Heat removal for battery arrangement

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to electric and / or hybrid electric vehicle drive technology. In particular, a battery arrangement for connecting to a motor and / or power source is disclosed, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, wherein a first sub-number connected in series forms a first string, a second sub-number connected in series forms a second string, and a third sub-number connected in series forms a third string, the first string, the second string, and the third string being connectable to the motor as a respective phase; and a plurality of battery cell controllers, each connected to a terminal of at least one of the plurality of battery cells in a string, each battery cell controller comprising at least one power electronic arrangement, and each battery cell controller comprising or forming a first heat conduction path extending from the power electronic arrangement via the terminal to the body of the respective battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric and / or hybrid electric vehicle drive technology. In particular, the present invention relates to a battery arrangement, a method for deheating at least a portion of such a battery arrangement, and a vehicle comprising such a battery arrangement. Background Art

[0002] Electromobility is an increasingly important part of mobility today and in the future. For example, in view of regional and / or global climate goals, practical and efficient electric drive technologies are required.

[0003] It is known from practical experience that electric drive technology is limited, for example, by the battery arrangements available today. This involves, for example, limitations given by complex requirements, such as a large number of charging cycles, performance requirements in terms of power output, available capacity, operating conditions, etc.

[0004] For example, heat dissipation of such battery arrangements is an area of ​​particular R&D interest, since heat dissipation, such as efficient heat dissipation, is also a limiting factor for electric mobility. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a structurally simple way to remove heat from a battery arrangement or at least a portion thereof.

[0006] The objects of the present disclosure are solved by the subject-matter of the attached independent claims, wherein further embodiments are included in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a battery arrangement for connection to a motor and / or a power source, comprising:

[0008] a plurality of battery cells, wherein a first subnumber connected in series forms a first string, a second subnumber connected in series forms a second string, and a third subnumber connected in series forms a third string, the first string, the second string, and the third string being connectable to the motor as one respective phase; and

[0009] A plurality of battery cell controllers, each battery cell controller connected to a terminal of at least one of a plurality of battery cells within a string, each battery cell controller including at least one power electronics arrangement, and each battery cell controller including or forming a first thermal conduction path extending from the power electronics arrangement via the terminal to a body of the corresponding battery cell.

[0010] In this way, at least part of the control of the battery cells is transferred to the battery cell controller, which in principle provides a distributed control. Here, each battery cell controller assumes an additional function, namely, at least provides a dual function including a control function for dissipating heat or thermal energy from the battery cells. That is, the heat removal and cooling of the battery arrangement or at least a part thereof is improved, while reducing the complexity of the overall structure. As a result, the battery cells themselves can act as a thermal mass, thereby allowing the battery cells to be reused for heat removal and / or cooling of the battery cell controller. In normal operation, the battery cells can have a maximum operating temperature (such as approximately 65°C), which is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the power electronics arrangement (for example, the temperature can be approximately 120°C), thereby providing the battery cells with significant heat sink potential.

[0011] As used herein, batteries in electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, i.e., batteries that may be arranged in a battery arrangement or assembly as described herein, provide electrical energy to (multiple) electric motors (i.e., motors), which is converted into mechanical kinetic energy for propulsion.

[0012] Furthermore, each of the plurality of battery cells (which may also be referred to as battery segments and may be, for example, lithium-ion technology) is itself a power source. For example, these battery cells may also power a battery cell controller.

[0013] For example, each of the plurality of battery cell boards may contain four terminals or output points. Two of them may be AC ​​terminals or power supply points, and two may be isolated DC terminals or power supply points. Connection of the battery cell to the outside world may be accomplished through these points.

[0014] When a battery cell is connected to one or more other battery cells, here, multiple battery cell controllers can be located between two cell AC points, rather than between the cell terminals as in conventional technology. Since the battery cell itself can internally (i.e., through the battery cell controller connected to it) control whether and how it is connected to the AC terminal, this allows the battery cell to disconnect itself from the main battery without significantly affecting the overall battery arrangement or battery pack performance. This mode may also be called bypass mode, and may be the default. The battery cell controllers may be designed as one battery cell controller per battery cell, or even one battery cell controller per two or more battery cells.

[0015] In electric and hybrid vehicles, a battery cell controller and / or power electronics or the like control the electric drive and establish the connection between the electric motor and the (eg high voltage) battery and / or the individual battery cells.

[0016] In addition, as used herein, a master node may be configured to be connected to each of a plurality of battery cell controllers, which may also be referred to as a plurality of slave nodes. The master node may be configured to broadcast information or data (e.g., as a message transmission) to each of the slave nodes, which information or data may have a predetermined format. Similarly, each slave node or a slave node in each string may be configured to transmit information or data (e.g., in a message in a predefined format) to the master node and / or to one or more other slave nodes. In addition, one or more (or even each) slave node may be configured to broadcast information or data within a system in which the battery is arranged. For example, a master node may be configured (e.g., via a communication interface) to be connected to one or more slave nodes via wireless communication or additional galvanic isolation communication.

[0017] Furthermore, the master node may be configured to generate a virtual sine wave as control information to be used by the slave node to control the battery cell (eg, to be switched on and off, etc.). The slave node generates a corresponding signal by switching the battery on and off using the virtual sine wave.

[0018] In addition, for example, there may be a master node / slave node work split to provide distributed feedback control. The master node may be configured to request one or more of the following, for example: modulator phase current, phase angle, current cycle time, and resolver angle per millisecond (ms). The slave node may operate with a closed-loop phase current control of approximately 10kHz, and may include an onboard current sensor to achieve the desired phase current, and may detect or determine the cycle time, current set point, and resolver angle updated every millisecond (ms). Optionally, in order to improve control performance, the slave node may further measure the phase between current and voltage to adjust its own phase. The slave node may also include internal slave current control.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers may include or may be formed as a busbar spanning one or more of the plurality of battery cells. In other words, the battery cell controller may also form a busbar, i.e., a connector, which is configured to connect two terminals of at least two battery cells to each other. In this way, the battery cell controller may integrate several functions in itself, such as a control function and a connector function.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the power electronics arrangement can contact the corresponding terminals via the conductive material integrated in the multiple battery cell controllers. In other words, the multiple battery cell controllers can be directly mounted to the corresponding one or more battery cells without the need for additional connectors, cables, etc. to connect to the battery cells. In this way, the complexity of the overall structure can be reduced. In this way, the power electronics arrangement can be located next to or near one or more terminals, allowing good heat transfer.

[0021] In one embodiment, the conductive material can be made of copper or copper alloy or aluminum or aluminum alloy. These materials are all good conductors, and aluminum has a slightly lower conductivity but is lighter in weight.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the conductive material may be a metal core or metal back of a printed circuit board (PCB) in which a power electronic arrangement is embedded. For example, such a PCB may have a metal core or back with a thin electrically insulating film bonded thereto. For example, on top of the film, there may be an etched copper layer including electrical traces. The insulating layer may be so thin as to allow good thermal conductivity toward the metal core or metal back. In addition, for example, the film may include one or more through holes, optionally filled with a conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, etc., which allows electrical conduction from the power electronic arrangement to the metal core or metal back.

[0023] In an embodiment, the metal core or the metal back can be made of copper or copper alloy or aluminum or aluminum alloy. These materials are all good conductors, and aluminum has a slightly lower conductivity but is lighter in weight.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the multiple battery cell controller may include or may be formed as a metal core or metal back printed circuit board (PCB) in which the power electronics arrangement is embedded, the metal core or metal back of the PCB contacting the power electronics arrangement and the corresponding terminals of the multiple battery cells. This makes the integrated unit easy to install and enables a short thermal or heat conduction path.

[0025] In an embodiment, the pcb can be formed as a multilayer, the substrate or the first layer can include at least a portion made of a metal core or a metal back, and can be configured to engage corresponding terminals to form at least a portion of a busbar, the middle layer includes a plurality of through holes, the power electronics arrangement is held in place in the through holes, and the top layer or the second layer includes at least a portion made of a metal core or a metal back, and is configured to engage corresponding terminals to form at least a portion of a busbar. In this way, due to the integrated design, the heat conduction path can have a short distance. In other words, the power supply may be embedded in the PCB. For example, the first layer can be formed as a pcb layer, wherein, for example, two busbar components can be made of a pcb with a metal back. The middle layer can be formed by, for example, a standard PCB, which includes one or more through holes in an appropriate position to position the embedded power electronics arrangement. For example, the power electronics arrangement can include a plurality of power switches, such as FETs, MOSFETs, etc. The second layer can be formed by a standard PCB and two metal back pcbs. On top of this layer, a controller chip and / or a transformer core can be arranged.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the power electronics arrangement may be arranged between the substrate or first layer and the top or second layer, thereby contacting the conductive material of at least one layer. This allows for a large area heat transfer.

[0027] In an embodiment, the plurality of battery cell controllers may further include or form a second heat conduction path extending from the power electronics arrangement via the terminal and / or the body to the housing of the corresponding battery cell and / or battery arrangement. In other words, another second heat conduction path (i.e., a heat removal and / or cooling path) may be formed by establishing direct or indirect contact between the battery cell controller (e.g., having the same busbar portion) and the housing. This makes heat dissipation more efficient.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the housing may cover a plurality of battery cell controllers and may contact the top sides of at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers. For example, the housing may contact a busbar portion of a corresponding battery cell controller. This allows a large area of ​​heat transfer, making heat dissipation more efficient.

[0029] In an embodiment, the housing contacts the plurality of battery cell controllers via a thermal interface material, the thermal interface material is disposed between at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers and the housing, and the thermal interface material is also in contact with the battery cell controllers. In this way, integration of the plurality of battery cell controllers can be facilitated, thereby making heat dissipation more efficient.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the thermal interface material can be formed into a pad that two-dimensionally contacts each of the plurality of battery cell controllers and the housing. This allows for large-area heat transfer.

[0031] In an embodiment, the housing may have an outer surface that is exposed to the ambient air of the battery arrangement. This allows for convective heat transfer over a large area.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the housing can be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. These materials are all good conductors, with aluminum having a slightly lower conductivity but being lighter in weight.

[0033] In an embodiment, the battery arrangement may further include a third heat conduction path arranged and / or formed between the plurality of battery cells by a heat conduction blade, the heat conduction blade contacts the body of at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells and / or the plurality of battery cell controllers, and may be exposed to ambient air relative to the battery arrangement. This makes heat dissipation more effective.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the thermally conductive blades are coupled to the bodies of the plurality of battery cells and / or the plurality of battery cell controllers by being interconnected with a thermal interface material (TIM) therebetween. This allows for large area heat transfer.

[0035] In an embodiment, the battery arrangement may further include a fourth heat conduction path formed by a plurality of tracks extending along at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers. This makes heat dissipation more efficient.

[0036] According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cell controllers may be material bonded to a terminal. This allows for a direct and / or short distance heat conduction path.

[0037] In an embodiment, the material bond may be formed by a weld bond. This allows the connection between the battery cell (eg its terminals) and the battery cell controller to be robust.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the material bond may be formed by laser welding. This manufacturing process may be particularly cost-effective and / or efficient to use.

[0039] In an embodiment, a plurality of battery cells are connected to at least one refrigerant and / or coolant circuit, through which heat energy released from the power electronics arrangement to the body of the plurality of battery cells can be dissipated. In other words, the battery cells and / or their body can be actively cooled by at least one refrigerant and / or coolant circuit, which can be part of a vehicle including the battery arrangement. In this way, the thermal mass and / or heat sink potential of the battery cells can be further increased, thereby making the heat dissipation more efficient.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the power electronics arrangement may include a plurality of power switches. For example, FETs, MOSFETs, etc. may be included in or may form a power electronics device. For example, a plurality of power switches may be arranged in an H-bridge or another suitable circuit that allows connecting and disconnecting individual battery cells and / or individual battery cell terminals.

[0041] According to a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising:

[0042] Motor; and

[0043] The battery arrangement according to the first aspect is connected to an electric motor.

[0044] As described above, the battery arrangement of the first aspect allows the electric machine to be powered in an efficient manner because the battery arrangement provides improved heat dissipation capabilities.

[0045] In an embodiment, the battery vehicle further comprises a power interface, to which the battery arrangement is further connected. For example, the power interface (which may be connected to a power source (e.g., a main power source or a power grid) charges the battery arrangement of the vehicle or feeds electrical energy to or into the power source. For example, the power interface and / or the battery arrangement may be configured to determine (e.g., measure, etc.) parameters of the power source (e.g., amplitude, phase, time, etc.) to align the battery arrangement (e.g., a plurality of battery cell controllers) with the parameters in order to connect the battery arrangement to it. The phase may then be adjusted to achieve the desired charge / discharge current. In this way, the battery arrangement may be part of an entire system that extends beyond a single vehicle.

[0046] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for removing heat from a battery cell controller of a battery arrangement connected to an electric machine and / or a power source, the method comprising:

[0047] providing a plurality of battery cells, wherein a first sub-number connected in series forms a first string, a second sub-number connected in series forms a second string, and a third sub-number connected in series forms a third string, the first string, the second string, and the third string being connectable to the motor as one respective phase,

[0048] providing a plurality of battery cell controllers, each battery cell controller comprising at least a power electronics arrangement; and

[0049] Each of the plurality of battery cell controllers is connected to a terminal of at least one of the plurality of battery cells within a string, each battery cell controller comprising or forming a first thermally conductive path extending from the power electronics arrangement via the terminal to a body of the respective battery cell.

[0050] As described above, the battery arrangement of the first aspect and the system (ie vehicle) of the second aspect allow the electric machine to be powered in an efficient manner because the battery arrangement provides improved heat dissipation capabilities.

[0051] The method may be at least partially computer-implemented and may be implemented in software or hardware, or in both software and hardware. In addition, the method may be performed by computer program instructions running on a device providing data processing functionality. The data processing device may be a suitable computing device, such as an electronic control module, etc. It may also be a distributed computer system. The data processing device or computer may include one or more of a processor, a memory, a data interface, etc., respectively.

[0052] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other, regardless of the aspects involved. Thus, the method can be combined with structural features, and likewise, the device (i.e. the battery arrangement) and / or the system (i.e. the vehicle) can be combined with the features described above with respect to the method.

[0053] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 A battery arrangement for connection to a motor and / or a power supply according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view.

[0056] Figure 2AA battery cell controller designed one per battery cell according to an embodiment is shown in a perspective view.

[0057] Figure 2B A battery cell controller designed for every two or more battery cells according to an embodiment is shown in a perspective view.

[0058] Figure 3 The structure of a battery cell controller according to an embodiment is shown in an exploded view.

[0059] Figure 4 A portion of a battery device according to an embodiment, in particular a portion of a battery cell controller, is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0060] Figure 5 A portion of a battery device according to an embodiment, in particular a portion of a battery cell controller, is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0061] Figure 6 A method for removing heat from a battery cell controller of a battery arrangement connected to an electric machine and / or a power source according to an embodiment is shown in a flow chart.

[0062] Figure 7 A battery arrangement for connection to a motor and / or a power supply according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view.

[0063] Figure 8 The scheduling of a multidirectional broadcast according to an embodiment is shown in a timeline.

[0064] Fig. 9 The tasks of a master node and one or more slave nodes that are triggered and / or synchronized by an update event are shown in a timeline.

[0065] The drawings are only schematic representations and serve only to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. In principle, identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 A battery arrangement 100 is shown for connecting to a motor 200 and / or a power source 300. Figure 1 , the connection(s) between the battery arrangement 100 and the motor 200 are indicated by solid lines. The motor 200 is, for example, a three-phase electric motor, which is, for example, part of the vehicle 1 or a vehicle powertrain or drive. The battery arrangement 100 is configured to provide electrical energy to the motor 200 and / or a power source and / or to be charged by the power source.

[0067] The battery arrangement 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 connected in series into three strings, providing three phases to operate the motor 200, i.e., if each string is connected to the motor 200, each string forms one phase. Figure 1 In other words, the reference numerals 110 are added with -1, -2 and -3. Figure 1 As shown, a first sub-number of battery cells 110 connected in series form a first string, a second sub-number of battery cells 110 connected in series form a second string, and a third sub-number of battery cells 110 connected in series form a third string, and the first string, the second string and the third string can be connected to the motor 200 as a corresponding phase.

[0068] In addition, if the battery cells 110 are connected in an appropriate number to achieve the required voltage, the battery arrangement 100 can also be connected to a power source (e.g., a mains power source of 50 Hz, etc.), and the battery cells 110 can be charged by the power source, or energy can be provided from the battery cells 110 to the grid.

[0069] The battery arrangement 100 also includes a plurality of battery cell controllers 120, each of which is connectable or connected to a terminal of at least one of the plurality of battery cells 110 within a string. The plurality of battery cell controllers 120 may also be referred to as a plurality of nodes, i.e., a plurality of slave nodes, which will be explained in more detail further below.

[0070] Therefore, the battery cell controller 120 may be designed as follows Figure 2A Each battery cell 110 shown has one or more Figure 2B One for every two or more battery cells 110 shown. Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 includes four terminals or output points. Two of them may be AC ​​terminals or power supply points, and two may be isolated DC terminals or power supply points, such as Figure 2A An electrode represented by AC and DC.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 , which shows in exploded view the structure of a battery cell controller 120. Each battery cell controller 120 comprises a power electronics arrangement 121 embedded in a multi-layer structure, which may also be referred to as at least one printed circuit board (PCB) or a combination of several PCBs or components thereof.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the PCB of the battery cell controller 120 may be formed in multiple layers, and the substrate or first layer 122 may include at least a portion made of a metal core or a metal back and may be (in Figure 3 The top or second layer 124 includes at least a portion made of a metal core or metal back and may (in Figure 3The first layer 122 may be formed as a PCB layer, wherein for example two busbar components may be made of a metal-backed PCB. The middle layer may be formed, for example, by a standard PCB including one or more through holes in appropriate locations to locate the embedded power electronics arrangement 121. On top of this layer, a controller unit or chip 125 and / or a transformer core may be arranged.

[0073] The power electronics arrangement 121 comprises a plurality of power switches, such as FETs, MOSFETs, etc. The second layer may be formed by a standard pcb and two metal-backed pcbs.

[0074] Still refer to Figure 3 , the power electronic arrangement 121 may be arranged between a substrate or first layer 122 and a top or second layer 124 so as to contact the conductive material of at least one layer.

[0075] Figure 4 A portion of the battery arrangement 100, and in particular a portion of the battery cell controller 120, is shown in cross-section. Figure 4 As shown by arrows A and B, each battery cell controller 120 includes or forms a first heat conduction path extending from the power electronics arrangement via the terminals to the body of the corresponding battery cell 110. Thus, the power electronics arrangement 121 contacts the corresponding terminals via the conductive material (i.e., the metal core or metal back) integrated in the plurality of battery cell controllers 120, as described above.

[0076] Figure 5 A portion of the battery arrangement 100, and in particular a portion of the battery cell controller 120, is shown in cross-section. Figure 5 As shown by arrows C and D, the plurality of battery cell controllers 120 also include or form a second heat conduction path extending from the power electronic arrangement 121 via the terminals and / or the body of the battery cell 110 to the housing 130 of the corresponding battery cell 110 and / or the battery arrangement 100. As shown in the figure, the housing 130 covers the plurality of battery cell controllers 120 and contacts the top side of at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers 120. In addition, the housing 130 contacts the plurality of battery cell controllers 120 via a thermal interface material (TIM) 126, which is arranged between at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers and the housing, and the thermal interface material also contacts the battery cell controllers. For example, the thermal interface material 126 can be formed to contact each of the plurality of battery cell controllers 120 and the pad of the housing 130 in two dimensions. In addition, for example, the housing 130 can have an outer surface exposed to the ambient air of the battery arrangement 100. In addition, the housing 130 can be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, such as Figure 5 As shown by the dashed line, the battery arrangement 100 may further include a third heat conduction path arranged and / or formed between the plurality of battery cells 100 by a heat conduction blade 140, the heat conduction blade 140 contacts at least a portion of the body of the plurality of battery cells 100 and / or the plurality of battery cell controllers 120 and is exposed to the ambient air relative to the battery arrangement 100. According to claim 16, the heat conduction blade is coupled to the body of the plurality of battery cells and / or the plurality of battery cell controllers by being interconnected with the thermal interface material 126 therebetween.

[0078] In an example not shown, the battery arrangement further includes a fourth thermally conductive path formed by a plurality of tracks extending along at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers.

[0079] Optionally, each of the plurality of battery cell controllers 120 may be materially bonded to a terminal of the battery cell 110. Optionally, the connection may be made by a threaded connection. For example, the material bonding is formed by welding bonding. In addition, the material bonding is formed by laser welding.

[0080] Further optionally, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be connected to at least one refrigerant and / or coolant circuit 400 ( Figure 5 By means of the at least one refrigerant and / or coolant circuit 400 , heat energy released from the power electronics arrangement 121 to the body of the plurality of battery cells 110 may be dissipated.

[0081] refer to Figure 6 , which shows a flow chart, a method for removing heat from a battery cell controller 120 of a battery arrangement 100 (such as described above) connected to a motor 200 and / or a power source 300 may be performed as follows.

[0082] In step S100, a plurality of battery cells 100 are provided, wherein a first number of cells connected in series form a first string, a second number of cells connected in series form a second string, and a third number of cells connected in series form a third string, and the first string, the second string, and the third string can be connected to a motor as a corresponding phase.

[0083] In step S200 , a plurality of battery cell controllers 120 are provided, each battery cell controller 120 comprising at least one power electronics arrangement 121 .

[0084] In step S300 , each of the plurality of battery cell controllers is connected to a terminal of at least one of the plurality of battery cells 110 within a string, and each battery cell controller 120 includes or forms a first thermally conductive path extending from the power electronics arrangement 121 via the terminal to the body of the corresponding battery cell 110 .

[0085] Reference Figure 7 , which shows the Figure 1 Similar to the battery arrangement 100, the battery arrangement 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, and the plurality of battery cells 110 form three strings, i.e., three phases, to be connected to the motor 200 and / or the power source 300. In addition, the battery arrangement 100 includes a plurality of battery cell controllers 120, wherein these controllers further form a plurality of slave nodes. Thus, each battery cell controller 120 is connected to at least one terminal of a plurality of battery cells in a string, and each battery cell controller 120 includes a power electronics arrangement 121 and a sensor 127 (see, e.g., Figure 3 ), the sensor 127 is configured to obtain at least one battery cell parameter. In addition, the battery arrangement 100 includes a master node 150, which is configured to be connected to each of the first string, the second string and the third string and / or each slave node, that is, multiple battery cell controllers 120. In addition, the master node is configured to obtain a total parameter of a corresponding one of the first string, the second string and the third string. Thus, the battery arrangement 100 is configured to mutually verify the at least one battery cell parameter obtained and the total parameter obtained. The total parameter can be, for example, the total voltage, current of the corresponding string.

[0086] In other words, the master node 150 is configured to measure and / or determine a total parameter of each string (e.g., total voltage, its phase, etc., total current, SOC, temperature, etc.). This total parameter can be verified by turning on a slave node with a cell parameter measurement (e.g., voltage), which measures the cell parameter (e.g., total voltage, its phase, etc., total current, SOC, temperature, etc.) once and compares the value from the slave node with the total value measured by the master node. For example, this can be performed during startup, such as startup of the battery arrangement 100 and / or the vehicle 1. In addition, for example, in DC operation, the values ​​from the slave nodes can be summed and compared with the measured values ​​of the master node. In AC operation, the stable condition can be controlled for a time interval, such as approximately 100 milliseconds, to collect data from the slave nodes.

[0087] In addition, the battery arrangement 100 may be further configured to mutually verify the acquired at least one battery cell parameter and the acquired total parameter by controlling only one slave node to be activated at a time and acquiring at least one battery cell parameter of the corresponding activated slave node and / or battery cell.

[0088] In addition, the battery arrangement may be further configured to activate each of the plurality of slave nodes one by one, obtain the corresponding at least one battery cell parameter, add them together, and then perform verification using the obtained total parameter.

[0089] Still refer to Figure 7 , which shows the Figure 1Similar to the battery arrangement 100, the battery arrangement 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, and the plurality of battery cells 110 form three strings, i.e., three phases, to be connected to the motor 200 and / or the power source 300. In addition, the battery arrangement 100 includes a plurality of battery cell controllers 120, wherein these controllers further form a plurality of slave nodes. Thus, each battery cell controller 120 is connected to at least one terminal of a plurality of battery cells within a string, and each battery cell controller 120 includes a power electronics arrangement. In addition, the battery arrangement 100 includes a master node 150, which is configured to broadcast a control information message to each of the plurality of slave nodes, which control information message allows each slave node to control its power electronics arrangement 121.

[0090] In other words, the battery arrangement 100 includes a master node 150 configured to dictate the behavior of the system (i.e., the battery arrangement 100) and a plurality of slave nodes (i.e., the battery cell controller 120), which are mounted directly on the battery cell 110. The slave devices know their positions in the battery arrangement. They receive the broadcast control information messages simultaneously or within an agreed time limit. They can be configured to connect and disconnect according to the control information messages (e.g., modulator angle, etc.) included therein. The slave devices are connected in three strings, and together they can create three sinusoidal-shaped voltages that are controlled to achieve the desired phase current, such as torque. The master node 150 can be configured to generate a virtual sine wave, which can also be referred to as a modulator. This is done by broadcasting propulsion request information at a predetermined rate (e.g., every millisecond). The broadcast can be performed by radio or other galvanically isolated communication methods. Because the broadcast transmission delay is well defined and the absolute time is transmitted in the broadcast message, the entire system will have the same absolute time with an accuracy better than 1 microsecond. The slave nodes can have time slots that are scheduled to distribute information to the system. The slave nodes broadcast messages in the same manner as the master node 150. In this way, all nodes in the system will have all the information flowing in the network. The slave node responses can be scheduled so that three slave nodes (one for each string) have time to respond between each master transmission. For example, the current from each string with the same timestamp is available on the network, enabling analysis of the AC current every millisecond based on the internal current sensor in the slave node.

[0091] Figure 8 The scheduling of the multi-directional broadcast as described above is shown in the timeline. The time interval T can be in the millisecond or microsecond range, for example, about 1 ms. M can indicate the transmission of the master node 150, and 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, etc. can indicate the corresponding time slots of the corresponding battery cell controller 120 (i.e., the slave node) between each broadcast of the master node 150. As described above, the numbers 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 refer to the corresponding strings of battery cells 110.

[0092] In other words, the master node 150 can be configured to generate a virtual sine wave, which is also called a modulator. This can be done by broadcasting the propulsion request information at a predetermined speed (e.g., every millisecond). The broadcast can be performed by radio or other galvanically isolated communication methods. Because the broadcast transmission delay is well defined and the absolute time is transmitted in the broadcast message, the entire system (i.e., the battery arrangement 100) will have the same absolute time, for example, with an accuracy better than 1 microsecond. The slave node has a time slot that is scheduled to distribute information to the system. The slave node broadcasts messages in the same way as the master node. For example, even all nodes in the system can obtain all the information flowing in the network. The slave node response that can be scheduled so that three slave nodes (one in each string) have time to respond between each master transmission. For example, the current from each string with the same timestamp is available on the network, and the AC current can be analyzed every millisecond based on the internal current sensor in the slave node.

[0093] Reference Fig. 9 , which shows in a timeline the tasks of a master node and one or more slave nodes triggered and / or synchronized by an update event. An update event may occur within the above-mentioned time interval T. The update event is the basis for all time synchronized changes in the modulator. A master node message transmission is scheduled just after the update. Three slave node transmissions are then scheduled before the next master node transmission. For example, after an update event, some or all nodes in a battery arrangement may measure corresponding currents simultaneously. The master node may measure the rotary transformer angle, and may obtain or determine the current modulator angle.

[0094] Still refer to Fig. 9 , explains the modulator, i.e., the virtual sine wave generated by the master node 150, in more detail. At each update event, the master node 150 may transmit the current modulator angle. The slave nodes (i.e., the battery cell controllers 120) may receive this angle, compare it to their own modulator angle, and calculate a correction if there is a deviation. This is explained in more detail in Fig. 9 Indicated by the rectangles representing the turn-on time of the slave node or battery cell respectively, and adapting to the virtual modulator voltage (angle) by changing the switching time. The offset of the corresponding slave node can be applied to the modulator timing once at the next turn-on event, so that the modulator remains synchronized because the absolute timing is synchronized. It is worth noting that Fig. 9 A system with only two slave nodes is shown, generating a fairly low resolution sine wave. It also shows the virtual sinusoidal voltage generated by the system. For a large number of slave nodes, the generated voltage will be very close to a true sinusoidal shape.

[0095] As mentioned above, the virtual sine wave generated by the master node can also be called a modulator. The update event can be considered the basis for all time synchronization changes in the modulator. The master node message transmission is scheduled just after the update event. Then, as mentioned above Figure 8 As explained, three slave node transmissions are scheduled before the next master node transmission.

[0096] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement the functions of several items or steps listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery arrangement for connection to a motor and / or a power source, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, wherein a first subnumber connected in series forms a first string, a second subnumber connected in series forms a second string, and a third subnumber connected in series forms a third string, the first string, the second string, and the third string being connectable to the motor as one respective phase; and A plurality of battery cell controllers, each battery cell controller being connected to a terminal of at least one of the plurality of battery cells within a string, each battery cell controller comprising at least one power electronics arrangement, and each battery cell controller comprising or forming a first thermal conduction path extending from the power electronics arrangement via the terminal to a body of the corresponding battery cell.

2. The battery arrangement of claim 1, at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers comprising or formed as a bus bar spanning one or more of the plurality of battery cells. 3 . The battery arrangement according to claim 1 , the power electronics arrangement contacting the respective terminals via a conductive material integrated in the plurality of battery cell controllers. The battery arrangement according to claim 3 , wherein the conductive material is made of copper or a copper alloy or aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

5. The battery arrangement according to claim 3, the electrically conductive material being a metal core or a metal back of a printed circuit board in which the power electronics arrangement is embedded.

6. The battery arrangement according to claim 5, the metal core or the metal back being made of copper or a copper alloy or aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

7. According to the battery arrangement according to claim 1, the multiple battery cell controllers include or are formed as a printed circuit board with a metal core or a metal back, in which the power electronics arrangement is embedded, and the metal core or the metal back of the printed circuit board contacts the power electronics arrangement and the corresponding terminals of the multiple battery cells.

8. The battery arrangement of claim 7, wherein the printed circuit board is formed in multiple layers, the substrate or first layer comprising at least a portion made of a metal core or a metal back and configured to engage the corresponding terminals to form at least a portion of a busbar, the middle layer comprising a plurality of through holes in which the power electronics arrangement is held in place, and the top layer or second layer comprising at least a portion made of the metal core or the metal back and configured to engage the corresponding terminals to form at least a portion of a busbar.

9. A battery arrangement according to claim 8, the power electronics arrangement being arranged between the substrate or first layer and the top or second layer so as to contact the conductive material of at least one layer.

10. According to the battery arrangement described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the multiple battery cell controllers also include or form a second heat conduction path extending from the power electronic arrangement via the terminals and / or the main body to the corresponding battery cells and / or the housing of the battery arrangement. 11 . The battery arrangement of claim 10 , the housing covering the plurality of battery cell controllers and contacting top sides of at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers.

12. The battery arrangement of claim 10, the housing contacting the plurality of battery cell controllers via a thermal interface material, the thermal interface material being disposed between at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers and the housing, the thermal interface material also contacting the battery cell controllers. 13 . The battery arrangement of claim 12 , the thermal interface material being formed as a pad that two-dimensionally contacts each of the plurality of battery cell controllers and the housing.

14. The battery arrangement of claim 10, the housing having an outer surface exposed to ambient air of the battery arrangement.

15. The battery arrangement of claim 10, wherein the housing is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

16. The battery arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprises a third heat conduction path arranged and / or formed between the plurality of battery cells by a heat conduction blade, the heat conduction blade contacting a body of at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells and / or the plurality of battery cell controllers and being exposed to ambient air relative to the battery arrangement.

17. The battery arrangement of claim 16, the thermally conductive blades being coupled to the plurality of battery cells and / or to the bodies of the plurality of battery cell controllers by being interconnected with a thermal interface material therebetween.

18. The battery arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a fourth heat conduction path formed by a plurality of tracks extending along at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell controllers.

19. The battery arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 9, each of the plurality of battery cell controllers being material bonded to the terminal.

20. The battery arrangement of claim 19, the material bond being formed by a weld bond.

21. The battery arrangement of claim 19, the material bond being formed by laser welding.

22. According to the battery arrangement described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the multiple battery cells are connected to at least one refrigerant and / or coolant circuit, and the thermal energy released from the power electronic arrangement to the body of the multiple battery cells can be dissipated through the at least one refrigerant and / or coolant circuit.

23. A battery arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the power electronics arrangement comprising a plurality of power switches.

24. A vehicle comprising: Motor; and A battery arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, connected to the electric machine.

25. The vehicle of claim 24, further comprising a power interface to which the battery arrangement is also connected.

26. A method for removing heat from a battery cell controller of a battery arrangement connected to a motor and / or power source, the method comprising: providing a plurality of battery cells, wherein a first sub-number connected in series forms a first string, a second sub-number connected in series forms a second string, and a third sub-number connected in series forms a third string, the first string, the second string, and the third string being connectable to the motor as one respective phase, providing a plurality of battery cell controllers, each battery cell controller comprising at least a power electronics arrangement; and Each of the plurality of battery cell controllers is connected to a terminal of at least one of the plurality of battery cells within a string, each battery cell controller comprising or forming a first thermally conductive path extending from the power electronics arrangement via the terminal to a body of the respective battery cell.

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