Systems and methods for providing bidirectional transient voltage support and power

Abstract

A device for storing energy includes: a plurality of energy storage cells; a switching circuit configured to control transient voltage support provided by the plurality of energy storage cells to a battery; a charging circuit configured to charge the plurality of energy storage cells; and a processing system. The processing system is configured to control the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells and to control the switching circuit to control the transient voltage support provided by the plurality of energy storage cells to the battery. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage cells and the battery terminals.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 548,877, filed August 22, 2017, and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING BIDIRECTIONAL TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SUPPORT AND POWER,” and assigned to the assignee thereof. The disclosure of that prior application is considered a part of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to energy storage devices and systems, such as capacitor and / or battery modules and systems, including ultracapacitors and supercapacitors, and particularly to capacitor and / or battery systems configured to provide bidirectional transient voltage support and additional functionality required by externally coupled systems. Background Art

[0004] There are various technologies for constructing capacitor and / or battery modules (hereinafter referred to as "modules") for use in direct current (DC) power systems. A module can include multiple individual capacitor and / or battery units (cells) to provide varying voltages based on the number of cells included. The module can store power for use on demand by various devices or systems coupled to the module. Additionally or alternatively, the module can store power to support bidirectional transient voltages experienced by an externally coupled system. Modules that provide bidirectional transient voltage support and the option of operating as a power source within various operating limits are desired.

[0005] Separately from and / or in addition to the bidirectional transient voltage support, the stored power can be used as a source for external needs (e.g., starter motors, etc.). However, due to variations in voltage loads and other design limitations, using the same unit as both a bidirectional transient voltage support and a storage power source can be complicated. For example, for bidirectional transient voltage support, the unit may have different limits in each direction (e.g., a charging limit of 5-50 Amps (A) and a discharge limit of 200-500 A). In addition, the output for the storage power source can be separate from the output for the bidirectional transient voltage support. The modules can include various components, such as controls that enable the modules to operate correctly so that the units provide the required bidirectional transient voltage support and power support. In addition, these modules can typically include various other components for maintaining the charge of the units contained therein within the operating range of the voltage, as well as components for protecting the units and other circuits of the module. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a module that provides bidirectional transient voltage support and the option of operating as a power source within various operating limits. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein address the aforementioned problems with the prior art.The systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0007] Various embodiments of the method and apparatus within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.

[0008] In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention include a device for storing energy. The device includes: a plurality of energy storage cells; a switching circuit configured to control transient voltage support provided by the plurality of energy storage cells to a battery; a charging circuit configured to charge the plurality of energy storage cells; and a processing system. The processing system is configured to control the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells and to control the switching circuit to control the transient voltage support provided by the plurality of energy storage cells to the battery. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage cells and battery terminals.

[0009] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention include a method for controlling a plurality of energy storage cells. The method includes controlling a switching circuit to control transient voltage support provided by the plurality of energy storage cells to a battery; and controlling a charging circuit to control charging of the plurality of energy storage cells. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage cells and battery terminals.

[0010] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to: control a switching circuit to control transient voltage support provided by a plurality of energy storage cells to a battery coupled to a battery terminal; and control a charging circuit to control charging of the plurality of energy storage cells. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage cells and the battery terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Although the examples provided in this disclosure are sometimes described in terms of capacitors or capacitor cells, the concepts provided herein can be applied to other types of energy storage systems. Additional features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. It should be noted that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

[0012] Figure 1 A block diagram of a module including components that together provide bidirectional transient voltage support and power support to a coupled power system is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 An exemplary detailed block diagram of a module.

[0014] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a block diagram.

[0015] Figure 4 Shown as Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary DC / DC charger is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 Shown for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a balancing circuit and overvoltage alarm for a cell of a module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiment in which the present invention may be practiced. The term "exemplary" as used throughout this specification means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. In some cases, certain devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0018] An energy storage system may include multiple individual capacitors and / or batteries arranged in series or in parallel to form an energy storage module or group (hereinafter referred to as a module) that has a higher voltage output and / or storage capacity than an individual capacitor or battery. The energy storage module can then be connected in series with other energy storage modules to output a higher combined voltage and / or storage capacity. The individual batteries or capacitors of an energy storage module are sometimes referred to as battery or capacitor units, or more generally as units. Energy storage modules can often be generally referred to as modules.

[0019] Depending on the units used in the module, various components may be included in the module to provide various functions. For example, the module may include a housing to accommodate or contain each unit within a defined volume for ease of transportation, installation, etc. The housing may provide structural support for the module and protection from environmental influences (e.g., debris, moisture, etc.). In addition, the module may include one or more conductors or bus bars that electrically couple the units together to obtain a desired voltage or circuit configuration. The module may also include one or more terminals via which the module may be coupled to an external circuit, component, or system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the modules of cells arranged in parallel or series may be coupled to an external power source, battery, and / or similar power system in a hybrid manner such that the modules can also provide bidirectional transient voltage support and / or be used as a separate power source in addition to the external power source. For example, the module can be coupled to an external 12V and / or 24V battery system of an automobile or vehicle. Thus, the module can provide additional 12V / 24V power to the coupled external battery system while also providing any bidirectional transient voltage support or compensation that the 12V / 24V external system may require or utilize during operation. In some embodiments, the module can be coupled to a 12V / 24V external system and also to a higher and / or lower voltage battery system, such as in an electric and / or hybrid vehicle. Thus, the module can provide additional 12V / 24V power while providing bidirectional transient voltage support on the 12V / 24V external system and / or a higher and / or lower voltage electric or hybrid system. The module can provide sufficient power to start and / or power any 12V / 24V component (e.g., a starter motor for starting a vehicle, 12V / 24V electronics, etc.), while also providing bidirectional transient voltage support where the voltage and / or current are different from the voltage and / or current when powering a 12V / 24V external system. Although the external system described herein is described as a 12V / 24V external system, the module may operate in a similar manner for other voltage systems.

[0021] In some embodiments, a module may include one or more components or structures for providing power to 12V / 24V components and bidirectional transient voltage support in parallel, simultaneously, or without disconnecting and / or reconnecting the module. This parallel configuration can provide dual use of the cells contained in the module. However, this parallel configuration may increase the complexity of one or more components and / or circuitry of the module. For example, when providing bidirectional transient voltage, the module may include components and / or circuitry for controlling or limiting one or more parameters by which the cells of the module are charged or discharged. For example, module components and / or circuitry may implement a charge limit between 5 and 50A and a discharge limit between 100 and 500A. In some embodiments, these limits may be the same regardless of the 12V / 24V (or other) battery system to which the module is coupled. In some embodiments, these limits may be dynamic based on the 12V / 24V (or other) battery system to which the module is coupled or based on operating conditions. For example, when a module is coupled to a 12V / 24V (or other) battery system, the charge and discharge limits may change, for example, when the voltage or other parameters of the coupled battery system fluctuate during operation. In some embodiments, the changes can be made automatically by a controller of the module or a coupled battery system or by a user via a user interface. In some embodiments, the limits can be changed when the module is coupled to a different battery system. Additionally or alternatively, controls, circuits, and / or components can be included in the module to dynamically maintain balanced voltages in and / or across the cells of the module.

[0022] Figure 1 A block diagram of a module including multiple components that together provide bidirectional transient voltage support and power support to a coupled power system is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Module 100 includes three (3) terminals 102a-c, a voltage sense output 104, a control input 106, a switching circuit 108, a charging circuit 110, a module controller 112, a cell balancing circuit 114, and one or more cells 116.

[0023] Terminals 102a-c may be terminals via which module 100 is coupled to an external battery system (not shown). Thus, module 100 may be charged by, provide power support to, and / or provide bidirectional transient voltage support to, the external battery system via terminals 102a-c. For example, terminal 102a may couple module 100 to a bus or similar connection of an external battery system and provide current or voltage (e.g., supplemental current or voltage) to one or more loads of the external battery system (e.g., a motor starter, etc.). Terminal 102b may couple module 100 to one or more buses or circuits of an external battery system (e.g., an external battery, etc.) to which module 100 may provide bidirectional transient voltage support. Terminal 102c may couple module 100 to a ground connection bus or ground (e.g., a ground ground).

[0024] Sense output 104 can provide a sense voltage (or other signal component) measurement of the voltage transmitted via terminal 102a. Control input 106 can include an external signal via which the external battery system controls activation or deactivation of the operation of module 100, or controls one or more operations or parameters (e.g., current or voltage limits) of module 100. For example, the external battery system can turn on / off the ability to charge cell 116 based on control input 106. Additionally or alternatively, the external battery system can control activation or deactivation of the bidirectional transient voltage support function of module 100 based on control input 106.

[0025] The switching circuit 108 and the charging circuit 110 can be coupled in parallel to an external battery system (e.g., a bus and / or battery) via terminal 102b. The module 100 can charge the cell 116 of the module 100 based on power from the battery (or other external battery system component) based on one or more control signals from the charging circuit 110. Alternatively or additionally, the module 100 can provide bidirectional transient voltage support to the battery (or other external battery system component) via the switching circuit 108. In some embodiments, the charging circuit 110 can control the module 100 to charge or discharge the cell 116 in parallel with the switching circuit 108, so that the cell 116 is charged and / or discharged while also being used for bidirectional transient voltage support. In some embodiments, when the switching circuit 108 is not using the cell 116 for bidirectional transient voltage support, the switching circuit 108 and the charging circuit 110 can control the module 100 to charge and / or discharge the cell 116.

[0026] In some embodiments, charging circuit 110 may include various components for controlling the charging of cell 116 of module 100. Switching circuit 108 may include various components for controlling the flow of transient voltage between cell 116 and the battery. Thus, both switching circuit 108 and charging circuit 110 couple cell 116 to terminal 102b.

[0027] Module controller 112 can control one or more components of module 100. For example, module controller 112 can control one or more of switching circuit 108, charging circuit 110, and balancing circuit 114. In some embodiments, control of one or both of switching circuit 108 and charging circuit 110 can be based on control input 106. For example, control input 106 can control module controller 112 to activate and / or deactivate one or more of charging circuit 110 and switching circuit 108 based on control input 106. Alternatively or additionally, control of switching circuit 108 and / or charging circuit 110 can be based on the operation of module 100. For example, when switching circuit 108 is providing bidirectional transient voltage support via terminal 102b, module controller 112 may not allow charging of cell 116 via terminal 102b. Similarly, when charging cell 116 via terminal 102b, module controller 112 may not allow bidirectional transient voltage support. In some embodiments, the module controller 112 may control the balancing circuit 114 of the cell 116 based on one or more internal decisions of the module controller 112 or the control input 106 .

[0028] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1102b and a current shunt. The switching circuit 108 may include one or more switches (e.g., field-effect transistors (FETs) or similar switching components) coupled between the terminal 102b and the current shunt. In some embodiments, the switching circuit 108 may also include one or more thermistors. In some embodiments, one or more of these components may not be included in the switching circuit 108. The FETs may provide controls for charging or discharging the cell 116 during bidirectional transient voltage support operation. For example, the FETs may provide a voltage discharge limit for the cell 116 (e.g., to reduce the likelihood of damage to the cell from exposure to excessive transient voltages via the terminal 102b). Similarly, the FETs may provide a voltage charge limit for the cell 116, which reduces the likelihood of damage to components of the external battery system from exposure to excessive transient voltages via the terminal 102b. In some embodiments, the current shunt may provide current and / or voltage measurements. Thus, based on the measurements of the current shunt, the module controller 112 may control one or more FETs. When the module controller 112 allows the cell to discharge in response to a voltage transient on terminal 102 b, the module controller 112 may monitor the discharge current to ensure that it remains below a discharge current threshold. When the module controller 112 allows the cell to charge in response to a voltage transient on terminal 102 b, the module controller 112 may monitor the charge current to ensure that it remains below a charge current threshold.

[0029] Charging circuit 110 may include one or more of the following: a DC / DC charger (e.g., a DC / DC converter), one or more switching circuits, fuses, a power supply (e.g., a 5V power supply or any other voltage), a thermistor, and / or a control switch. In some embodiments, one or more of these components may not be included in charging circuit 110. Charging circuit 110 may include two or more branches. For example, the power supply and control switch may form separate branches with the fuse, switching circuit, and DC / DC charger, with both branches coupled to terminal 102b. The power supply and control switch may be used to provide power to module controller 112. In some embodiments, the power supply may be interrupted by a control switch connected to control input 106. Thus, when control input 106 is deactivated, the control switch may be opened, preventing the power supply from drawing any power from terminal 102b. When control input 106 is activated, the control switch may be closed, enabling the power supply to draw power from terminal 102b.

[0030] In some embodiments, a branch including a fuse, a switching circuit, and a DC / DC charger can couple the cell 116 to the terminal 102 b. The fuse can protect the DC / DC charger and the switching circuit. The switching circuit can control the coupling of the DC / DC charger to the fuse and the terminal 102 b. Each of the switching circuit and the DC / DC charger can be controlled by the module controller 112. The combination of the switching circuit and the DC / DC charger (and the fuse) can help limit the current from the terminal 102 b to the cell 116. In addition, the DC / DC charger can charge the cell 116 to a desired or threshold charge or voltage amount. For example, the module controller 112 monitors the voltage of the cell 116 and controls the switching circuit and the DC / DC charger to charge the cell 116 to the threshold voltage or charge.

[0031] Balancing circuit 114 can be used to balance the voltages of cells 116 so that cells 116 have the same voltage as one another. In some embodiments, cells 116 can store charge that can be distributed to components of an external battery system or can be used to support bidirectional transient voltages (e.g., supplying voltage when needed (such as when the external battery system experiences an undervoltage condition); absorbing voltage when needed (such as when the external battery system experiences an overvoltage condition).

[0032] In some embodiments, one or more components of the module 100 (e.g., the module controller 100) can measure various parameters, such as input battery voltage, capacitor voltage, switch input current, switch output current, printed circuit board (PCB) temperature, and individual capacitor overvoltage. One or more components of the module 100 (e.g., the module controller 100) can generate various logic flags. For example, the module controller 100 can generate and / or monitor control signals based on user input (the user input representing a signal from an external battery system) to enable charging and switching functions of the module 100. As described above, a control signal can be received at the control input 106, based on which all power consumption devices within the module 100 can be activated and / or deactivated.

[0033] The module controller 112 may control the bidirectional transient voltage support of the cell 116 via the switching circuit 108 and may control the charging of the cell 116 via the charging circuit 110 based on one or more control signals and processes below.

[0034] The module controller 112 may generate a discharge FET control signal. The discharge FET control signal may drive the discharge FET on / off. The discharge FET may include one or more FET switches of the switching circuit 108 and may be turned off (e.g., may not discharge) when one of the cells 116 is in an overvoltage state or when the discharge output current during transient voltage discharge exceeds a set value.

[0035] The module controller 112 can generate a charge FET control signal. The charge FET control signal can drive the charge FET on / off. The charge FET can include one or more FET switches of the switching circuit 108 and can be turned off when one of the cells 106 is in an overvoltage condition or when the charging input current during transient voltage charging exceeds a set value. The charge FET can also be turned off until the voltage difference between the cell 116 and the external battery system is within a set value determined to be safe.

[0036] The module controller 112 can generate a battery undervoltage signal. The battery undervoltage signal can be active when the input battery voltage (e.g., as sensed by a sense input) is below a set value. It is used to disable the DC / DC charger to prevent deep discharge of the battery or other power source in the external battery system. The module controller 112 can also generate a cell overvoltage signal. The cell overvoltage signal is active if any of the cells 116 is above a set value. The cell overvoltage signal is used to disable the charge FET and the DC / DC charger.

[0037] The module controller 112 may generate an over-temperature signal. If the temperature of the module 100 (e.g., one or more of the cells 116, the DC / DC charger, or any other component of the module 100) exceeds a set value, the over-temperature signal may be active. The over-temperature signal may cause the module controller 112 to disable the DC / DC charger to prevent further heat dissipation within the module 100 and the cells 116.

[0038] The module controller 112 can generate an overcurrent-discharge signal. If the output or discharge transient load current exceeds a set value, the overcurrent-discharge signal can be active. The overcurrent-discharge signal can be latched as "on" for approximately 200 ms and then automatically cleared. The module controller 112 can generate an overcurrent-charge signal. If the input or charge current exceeds a set value, the overcurrent-charge signal can be active. The overcurrent-charge signal can be latched as active for approximately 200 ms and then automatically cleared.

[0039] The module controller 112 can generate a voltage window allowed (ok) (battery to cell 116) signal. The voltage window ok signal can be active when cell 116 has charged within a set voltage window of the battery voltage. The voltage window ok signal serves as one of the conditions for turning on the charge FET. The module controller 112 can also generate a charge FET / off clear flag. The charge FET / off clear flag can be active when the input voltage (e.g., the voltage at terminal 102b) drops below the cell 116 voltage. If the charge FET is turned on by an overcurrent, but the load then requires a transient output current, this signal can terminate the 200ms latch and allow the charge FET to quickly turn back on to support the load. Thus, the module controller 112 can control the switch circuit 108 to ensure that the switch circuit 108 is closed (e.g., coupling cell 116 to terminal 102b) when the cell charge or voltage is within a threshold range of the battery voltage.

[0040] The module controller 112 can generate a DC / DC charger enable signal. The DC / DC charger enable signal can be active when there is no cell overvoltage, no overtemperature, no battery undervoltage, and the charge FET is in the off state. The DC / DC charger enable signal can ensure that the charge FET and the DC / DC charger are not turned on at the same time. Thus, the module controller 112 can control the charging circuit 110 to ensure that the cell 116 is charged within a threshold range of the battery's voltage (e.g., when the module 100 is initially coupled to the battery). The module controller 112 can ensure that the DC / DC charger charges the cell 116 and that the switch circuit 108 remains open (e.g., turning on the charge FET) when the cell 116 is charged within a threshold range of the battery's voltage.

[0041] The combination of module 100 and an external battery system can provide a hybrid parallel configuration with charge control and solid-state switching between two energy storage elements (e.g., cell 116 and a battery of the external battery system). Module 100 can have three power terminals: 1 - ground (terminal 102c), 2 - capacitor + output (terminal 102a), and 3 - battery + input / output (terminal 102b).

[0042] When a battery is first connected to a cell 116 of module 100 and cell 116 is discharging, if the battery is in an active state (e.g., charged and coupled so that the battery is providing power to one or more loads), the switch circuit 108 can be maintained in an open state (e.g., by the module controller 112) to prevent an uncontrolled, large current from flowing into the discharging cell 116. At the same time (or at substantially the same time as the switch circuit 108 is maintained open), the charging circuit 110 (e.g., via an integrated DC / DC charger) can be activated by the module controller 112 and can provide a controlled, safe charge to the cell 116 until the cell 116 is charged to a level close to the battery voltage level (e.g., within a threshold window of the battery voltage). In some embodiments, the threshold window can be a window of + / - 5 volts or 10 volts. Once the cell 116 has a voltage within the threshold window, the module controller 112 can deactivate the charging circuit 110.

[0043] Once the cell 116 has a charge within the threshold window of the battery voltage, the module controller 112 can verify that there are no temperature or overvoltage faults or conditions within the module 100 (e.g., via an overtemperature signal or overvoltage signal as described herein). The module controller 112 can cause the switching circuit 108 to enter a closed state (e.g., one or more solid-state switches of the switching circuit 108 can be closed). By closing the switching circuit 108, the cell 116 and the battery are placed in a parallel connection with very low resistance. Therefore, when the switching circuit 108 is closed, the cell 116 can provide transient power support to the battery at terminal 102b.

[0044] However, if the module controller 112 detects or otherwise determines that the transient discharge level exceeds a set value, the module controller 112 may open the discharge FET (e.g., place the switch circuit 108 in an off state). For example, if the module controller 112 detects the overcurrent-discharge signal discussed above, the module controller 112 may determine that the discharge current from the cell 116 through the switch circuit 108 to the battery exceeds a set value and may open the discharged FET. By detecting the overcurrent-discharge signal, the module controller 112 may prevent damage to the module 100 or potentially prevent an external overload condition. The module controller 112 may then control the switch circuit (e.g., the discharge FET) in a "hiccup mode," in which the switch circuit 108 (e.g., the discharge FET) closes / resets itself in the path between the cell 116 and the battery. If the module controller 112 determines that the overload persists (e.g., the overcurrent-discharge signal is still present), the module controller 112 may continue to monitor the overcurrent-discharge signal for an overload condition. Thus, if the overload persists, the discharge FET (and switch circuit 108) can repeat the cycle. In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the hiccup mode can be very low. For example, the hiccup frequency (e.g., the frequency of the repeating hiccup mode cycle) can be less than 10 Hz.

[0045] If the module controller 112 detects a short circuit event from terminal 102 b to terminal 102 c, the switch circuit 108 (e.g., the discharge FET) may be transitioned to the off state by the module controller 112. However, in this case, the module 100 may subsequently lose power because the voltage at terminal 102 b may be 0 V after the short circuit. Therefore, during such a short circuit fault, no hiccup mode may be available, and the switch circuit 108 (e.g., the discharge FET) may simply remain in the off state, and the module 100 may shut down while preserving the charge on the cell 116.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, if cell 116 rapidly discharges through terminal 102a due to a large load, such as when engaged by a starter motor, the voltage of cell 116 may decrease. This decrease in cell 116 voltage may cause current to flow from the battery through the DC / DC charger and the charger switch FET to cell 116. For example, module controller 112 may cause both switch circuit 108 and charging circuit 110 to be closed, creating a parallel path between cell 116 and terminal 102b. If the input current through charging circuit 110 exceeds a set value, module controller 112 may cause charging circuit 110 (e.g., charger switch FET) to enter an open state to prevent a voltage drop or high current from the input battery. Thus, module controller 112 may protect the external battery system. In some embodiments, module controller 112 may control charging circuit 110 (e.g., charger switch FET) to operate in hiccup mode. In some embodiments, when charging circuit 110 (e.g., charger switch FET) is first opened, the voltage difference between cell 116 and the battery may become larger or may increase. When this occurs, module 100, via module controller 112, can control charging circuit 110 (e.g., charger switch FET) to remain in an open state and can activate charging circuit 110 (e.g., the DC / DC charger of charging circuit 110) to recharge cell 116 in a controlled manner. Once cell 116 has been charged and module controller 112 has not detected a fault, module controller 112 can close charging circuit 110 (e.g., charger switch FET). In some embodiments, this situation can also occur if the battery voltage suddenly increases due to an external power source such as an alternator or other charging device. If the battery voltage suddenly increases while charging circuit 110 (e.g., charger switch FET) is closed and cells 106 are connected in parallel with the battery, the input current through charging circuit 110 may exceed a set value and cause charging circuit 110 (e.g., charger switch FET) to open. This scenario may be similar to the starter motor example above. If the charging circuit 110 (e.g., the charger switch FET) is open due to a high input charge current, but the module controller 112 detects or otherwise receives an indication that a sudden transient discharge pulse is needed, the hiccup mode of the charging circuit 110 can be terminated. The charging circuit 110 (e.g., the charger switch FET) can be closed by the module controller 112 to support the load. The module controller 112 can detect the transient discharge pulse by sensing that the voltage at terminal 102b has dropped below the voltage at terminal 102a. The discharge and charge current levels can be separate set points and can be mapped to corresponding circuits (e.g., FETs in a solid-state switch (back-to-back FETS)).

[0047] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 The control circuit 300 may provide a method for implementing the above-mentioned Figure 1 and Figure 2 The block diagram of the exemplary circuit depicts the functionality of the control circuit 300. The corresponding component groups in the control circuit 300 are identified as forming Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, capacitors C1-C12 in the upper left corner of control circuit 300 are identified as corresponding to Figure 1 and 2 116. However, one or more components shown in the control circuit 300 may be omitted or relocated in different configurations without changing the general functionality as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more additional components may be included in the control circuit 300 while maintaining the general functionality as described herein. However, one or more components shown in the corresponding circuit or component group may be omitted or relocated in different configurations without changing the general functionality as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more additional components may be included in the corresponding circuit or component group while maintaining the general functionality as described herein. In some embodiments, the control portion of the control circuit 300 may represent the module controller 112. As depicted, in a particular configuration, the control circuit 300 may include various components, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, fuses, cells, logic gates, etc. However, other configurations of similar or different components may be used to provide the functionality of the charger of the control circuit 300 as described herein.

[0048] Figure 4 Shown as Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the exemplary DC / DC charger shown in FIG. Figure 2 While the general functionality of the DC / DC charger described herein is not disclosed herein, one or more components shown in DC / DC charger 400 may be omitted or relocated in different configurations. Additionally or alternatively, one or more additional components may be included in DC / DC charger 400 while maintaining the general functionality described herein. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Any specific values ​​for the parameters of the various components in the diagram are for illustration purposes only. As depicted, the DC / DC charger may include various components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, fuses, etc. However, other configurations of similar or different components may be used to provide the functionality of the DC / DC charger as described herein.

[0049] Figure 5 Shown for Figure 1 and Figure 2FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a balancing circuit and overvoltage alarm for cells of a module. In some embodiments, the balancing circuit 500 can replace the balancing circuit 114 described herein. In some embodiments, the components shown in the balancing circuit 500 can be varied to include additional components (not shown) or exclude the components shown. The balancing circuit 114 can balance the voltages in one or more coupled cells 116 and output a flag to stop using one or more coupled cells 116 in the event of an alarm or fault. In some embodiments, the balancing circuit can also provide overvoltage sensing and alarm outputs for each cell 116. As depicted, in a particular configuration, the balancing circuit 500 includes various components, including resistors, capacitors, diodes, Zener diodes, etc. However, other configurations of similar or different components can be used to provide the functionality of the balancing circuit 500 as described herein.

[0050] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by the claims set forth in this section or elsewhere in this specification or in the future. The claim language is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0051] The various operations of the above method can be performed by any suitable device (such as various hardware and / or software components, circuits and / or modules) capable of performing the operations. Generally, any operation shown in the figure can be performed by a corresponding functional device capable of performing these operations.

[0052] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on specific applications and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. Described functions can be implemented in various ways for each specific application, but such embodiment decisions should not be interpreted as causing departure from the scope of the embodiments.

[0053] The various illustrative blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed by a general-purpose hardware processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose hardware processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the hardware processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A hardware processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0054] The steps of the methods and functions described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a hardware processor, or in a combination of the two. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes. The software module may be located in a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. The storage medium is coupled to the hardware processor so that the hardware processor can read information from the storage medium and can write information to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium can be integrated with the hardware processor. As used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein disks typically copy data magnetically, while optical disks copy data optically via a laser. The above combination should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. The hardware processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC.

[0055] For purposes of summarizing the present disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It will be understood that not all of these advantages may be achieved according to any particular embodiment. Thus, the present invention may be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as taught or suggested herein.

[0056] Various modifications to the above-described embodiments will be readily apparent, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for storing energy, comprising: multiple energy storage units; a switching circuit configured to control transient voltage support to a battery provided by the plurality of energy storage cells; a charging circuit configured to charge the plurality of energy storage units; as well as A processing system configured to: activating the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage units, controlling the switching circuit to control the transient voltage support of the battery by the plurality of energy storage units, maintaining the switch circuit in an open state while activating the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells until the plurality of energy storage cells attain a charge level within a threshold range of the battery, measuring the voltage across the switching circuit, measuring the temperature of the plurality of energy storage cells, maintaining the switching circuit in a closed state based on the temperature of the energy storage unit being below a first threshold and the voltage across the switching circuit being below a second threshold, and switching the switch circuit to the off state based on the voltage of the energy storage unit being greater than or equal to the second threshold, wherein, when the switch circuit is in the open state, the processing system is further configured to operate the switch circuit in a hiccup mode, wherein the hiccup mode periodically closes the switch circuit and measures the voltage across the switch circuit, and maintains the switch circuit in the open state when the voltage across the switch circuit is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and transitions the switch circuit to the closed state when the voltage across the switch circuit is less than the second threshold. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage units and battery terminals.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The switching circuit is configured to control the plurality of energy storage units to provide the transient voltage support to the battery when the temperature is lower than the first threshold and the voltage is lower than the second threshold.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The processing system is further configured to: measuring a current flowing from the battery terminals through the switching circuit to the plurality of energy storage cells; determining whether the current exceeds a threshold; and When the current is greater than or equal to the threshold, the switch circuit is switched to an off state.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The processing system is also configured to cause the switching circuit to operate in a hiccup mode, wherein the hiccup mode measures the current between the battery terminal and the plurality of storage cells through the switching circuit, and controls the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells when the current is greater than or equal to a threshold, and causes the switching circuit to transition to a closed state when the current is less than the threshold.

5. A method of controlling a plurality of energy storage units, the method comprising: controlling a switching circuit to control transient voltage support to a battery provided by the plurality of energy storage units; and activating a charging circuit to control charging of the plurality of energy storage units, maintaining the switch circuit in an open state while activating the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells until the plurality of energy storage cells attain a charge level within a threshold range of the battery, measuring the voltage across the switching circuit, measuring the temperature of the plurality of energy storage cells, maintaining the switching circuit in a closed state based on the temperature of the energy storage unit being below a first threshold and the voltage across the switching circuit being below a second threshold, and switching the switch circuit to the off state based on the voltage of the energy storage unit being greater than or equal to the second threshold, The method further includes: operating the switch circuit in a hiccup mode when the switch circuit is in the open state, wherein the hiccup mode periodically measures the voltage across the switch circuit, and maintains the switch circuit in the open state when the voltage across the switch circuit is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and transitions the switch circuit to the closed state when the voltage across the switch circuit is less than the second threshold. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage units and battery terminals.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The step of controlling the switching circuit includes controlling the plurality of energy storage units to provide the transient voltage support to the battery when the temperature is lower than the first threshold and the voltage is lower than the second threshold.

7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: measuring a current flowing from the battery terminals through the switching circuit to the plurality of energy storage cells; determining whether the current exceeds a threshold; and When the current is greater than or equal to the threshold, the switch circuit is switched to an off state.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising operating the switching circuit in a hiccup mode, wherein The hiccup mode measures the current between the battery terminal and multiple storage cells through the switching circuit, and controls the charging circuit to charge the multiple energy storage cells when the current is greater than or equal to the threshold, and changes the switching circuit to a closed state when the current is less than the threshold.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to: controlling a switching circuit to control transient voltage support of a battery coupled to a battery terminal by the plurality of energy storage cells; and activating a charging circuit to control charging of the plurality of energy storage units, maintaining the switch circuit in an open state while activating the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells until the plurality of energy storage cells attain a charge level within a threshold range of the battery, measuring the voltage across the switching circuit, measuring the temperature of the plurality of energy storage cells, maintaining the switching circuit in a closed state based on the temperature of the energy storage unit being below a first threshold and the voltage across the switching circuit being below a second threshold, and switching the switch circuit to the off state based on the voltage of the energy storage unit being greater than or equal to the second threshold, in, The instructions further cause the computing device to: operate the switch circuit in a hiccup mode when the switch circuit is in the open state, wherein the hiccup mode periodically closes the switch circuit and measures the voltage across the switch circuit, maintains the switch circuit in the open state when the voltage across the switch circuit is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and transitions the switch circuit to the closed state when the voltage across the switch circuit is less than the second threshold. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage cells and the battery terminals.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein: The computing device is caused to control the switching circuit to control the plurality of energy storage units to provide the transient voltage support to the battery when the temperature is below a first threshold and the voltage is below a second threshold.

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