designs are necessary to mitigate these risks.
[0005] Further, scaling up battery systems involves increasing capacity while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Challenges include improving energy density, reducing material costs, and optimizing manufacturing processes.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a reconfigurable battery pack to avoid the aforementioned problems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reconfigurable battery pack and a method thereof.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the reconfigurable battery pack is disclosed. The reconfigurable battery pack includes at least one cell string having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a first primary switch connected in series and a second primary switch connected in parallel to the at least one cell string. The reconfigurable battery pack includes a first set of secondary switches to electrically control a first connection. The first connection is configured to connect the positive terminal of the at least one cell string to each of a phase line. The reconfigurable battery pack further includes a second set of secondary switches to electrically control a second connection. The second connection is configured to connect the negative terminal of the at least one cell string to each of the phase line. The system further includes a third set of secondary switches to electrical control a third connection. The third connection is configured to connect one of an at least one of an nthcell of the at least one cell string to the phase line. The reconfigurable battery pack further includes a controller unit communicably coupled to each of the first and second switch and each of the first, the second and third set of secondary switches. The controller unit communicably coupled to each of the first and second primary switch and each of the first, the second and third set of secondary primary switches. The controller unit configured to control a switch operation of each of the first and second primary switch and each of the first, the second and third set of secondary switches based on operating parameters and control inputs from a master battery pack controller.
[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one cell string includes at least one cell.
[0010] In another embodiment, the first primary switch is configured to aid in in one of allowing and disconnecting transmission of power from at least one of, the at least one cell of the at least one cell string to a second cell of the at least one cell string, and the at least one cell string to a second cell string.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the second primary switch is configured to aid in bypassing the at least one cell of the at least one cell string.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the third connection is configured to balance the at least one cell string.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the first connection and the second connection are configured to bi-directionally power exchange to external sources via the phase line.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the operating parameters include voltage, current, and temperature of each of the at least one cell.
[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the method of reconfiguring the battery pack is disclosed. The method includes the step of coupling a first primary switch in series to at least one cell string of the battery pack. The method includes the steps of coupling a second primary switch in parallel to at least one cell string of the battery pack. The method includes the steps of coupling a first connection from a positive terminal and a second connection from a negative terminal of the at least one cell string to each of a phase line. The method further includes the steps of coupling a third connection to one of an nthcell of the at least one cell string to the phase line. The method further includes the step of coupling a first, a second, and a third set of secondary switches to each of the first, the second and the third connection, communicably coupling each of the first and the second primary switches and the first, the second, and the third set of secondary switches to a controller unit and selectively operating, by the controller unit, each of the first and the second primary switches and the first, the second, and the third set of secondary switches based on operating parameters and control inputs from a master battery pack controller.
[0016] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The features and advantages described in this summary and in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems inwhich like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cell level switch arrangement for a reconfigurable battery pack, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of the cell level switch arrangement for the reconfigurable battery pack, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are an exemplary schematic diagram of reconfigurable stack arrangement, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of reconfiguring the battery pack, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0024] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure including the definitions listed here below are not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0025] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated steps detailed in the figures and here below are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cell level switch arrangement for a reconfigurable battery pack 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] As per the illustrated embodiment, for the purpose of illustration and explanation, the reconfigurable battery pack 100 includes at least one cell string 105. However, in alternate embodiments, the reconfigurable battery pack 100 includes a plurality of cell strings without deviating from and limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the at least one cell string 105 includes at least one cell 110. The at least one cell 110 of the at least one cell string 105 is at least one of, but not limited to, a Lithium ion (Li-ion), a Lead acid gel, and Nickel metal hydride. In an alternate embodiment, composition of the at least one cell 110 is lithium or lithium polymer cells (referred to as “lithium”) combined with nickel hydrate battery cells. In alternate embodiments, any suitable battery cell composition may be used, including, but not necessarily limited to, lithium ion, zinc air, zinc oxide, super charged zinc oxide, and fuel cells. In an alternate embodiment, the at least one cell string 105 includes a plurality of cells 110. Each of the plurality of cells 110 is electrically coupled to the each other in one of a series connection, a parallel connection and a combination thereof.
[0028] Further, the at least one cell string 105 includes a positive terminal 105a and a negative terminal 105b. In an embodiment, the at least one cell string 105, hereinafter referred to as the cell string 105, is coupled to an external element 115 via a first connection 120. More specifically, the first connection 120 aids in connecting the positive terminal 105a of the cell string 105 to the external element 115. In one embodiment, the external element 115 is one of,but not limited to, a single-phase connection, a three-phase connection, a plurality of singlephase connections, and a plurality of three-phase connections. The external element 115 refers to any entities or systems outside the immediate power generation or / and storage setup that one draws power from the system and supplies power to the system. In an embodiment, the external element 115 includes, but not limited to, electrical appliances and devices, power grids and utility systems, renewable energy systems, charging stations, emergency systems, backup power systems, energy management systems.
[0029] The cell string 105 is further coupled to the external element 115 via a second connection 125. More specifically, the second connection 125 aids in connecting the negative terminal 105b of the cell string 105 to the external element 115. Further details pertaining to operation of the first connection 120 and the second connection 125 will be explained in detail in the following figures.
[0030] The cell level switch arrangement of the reconfigurable battery pack 100 further includes a first primary switch 130 and a second primary switch 135. Each of the first and the second primary switch 130, 135 is at least one of, but not limited to, an electrically operated switch and a solenoid operated switch. As per the illustrated embodiment, the first primary switch 130 is connected in series to the cell string 105 and the second primary switch 135 is connected in parallel to the cell string 105. The first primary switch 130 is configured to aid in transmission of power from the at least one cell 110 to a second cell 210. The second primary switch 135 is configured to aid in bypassing the at least one cell 110 of the cell string 105. The first primary switch 120 and the second primary switch 125 are a bidirectional current flow electrical switch controlled by a control signal. Further, in one embodiment, the first primary switch 130 and the second primary switch 135 are an active electrical control device used in combination with electrical components inductors, capacitors and resistors (not shown here) to achieve voltage, temperature or current control function.
[0031] The cell level switch arrangement of the reconfigurable battery pack 100 further includes a third connection 140. In one embodiment, the third connection 140 is a designated terminal, or a connection point used for electrical operations within the reconfigurable battery pack 100. The electrical operations include at least one of, but not limited to, active cell balancing. The active cell balancing involves equalizing charge among each of the at least one cell 110 in the reconfigurable battery pack 100 and thereby enhance performance and longevity.
[0032] The reconfigurable battery pack 100 further includes a controller unit 145. The controller unit 145 is communicably coupled to each of the first and the second primary switch 130, 135. The controller unit 145 is further communicably coupled to each of the first connection 120, the second connection 125, and the third connection 140. Owing to the coupling, the controller unit 145 is configured to control switching operations of each of the first and the second primary switch 130, 135. In an embodiment, the controller unit 145 is configured to control the switching operations based on the operating parameters and control inputs from a master battery pack controller 335 (as shown in FIG.3b). In an embodiment, the operating parameters include, but are not limited to, voltage, current, and temperature of each of the at least one cell 110.
[0033] In an embodiment, the operating parameters are essential inputs for the controller unit 145 to effectively manage the operation of the first, the second, and third connections 120, 125, 140. By monitoring the voltage, current, and temperature, the controller unit 145 is configured to activate the switches to balance the cell string 105 and ensure optimal performance and longevity of the battery pack 100.
[0034] In an embodiment, the controller unit 145 manages the switching operations within the battery pack 100 and monitors the voltage of the at least one cell 110 within the battery pack 100, providing accurate readings to assess cell condition and performance. In an embodiment, the controller unit 145 monitors current of the at least one cell 110 within the battery pack 100, aids to assess the efficiency and health of the battery pack 110. The controller unit 145 tracks the temperature of the at least one cell 110, necessary for maintaining safe operating conditions and preventing thermal runaway and also measures the current flow at the module level, enabling real-time monitoring of power consumption and distribution.
[0035] The coupling and operation of the controller unit 145 in relation to the first, the second and the third connections 120, 125, 140 will be explained in detail with respect to the following figures.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of cell level switch arrangement of the reconfigurable battery pack 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] As mentioned earlier, the cell string 105 includes the plurality of cells 110. Accordingly, as per the illustrated embodiment, the cell string 105 includes a first cell 205, thesecond cell 210, a third cell 215, and a fourth cell 220. It is to be noted that the cell string 105 includes the first cell 205, the second cell 210, the third cell 215, and the fourth cell 220 only for the purpose of illustration and description and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be further noted that each of the first cell 205, the second cell 210, the third cell 215, and the fourth cell 220 includes the first primary switch 130 and the second primary switch 135.
[0038] Further, each of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220 are connected to each other in a series connection. The cell level switch arrangement as illustrated in the FIG. 2 further includes a switch 225 connected adjacent to the positive terminal 105a. The switch 225 is configured to control flow of current from the cell string 105 to a second cell string (not shown) as per requirement.
[0039] The arrangement includes the first connection 120, the second connection 125, and the third connection 140. The first connection 120 aids in connecting the positive terminal 105a of the cell string 105 to the external element 115. Likewise, the second connection 125 aids in connecting the negative terminal 105b of the cell string 105 to the external element 115. In addition, the first connection 120 includes a first set of secondary switches 230 adapted to electrically control the first connection 120. The first set of secondary switches 230 may include one or more switches as per the requirement of the external element 115.
[0040] As per the illustrated embodiment, the external element 115 is a three-phase connection. Accordingly, the first set of secondary switches 230 includes a first switch 230a, a second switch 230b, and a third switch 230c. The first switch 230a aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 to the phase one of the three phase connection. The second switch 230b aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 to the phase two of the three phase connection. The third switch 230c aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 to the phase three of the three phase connection.
[0041] Further, the second connection 125 includes a second set of secondary switches 235 adapted to electrically control the second connection 125. The second set of secondary switches 235 may include one or more switches as per the requirement of the external element 115. As the external element 115 is the three-phase connection, the second set of secondary switches 235 includes a first switch 235a, a second switch 235b, and a third switch 235c. The first switch 235a aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 to the phase one ofthe three phase connection. The second switch 235b aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 to the phase two of the three phase connection. The third switch 235c aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 to the phase three of the three phase connection. Further, the first connection 120 and the second connection 125 are configured to bi-directionally power exchange to external sources via the phase line.
[0042] Further, the arrangement includes the third connection 140. As mentioned earlier, the third connection 140 is the designated terminal, or a connection point used for electrical operations, such as active balancing within the reconfigurable battery pack 100. The third connection 140 is configured to connect an at least nthcell of the cell string 105 to the external element 115. As mentioned earlier, the cell string 105 includes the first, the second, third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220. In one embodiment, the nthcell of the cell string 105 may be any one of the first, the second, third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220. As per the illustrated embodiment, the nthcell is the second cell 210. Accordingly, the third connection 140 connects the second cell 210 to the external element 115, i.e., the three phase connection.
[0043] The third connection 140 includes a third set of secondary switches 240 to electrically control the third connection 140. The third set of secondary switches 240 includes a first switch 240a, and a second switch 240b.
[0044] The first switch 240a aids in one of connection and disconnection the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 to the phase one of the three phase connection. The second switch 240b aids in one of connecting of the third cell 215 and the fourth cell 220 to the phase two of the three phase connection and disconnecting the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 from the phase two of the three phase connection. More specifically, on connection of the first switch 240a and the second switch 240b to the respective phase lines, the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 are connected to each other in series and the third cell 215 and the fourth cell 220 are connected to each other in series. In addition, the series connection of the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 and the series connection of the third cell 215 and the fourth cell 220 are connected to each other in parallel. Accordingly, the third set of switches 240 aid in active balancing of the first, the second, third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220.
[0045] The controller unit 145 is configured to be communicably coupled to each of the first primary switch 130 and the second primary switch 135. The controller unit 145 aids electively operating each of the first primary switch 130 and the second primary switch 135 based on theoperating parameters and control inputs from the master battery pack controller 335. Based on elective operation of the first primary switch 130 by the controller unit 145, the first primary switch 130 is configured to aid in one of allowing and disconnecting transmission of power between the at least one cell 110 of the cell string 105 and the second cell of the cell string 105. More specifically, the first primary switch 130 is configured to aid in one of allowing and disconnecting transmission of power between each of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220. Further, in another embodiment, the first primary switch 130 is configured to aid in in one of allowing and disconnecting transmission of power between the cell string 105 and one or more alternate cell strings.
[0046] Based on elective operation of the second primary switch 135 by the controller unit 145, the second primary switch 135 is configured to aid in bypassing the at least one cell 110 of the cell string 105. More specifically, the second primary switch 135 aids in bypassing at least one of the first, the second, third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220 of the cell string 105
[0047] The second primary switch 135 is configured to aid in bypassing at least one cell 105 of the at least one cell string 115. In an embodiment, the first connection and the second connection are configured to transmit power to external sources via the phase line. By doing so, the controller unit 145 is able to selectively reconfigure the battery pack 100 by one of selecting and bypassing at least one of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220
[0048] The controller unit 145 is further connected to each of the first, the second and the third set of secondary switches 230, 235, 240. The controller unit 145 is configured to selectively control the switching operation of each of the first, the second and the third set of secondary switches 230, 235, 240 based on operating parameters and the control inputs from the master battery pack controller 335. In an embodiment, the operating parameters include, but are not limited to, the voltage, the current, and the temperature of each of the at least one cell 110. Based on the elective control of the switching operation of each of the first and the second set of secondary switches 230, 235, the controller unit 145 aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 from the external element 115. Further based on the selective control of the switching operation of the third set of secondary switches, controller unit 145 aids in balancing the cell string 105 via the third connection 140.
[0049] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b is an exemplary schematic diagram of reconfigurable stack arrangement 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0050] The reconfigurable stack arrangement 300 includes a first cell string 305, a second cell string 310, and a third cell string 315 coupled to each other. Each of the first cell string 305, the second cell string 310, and the third cell string 315 are further communicably coupled to a first controller 320, a second controller 325, and a third controller 330, respectively.
[0051] Further, the construction, the arrangement, and functionality of each of the first cell string 305, the second cell string 310, and the third cell string 315 is similar to the construction, the arrangement, and the functionality of the cell string 105 as explained in the above figures. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, the disclosure for the same will not be repeated.
[0052] Further, as per the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3b, the master battery pack controller 335 is communicably coupled to each of the first controller 320, the second controller 325, and the third controller 330.
[0053] In one embodiment, the master battery pack controller 335 includes computer hardware and software. The various hardware capabilities of the master battery pack controller 335 includes but not limited to current, voltage measurement at battery pack level, number of modules stack, phase measurement, electrical power, wired communication, onboard computer with memory, wireless communications.
[0054] The various software capabilities of the master battery pack controller 335 includes, but is not limited to, bi-directional communication with modules, inter connectivity and data communication with cloud, human interface mobile app, cell level modelling to estimate State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH) for each cell. The cell level modeling helps in understanding how each cell contributes to the overall performance and longevity of the battery system.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 of reconfiguring the battery pack 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of description, the method 400 is described with the embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 2 and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0056] At step 405, the method 400 includes the step of coupling the first primary switch 130 in series to at least one cell string 105 of the battery pack 100. At step 410, the method 400 includes the step of coupling the second primary switch 135 in parallel to at least one cell string 115 of the battery pack 100. Each of the first and the second primary switch 130, 135 is at least one of, but not limited to, an electrically operated switch and a solenoid operated switch. The first primary switch 130 is configured to aid in transmission of power from the at least one cell 110 to a second cell 210. The second primary switch 135 is configured to aid in bypassing the at least one cell 110 of the cell string 105.
[0057] At step 415, the method 400 includes the step of coupling the first connection 120 from the positive terminal 105a and the second connection 125 from the negative terminal 105b of the at least one cell string 105 to the external element 115.
[0058] At step 420, the method 400 includes the step of coupling the third connection 140 to one of an nth cell of the at least one cell string 105 to the external element 115. In one embodiment, the third connection 140 is a designated terminal, or a connection point used for electrical operations within the reconfigurable battery pack 100. The electrical operations include at least one of, but not limited to, active cell balancing.
[0059] At step 425, the method 400 includes the step of coupling the first, the second, and the third set of secondary switches 230, 235, and 240 to each of the first, the second and the third connection 120, 125, and 140. Accordingly, the first, the second, and the third set of secondary switches 230, 235, and 240 includes the first switch 230a, 235a, 240a, the second switch 230b, 235b, 240b and the third switch 230c, 235c, 240c. The first switch 230a, 235c, 240a aids in one of connecting and disconnecting of the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 to the phase one of the three phase connection. The second switch 230b, 235b, 240b aids in one of connecting the third cell 215 and the fourth cell 220 to the phase two of the three phase connection and disconnecting the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 from the phase two of the three phase connection. More specifically, on connection of the first switch 240a and the second switch 240b to the respective phase lines, the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 are connected to each other in series and the third cell 215 and the fourth cell 220 are connected to each other in series. In addition, the series connection of the first cell 205 and the second cell 210 and the series connection of the third cell 215 and the fourth cell 220 are connected to each other in parallel. Accordingly, the third set of switches 240 aid in active balancing of the first, the second, third, and the fourth cell 205, 210, 215, 220.
[0060] At step 430, the method 400 includes the step of communicably coupling each of the first and the second primary switch 125 and the first, the second, and the third set of secondary switches 230, 235, and 240 to the controller unit 145 based on operating parameters and the control inputs from the master battery pack controller 335. In an embodiment, the operating parameters include, but are not limited to, the voltage, the current, and the temperature of each of the at least one cell 110.
[0061] At step 435, the method 400 includes the step of selectively operating by the controller unit each of the first and the second primary switches 125 and the first, the second, and the third set of secondary switches based on operating parameters and control inputs from the master battery pack controller 335. Based on the elective control of the switching operation of each of the first and the second set of secondary switches 230, 235, the controller unit 145 aids in one of connecting and disconnecting the cell string 105 from the external element 115. Further based on the selective control of the switching operation of the third set of secondary switches, controller unit 145 aids in balancing the cell string 105 via the third connection 140.
[0062] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated embodiments and steps in description and drawings (FIG.1-4) are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[0063] The present disclosure incorporates technical advancement that has focused on developing reconfigurable battery packs, capacitors, and / or energy producing elements such as, but not limited to, solar cell and fuel cell. The battery packs are designed as aggregations of numerous battery cells, responding to the growing prominence of renewable energy sources like solar and the expanding use of stationary batteries to facilitate this shift. Acknowledging the inherent variability among battery cells throughout their operational lifetimes, the innovation lies in creating reconfigurable battery packs that enhance fault tolerance, reliability,and longevity. By employing modular designs and adaptive configurations, these advancements optimize the performance of battery systems. They dynamically adjust to variations among cells, utilizing advanced management and control strategies to maximize efficiency and lifespan. This approach ensures seamless integration into diverse applications across industries, supporting the broader adoption of battery technology in the electrification era.
[0064] The present invention offers multiple advantages that enable the portable battery packs to allow for greater mobility and flexibility in deploying energy storage solutions. The Field-configurable battery banks allow for flexible adjustment of energy storage capacity to match varying demands. The ensures efficient utilization of resources and cost-effective deployment in dynamic energy environments. The miniaturization and simplified cell balancing techniques can lead to cost savings in manufacturing, maintenance, and operation of battery packs. Multi-functional portable battery packs open up a wide range of applications across various industries and sectors. By facilitating the use of renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, portable battery packs contribute to environmental sustainability and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
[0065] The present invention offers multiple advantages over the prior art and the above listed are a few examples to emphasize on some of the advantageous features. The listed advantages are to be read in a non-limiting manner.REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0066] At least one cell string- 105
[0067] Positive terminal of the at least one cell string- 105a
[0068] Negative terminal of the at least one cell string- 105b
[0069] At least one cell- 110
[0070] External element- 115
[0071] First connect! on- 120
[0072] Second connection- 125
[0073] First primary switch- 130
[0074] Second primary switch-135
[0075] Third connection- 140
[0076] Controller unit-145
[0077] First cell - 205
[0078] Second cell - 210
[0079] Third cell- 215
[0080] Fourth cell-220
[0081] Switch - 225
[0082] First set of secondary switch- 230
[0083] Second set of secondary switch- 235
[0084] Third set of secondary switch- 240
[0085] First switch- 230a, 235 a, 240a
[0086] Second switch- 230b, 235b, 240b
[0087] Third switch- 230c, 235 c, 240c
[0088] First cell string-305
[0089] Second cell string-310
[0090] Third cell string- 315
[0091] First controller- 320
[0092] Second controller-325
[0093] Third controller- 330
[0094] Master battery pack controller-335
Claims
CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A reconfigurable battery pack (100), the battery pack (100) comprising: at least one cell string (105) having a positive terminal (105a) and a negative terminal (105b); a first primary switch (130) connected in series and a second primary switch (135) connected in parallel to the at least one cell string (105); a first set of secondary switches (230) to electrically control a first connection (120), the first connection (120) connecting the positive terminal (105a) of the at least one cell string (105) to each of a phase line; a second set of secondary switches (235) to electrically control a second connection (125), the second connection (125) connecting the negative terminal (105b) of the at least one cell string (105) to each of the phase line; a third set of secondary switches (240) to electrical control a third connection (140), the third connection (140) connecting an at least one of an nthcell of the at least one cell string (105) to the phase line; and a controller unit (145) communicably coupled to each of the first and second primary switch (130, 135) and each of the first, the second and third set of secondary primary switches (230, 235, 240), the controller unit (145) configured to control a switch operation of each of the first and second primary switch (130, 135) and each of the first, the second and third set of secondary switches (230, 235, 240) based on operating parameters and control inputs from a master battery pack controller (335).
2. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cell string (105) comprises at least one cell (110).
3. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first primary switch (130) is configured to aid in in one of allowing and disconnecting transmission of power from at least one of, the at least one cell (110) of the at least one cell string (105) to a second cell (210) of the at least one cell string (105), and the at least one cell string (105) to a second cell string (310).
4. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second primary switch (135) is configured to aid in bypassing the at least one cell (110) of the at least one cell string (105).
5. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third connection (140) is configured to balance the at least one cell string (105).
6. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connection (120) and the second connection (125) are configured to bi-directionally power exchange to external sources via the phase line.
7. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating parameters include, at least one of, but not limited to, voltage, current, and temperature of each of the at least one cell (110).
8. A method (400) of reconfiguring a battery pack (100), the method (400) comprising the steps of coupling a first primary switch (130) in series to at least one cell string (105) of the battery pack (100); coupling a second primary switch (135) in parallel to at least one cell string (105) of the battery pack (100); coupling a first connection (120) from a positive terminal (105a) and a second connection (125) from a negative terminal (105b) of the at least one cell string (105) to each of a phase line; coupling a third connection (140) to one of an nthcell of the at least one cell string (105) to the phase line; coupling a first, a second, and a third set of secondary switches (230, 235, 240) to each of the first, the second and the third connection (120, 125, 140); communicably coupling each of the first and the second primary switches (130, 135) and the first, the second, and the third set of secondary switches (230, 235, 240) to a controller unit (145); and selectively operating, by the controller unit (145), each of the first and the second primary switches (130, 135) and the first, the second, and the third set of secondaryswitches (230, 235, 240) based on operating parameters and control inputs from a master battery pack controller (335).
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nthcell is at least one cell (110) of the at least one cell string (105), wherein the third connection (140) is coupled to the at least one cell string (105) for balancing the at least one cell string (105).
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the operating parameters includes voltage current and temperature of each of the at least one cell (105) and control inputs from the master battery pack controller (335).