Battery power supply system, battery replacement control method, battery replacement station and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a battery power supply system, a battery replacement control method, a battery replacement station and a storage medium. The circuit comprises: an electric motor; a first battery pack comprising a first battery group and a second battery group; when the first battery group and the second battery group are connected in parallel, the battery power supply system further comprises a second battery pack, and the first battery pack, the second battery pack and the electric motor are connected in series to form a power supply loop. According to the embodiment of the application, the two battery groups in the first battery pack can be connected in parallel and then connected in series with the second battery pack for power supply, the large circulating current when the battery packs are connected in parallel is converted into a small circulating current when the two battery groups in the battery pack are connected in parallel, and the circulating current between the battery packs due to the differences between the battery packs when the first battery pack and other battery packs are directly connected in parallel is avoided, so that the safety and service life when multiple battery packs are used together are improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of batteries, and particularly relates to a battery power supply system, a battery replacement control method, a battery replacement station and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous development and maturity of lithium battery technology, new energy vehicles have become a development trend in the automobile industry. At present, new energy vehicles mainly realize energy supply through charging and battery replacement.

[0003] In the battery replacement mode, a new energy vehicle can replace a battery pack at a battery replacement station to realize energy supply. However, in the production process of the battery pack, due to differences in production environment, materials and process and other factors, there are parameter differences between the produced battery packs. In an electric vehicle that needs multiple battery packs to jointly provide output power, due to the differences in the aging degree, power, system resistance and other parameters of the battery cells between different battery packs, internal circulation of each battery pack in parallel is easily caused in the charging and discharging process. SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiments of the application provide a battery power supply system, a battery replacement control method, a battery replacement station and a storage medium, which can solve the technical problem that internal circulation is caused when different battery packs are used.

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the application provide a battery power supply system, which comprises:

[0006] an electric motor;

[0007] a first battery pack comprising a first battery group and a second battery group;

[0008] When the first battery group and the second battery group are connected in parallel, the battery power supply system further comprises a second battery pack, and the first battery pack, the second battery pack and the electric motor are connected in series to form a power supply loop.

[0009] Through the embodiment, the first battery pack can be connected in series with the second battery pack to form a power supply loop after the two battery groups are connected in parallel, so that the risk of circulation caused by direct parallel use of the battery pack is avoided, and the safety and service life when multiple battery packs are used together are improved.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, when the first battery group and the second battery group are connected in series, the first battery pack and the electric motor are connected in series to form a power supply loop. The first battery pack can form a power supply loop as a single battery pack after the two battery groups are connected in series, and supply power to a single-pack electric motor.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the first battery pack and the second battery pack each include a plurality of battery cells connected in series, and the number and type of the battery cells in the first battery pack are consistent with the number and type of the battery cells in the second battery pack. When the number and type of the battery cells in the two battery packs are consistent, the output voltage and the internal resistance of the two battery packs are the same, and internal circulation is avoided when the two battery packs are connected in parallel.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the first battery pack further includes a series-parallel switching module, a first end of the series-parallel switching module is connected to the first end of the first battery pack, a second end of the series-parallel switching module is connected to the second end of the first battery pack, a third end of the series-parallel switching module is connected to the first end of the second battery pack, and a fourth end of the series-parallel switching module is connected to the second end of the second battery pack; the series-parallel switching module is configured to connect the second end and the third end in communication to connect the first battery pack and the second battery pack in series, or connect the first end and the third end in communication and connect the second end and the fourth end in communication to connect the first battery pack and the second battery pack in parallel. The series-parallel switching module can adjust the connection relationship between the ports of the first battery pack and the second battery pack to realize series connection or parallel connection of the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the series-parallel switching module includes a first switching module and a second switching module, the first switching module is configured to connect the third end and the second end of the series-parallel switching module in communication or connect the third end and the first end of the series-parallel switching module in communication, and the second switching module is configured to connect the second end and the fourth end of the series-parallel switching module in communication or disconnect. The first switching module and the second switching module can adjust the conduction state to realize series connection or parallel connection of the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the first end and the second end of the first switching module are connected to the first end and the second end of the first battery pack, respectively, and the common end of the first switching module is connected to the first end of the second battery pack. The first switching module can connect the first end of the second battery pack to the first end or the second end of the first battery pack.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the first switching module is a bidirectional switch.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the first end and the second end of the second switching module are connected to the second end of the first battery pack and the second end of the second battery pack, respectively. The second switching module can control the on-off state between the second end of the first battery pack and the second end of the second battery pack.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the second switching module is a relay.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the battery-powered system further comprises a pre-charge control module connected in series with the first battery pack and the second battery pack in parallel or in series, for limiting the current of the power supply loop in the initial conduction stage of the power supply loop. The pre-charge control module can limit the loop current when the battery-powered system is running, avoiding excessive current.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the pre-charge control module comprises a first switch, a current-limiting load, and a second switch connected in series with the current-limiting load and in parallel with the first switch. The first switch is used to turn on after the second switch is turned on for a first preset time, and the second switch is used to turn off after the first switch is turned on for a second preset time. The first switch and the second switch can be turned on in sequence to avoid excessive instantaneous current when the loop is turned on.

[0020] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a battery replacement control method applied to a battery replacement station. The battery replacement control method comprises: receiving a battery replacement request, the battery replacement request comprising a rated battery pack quantity of an electric vehicle; when the rated battery pack quantity is a plurality, connecting two battery packs in the first battery pack in parallel, so that the first battery pack forms a power supply loop in a battery-powered system when the first battery pack is installed in the electric vehicle. The battery-powered system is as described above. The battery replacement station can adjust the two battery packs in the first battery pack to be in parallel according to the rated parameters of the electric vehicle, so as to be suitable for the electric vehicle requiring multiple battery packs.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, after receiving the battery replacement request, the battery replacement request comprising the rated battery pack quantity of the electric vehicle, the method further comprises: when the rated battery pack quantity is one, connecting two battery packs in the first battery pack in series, so that the first battery pack forms a power supply loop in a battery-powered system when the first battery pack is installed in the electric vehicle. The battery replacement station can adjust the series-parallel state of the two battery packs in the first battery pack according to the rated parameters of the electric vehicle, so as to be suitable for the electric vehicle requiring different quantities of battery packs.

[0022] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a battery replacement station, comprising: a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions; and the processor executes the computer program instructions to implement the battery replacement control method as described above.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a computer storage medium, the computer storage medium storing computer program instructions, and the computer program instructions are executed by a processor to implement the battery replacement control method as described above.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the battery power supply system provided by the embodiment of the application comprises a first battery pack and a motor, the first battery pack comprises a first battery group and a second battery group, and when the first battery group and the second battery group are in parallel connection, the first battery pack, the second battery pack and the motor can be connected in series to form a power supply loop. The two battery groups in the first battery pack are in parallel connection. When the first battery pack and the second battery pack are different battery packs and there are differences in the state of charge, the degree of cell aging and the internal resistance of the battery pack, since the first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in series, no circulating current is generated between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and the internal circulating current of the two battery groups in parallel connection in the first battery pack is greatly reduced due to the small differences in the state of charge, the degree of cell aging and the internal resistance of the battery pack. When sufficient output power is provided for the motor, the internal circulating current of the first battery pack is greatly reduced, and no circulating current is generated between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, which can convert the large circulating current when the battery packs are connected in parallel into a small circulating current when the two battery groups in the battery pack are connected in parallel, thereby improving the safety when multiple battery packs are used in combination. The internal circulating current between the battery packs can also be avoided to cause damage to the battery packs, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery packs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments of the application will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort on the basis of these drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery power supply system provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0027] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery power supply system provided by another embodiment of the application;

[0028] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a first battery pack provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0029] Figure 4 is a parallel connection state schematic diagram of a series-parallel connection switching module provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0030] Figure 5 is a series connection state schematic diagram of a series-parallel connection switching module provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0031] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery power supply system provided by still another embodiment of the application;

[0032] Figure 7 is Figure 6A schematic diagram of the precharge control module in the embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a battery swapping control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a battery swapping control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery swapping station provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0036] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0037] 1. Electric motor; 2. First battery pack; 21. First battery group; 22. Second battery group; 23. Series-parallel switching module; 231. First switching module; 232. Second switching module; 3. Second battery pack; 4. Precharge control module; K1. Two-way switch; K2. Relay; S1. First switch; S2. Second switch; R. Current-limiting load. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0041] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Currently, with the continuous development of new energy vehicles, the number of electric vehicles is increasing. Among the energy replenishment methods for electric vehicles, battery swapping reduces consumption time and improves energy replenishment efficiency compared to charging, and is therefore gradually becoming more widespread. To achieve the popularization of battery swapping, various automakers and battery manufacturers can promote the standardized design of battery packs, enabling different models of electric vehicles to use standardized battery packs produced by their respective companies.

[0047] However, the inventors have noted that there are still significant differences in standardized battery packs produced by different companies according to standardized specifications. Factors such as production environment, materials, processes, and production batches all contribute to these differences. When electric vehicles require two or more battery packs for power, multiple battery packs are typically connected in parallel to supply power to the motor. It is understandable that battery packs produced by different manufacturers will exhibit significant differences due to variations in production environment, materials, and processes. Even battery packs from the same manufacturer will show some differences between different batches. Furthermore, the performance of the battery cells will vary considerably during use due to differences in the number of charge-discharge cycles or the duration of use. Therefore, when multiple battery packs are connected in parallel, it is impossible to guarantee that they will have identical or similar battery performance. In other words, differences exist between different battery packs.

[0048] When multiple battery packs are connected in parallel and there are significant differences between them, voltage differences will occur between the battery packs due to variations in internal resistance and output voltage, resulting in circulating current within the parallel circuit. Therefore, in scenarios where multiple battery packs are used in parallel, electric vehicles may experience risks of float charging, overcharging, and overcurrent during charging or recharging while driving due to this internal circulating current.

[0049] To address the issue of circulating currents within battery packs caused by parameter differences when using them in parallel, the applicant's research suggests changing the connection method from parallel to series. This would prevent circulating currents from occurring when using different battery packs together, regardless of differences in manufacturing processes or charging / discharging usage. However, when battery packs are connected in series, the total output voltage is the sum of the output voltages of all battery packs. Since the sum of the output voltages of multiple battery packs is relatively large when a single battery pack can provide the operating voltage required by the motor, it is necessary to reduce the output voltage of each individual battery pack when using them in series.

[0050] This application provides a battery power supply system that can be used, but is not limited to, in devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. Using the battery power supply system disclosed in this application, multiple battery packs can be connected in series in devices that require the use of multiple battery packs, avoiding internal circulating currents between battery packs when multiple battery packs are used in parallel, thereby improving the stability of the battery packs and battery life.

[0051] This application provides a battery swapping station, which is equipped with a battery compartment to accommodate battery packs. The battery swapping station can charge and discharge the battery packs in the battery compartment so that various devices that require battery packs can swap batteries through the battery swapping station.

[0052] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use an example of a battery power supply system applied to an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery-powered system according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The battery-powered system includes a motor 1 and a first battery pack 2. The first battery pack 2 includes a first battery group 21 and a second battery group 22. When the first battery group 21 and the second battery group 22 are connected in parallel, the battery-powered system also includes a second battery pack 3. The first battery pack 2, the second battery pack 3, and the motor 1 are connected in series to form a power supply circuit.

[0054] The battery power supply system can be applied to electric vehicles. Electric motor 1 is the power source for the electric vehicle, and the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3 provide the operating voltage required for the electric motor 1 to operate. The second battery pack 3 can be a single battery pack or multiple battery packs. That is, the number of battery packs in the battery power supply system can be at least two.

[0055] In the power supply circuit formed by the first battery pack 2, the second battery pack 3, and the motor 1, the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3 are connected in series to provide an output voltage to the motor 1. This output voltage is the sum of the output voltages of the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3. Since the system voltages and internal resistances of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are relatively close, their output voltages are also similar. When the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 in the first battery pack 2 are charging or discharging, the voltage difference between the two battery packs in the parallel circuit formed by their parallel connection is small, resulting in a small internal circulating current in the parallel circuit. When the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3 are connected in series, no internal circulating current is generated between the two battery packs because they are connected in series. The small internal circulating current within the first battery pack 2 does not affect its normal discharge. Therefore, even if there are differences in the parameters or charge levels between the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3, no internal circulating current will be generated in the scenario where they are used together.

[0056] It is understandable that the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can be encapsulated within the first battery pack 2. During the production of the first battery pack 2, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can be selected from battery packs with similar battery parameters. For example, the internal resistance of the battery packs can be tested, and two battery packs with equal or similar internal resistances can be selected as the two battery packs of the first battery pack 2. Alternatively, two battery packs from the same batch can be selected. When the parameters of the two battery packs are the same or similar, the voltage difference of the output voltage after the two battery packs are connected in parallel can be smaller, effectively reducing the internal circulating current when the two battery packs are connected in parallel. Furthermore, when the first battery pack 2 is charging and discharging, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 operate simultaneously. Therefore, if the usage time and the number of charge and discharge cycles of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are consistent, the cell wear after use will also be approximately the same. That is, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can always maintain approximately or the same output voltage during use.

[0057] In this embodiment, the battery power supply system includes a first battery pack 2, a second battery pack 3, and a motor 1 connected in series. The first battery pack 2 includes a first battery group 21 and a second battery group 22 connected in parallel. The first battery group 21 and the second battery group 22 are located within the same battery pack, and the state of charge and battery parameters of the two battery groups can be kept the same or similar. Therefore, the internal circulating current generated during the parallel use of the two battery groups is small and will not affect the normal operation of the first battery pack 2. No internal circulating current will be generated between the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3 when they are connected in series. Compared with the prior art, where two battery packs with different battery parameters and states of charge are used in parallel, resulting in a large voltage difference in the output voltage and creating a circulating current risk that affects the normal operation of the battery pack, this embodiment can provide the operating voltage required by the motor 1 through the series connection of two battery packs. Furthermore, the circulating current generated within the first battery pack 2 is small, and no internal circulating current will be generated between the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3. This transforms the large circulating current when the battery packs are connected in parallel into a smaller circulating current when the two battery groups within the battery pack are connected in parallel, improving the safety when multiple battery packs are used together. It can also prevent internal circulation between battery packs from damaging the battery pack and extend the battery pack's lifespan.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, when the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 in the first battery pack 2 are connected in series, the first battery pack 2 and the motor 1 are connected in series to form a power supply circuit.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are connected in series, the number of battery packs in the battery power supply system is only one. That is, compared with the previous embodiment, the battery power supply system in this embodiment may not include the second battery pack 3, and the power supply circuit is formed by the first battery pack 2 and the motor 1 connected in series.

[0060] When the battery power supply system requires multiple battery packs for power, the output voltages of the multiple battery packs can be accumulated by connecting them in series to output the operating voltage required for the motor 1. However, when the battery power supply system only requires a single battery pack for power, the output voltage of this single battery pack can be increased by connecting the first battery group 21 and the second battery group 22 in series, so that the single battery pack can also output the operating voltage required for the motor 1. That is, the first battery group 21 and the second battery group 22 within the first battery pack 2 can be changed in series or parallel connection to adapt to battery power supply systems requiring different numbers of battery packs and output the operating voltage required for the motor 1.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 both include a plurality of cells connected in series, and the number and type of cells in the first battery pack 21 are the same as the number and type of cells in the second battery pack 22.

[0062] Both the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 mentioned above can include multiple cells connected in series. To avoid internal circulating current when the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are connected in parallel, the output voltages of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 need to be kept as consistent as possible. When the number and type of cells included in the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are the same, the total output voltage of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 is equal because the number of cells is the same. And since the cell types are the same, the system internal resistance of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 is the same. Because the total output voltage and system internal resistance of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are the same or similar, internal circulating current is avoided when the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are connected in parallel. It is understood that the number of cells in the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can be adjusted according to the operating voltage required by the motor 1, and is not limited here. For example, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 mentioned above can be 1p48s battery packs, meaning that both the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 include 48 cells connected in series. The cells can also belong to the same production batch, further ensuring the consistency of the cells in the two battery packs. When the number and type of cells selected for the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are consistent, it can be determined that the internal resistance and output voltage of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are consistent. That is, the output voltage difference between the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 when connected in parallel is small, thereby reducing the internal circulating current.

[0063] When a battery power supply system is installed in an electric vehicle, if the electric vehicle has only one rated battery pack, such as an A0-class electric vehicle, and the battery power supply system only includes the first battery pack 2, the first battery group 21 and the second battery group 22 within the first battery pack 2 can be connected in series to boost the output voltage to power the electric motor 1 of the electric vehicle. In this case, the output voltage of the first battery pack 2 is the sum of the output voltages of the two battery groups, that is, the series output voltage of 96 battery cells.

[0064] If the electric vehicle has two rated battery packs, such as in a Class A or Class B electric vehicle, and the battery power supply system includes a first battery pack 2 and a second battery pack 3, the first battery group 21 and the second battery group 22 within the first battery pack 2 can be connected in parallel and then connected in series with the second battery pack 3. In this case, the supply voltage of the motor 1 is the sum of the output voltages of the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3. Since the two battery groups in the first battery pack 2 are connected in parallel, and the output voltage of each battery group is the series output voltage of 48 cells, the output voltage of the first battery pack 2 is also the series output voltage of 48 cells. After the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3 are connected in series, the total output voltage is the sum of the output voltages of the first battery pack 2 and the second battery pack 3. Setting the output voltage of the second battery pack 3 to the series output voltage of 48 cells results in a total output voltage of 96 cells. It is understandable that electric vehicles with one or more rated battery packs require the same operating voltage for their motor 1. However, by providing the operating voltage for the motor 1 through two or more battery packs, it is possible to provide greater output power and longer power supply time, thereby improving the operating power and driving range of the electric vehicle and increasing its range.

[0065] It is understandable that in a battery power supply system, the second battery pack 3 can also be multiple battery packs connected in series. That is, when the battery power supply system includes more than three battery packs, the number of cells in each battery pack can be adjusted so that the sum of the output voltages of the multiple battery packs connected in series is the operating voltage required by the motor 1. In other words, by adjusting the number of cells in the battery pack, it is also possible to adapt to electric vehicles with different rated battery pack numbers.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first battery pack 2 may further include a series-parallel switching module 23, which includes a first end to a fourth end. The first end is connected to the first end of the first battery pack 21, the second end is connected to the second end of the first battery pack 21, the third end is connected to the first end of the second battery pack 22, and the fourth end is connected to the second end of the second battery pack 22.

[0067] The series-parallel switching module 23 can connect its second terminal to its third terminal to connect the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 in series. Alternatively, it can connect its first terminal to its third terminal and its second terminal to its fourth terminal to connect the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 in parallel.

[0068] When the first battery pack 2 is installed in a battery power supply system including the second battery pack 3, the series-parallel switching module 23 can connect its first end to the third end and its second end to the fourth end, that is, connect the first end of the first battery pack 21 to the first end of the second battery pack 22 and connect the second end of the first battery pack 21 to the second end of the second battery pack 22, thereby realizing the parallel connection of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22.

[0069] When the first battery pack 2 is installed in a battery power supply system excluding the second battery pack 3, the series-parallel switching module 23 can connect its second end to its third end, that is, connect the second end of the first battery pack 21 to the first end of the second battery pack 22, thereby realizing the series connection of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22.

[0070] By switching the series-parallel connection of the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 through the series-parallel switching module 23, the first battery pack 2 can be adapted to battery power supply systems with different required numbers of battery packs. In a circuit where a single battery pack powers the motor 1, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can provide the operating voltage required by the motor 1 through series connection; in a circuit where multiple battery packs power the motor 1, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can be connected in parallel and then in series with other battery packs, thereby avoiding internal circulating currents between multiple battery packs, reducing the risk of circulating currents, and improving the service life of the battery packs.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the above-mentioned series-parallel switching module 23 may include a first switching module 231 and a second switching module 232.

[0072] The first switching module 231 can connect the third terminal of the series-parallel switching module 23 to the second terminal or connect the third terminal of the series-parallel switching module 23 to the first terminal. The second switching module 232 can connect or disconnect the second terminal of the series-parallel switching module 23 from the fourth terminal.

[0073] When the first switching module 231 connects the third terminal of the series-parallel switching module 23 to the second terminal, and the second switching module 232 disconnects the second terminal of the series-parallel switching module 23 from the fourth terminal, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are connected in series.

[0074] When the first switching module 231 connects the third terminal of the series-parallel switching module 23 to the first terminal, and the second switching module 232 connects the second terminal of the series-parallel switching module 23 to the fourth terminal, the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are connected in parallel.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the first switching module 231 are respectively connected to the first end and the second end of the first battery pack 21, and the common end of the first switching module 231 is connected to the first end of the second battery pack 22.

[0076] The first switching module 231 can connect the first end of the second battery pack 22 to the first end of the first battery pack 21 by connecting the common end to the first end, and can also connect the first end of the second battery pack 22 to the second end of the first battery pack 21 by connecting the common end to the second end. Alternatively, the common end can be left unconnected, meaning it is disconnected from both the first and second ends.

[0077] The first switching module 231 can be a bidirectional switch K1, which has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a common terminal. The common terminal can be connected to either the first terminal or the second terminal. That is, when the common terminal of the bidirectional switch K1 is connected to the first terminal, the first terminal of the first battery pack 21 is connected to the first terminal of the second battery pack 22; when the common terminal of the bidirectional switch K1 is connected to the second terminal, the second terminal of the first battery pack 21 is connected to the first terminal of the second battery pack 22.

[0078] The first switching module 231 may also include two relays. The first terminals of both relays are connected to the first terminal of the second battery pack 22, and the second terminals of the two relays are connected to the first and second terminals of the first battery pack 21, respectively. By controlling one of the two relays to be on and the other to be off, the connection between the first terminal of the first battery pack 21 and the first terminal of the second battery pack 22 can be switched, as can the connection between the second terminal of the first battery pack 21 and the first terminal of the second battery pack 22.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the second switching module 232 are respectively connected to the second end of the first battery pack 21 and the second end of the second battery pack 22.

[0080] The second switching module 232 can control the connection and disconnection between the second terminal of the first battery pack 21 and the second terminal of the second battery pack 22 by controlling the connection and disconnection of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0081] The second switching module 232 can be a relay K2. When the relay K2 is turned on, the second terminal of the first battery pack 21 is connected to the second terminal of the second battery pack 22; when the relay K2 is turned off, the second terminal of the first battery pack is disconnected from the second terminal of the second battery pack 22.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the battery power supply system described above may further include a precharge control module 4, which may be connected in series with the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 connected in parallel or in series, in order to limit the current of the power supply circuit during the initial conduction phase of the power supply circuit.

[0083] After the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are connected in parallel or in series, the equivalent battery pack formed by the parallel or series connection can be connected in series with the precharge control module 4. During the initial conduction phase of the power supply circuit, the instantaneous current of the power supply circuit is relatively large, which may damage the components in the circuit. By adjusting the conduction state of the precharge control module 4, the instantaneous current of the circuit can be limited during the initial conduction phase of the power supply circuit, preventing excessive instantaneous current from damaging circuit components.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 7 The aforementioned precharge control module 4 may include a first switch S1, a current-limiting load R, and a second switch S2. The current-limiting load R is connected in series with the second switch S2, and then connected in parallel with the first switch S1.

[0085] When the first switch S1 is turned on, the battery pack and motor 1 are connected in series to form a power supply circuit. When the second switch S2 is turned on, the battery pack, motor 1, and current-limiting load R are connected in series to form a power supply circuit. At this time, the current-limiting load R can limit the circuit current to prevent excessive current. The current-limiting load R can be a current-limiting resistor.

[0086] During the initial conduction phase of the power supply circuit, the second switch S2 in the pre-charge control module 4 is turned on first. The power supply circuit formed at this time includes a current-limiting load R, which limits the current and prevents excessive instantaneous current during circuit startup. After a first preset time, the circuit current in the power supply circuit gradually stabilizes, and the first switch S1 of the pre-charge control module 4 is turned on. At this time, both the first switch S1 and the second switch S2 are on, and the circuit containing the first switch S1 short-circuits the second switch S2 and the current-limiting load R. After the first switch S1 is on for a second preset time, the second switch S2 is turned off. At this time, the power supply circuit does not include the current-limiting load R, preventing energy loss caused by the continuous operation of the current-limiting load R. When the battery pack stops supplying power, the first switch S1 can be turned off.

[0087] This application also provides a battery swapping control method, applied to a battery swapping station, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the battery swapping control method includes:

[0088] S110 receives a battery swapping request, which includes the rated number of battery packs for the electric vehicle.

[0089] S120, when there are multiple rated battery packs, two battery groups in the first battery pack are connected in parallel so that the first battery pack forms a power supply circuit in the battery power supply system after being installed in the electric vehicle. The battery power supply system is the battery power supply system as described above.

[0090] In this embodiment, the battery swapping station is equipped with a BMS (Battery Management System) and a battery compartment for housing the battery packs. The battery swapping station can charge the battery packs in the battery compartment and manage and control the battery packs through the BMS.

[0091] Existing battery swapping stations can only charge battery packs. When an electric vehicle (EV) is swapping its battery, a battery pack can be removed from the station and placed into the EV, allowing it to be used in conjunction with other battery packs. However, due to differences in parameters and capacity between battery packs, internal circulating currents can easily occur when different battery packs are used together. According to an embodiment of this application, the battery swapping station can receive a battery swapping request from an EV, which includes the EV's rated number of battery packs. When the battery swapping station determines that the EV has multiple rated battery packs, it can determine that the first battery pack needs to be used in conjunction with other battery packs. The station can control the series-parallel connection of two battery groups within the first battery pack via a Battery Management System (BMS), allowing the two battery groups to be connected in parallel. After the first battery pack is connected in parallel with the two battery groups, it can be moved from the battery swapping station into the EV and connected to the EV's battery power supply system, forming a power supply circuit in series with other battery packs to power the motor. In scenarios where the first battery pack is used in conjunction with other battery packs, the first battery pack, by connecting two battery groups in parallel and then using them in series with other battery packs, can avoid internal circulating currents caused by differences in parameters and capacity between different battery packs.

[0092] In S110, the battery swapping station can receive a battery swapping request from an electric vehicle. This request includes the rated number of battery packs in the electric vehicle, which can be one or more. When there are multiple rated battery packs, it means that the first battery pack in the swapping station is used to replace one of the multiple battery packs in the electric vehicle. When there is only one rated battery pack, it means that the first battery pack is used to replace the only battery pack in the electric vehicle.

[0093] In S120, when the battery swapping station determines that the electric vehicle has multiple rated battery packs, it can use the BMS to connect two battery groups within the first battery pack in parallel. After the first battery pack is installed in the electric vehicle, it is connected in series with other battery packs to form a power supply circuit in the battery power supply system. At this time, the first battery pack is connected in series with other battery packs, and no circulating current is generated between the battery packs. Furthermore, the two battery groups within the first battery pack have the same or similar parameters and similar remaining charge. The voltage difference between the output voltages of the two battery groups is small, resulting in a small internal circulating current that will not affect the normal operation of the first battery pack.

[0094] Understandably, adjusting the series-parallel connection status of the two battery packs within the first battery pack requires control by the battery swapping station's BMS. Since the rated number of battery packs in an electric vehicle is fixed, once the first battery pack has been configured for series-parallel connection via the battery swapping station's BMS and installed in the electric vehicle, no further adjustment of the series-parallel connection status is needed. Therefore, the BMS in the electric vehicle can be configured to not adjust the series-parallel connection status of the first battery pack. In other words, the series-parallel connection status of the first battery pack can only be controlled by the battery swapping station's BMS when the first battery pack is placed in the battery swapping station.

[0095] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 Step S110, receiving a battery swapping request, which, after including the rated number of battery packs for the electric vehicle, may also include:

[0096] S130, when the rated number of battery packs is one, the two battery groups in the first battery pack are connected in series so that the first battery pack forms a power supply circuit in the battery power supply system after it is installed in the electric vehicle.

[0097] In this embodiment, when the battery swapping station determines that the rated number of battery packs for the electric vehicle is one, it can determine that the first battery pack is used alone. The battery swapping station can control the series-parallel connection state of the two battery groups within the first battery pack through the BMS, so that the two battery groups are connected in series. After the two battery groups are connected in series, the first battery pack can be moved from the battery swapping station to the electric vehicle and connected to the battery power supply system, forming a power supply circuit with the motor to supply power to the motor. In the scenario where the first battery pack is used alone, the first battery pack, by connecting the two battery groups in series, can increase the output voltage of the battery pack, providing the required operating voltage for the motor. By obtaining the rated number of battery packs for the electric vehicle and adjusting the series-parallel connection state of the two battery groups within the first battery pack, the first battery pack can be adapted to electric vehicles with different battery pack requirements. In electric vehicles with single-pack requirements, it can provide sufficient output voltage, while in electric vehicles with multiple-pack requirements, it can avoid internal circulating currents between multiple battery packs, improving the safety and service life when multiple battery packs are used together.

[0098] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the battery swapping station provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0099] A battery swapping station may include a processor 1001 and a memory 1002 storing computer program instructions.

[0100] Specifically, the processor 1001 may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits that can be configured to implement the embodiments of this application.

[0101] Memory 1002 may include mass storage for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, memory 1002 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), floppy disk drive, flash memory, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, memory 1002 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, memory 1002 may be internal or external to the integrated gateway disaster recovery device. In a particular embodiment, memory 1002 is non-volatile solid-state memory.

[0102] Memory may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, and electrical, optical, or other physical / tangible memory storage devices. Therefore, typically, memory includes one or more tangible (non-transitory) computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory devices) encoded with software including computer-executable instructions, and when the software is executed (e.g., by one or more processors), it is operable to perform the operations described with reference to the methods according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0103] The processor 1001 reads and executes computer program instructions stored in the memory 1002 to implement any of the battery swapping control methods in the above embodiments.

[0104] In one example, the battery swapping station may also include a communication interface 1003 and a bus 1010. For example, Figure 10 As shown, the processor 1001, memory 1002, and communication interface 1003 are connected through bus 1010 and complete communication with each other.

[0105] The communication interface 1003 is mainly used to realize communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of this application.

[0106] Bus 1010 includes hardware, software, or both, that couples components of the battery swapping station together. For example, and not limitingly, the bus may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front Side Bus (FSB), HyperTransport (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Infinite Bandwidth Interconnect, a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable buses, or combinations of two or more of these. Where appropriate, bus 1010 may include one or more buses. Although specific buses are described and illustrated in embodiments of this application, any suitable bus or interconnect is contemplated herein.

[0107] This battery swapping station can be based on the aforementioned battery-powered system, thereby achieving integration. Figure 8 to Figure 9 The described battery swapping control method.

[0108] Furthermore, in conjunction with the battery swapping control methods in the above embodiments, this application embodiment can provide a computer storage medium for implementation. The computer storage medium stores computer program instructions; when these computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement any of the battery swapping control methods in the above embodiments.

[0109] The functional blocks shown in the above-described structural diagram can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this application are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. Programs or code segments can be stored on a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried on a carrier wave. "Machine-readable medium" can include any medium capable of storing or transmitting information. Examples of machine-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, etc.

[0110] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0111] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The examples are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. The above are only preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, and the existence of an infinite number of specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of this application, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the concept and technical solution of this application to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A battery swapping control method, applied to a battery swapping station, characterized in that, The battery swapping control method includes: Receive a battery swapping request, the battery swapping request including the rated number of battery packs of the electric vehicle; When there are multiple rated battery packs, the two battery groups in the first battery pack are connected in parallel through the series-parallel switching module in the first battery pack, so that the first battery pack forms a power supply circuit in the battery power supply system after being installed in the electric vehicle. The battery power supply system includes a motor, the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and the first battery pack, the second battery pack and the motor are connected in series to form a power supply circuit. When the rated number of battery packs is one, the two battery groups in the first battery pack are connected in series through the series-parallel switching module so that the first battery pack forms a power supply circuit in the battery power supply system after being installed in the electric vehicle. The battery power supply system includes a motor and the first battery pack, and the first battery pack and the motor are connected in series to form a power supply circuit.

2. A battery-powered system, characterized in that, The battery power supply system is used to implement the battery swapping control method as described in claim 1, and the battery power supply system includes: Electric motor; The first battery pack includes a series-parallel switching module, a first battery pack, and a second battery pack. The series-parallel switching module is used to switch the series-parallel connection state between the first battery pack and the second battery pack. When the first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in parallel, the battery power supply system further includes a second battery pack, and the first battery pack, the second battery pack and the motor are connected in series to form a power supply circuit; When the first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in series, the first battery pack and the motor are connected in series to form a power supply circuit.

3. The battery-powered system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first battery pack and the second battery pack include multiple cells connected in series. The number and type of cells in the first battery pack are the same as those in the second battery pack.

4. The battery-powered system according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The first end of the series-parallel switching module is connected to the first end of the first battery pack, the second end is connected to the second end of the first battery pack, the third end is connected to the first end of the second battery pack, and the fourth end is connected to the second end of the second battery pack. The series-parallel switching module is used to connect the second terminal and the third terminal to connect the first battery pack and the second battery pack in series, or to connect the first terminal and the third terminal and the second terminal and the fourth terminal to connect the first battery pack and the second battery pack in parallel.

5. The battery-powered system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The series-parallel switching module includes: The first switching module is used to connect the third terminal of the series-parallel switching module to the second terminal or to connect the third terminal of the series-parallel switching module to the first terminal. The second switching module is used to connect or disconnect the second terminal and the fourth terminal of the series-parallel switching module.

6. The battery-powered system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first end and the second end of the first switching module are respectively connected to the first end and the second end of the first battery pack, and the common end of the first switching module is connected to the first end of the second battery pack.

7. The battery-powered system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first switching module is a bidirectional switch.

8. The battery-powered system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first and second ends of the second switching module are respectively connected to the second ends of the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

9. The battery-powered system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second switching module is a relay.

10. The battery-powered system according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The first battery pack also includes: A precharge control module, which is connected in series with the first battery pack and the second battery pack, which are connected in parallel or in series, is used to limit the current of the power supply circuit during the initial conduction phase of the power supply circuit.

11. The battery-powered system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pre-charge control module includes: First switch; Current-limited load; The second switch is connected in series with the current-limiting load and then in parallel with the first switch; The first switch is used to turn on after the second switch has been turned on for a first preset time; the second switch is used to turn off after the first switch has been turned on for a second preset time.

12. A battery swapping station, characterized in that, The battery swapping station includes: a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions; When the processor executes the computer program instructions, it implements the battery swapping control method as described in claim 1.

13. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The computer storage medium stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the battery swapping control method as described in claim 1.

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