Battery with hybrid battery cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery having hybrid battery cells. The battery comprises S battery cells of a first type. Each of the S battery cells comprises a plurality of first cathode electrodes and a plurality of first anode electrodes. The battery comprises T battery cells of a second type, wherein each of the T battery cells comprises a plurality of second cathode electrodes and a plurality of second anode electrodes, wherein S and T are integers greater than 1. The T battery cells are arranged between the S battery cells. At least one of the plurality of first cathode electrodes comprises a first cathode active material different from a second cathode active material of the plurality of second cathode electrodes. The plurality of first anode electrodes comprises a first anode active material different from a second anode active material of the plurality of second anode electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs, and more specifically to battery packs comprising different types of battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] The information provided in this section is intended to generally introduce the background of this disclosure. The work currently attributed to the inventors, to the extent described in this section, and aspects of the specification that may not have been otherwise identified as prior art at the time of application, are not expressly or impliedly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure.

[0003] This disclosure relates to battery packs, and more specifically to battery packs comprising different types of battery cells.

[0004] Electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid vehicles, and / or fuel cell vehicles, include one or more electric motors, and the battery pack system includes one or more battery cells, modules, and / or packs. A power control system is used to control the power going to / from the battery pack system during charging, driving, and / or regeneration. When one of the battery cells in the battery pack system fails, the battery cell may be damaged and / or thermal runaway may occur. Thermal runaway in one battery cell can lead to propagation to other battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The battery pack includes S first-type battery cells. Each of the S battery cells includes multiple first cathode electrodes and multiple first anode electrodes. The battery pack also includes T second-type battery cells, each of the T battery cells including multiple second cathode electrodes and multiple second anode electrodes, where S and T are integers greater than 1. The T battery cells are arranged between the S battery cells. At least one of the multiple first cathode electrodes contains a first cathode active material that is different from the second cathode active material of the multiple second cathode electrodes. The multiple first anode electrodes contain a first anode active material that is different from the second anode active material of the multiple second anode electrodes.

[0006] Among other characteristics, S is greater than T and T equals S-1. The S first-type battery packs and the T second-type battery packs are arranged with repeating connection segments. For each repeating connection segment, the corresponding battery packs of the S first-type battery packs are connected in series and the corresponding battery packs of the T second-type battery packs are connected in parallel among the S battery packs.

[0007] Among other features, the first cathode active material is selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and combinations thereof. The second cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium metal polymer (LMP), and combinations thereof.

[0008] Among other features, the first anode active material is selected from graphite, silicon (Si), and combinations thereof. The second anode active material is selected from lithium titanium oxide (LTO), niobium titanium oxide (NbTiO2), and other similar materials. x ) and their combinations.

[0009] Among other features, the first cathode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 200°C, and the second cathode active material has an onset temperature of greater than or equal to 250°C.

[0010] Among other features, the first anode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 150°C, and the second anode active material has an onset temperature of greater than or equal to 180°C.

[0011] Among other features, the S first-type battery packs are connected in series, and the T second-type battery packs are connected in series.

[0012] Among other features, a first voltage sensor is configured to sense a first voltage of the S first-type battery packs. A second voltage sensor is configured to sense a second voltage of the T second-type battery packs. A DC-DC converter is configured to boost the second voltage to the first voltage.

[0013] Among other features, the controller is configured to calculate the first state of charge (S) of the first type of battery pack cells and the second state of charge (S) of the T second type of battery pack cells. The controller calculates the first state of charge using a different method than the calculation method for the second state of charge.

[0014] Among other features, the controller is configured to calculate a first state of health for the S first-type battery packs. The controller calculates a second state of health for the T second-type battery packs. The controller calculates the first state of health in a different manner than the calculation of the second state of health.

[0015] Among other features, the polarity of the external tab of at least one of the S first-type battery packs is opposite to that of the other battery packs in the S first-type battery packs. The first thickness of the S first-type battery packs differs from the second thickness of the T second-type battery packs.

[0016] The battery pack includes S first-type battery cells. Each of the S battery cells includes multiple first cathode electrodes and multiple first anode electrodes. The battery pack also includes T second-type battery cells. Each of the T battery cells includes multiple second cathode electrodes and multiple second anode electrodes, where S and T are greater than 1. The T battery cells are arranged between the S battery cells. At least one of the multiple first cathode electrodes contains a first cathode active material different from the second cathode active materials of the multiple second cathode electrodes, and at least one of the multiple first anode electrodes contains a first anode active material different from the second anode active materials of the multiple second anode electrodes. The first cathode active material has an initial temperature of less than or equal to 200°C. The second cathode active material has an initial temperature of greater than or equal to 250°C. The first anode active material has an initial temperature of less than or equal to 150°C. The second anode active material has an initial temperature of greater than or equal to 180°C.

[0017] Among other features, the first cathode active material is selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and combinations thereof. The second cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium metal polymer (LMP), and combinations thereof.

[0018] Among other features, the first anode active material is selected from graphite, silicon (Si), and combinations thereof. The second anode active material is selected from lithium titanium oxide (LTO), niobium titanium oxide (NbTiO2), and other similar materials. x (and combinations thereof). The first thickness of the S first-type battery packs differs from the second thickness of the T second-type battery packs. The polarity of the external tab of at least one of the S first-type battery packs is opposite to that of the other battery packs in the S first-type battery packs.

[0019] The present invention discloses the following solutions: Option 1. A battery pack comprising: S battery packs of the first type, each of the S battery packs comprising a plurality of first cathode electrodes and a plurality of first anode electrodes; and T second-type battery packs, wherein each of the T battery packs includes a plurality of second cathode electrodes and a plurality of second anode electrodes, wherein S and T are integers greater than 1; The T battery packs are arranged between the S battery packs, and At least one of the plurality of first cathode electrodes comprises a first cathode active material that is different from the second cathode active material of the plurality of second cathode electrodes, and At least one of the plurality of first anode electrodes contains a first anode active material that is different from the second anode active material of the plurality of second anode electrodes.

[0020] Option 2. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein S is greater than T.

[0021] Option 3. The battery pack according to Option 1, where T equals S-1.

[0022] Option 4. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein the S first-type battery pack cells and the T second-type battery pack cells are arranged with repeating connection segments.

[0023] Option 5. The battery pack according to Option 4, wherein, for each repeating connection segment, the corresponding battery packs of the S first type of battery packs are connected in series and the corresponding battery packs of the T second type of battery packs are connected in parallel among the S battery packs.

[0024] Option 6. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein: The first cathode active material is selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and combinations thereof. The second cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium metal polymer (LMP), and combinations thereof.

[0025] Option 7. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein: The first anode active material is selected from graphite, silicon (Si), and combinations thereof, and The second anode active material is selected from lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and niobium titanium oxide (NbTiO). x ) and their combinations.

[0026] Option 8. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein: The first cathode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 200°C, and The second cathode active material has an initial temperature of 250°C or higher.

[0027] Option 9. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein: The first anode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 150°C, and The second anode active material has an onset temperature greater than or equal to 180°C.

[0028] Option 10. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein the S first-type battery packs are connected in series and the T second-type battery packs are connected in series.

[0029] Option 11. The battery pack according to Option 10, further comprising: A first voltage sensor is configured to sense the first voltage of the S battery packs of the first type; A second voltage sensor is configured to sense the second voltage of the T second-type battery pack cells; and A DC-DC converter configured to boost the second voltage to the first voltage.

[0030] Option 12. The battery pack according to Option 1, further comprising a controller configured to: Calculate the first state of charge of the S first-type battery pack cells; and Calculate the second state of charge of the T cells of the second type of battery pack. The controller calculates the first state of charge in a different manner than the second state of charge.

[0031] Option 13. The battery pack according to Option 1, further comprising a controller configured to: Calculate the first state of health of the S first-type battery packs; and Calculate the second health state of the T second-type battery packs. The controller calculates the first health state in a different way than the second health state.

[0032] Option 14. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein the polarity of the external tab of at least one of the S first-type battery pack cells is opposite to that of the other battery pack cells of the S first-type battery pack cells.

[0033] Option 15. The battery pack according to Option 1, wherein the first thickness of the S first type of battery pack cells is different from the second thickness of the T second type of battery pack cells.

[0034] Option 16. A battery pack comprising: S battery packs of the first type, each of the S battery packs comprising a plurality of first cathode electrodes and a plurality of first anode electrodes; and T second-type battery packs, wherein each of the T battery packs includes a plurality of second cathode electrodes and a plurality of second anode electrodes, wherein S and T are integers greater than 1; The T battery packs are arranged between the S battery packs. At least one of the plurality of first cathode electrodes comprises a first cathode active material that is different from the second cathode active material of the plurality of second cathode electrodes, and At least one of the plurality of first anode electrodes contains a first anode active material that is different from the second anode active material of the plurality of second anode electrodes. The first cathode active material has an initial temperature of less than or equal to 200°C. The second cathode active material has an onset temperature greater than or equal to 250°C. The first anode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 150°C, and The second cathode active material has an onset temperature greater than or equal to 180°C.

[0035] Option 17. The battery pack according to Option 16, wherein: The first cathode active material is selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and combinations thereof. The second cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium metal polymer (LMP), and combinations thereof.

[0036] Option 18. The battery pack according to Option 16, wherein: The first anode active material is selected from graphite, silicon (Si), and combinations thereof, and The second anode active material is selected from lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and niobium titanium oxide (NbTiO). x ) and their combinations.

[0037] Option 19. The battery pack according to Option 16, wherein the first thickness of the S first type of battery pack cells is different from the second thickness of the T second type of battery pack cells.

[0038] Option 20. The battery pack according to Option 16, wherein the polarity of the external tab of at least one of the S first-type battery pack cells is opposite to that of the other battery pack cells in the S first-type battery pack cells.

[0039] Other applicable areas of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0040] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example of a battery pack, including battery cells connected in series. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an example of a battery pack comprising a first type of battery pack and a second type of battery pack that are interleaved and connected together, according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example of a battery pack comprising a first type of battery pack and a second type of battery pack that are interleaved and connected together, according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating an example of the connection between a first type of battery pack cell and a second type of battery pack cell in a battery pack according to this disclosure. Figure 5 This is an electrical schematic diagram of another example of the connection between the first type of battery pack cells and the second type of battery pack cells in a battery pack according to this disclosure; Figure 6 This is an electrical schematic diagram of another example of the connection between the first type of battery pack cells and the second type of battery pack cells in a battery pack according to this disclosure; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another example of a battery pack comprising a first type of battery pack and a second type of battery pack that are interleaved and connected together, according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is an electrical schematic diagram of another example of the connection between the first type of battery pack cells and the second type of battery pack cells in a battery pack according to this disclosure; Figure 9 This is an electrical schematic diagram of a battery pack including a first type of battery pack, a second type of battery pack, and a DC / DC converter, according to this disclosure; and Figure 10 This is an electrical schematic diagram of a battery pack including a first type of battery pack, a second type of battery pack, a DC / DC converter, and a controller, according to this disclosure.

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Although the battery packs and / or battery cells below are described in the context of a vehicle, the battery packs and / or battery cells may be used in non-vehicle applications.

[0043] The battery packs according to this disclosure include a blend of first-type and second-type battery packs. In some instances, the blend has a 1:1 ratio. In other instances, the blend has an S:T ratio (first-type / second-type ratio), where S and T are integers. The first-type battery pack has a higher power density and / or a lower onset temperature for thermal runaway than the second-type battery pack.

[0044] Type II battery pack cells are arranged between one or more Type I battery pack cells to reduce thermal runaway propagation. In some instances, Type II battery pack cells are thinner and have lower capacity. In some instances, Type II battery pack cells are connected in parallel as a group and then connected in series between Type I battery pack cells. This type of connection balances the volumetric / mass energy density of the battery pack module / pack.

[0045] In other instances, the first type of battery pack cells are connected in series, the second type of battery pack cells are connected in series, and a DC / DC converter is used to balance the voltage output of the second type of battery pack cells relative to the first type of battery pack cells. In some instances, the controller is configured to calculate the state of charge (SOC) and / or state of health (SOH) of the first type of battery pack cells in a different manner than that used for the second type of battery pack cells.

[0046] Now for reference Figure 1 An example of a battery pack 20 is shown, comprising battery cells 22-1, 22-2, ..., and 22-N (where N is an integer greater than 1) connected in series. Battery cells 22-1, 22-2, ..., and 22-N are made using battery cells of a first type. When a battery cell fails, the temperature of that battery cell rises, and thermal runaway may occur. The heat from the failed battery cell can spread to other battery cells, causing thermal runaway to propagate.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 2An example of a battery pack 40 is shown, comprising interleaved and connected first-type and second-type battery packs. Battery pack 40 includes first-type battery packs 42-1, 42-2, ..., and 42-M (where M is an integer greater than 1) (collectively or individually representing first-type battery packs 42). Battery pack 40 further includes second-type battery packs 44-1, 44-2, ..., and 44-Q (where Q is an integer greater than 1) (collectively or individually representing second-type battery packs 44). Both first-type and second-type battery packs 42 and 44 include external tabs 43.

[0048] In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell 42 has a higher power density and / or a lower onset temperature than the second type of battery pack cell 44. In other words, the second type of battery pack cell 44 is less likely to experience thermal runaway than the first type of battery pack cell 42.

[0049] In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell 42 is made using different anode and / or cathode active materials than the second type of battery pack cell 44. In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell includes a cathode active material selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and combinations thereof. In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell includes a cathode active material selected from NCM / NCMA or other high-nickel ternary cathode-based batteries. In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell includes an anode active material selected from graphite and silicon (Si).

[0050] In some instances, the second type of battery pack includes a cathode active material selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium metal polymer (LMP) (olivine-type cathode), and combinations thereof. In some instances, the second type of battery pack includes a cathode active material selected from LFP / lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and LMFP / LTO. In some instances, the second type of battery pack includes a cathode active material selected from LTO and niobium titanium oxide (NbTiO₂). x Anode active materials.

[0051] In some instances, the first type of battery pack includes a cathode active material having an onset temperature of less than or equal to 200°C, and the second type of battery pack includes a cathode active material having an onset temperature of greater than or equal to 250°C. In some instances, the first type of battery pack includes an anode active material having an onset temperature of less than or equal to 150°C, and the second type of battery pack includes an anode active material having an onset temperature of greater than or equal to 180°C. In some instances, the second type of battery pack includes an anode active material having an onset temperature of greater than or equal to 200°C.

[0052] In this example, type 1 battery pack cells 42 and type 2 battery pack cells 44 are alternately connected. When one of the type 1 battery pack cells 42 fails and encounters thermal runaway conditions, the type 2 battery pack cell 44 provides thermal isolation to reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway propagation. One problem with this arrangement is that if the type 2 battery pack cells 44 are connected in series with the type 1 battery pack cells, their thickness needs to be increased to meet the current and / or voltage requirements of the type 1 battery pack cells 42 during charging and / or discharging. Therefore, some of the examples below involve combinations of parallel and series connections.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 3 Battery pack 100 includes first-type and second-type battery packs that are interleaved and connected together. Battery pack 100 includes first-type battery packs 110-1, 110-2, ..., and 110-B (where B is an integer greater than 1) (collectively or individually representing first-type battery pack 110). Battery pack 100 further includes second-type battery packs 116-1, 116-2, ..., and 116-S (where S is an integer greater than 1) (collectively or individually representing second-type battery pack 116). In this example, S = B - 1.

[0054] The first type of battery pack 110 and the second type of battery pack 116 include external tabs 114 (corresponding to positive and negative terminals) located on their top and bottom sides. It is understood that the positive and negative terminals can be located on adjacent sides, opposite sides, or the same side. Furthermore, the positions of the positive and negative terminals can be aligned with each other from one battery pack cell to the next adjacent battery pack cell, or different from each other from one battery pack cell to the next adjacent battery pack cell.

[0055] In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell 110 has a higher power density and / or a lower onset temperature than the second type of battery pack cell 116. In other words, the second type of battery pack cell 116 is less likely to experience thermal runaway than the first type of battery pack cell 110. In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell 110 is made using different anode and / or cathode materials than the second type of battery pack cell 116. In some instances, the first type of battery pack cell 110 is thicker than the second type of battery pack cell 116.

[0056] Now for reference Figure 4 An example of a connection arrangement 150 between a first-type battery pack battery 110 and a second-type battery pack battery 116 is shown. The connection arrangement 150 includes repeating segments 154-1, 154-2, ..., and 154-T (where T is an integer greater than 1) with similar connections. Figure 4 In each repeating segment, the first type of battery pack 110 is labeled as N1, N2 and N3, and the second type of battery pack 116 is labeled as S1, S2 and S3.

[0057] In repeating segment 154-1, the negative terminal of battery N1 is connected to the positive terminals of batteries S1, S2, and S3. The negative terminal of battery S1 is connected to the positive terminal of battery N2 and the negative terminals of batteries S2 and S3. The negative terminal of battery N2 is connected to the positive terminal of battery N3. The negative terminal of battery N3 is connected to the positive terminal of battery N1 in repeating segment 154-2, and so on.

[0058] The positive terminal of battery pack 150 is connected to the positive terminal of battery pack N1 in repeating segment 154-1. The negative terminal of battery pack 150 is connected to the negative terminal of battery pack N3 in repeating segment 154-T.

[0059] Figure 4 The battery pack in the image is characterized as follows: Q 电池 S1 +Q 电池 S2 +Q 电池 S3 = Q 电池 N1 =Q 电池 N2 = Q 电池 N3 I 电池 S1 +I 电池 S2 +I 电池 S3 = I 电池 N1 =I 电池 N2 = I 电池 N3 =I 模块 V 电池 S1=V 电池 S2 =V 电池 S3 More generally, for an arrangement comprising n first-type battery packs and m second-type battery packs, with each c second-type battery packs connected in parallel: V 电池 N1 *n + V 电池 S1 *m / c=V 模块 .

[0060] Now for reference Figure 5 This illustrates another example of the connection between batteries of the first type and batteries of the second type. Battery pack 200 includes first type battery pack batteries 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and 210-4 (collectively, first type battery pack battery 210) and second type battery pack batteries 214-1, 214-2, and 214-3 (collectively, second type battery pack battery 214). First type battery pack battery 210 and second type battery pack battery 214 include a positive terminal 212 and a negative terminal 213.

[0061] In this example, the first type of battery pack battery 210 and the second type of battery pack battery 214 are arranged as follows: 210-1, 214-1, 210-2, 214-2, 210-3, 214-3, and 210-4. The polarities of the first type of battery pack battery 210 and the second type of battery pack battery 214 on one side (e.g., the top side) of the battery pack 200 are -, +, -, +, +, +, and -. It can be seen that the polarity of at least one of the first type of battery pack batteries (e.g., 210-3) is opposite to that of the other P first type of battery pack batteries. The terminals of battery pack batteries 210-1, 214-1, 214-2, and 214-3 on said one side are shorted. The terminals of battery pack batteries 210-2 and 210-4 on said one side are shorted.

[0062] The polarities of the first type of battery pack battery 210 and the second type of battery pack battery 214 located on opposite sides (e.g., the bottom side) of battery pack 200 are +, -, +, -, -, -, and +. The terminals of battery pack batteries 214-1, 210-2, 214-2, and 214-3 on opposite sides are short-circuited. The terminals of battery pack batteries 210-3 and 210-4 on opposite sides are short-circuited.

[0063] The above describes battery pack 210 connected in series. In some instances, battery pack 210 is connected in parallel with some of its neighboring battery packs and then in series to form an nSmP connection. In this case, the parallel-connected battery packs 210 have the same tab polarity orientation, and the positive terminal is shorted, as is the negative terminal. Other connections are... Figure 5 The connections shown are the same.

[0064] Now for reference Figure 6 This illustrates another example of the connection between batteries of the first type and batteries of the second type. Battery pack 240 includes first type battery pack batteries 250-1, 250-2, 250-3, and 250-4 (collectively, first type battery pack battery 250) and second type battery pack batteries 254-1, 254-2, and 254-3 (collectively, second type battery pack battery 254). The first type battery pack battery 250 and the second type battery pack battery 254 include a first terminal 252 and a second terminal 253 located on the same side surface of the battery pack batteries.

[0065] In this example, the first type of battery pack battery 250 and the second type of battery pack battery 254 are arranged as follows: 250-1, 254-1, 250-2, 254-2, 250-3, 254-3, and 250-4. The polarities of the battery pack batteries at the second terminal 253 of the battery pack 240 are -, +, +, +, -, +, and -, respectively. The second terminals 253 of battery pack batteries 254-1, 254-2, 254-3, and 254-4 are short-circuited. The second terminals 253 of battery pack batteries 250-2 and 250-3 are short-circuited.

[0066] The polarities of the batteries at the first terminal 252 of battery pack 240 are +, -, +, -, -, -, and +, respectively. The first terminal 252 of batteries 254-1, 250-2, 254-2, and 254-3 are short-circuited. The first terminal 252 of batteries 250-3 and 250-4 are short-circuited.

[0067] In the above description, battery cells 250 are connected in series. In some instances, battery cell 250 is connected in parallel with some of its adjacent battery cells and then in series, forming an nSmP connection. In this case, the parallel-connected battery cells 250 have the same tab polarity orientation, and their positive terminals are shorted, and their negative terminals are also shorted. Other connections are similar to those described above. Figure 6 The same as shown.

[0068] While the previous examples included alternating or staggered battery packs, other patterns can be used. For example, P type 1 battery packs can be arranged side-by-side, and then R type 2 battery packs can be arranged side-by-side (where P and R are integers). In some instances, P > 1 and R = 1; however, other values ​​can be used.

[0069] Now for reference Figure 7 Another example of a battery pack 300 is shown, comprising first-type and second-type battery pack batteries interleaved and connected together. The battery pack 300 includes first-type battery pack batteries 310-1, 310-2, ..., 310-P, 310-(P+1), 310-(P+2), ..., 310-(2P)... (where P is an integer greater than 1) (collectively or individually representing first-type battery pack batteries 310). The battery pack 300 further includes second-type battery pack batteries 314-1, 314-2, ... (collectively or individually representing second-type battery pack batteries 314). Both the first-type and second-type battery pack batteries 310 and 314 include external tabs located on their top and bottom sides, as described below.

[0070] For reference Figure 8 An example of a connection arrangement 330 between batteries 310 and 314 in a battery pack is shown. The connection arrangement 330 includes repeating segments 332-1, 332-2, ..., and 332-T (where T is an integer greater than 1) with similar connections. Figure 8 In the process, for each repeating segment, the battery pack cells 310 are labeled as N1, N2 and NP, and for each repeating segment, the battery pack cells are labeled as S1.

[0071] The negative terminal of battery N1 in repeating segment 332-1 is connected to the negative terminals of batteries N2, ..., and NP in repeating segment 332-1, and to the positive terminal of battery S1 in repeating segment 332-1. The positive terminal of battery N1 in repeating segment 332-1 is connected to the positive terminals of batteries N2, ..., and NP in repeating segment 332-1.

[0072] The negative terminal of battery S1 in repeating segment 332-1 is connected to the positive terminal of battery N1 in repeating segment 332-2. The positive terminal of battery S1 in repeating segment 332-1 is connected to the positive terminal of battery S1 in the remaining repeating segments 332-2, 332-3, ... . The negative terminals of batteries N1, N2, ..., and NP in repeating segment 332-2 are connected to the negative terminals of batteries N1, N2, ..., and NP in repeating segment 332-3. Additional repeating segments are connected in a similar manner.

[0073] The positive terminal of battery pack 330 is connected to the positive terminal of battery pack cell N1 in repeating segment 332-1. The negative terminal of battery pack 330 is connected to the negative terminal of battery pack cell S1 in the last repeating segment (e.g., S1 in repeating segment 332-3 in this example).

[0074] Example 1 In some embodiments, the cathode of the first type of battery pack has a capacity of 5 mAh / cm². 2 The loading amount, NCMA-containing active material, specific capacity of 200 mAh / g, and density of 3.3 g / cc. In some embodiments, the anode of the first type of battery pack has a density of 5.5 mAh / cm³. 2 The loading amount, containing graphene / silicon oxide (Gr / SiO) x The active material has a specific capacity of 500mAh / g and a density of 1.5g / cc.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cathode of the second type of battery pack has a capacity of 5 mAh / cm². 2 The loading amount, containing LMFP active material, a specific capacity of 150 mAh / g, and a density of 2.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the anode of the second type of battery pack has a capacity of 5.5 mAh / cm³. 2 The loading amount, LTO-containing active material, specific capacity of 160 mAh / g, and density of 2.4 g / cc. In some embodiments, the separator has a thickness of 10 μm. In some embodiments, the current collector comprises an aluminum foil with a thickness of 10 μm or a copper foil with a thickness of 8 μm.

[0076] In this embodiment, the volumetric energy density ratio of the first type of battery pack to the second type of battery pack is approximately 2. Assuming the same battery length / width, the thickness ratio of the first type to the second type is approximately 0.5.

[0077] In a module with a total of 20 cells, four Type 1 battery pack cells are replaced by eight Type 2 battery pack cells (20% volume). The thickness of the Type 2 battery pack cells is half that of the Type 1 battery pack cells. Every two Type 2 battery pack cells are connected in parallel and then connected in series to the Type 1 battery pack cells. This arrangement provides a significantly reduced possibility of thermal runaway propagation, with a volumetric energy density loss of approximately 10%.

[0078] Example 2 In some embodiments, the cathode of the first type of battery pack has a capacity of 5 mAh / cm². 2The loading amount, NCMA-containing active material, specific capacity of 200 mAh / g, and density of 3.3 g / cc. In some embodiments, the anode of the first type of battery pack has a density of 5.5 mAh / cm³. 2 Loading amount, containing Gr / SiO x It has active materials, a specific capacity of 500mAh / g, and a density of 1.5g / cc.

[0079] In some embodiments, the cathode of the second type of battery pack has a capacity of 5 mAh / cm². 2 The loading amount, containing LMFP active material, a specific capacity of 150 mAh / g, and a density of 2.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the anode of the second type of battery pack has a capacity of 5.5 mAh / cm³. 2 The battery pack contains LTO-containing active material, has a specific capacity of 160 mAh / g, and a density of 2.4 g / cc. In some embodiments, the separator has a thickness of 10 μm. In some embodiments, the current collector comprises an aluminum foil with a thickness of 10 μm or a copper foil with a thickness of 8 μm. In this embodiment, the volumetric energy density ratio of the first type of battery pack to the second type of battery pack is approximately 2. Assuming the same battery length / width, the thickness ratio of the first type to the second type is approximately 0.5.

[0080] In a module with a total of 20 cells, two Type 1 battery pack cells are replaced by eight Type 2 battery pack cells (10% volume). The thickness of the Type 2 battery pack cells is one-quarter that of the Type 1 battery pack cells. Every four Type 2 battery pack cells are connected in parallel and then connected in series to the Type 1 battery pack cells. This arrangement provides a significantly reduced possibility of thermal runaway propagation, with a volumetric energy density loss of approximately 5%.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 9 The diagram shows a battery pack 400 comprising a first type of battery pack battery and a second type of battery pack battery, as well as a DC / DC converter. The battery pack 400 includes first type battery pack batteries 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 420-4, and 410-5 (collectively or individually, first type battery pack battery 410).

[0082] Battery pack 400 further includes second-type battery pack cells 414-1, 414-2, 414-3, 414-4, and 414-5 (collectively or individually as second-type battery pack cell 414). Battery pack cells 410 and 414 include a positive terminal 416 and a negative terminal 418 located on their top and bottom sides, as will be described below. It is understood that the positive and negative terminals may be located on adjacent sides or the same side.

[0083] In this embodiment, batteries 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4, and 410-5 of the first type of battery pack are connected in series, and batteries 414-1, 414-2, 414-3, 414-4, and 414-5 of the second type of battery pack are also connected in series. The positive and negative terminals of battery 414 are connected to the input terminals of voltage sensor 440 and DC / DC converter 444. The positive and negative terminals of battery 414 are also connected to the input terminal of voltage sensor 446. Voltage sensors 440 and 446 sense the voltage outputs of batteries 414 of the second type of battery pack and batteries 410 of the first type of battery pack, respectively.

[0084] In some embodiments, the DC / DC converter 444 adjusts the voltage output of the second type of battery pack 414 to the output voltage of the first type of battery pack 410. In some embodiments, the output of the battery pack 414 is boosted. The output of the DC / DC converter 444 is connected to the output of the first type of battery pack 410.

[0085] Now for reference Figure 10 The battery pack system 460 further includes a current sensor 470 for sensing current from batteries of the second type of battery pack and a current sensor 474 for sensing current from batteries of the first type of battery pack. The outputs of current sensors 470 and 474, voltage sensors 440 and 446, and / or other sensed or calculated parameters are input to a controller 480. The controller 480 includes a first module 484 configured to calculate at least one of the state of charge (SOC1) or state of health (SOH1) of the batteries of the first type of battery pack and a second module 488 configured to calculate at least one of the state of charge (SOC2) or state of health (SOH2) of the batteries of the second type of battery pack.

[0086] In some embodiments, the SOC and / or SOH algorithms used to calculate the SOC1 and / or SOH1 of the first type of battery pack are the same as those used to calculate the SOC2 and / or SOH2 of the second type of battery pack. The first type of battery pack exhibits different chemical properties and different responses during operation compared to the second type of battery pack. In some embodiments, the SOC and / or SOH algorithms used to calculate the SOC1 and / or SOH1 of the first type of battery pack are different from those used to calculate the SOC2 and / or SOH2 of the second type of battery pack.

[0087] In some embodiments, the SOC detection parameters (resistance / capacitance (R / C) in RC mode, open-circuit voltage (OCV), Kalman filter (KF) matrix, etc.) are different, and the SOC is calculated independently for the first type of battery pack and the second type of battery pack. In some embodiments, the SOH detection parameters (degradation slope, activation energy / pre-exponential factor (E) in Arrhenius decay) are different. a / A)) are different, and the SOC is calculated independently for the first type of battery pack and the second type of battery pack.

[0088] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, although this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, description, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with features in any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations and combinations of one or more embodiments with each other exist within the scope of this disclosure.

[0089] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connection,” “joint,” “coupled,” “adjacent,” “closely adjacent,” “above,” “under,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” the relationship between the first and second elements described in the foregoing disclosure can be a direct relationship, where no other intermediary element exists between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship, where one or more intermediary elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted as referring to the logic of using non-exclusive OR (A OR B OR C), and should not be interpreted as referring to “at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C.”

[0090] In the accompanying drawings, the direction of the arrows, as indicated by the arrows, typically shows the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest to the illustration. For example, when element A and element B exchange various types of information, and the information sent from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is being sent from element B to element A. Furthermore, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request for the information or an acknowledgment of receipt of the information to element A.

[0091] In this application, the term "module" or "controller" may be replaced by the term "circuit" as defined below. The term "module" may refer to a portion including or comprising: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the aforementioned functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0092] A module may include one or more interface circuits. In some embodiments, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functionality of any given module of this disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules connected via the interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In a further instance, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may perform certain functions on behalf of a client module.

[0093] As used above, the term "code" can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can be referred to as a program, routine, function, class, data structure, and / or object. The term "shared processor circuitry" includes a single processor circuitry that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuitry" includes a combination of processor circuitry and additional processor circuitry that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuitry include multiple processor circuitry on a discrete die, multiple processor circuitry on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuitry, multiple threads of a single processor circuitry, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuitry" includes a single memory circuitry that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuitry" includes a combination of memory circuitry and additional memory that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0094] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (e.g., on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-limiting examples of non-transient, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (e.g., flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or masked read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (e.g., static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (e.g., analog or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0095] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a dedicated computer, which is generated by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The aforementioned functional blocks, process components, and other elements serve as software specifications that can be compiled into a computer program through the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0096] A computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. A computer program may also include or depend on stored data. A computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of a special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0097] Computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter; (v) source code for compilation and execution by a real-time compiler; and so on. As an example only, source code may be written using the syntax of languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, JavaScript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th Edition), Ada, ASP (Dynamic Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: S battery packs of the first type, wherein each of the S battery packs includes a plurality of first cathode electrodes and a plurality of first anode electrodes; T second-type battery packs, wherein each of the T battery packs includes a plurality of second cathode electrodes and a plurality of second anode electrodes, wherein S and T are integers greater than 1; A first voltage sensor is configured to sense the first voltage of the S battery packs of the first type; A second voltage sensor is configured to sense the second voltage of the T second-type battery packs; and A DC-DC converter configured to boost the second voltage to the first voltage. The T battery packs are arranged between the S battery packs. At least one of the plurality of first cathode electrodes comprises a first cathode active material that is different from the second cathode active material of the plurality of second cathode electrodes. At least one of the plurality of first anode electrodes contains a first anode active material that is different from the second anode active material of the plurality of second anode electrodes. The volumetric energy density ratio of the first type of battery pack to that of the second type of battery pack is 2. The first type of battery pack has a first thickness, and the second type of battery pack has a second thickness, with the first thickness being greater than the second thickness.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein S is greater than T.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein T equals S-1.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the S first-type battery pack cells and the T second-type battery pack cells are arranged with repeating connection segments.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, For each repeating connection segment, the corresponding battery packs in the S first-type battery packs are connected in series, and the corresponding battery packs in the T second-type battery packs are connected in parallel among the S battery packs.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first cathode active material is selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and combinations thereof. The second cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium metal polymer (LMP), and combinations thereof.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first anode active material is selected from graphite, silicon (Si), and combinations thereof, and The second anode active material is selected from lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and niobium titanium oxide (NbTiO). x ) and their combinations.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first cathode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 200°C, and The second cathode active material has an initial temperature of 250°C or higher.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first anode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 150°C, and The second anode active material has an onset temperature greater than or equal to 180°C.

10. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the S first-type battery packs are connected in series and the T second-type battery packs are connected in series.

11. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to: Calculate the first state of charge of the S first-type battery pack cells; and Calculate the second state of charge of the T cells of the second type of battery pack. The controller calculates the first state of charge in a different manner than the second state of charge.

12. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to: Calculate the first state of health of the S first-type battery packs; and Calculate the second health state of the T second-type battery packs. The controller calculates the first health state in a different way than the second health state.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the polarity of the external tab of at least one of the S first-type battery pack cells is opposite to that of the other battery pack cells of the S first-type battery pack cells.

14. A battery pack comprising: S battery packs of the first type, wherein each of the S battery packs includes a plurality of first cathode electrodes and a plurality of first anode electrodes; T second-type battery packs, wherein each of the T battery packs includes a plurality of second cathode electrodes and a plurality of second anode electrodes, wherein S and T are integers greater than 1; A first voltage sensor is configured to sense the first voltage of the S battery packs of the first type; A second voltage sensor is configured to sense the second voltage of the T second-type battery packs; and A DC-DC converter configured to boost the second voltage to the first voltage. The T battery packs are arranged between the S battery packs. At least one of the plurality of first cathode electrodes comprises a first cathode active material that is different from the second cathode active material of the plurality of second cathode electrodes, and At least one of the plurality of first anode electrodes contains a first anode active material that is different from the second anode active material of the plurality of second anode electrodes. The first cathode active material has an initial temperature of less than or equal to 200°C. The second cathode active material has an onset temperature greater than or equal to 250°C. The first anode active material has an onset temperature of less than or equal to 150°C, and The second cathode active material has an onset temperature greater than or equal to 180°C. The volumetric energy density ratio of the first type of battery pack to that of the second type of battery pack is 2. The first type of battery pack has a first thickness, and the second type of battery pack has a second thickness, with the first thickness being greater than the second thickness.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The first cathode active material is selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and combinations thereof. The second cathode active material is selected from lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium metal polymer (LMP), and combinations thereof.

16. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The first anode active material is selected from graphite, silicon (Si), and combinations thereof, and The second anode active material is selected from lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and niobium titanium oxide (NbTiO). x ) and their combinations.

17. The battery pack of claim 16, wherein the polarity of the external tab of at least one of the S first-type battery pack cells is opposite to that of the other battery pack cells of the S first-type battery pack cells.

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