Configurable battery system

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a configurable battery system (100) comprising at least one port (110) for connecting the configurable battery system (100) to a power source (200) and / or a power consumer (300), and a set of battery modules (120) interconnected via a set of electrically conductive interfaces to form a set of interconnected battery modules, wherein a battery module (122) of the set of battery modules (120) comprises a battery (170) connected between an input (132) and an output (134) of an electrically conductive interface, a communication interface comprising an input (142) configured to receive one or more data bits (D1, D2) at a clock signal (C1) and an output (144) configured to output the one or more data bits (D1, D2) at a subsequent clock signal (C2), and wherein the battery module (122) is configured to operate in a first mode (M1) or in a second mode (M2) based on a value of the one or more data bits (D1, D2), wherein, in the first mode (M1), the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in series with a battery (170') of an adjacent battery module (122'), and, in the second mode (M2), the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in a bypass state with the battery (170') of the adjacent battery module (122').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to configurable battery systems. Background Technology

[0002] A configurable battery system (CBS) can be viewed as an electrical subsystem capable of receiving power from a power source and delivering power to a power consumer. In this regard, a configurable battery system may include one or more electrical input ports and one or more electrical output ports for electrical connection to the power source and the power consumer.

[0003] The configurability of a configurable battery system can involve how the voltage and / or current of the configurable battery system can be dynamically configured. Furthermore, one or more electrical characteristics of the configurable battery system can be dynamically configured. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution that mitigates or resolves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

[0005] Another objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a solution for controlling configurable battery systems more efficiently than conventional solutions.

[0006] The above and other objectives are addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the above and other objectives are achieved using a configurable battery system (CBS), comprising:

[0008] At least one port for connecting the configurable battery system to a power source and / or an electricity consumer; and

[0009] A set of battery modules interconnected via a set of conductive interfaces to form an interconnected set of battery modules, wherein each battery module in the set of battery modules includes: a battery connected between an input terminal and an output terminal of the conductive interface; a communication interface including an input terminal configured to receive one or more data bits at a clock signal and an output terminal configured to output one or more data bits at a subsequent clock signal; and wherein the battery module is configured to operate in a first mode or in a second mode based on the value of one or more data bits, wherein in the first mode, the battery of the battery module is connected in series with the batteries of adjacent battery modules, and in the second mode, the battery of the battery module is connected in a bypass state with the batteries of adjacent battery modules.

[0010] The battery module in this article can also be understood as a module that includes a battery, a capacitor, or both a capacitor and a battery. Therefore, a battery module can also be represented as an electrical energy unit, and a battery can be represented as an electrical storage unit.

[0011] The advantage of this CBS is that, compared to conventional solutions, the battery module within the CBS can be controlled in a simple and efficient manner. Different configurations of the CBS can be set to achieve a variety of different functions, including different DC level configurations, AC configurations, and measurement configurations.

[0012] In the CBS implementation, the battery module is configured to operate in a third mode based on the value of one or more data bits, in which the battery of the battery module is not connected to the battery of the adjacent battery module.

[0013] In the CBS implementation, the battery module is configured as follows:

[0014] Operate in either a first mode or a second mode based on the value of the first data bit, and

[0015] Operate in the third mode based on the value of the second data bit.

[0016] In the CBS implementation, the battery module includes a first switch connected between the first terminal of the battery and the output terminal of the conductive interface, and a second switch connected between the second terminal of the battery and the output terminal of the conductive interface.

[0017] Therefore, only two switches are needed to control the main functions of the battery module.

[0018] In the implementation of CBS, when the battery module operates in the first mode, the first switch is in its on state and the second switch is in its off state; and when the battery module operates in the second mode, the first switch is in its off state and the second switch is in its on state.

[0019] In the CBS implementation, the battery module includes a resistor connected in parallel with the second switch between the second terminal of the battery and the output terminal of the conductive interface.

[0020] In the CBS implementation, when the battery module operates in the third mode, the first switch is in its non-conducting state, and the second switch is in its non-conducting state.

[0021] In the CBS implementation, the battery module includes control logic connected between the input and output terminals of the communication interface, and the control logic is configured as follows:

[0022] Receive one or more data bits at the clock signal;

[0023] Controlling the first and second switches based on one or more data bits; and

[0024] One or more data bits are output to the output of the communication interface at the subsequent clock signal.

[0025] In the CBS implementation, the control logic and the battery share a common reference ground.

[0026] In the CBS implementation, the battery module includes a voltage adapter connected between the output of the control logic and the communication interface, wherein the voltage adapter is configured as follows:

[0027] When the battery module operates in the first mode, it provides a first voltage; and

[0028] When the battery module operates in the second mode, it provides a second voltage.

[0029] Thus, one or more data bits can be propagated in the group of battery modules and detected by all battery modules.

[0030] In the CBS implementation, the first voltage is equal to the battery voltage, and the second voltage is equal to the voltage at the input terminal of the conductive interface.

[0031] In the CBS implementation, the voltage adapter is configured as follows:

[0032] When the battery module operates in the third mode, a third voltage is provided, which has the same value as the first voltage or the second voltage, or a value between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0033] In the CBS implementation, the voltage adapter is configured as follows:

[0034] When the battery module operates in the third mode, a third voltage is provided, which has the same value as the first voltage or the second voltage, or a value between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0035] In the CBS implementation, the voltage adapter includes at least one current generator.

[0036] In the CBS implementation, the current generator is connected to:

[0037] The first and second terminals of the battery; and / or

[0038] Voltage charge pump and the second pole of battery.

[0039] In the CBS implementation, the battery module includes a trigger signal input, and the battery module is configured as follows:

[0040] When a trigger signal is received at the trigger signal input terminal, it operates in the third mode.

[0041] Therefore, CBS's battery module can be immediately set to the third mode.

[0042] In the CBS implementation, the trigger signal input is connected to the control logic.

[0043] In the implementation of CBS, the input and output terminals of the communication interface consist of one or more conductive elements.

[0044] In CBS implementations, one or more conductive elements have a flat shape.

[0045] In CBS implementations, the communication interface includes a solid dielectric layer disposed between one or more conductive elements.

[0046] This provides a very robust communication interface.

[0047] In the implementation of CBS, the conductive interface includes contact pins and corresponding conductive pin receivers.

[0048] As a result, the battery modules can be easily attached to each other.

[0049] In the implementation of CBS, a control device connected to the battery module group is included, and the control device is configured to:

[0050] It provides a word consisting of a set of bits and a corresponding clock signal, where the word represents the configuration of the battery module group.

[0051] Further applications and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate and explain different embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0053] - Figure 1 A configurable battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] - Figures 2 to 5 A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0055] - Figures 6 to 9 A battery module having one or more voltage adapters according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0056] - Figure 10 A voltage adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0057] - Figure 11 A battery module with a trigger input is shown; and

[0058] - Figure 12 Different system architectures of a configurable battery system according to embodiments of the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figure 1 A configurable battery system (CBS) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The CBS 100 disclosed herein includes at least one electrical port 110 for connecting the configurable battery system 100 to a power source 200 and / or a power consumer 300. The electrical port 110 can be any suitable type of electrical port for electrically connecting the CBS 100 to the power source 200 and the power consumer 300. Therefore, a single electrical port with a switching mechanism or switching network can be employed, such that the CBS 100 is connected to either the power source 200 or the power consumer 300 at any given time. Furthermore, port arrangements with two or more individual or independent electrical ports work well for connecting the CBS 100 to one or more power sources 200 or one or more power consumers 300.

[0060] The power source and the power consumer 300 can be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), respectively. Power source 200 can be a power source that feeds power to an electrical system, such as a battery bank, wind farm, solar power plant, grid power system, or any other suitable power source. Power consumer 300 can be any electrical load or system that directly or indirectly consumes power to perform its function. Power consumer 300 does not need to consume power immediately and can therefore store power before consumption. It should be noted that power source 200 can switch between acting as a power source and a power consumer at different points in time. The same applies to power consumer 300, which can switch between acting as a power consumer and a power source at different points in time. The disclosed CBS 100 includes a set of battery modules 120, wherein battery modules 122 in the set of battery modules 120 are interconnected via a set of conductive interfaces to form a set of electrically interconnected battery modules. The set of battery modules 120 can include two or more battery modules 122.

[0061] Figures 2 to 5 A battery module 122 is shown among a group of battery modules 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 3The battery module 122 in the battery module group 120 includes a battery 170 connected between an input terminal 132 and an output terminal 134 of a conductive interface configured to electrically interconnect the individual battery modules 122 of the CBS 100. Therefore, current can be transferred between battery module 122 and adjacent battery modules 122' via the conductive interface. The input terminal 132 and the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface may include one or more conductive contact pins and corresponding conductive contact receivers for receiving power from one battery module 122 of the CBS 100 and forwarding it to another battery module 122'.

[0062] The battery module 122 also includes a communication interface comprising an input 142 configured to receive one or more data bits D1, D2 at clock signal C1 and an output 144 configured to output one or more data bits D1, D2 at a subsequent clock signal C2 following clock signal C1. Therefore, for each clock signal of the system, data bits can be propagated through the battery module in the CBS100. The signal paths for the data bits and clock are illustrated in the accompanying drawings with dashed lines. It should be noted that the clock frequency of the clock signal depends on the application, and may be in the range of kHz or MHz.

[0063] The battery module 122 disclosed herein is configured to operate in either a first mode M1 or a second mode M2 ​​based on the values ​​of one or more data bits D1, D2. In the first mode M1, the battery 170 of battery module 122 is connected in series with the battery 170' of the adjacent battery module 122'. In the second mode M2, the battery 170 of battery module 122 is connected in a bypass state with the battery 170' of the adjacent battery module 122'. Therefore, depending on the values ​​of one or more input data bits D1, D2, battery module 122 will operate in either the first mode M1 or the second mode M2.

[0064] Figures 2 to 5 An embodiment of the invention is also shown when the battery module 122 includes a switching circuit having a first switch 182 connected between a first terminal 172 of the battery 170 and an output terminal 134 of a conductive interface, and a second switch 184 connected between a second terminal 174 of the battery 170 and the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface. A node 188 is formed between the first switch 182 and the second switch 184, and the node 188 is connected to the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface.

[0065] The first terminal 172 of battery 170 can be represented as "+" (positive), and the second terminal 174 of battery 170 can be represented as "-" (negative), or vice versa, depending on the polarity of battery 170. Additionally, the mentioned first switch 182 and second switch 184 can be any suitable switch, such as a field-effect transistor (FET), configured to be in an on or off state, such that current can flow through (i.e., on state) or not flow through (i.e., off state) the switch, respectively. In the figures, a black arrow pointing to a switch indicates that the particular switch is in its on state. Therefore, a switch without a pointing black arrow is in its off state. In the example of the invention, the switch is a low-voltage FET, which is less expensive to manufacture than a high-voltage FET.

[0066] In another embodiment of the invention, when the battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1, the first switch 182 is in its on state and the second switch 184 is in its off state; and when the battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2, the first switch 182 is in its off state and the second switch 184 is in its on state. This means that, depending on the states of the first switch 182 and the second switch 184, current can flow through the battery module 122 in two different current paths.

[0067] To control the first switch 182 and the second switch 184, the battery module 122 may include internal control logic 150 connected between the input terminal 142 and the output terminal 144 of the communication interface. The control logic 150 is configured to receive one or more bits D1, D2, and control the state of the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 based on the values ​​of one or more bits D1, D2 at the first clock signal C1. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 Control logic 150 is also configured to output one or more bits D1, D2 to the output terminal 144 of the communication interface, such that one or more bits D1, D2 are passed to the next battery module 122' at the second clock signal C2 following the first clock signal C1. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 In this way, one or more information bits D1, D2 can be propagated to the battery modules of CBS100 for controlling the battery modules in that group of battery modules 120. The control lines between control logic 150 and the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 are not shown.

[0068] Figure 2 and Figure 3The diagram illustrates the situation when battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1. Therefore, the diagram uses thick black lines to illustrate how current is transferred from the input terminal 132 of the conductive interface through the battery 170 to the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface via the conductive first switch 182 (indicated by a black arrow). In the first mode M1, the voltage of battery 170 is added to the next adjacent battery module 122'. Since the voltage of battery 170 is added to the adjacent battery module 122', the first mode M1 can be represented as a series mode of battery module 122. This is the opposite of the situation when battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2, which can be represented as a bypass mode / state of battery module 122, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. In the second mode M2, current can be transferred from the input terminal 132 of the conductive interface to the output terminal 134 via the conductive second switch 184 (indicated by the black arrow) without passing through the battery 170 of the battery module 122. This means that the voltage of the battery module 122 is not added to the adjacent battery module 122', but is bypassed.

[0069] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, battery module 122 can also be configured to operate in a third mode M3, which can represent a passive mode, a resistance mode, or a measurement mode of battery module 122. Therefore, battery module 122 can be configured to operate in third mode M3 based on the values ​​of one or more data bits D1, D2, in which the battery 170 of battery module 122 is not connected to the battery 170' of adjacent battery module 122'. In such an embodiment of the present invention, battery module 122 may include circuitry including the aforementioned first switch 182 and second switch 184, and a resistor 186 connected in parallel with the second switch 184 between the second terminal of battery 170 and the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface. For such circuitry to function properly, when battery module 122 operates in third mode M3, the first switch 182 should be in its non-conducting state, and the second switch 184 should be in its non-conducting state. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the third mode M3, in which current can be transferred from the input terminal 132 of the conductive interface to the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface (shown in thick lines) through the resistor 186. This means that in the third mode M3, both the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 are in their non-conducting state.

[0070] The third mode M3 enables the measurement of the total voltage of the battery module group 120. This can be achieved, for example, when all battery modules in the group 120 are set to the third mode M3 and the voltage of at least one battery module 122 is measured. The measured voltage is then used to calculate the total voltage of the group 120. Therefore, in an embodiment of the invention, all battery modules in the group 120 are set to the third mode M3, and the voltage of one battery module 122 is measured and processed to calculate the total voltage of the group 120. For example, this information can be used to adapt the input or output voltage of the CBS 100 to the power supply 200 and / or the power consumer 300.

[0071] Since data bits or information bits can take either of two values, such as digital values ​​"1" and "0" or analog signals "high" and "low," at least two data bits may be required to control the operating mode of battery module 122. Therefore, in another embodiment of the invention, battery module 122 is configured to operate in a first mode M1 or a second mode M2 ​​based on the value of the first data bit D1, and in a third mode M3 based on the value of the second data bit D2. If additional operating modes or electrical functions are added to CBS 100, more data bits can be used to control battery module 122.

[0072] It should be noted that control logic 150 and battery 170 may have the same common reference ground (denoted as "RF"), as shown in the attached figures. This common reference ground serves as a common voltage reference in battery module 122. When control logic 150 and battery 170 have a common reference voltage, the data signal / pulse corresponding to the data bit may need to be adapted to the operating mode of battery module 122 so that the data bit and clock signal transmitted to the adjacent battery module 122' can be detected by the adjacent battery module 122'. Therefore, Figures 6 to 9 A battery module 122 with two voltage adapters 160 is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The voltage adapters 160 are connected between the control logic 150 and the output 144 of the communication interface. As shown in the figures, one voltage adapter 160 is connected in the data bit path, and the other voltage adapter 160 is connected in the clock signal path of the battery module 122.

[0073] This voltage adapter 160 is configured to provide a first voltage V1 when the battery module 122 operates in a first mode M1 (see...). Figure 6 And when the battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2, it provides a second voltage V2 (see...). Figure 7The first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 have different voltage values. In an embodiment of the invention, the first voltage V1 can be set to be equal to the voltage of the battery 170. On the other hand, the second voltage V2 can be set to be equal to the voltage at the input terminal 132 of the conductive interface. Thus, regardless of whether the battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1 or the second mode M2, the amplitude of the signal / pulse corresponding to the data bit and the clock signal can be adapted and therefore can be detected by the adjacent battery module 122'. In the third mode M3, the voltage adapter 160 can be configured to provide the first voltage V1, the second voltage V2, or any voltage between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2. In the third mode M3, the voltage of the voltage adapter 160 will be equal to the voltage at the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface plus the logic level required by the adjacent battery module 122'.

[0074] In this regard, we also refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a first reference ground RF1 and a second reference ground RF2. The first reference ground RF1 is common to the control logic 150 of battery module 122 and battery 170, while the second reference ground RF2 is common to the control logic 150' of voltage adapter 160, battery module 122, and adjacent battery module 122'. When battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1, the first reference ground RF1 and the second reference ground RF2 are different, meaning that the signal levels of the data bits and clock signals must be adapted. In this case, voltage adapter 160 will adapt the potential so that the data bit signals and clock signals are arguably higher than the potential of battery 170, thus allowing them to be detected by adjacent battery module 122'. On the other hand, when battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2, the first reference ground RF1 and the second reference ground RF2 are the same, meaning that no voltage needs to be added or only slightly tuned / adapted, because adjacent battery module 122' will still detect the data bits and clock signals received from battery module 122 at its input terminal 142' communication interface.

[0075] By using voltage adapter 160, the transmission of data bits and clock signals(s) between the battery modules of CBS100 can be performed using conductive and capacitive interfaces. Thus, one or more solid dielectric layers 148 can be arranged between the input and output terminals of the communication interface of adjacent battery modules of CBS100. This communication interface may include one or more conductive elements, illustrated in blocks in the figures. The solid dielectric layer 148 can act as a protective layer and simultaneously provide current isolation, thereby providing improved personal safety for personnel handling the battery modules of CBS100.

[0076] Figure 10A voltage adapter 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the voltage adapter 160 on the right is illustrated with a dashed box. Figure 10 The examples described below are for data bits, but it should be recognized that the circuitry, function, and operation of the voltage adapter 160 described below also apply to clock signals.

[0077] The voltage adapter 160 includes at least one current generator according to an embodiment of the invention. This at least one current generator is connected to: a first terminal and a second terminal of a battery; and / or a voltage charge pump and a second terminal of the battery. However, Figure 10 An example with two separate current generators 162 and 164 is shown.

[0078] refer to Figure 10 The voltage adapter 160 includes a first current generator 162 coupled between a reference ground and a first terminal of a first resistor R1 of the voltage adapter 160. The reference ground is common to the negative terminal of the battery 170. The first current generator 162 has a data input configured to receive a data bit D1 from control logic 150. Therefore, the data input of the first current generator 162 is connected to the output of control logic 150. The first terminal of the first resistor R1 is also coupled to the data input of a second current generator 164 of the voltage adapter 160. The second terminal of the first resistor R1 is coupled to the second terminal of the second current generator 164, while the first terminal of the second current generator 164 is coupled to the data output 144 of the communication interface and the second terminal of a second resistor R2 of the voltage adapter 160. Therefore, the data output 144 of the communication interface is coupled to the first terminal of the second current generator 164 and the second terminal of the second resistor R2. As previously explained, the data output terminal 144 of the communication interface of battery module 122 is configured to output data bit D1 to the input terminal 142' of the communication interface of the adjacent battery module 122'. Node 188 between the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 is coupled to the first terminal of the second resistor R2, and the first terminal of the second switch 184 is coupled to a common reference ground.

[0079] The voltage V++ is generated by a voltage charge pump (also represented as V++, Figure 10 (Not shown in the diagram) This voltage charge pump will activate / provide a sufficiently high voltage to generate a data output at the output terminal 144 of the communication interface, which will have a suitable potential for the input terminal 142' of the adjacent battery module 122'. The voltage level at the output terminal 144 of the communication interface will be equal to the potential at the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface plus the current C from the second current generator 164. CG1 Multiply by the second resistor R2, that is, C CG1*R2 = the voltage to be added. The first current generator 162 is triggered by receiving data bit D1 at the first clock signal, and thus generates a first current, which causes data bit D1 to trigger the data input of the second current generator 164. Therefore, the second current generator 164 will generate a second current C at the output terminal 144 of the communication interface. CG2 Multiply by the second resistor R2, that is, C CG2 The voltage of R2. Depending on the state of the first switch 182 and the second switch 184, the voltage adapter 160 will provide either the first voltage V1 or the second voltage V2. Alternatively, if neither the first switch 182 nor the second switch 184 is turned on, i.e., in the third mode M3, the voltage at the output terminal 144 of the communication interface will be equal to the potential at the output terminal 134 of the conductive interface plus the "0" or "1" logic level of the adjacent battery module 122'.

[0080] Figure 11 An embodiment of the invention is shown when the battery module 122 has a safety signal trigger input 152, i.e., when the battery module 122 is immediately set to the third mode M3. To immediately set the battery module 122 to the third mode M3, a separate trigger input is provided directly connected to the control logic 150, wherein the trigger signal... Figure 11 The term "safety" is used here. Therefore, upon receiving a safety trigger signal, control logic 150 immediately sets the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 to their non-conducting state. Figure 11 In the example, battery module 122 is in first mode M1 when it receives a trigger signal. Upon receiving the trigger signal again, battery module 122 switches to third mode M3, that is, it switches from first mode M1 to third mode M3. However, Figure 11 The third mode M3 is not shown; instead, the transition is indicated as M1->M3. Naturally, in other examples, the battery module 122 may be in the second mode M2 ​​and switch to the third mode M3 upon receiving a trigger signal, i.e., transitioning from the second mode to the third mode, i.e., M2->M3.

[0081] After the safety function is triggered, the characteristics of battery 170 can be measured via resistor 186. Safety triggering means that battery module 122 in CBS100 can be immediately set to third mode M3 without waiting for a bit or word to be propagated to a specific battery module 122 via the CBS system. By including a safety trigger in all battery modules 122 within a group of battery modules, all battery modules 122 can be immediately and simultaneously set to third mode M3. Thus, battery module 122 can be set to a safe mode.

[0082] Figure 12A CBS100 according to further embodiments of the present invention is shown, having a control device 190 that can be connected to one or more battery modules 120 via suitable data lines, data buses, and clock lines (not shown). In the disclosed non-limiting example, the CBS100 includes three independent battery modules 120a, 120b, 120c, which are interconnected to the control device 190 via intermediate shift registers and / or computational logic 192. The control device 190 is configured to provide one or more data words, including a set of bits, to the battery modules for controlling the battery modules. The word can represent a voltage configuration or functional configuration for the battery module 120. Therefore, the CBS100 can provide different voltage settings and functional configurations based on the applied word.

[0083] Generally, the bits propagated in the CBS100 can form logic words corresponding to different voltage settings or functional configurations (such as measurement settings) to control multiple battery modules of the system. In the disclosed example, words 1, 2, and 3 are sent to three different battery modules to control the multiple battery modules 120a, 120b, and 120c. For example, words 1 and 2 could mean that the first battery module 120a and the second battery module 120b are configured to generate AC current to or from the power consumer 300. Thus, by controlling two battery modules with the same reference ground, alternating current (AC) can be generated, with the first battery module 120a providing a positive voltage for the output AC signal wave and the second battery module 120b providing a negative voltage for the output AC signal wave. The corresponding method also applies when the battery modules are to be charged, i.e., the first battery module 120a receives a positive voltage for the AC input signal wave and the second battery module 120b receives a negative voltage for the AC input signal wave.

[0084] Alternatively, mode 3 can be configured to a measurement mode, where all battery modules in the third battery module group 120c are in their third mode M3, allowing the voltage of the third battery module group to be derived for subsequent adaptation to the power supply 200 or the power consumer 300. Thus, the configurability of the CBS100 can be achieved in a simple and efficient manner.

[0085] Figure 12 A separate safety control line from the control device 190 to one of the battery modules 120a is also illustrated. Therefore, the control device 190 can set all battery modules in the battery module group 120a to a third mode M3. Other battery module groups 120b and 120c may also have safety control lines coupled to the control device 190. However, this is in... Figure 12 Not shown in the image.

[0086] Finally, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but also relates to and includes all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1. A configurable battery system CBS (100), comprising: At least one port (110) for connecting the configurable battery system (100) to a power source (200) and / or a power consumer (300); and A set of battery modules (120) interconnected via a set of conductive interfaces to form an interconnected set of battery modules, wherein a battery module (122) in the set of battery modules (120) includes: a battery (170) connected between an input terminal (132) and an output terminal (134) of the conductive interface; and an input terminal (142) configured to receive one or more data bits (D1, D2) at a clock signal (C1) and an output terminal (170) configured to output the one or more data bits (D1, D2) at a subsequent clock signal (C2). 44) communication interface; and wherein the battery module (122) is configured to operate in a first mode (M1) or a second mode (M2) based on the values ​​of the one or more data bits (D1, D2), wherein in the first mode (M1), the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in series with the battery (170') of the adjacent battery module (122'), and in the second mode (M2), the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in a bypass state with the battery (170') of the adjacent battery module (122').

2. The CBS (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery module (122) is configured to operate in a third mode (M3) based on the values ​​of the one or more data bits (D1, D2), wherein, In the third mode (M3), the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is not connected to the battery (170') of the adjacent battery module (122').

3. The CBS (100) according to claim 2, wherein the battery module (122) is configured as follows: Based on the value of the first data bit (D1), operate in either the first mode (M1) or the second mode (M2), and Operate in the third mode (M3) based on the value of the second data bit (D2).

4. The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery module (122) includes a first switch (182) connected between a first terminal (172) of the battery (170) and an output terminal (134) of a conductive interface, and a second switch (184) connected between a second terminal (174) of the battery (170) and an output terminal (134) of a conductive interface.

5. The CBS (100) according to claim 4, wherein when the battery module (122) operates in the first mode (M1), the first switch (182) is in its on state and the second switch (184) is in its off state; and when the battery module (122) operates in the second mode (M2), the first switch (182) is in its off state and the second switch (184) is in its on state.

6. The CBS (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the battery module (122) operates in the third mode (M3), the first switch (182) is in its non-conducting state and the second switch (184) is in its non-conducting state.

7. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the battery module (122) includes a resistor (186) connected in parallel with the second switch (184) between the second terminal (174) of the battery (170) and the output terminal (134) of the conductive interface.

8. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the battery module (122) includes control logic (150) connected between an input (142) and an output (144) of the communication interface, and wherein the control logic (150) is configured to: Receive one or more data bits (D1, D2) at the clock signal (C1); Based on the one or more data bits (D1, D2), control the first switch (182) and the second switch (184); and At a subsequent clock signal (C2), one or more data bits (D1, D2) are output to the output terminal (144) of the communication interface.

9. The CBS (100) according to claim 8, wherein the control logic (150) and the battery (170) have a common reference ground (RF).

10. The CBS (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the battery module (122) includes a voltage adapter (160) connected between the control logic (150) and the output (144) of the communication interface, wherein the voltage adapter (160) is configured to: When the battery module (122) operates in the first mode (M1), it provides a first voltage (V1); and When the battery module (122) operates in the second mode (M2), it provides a second voltage (V2).

11. The CBS (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first voltage (V1) is equal to the voltage of the battery (170), and the second voltage (V2) is equal to the voltage at the input terminal (132) of the conductive interface.

12. The CBS (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the voltage adapter (160) is configured to: When the battery module (122) operates in the third mode (M3), it provides a third voltage (V3) having the same value as the first voltage (V1) or the second voltage (V2) or a value between the first voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2).

13. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the voltage adapter (160) includes at least one current generator (162, 164).

14. The CBS (100) of claim 13, wherein the current generator (162, 164) is connected to: The first terminal (172) and the second terminal (174) of the battery (170); and / or The second pole (174) of the voltage charge pump (V++) and the battery (170).

15. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the battery module (122) includes a trigger signal input (152), and wherein the battery module (122) is configured to: When a trigger signal is received at the trigger signal input terminal (152), it operates in the third mode (M3).

16. The CBS (100) according to claim 15, when subordinate to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the trigger signal input (152) is connected to the control logic (150).

17. The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input (142) and output (144) of the communication interface include one or more conductive elements.

18. The CBS (100) according to claim 17, wherein the one or more conductive elements have a flat shape.

19. The CBS (100) according to claim 15 or 18, wherein the communication interface includes a solid dielectric layer (148) disposed between the one or more conductive elements.

20. The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive interface includes contact pins and corresponding conductive pin receivers.

21. The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control device (190) connected to the set of battery modules (120), wherein the control device (190) is configured to: A word comprising a set of bits and a corresponding clock signal is provided, wherein the word represents the configuration of the set of battery modules (120).

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