Battery cluster circuit, battery cluster control method, battery cluster and energy storage system

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery cluster circuit, a battery cluster control method, a battery cluster and an energy storage system, the battery cluster circuit comprises a plurality of branches connected in series, and each branch comprises a total positive electrode, a total negative electrode, a battery pack, a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, a selective switching circuit and a first controller; the anode of the battery pack is connected with the total anode through the first switch circuit, or the cathode of the battery pack is connected with the total cathode through the first switch circuit; the second switch circuit is connected between the total positive electrode and the total negative electrode; the selection switch circuit is respectively connected with the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit and is used for conducting at most one of the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit; the first controller is in circuit connection with the battery pack and the selective switch. The selection switch circuit ensures that at most one of the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit is switched on, the short circuit risk caused by simultaneous switching-on of the two switch circuits can be prevented, and the safety of the battery cluster circuit is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cluster circuit, a battery cluster control method, a battery cluster, and an energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous expansion of the application of new energy battery systems in ships, the capacity of single ship battery systems is constantly increasing. In order to meet the ship's demand for high voltage and high capacity, a topology structure of multiple battery packs connected in series and parallel is adopted. By combining several battery packs into battery clusters, and then further connecting multiple battery clusters in series and parallel, the total voltage and total capacity of the system are increased, providing stable power support for ship navigation.

[0003] However, in related technologies, when a single battery pack within a battery cluster malfunctions (such as abnormal voltage or signs of impending thermal runaway), some manufacturers propose shielding only the faulty battery pack to maintain the operation of the battery cluster circuit. This involves installing two relays within the battery pack, controlled by the BMS to either connect the battery pack to the main circuit or short-circuit the shielded battery pack. However, if both relays close simultaneously, it can cause a short circuit in the battery pack circuit, generating an instantaneous ultra-large current. This can not only burn out components but also potentially trigger battery thermal runaway, leading to more serious safety risks such as fire and explosion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery cluster circuit, a battery cluster control method, a battery cluster, and an energy storage system to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, this disclosure provides a battery cluster circuit, including multiple branches connected in series. Each branch includes a main positive terminal, a main negative terminal, a battery pack, a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, a selection switch circuit, and a first controller. The positive terminal of the battery pack is connected to the main positive terminal via the first switching circuit, and the negative terminal of the battery pack is connected to the main negative terminal; or, the positive terminal of the battery pack is connected to the main positive terminal, and the negative terminal of the battery pack is connected to the main negative terminal via the first switching circuit. The second switching circuit is connected between the main positive terminal and the main negative terminal. The selection switch circuit is connected to both the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit, respectively, for turning on at most one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit. The first controller is connected to both the battery pack and the selection switch circuit, respectively, for monitoring the state of the battery pack to control the selection switch circuit.

[0006] In some embodiments, by selecting a switching circuit to ensure that at most one of the first and second switching circuits is conducting, the risk of short circuits caused by simultaneous closure of both switching circuits can be prevented, thus improving the safety of the battery cluster circuit. By having a first controller monitor the battery pack status in real time and control the selection switching circuit, the faulty battery pack can be shielded while the branch circuit continues to operate, preventing the need for the entire battery cluster to be shut down after a fault, as is common in related technologies, and ensuring the power supply stability of the battery cluster. Each branch has an independently configured first controller and switching circuit, allowing each branch to operate and handle faults independently, further improving the reliability and fault tolerance of the entire battery cluster circuit.

[0007] Optionally, the first controller has a power output terminal, and the selection switch circuit is connected to the power output terminal; and / or, the selection switch circuit can be connected to an external power source; wherein the power output terminal or the external power source supplies power to the first switch circuit or the second switch circuit through the selection switch circuit.

[0008] In some embodiments, a selection switch circuit can switch power supply between the power output of the first controller and an external power source, avoiding the problem of either the first or second switching circuit failing to operate due to a single power supply failure, thus improving power supply reliability. The selection switch circuit supplies power to only one of the first or second switching circuits, and combined with its function of controlling the switch's conduction, further ensures that the two switching circuits will not be energized and conduct simultaneously, reducing the risk of short circuits from a power supply perspective.

[0009] Optionally, the battery cluster circuit further includes a second controller, which is connected to the first controller of each of the branches. The first controller is used to transmit the battery pack status signal to the second controller, and the second controller is used to transmit a control signal to the first controller according to the status signal to control the selection switch circuit.

[0010] In some embodiments, by setting a second controller connected to the first controller, the second controller uniformly generates control signals for the control selection switch circuit, and the first controller transmits battery pack status signals to the second controller, enabling the second controller to monitor the operating status of each battery pack in real time, realize coordinated control of multiple branches, provide data support for global decision-making and fault diagnosis, and improve the intelligent management level of the battery cluster circuit.

[0011] Optionally, the second controller is connected to the control terminal of the selection switch circuit via a line to control the selection switch circuit.

[0012] In some embodiments, directly connecting the second controller to the selection switch circuit and controlling its on / off state reduces intermediate steps in control signal transmission, improves the response speed of the selection switch circuit, and ensures that faulty battery packs are quickly shielded. Unified control of the selection switch circuit by the second controller allows for global regulation based on the operating status of multiple branches, avoiding potential local decision-making biases that may occur with a single first controller, and improving the overall coordination of the battery cluster circuit operation.

[0013] Optionally, the first switching circuit includes a relay; and / or, the second switching circuit includes a relay; and / or, the selection switching circuit includes a relay or a switching transistor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first and second switching circuits employ relays, which possess high current carrying capacity and isolation performance, making them suitable for the high-voltage, high-current scenarios of marine battery systems. The choice between relays and switching transistors allows for flexibility in circuit design; relays are suitable for scenarios requiring strong electrical isolation, while switching transistors offer faster response times. By using relays or switching transistors to control the on / off states of each switching circuit, and combining this with the logic for selecting the switching circuits, it can be reliably ensured that the first and second switching circuits will not conduct simultaneously, reducing the risk of short circuits.

[0015] Optionally, the selection switch circuit includes a first input terminal, a first control terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first input terminal is used to connect to a power supply, the first output terminal is connected to the first switch circuit, and the second output terminal is connected to the second switch circuit and controls the on / off state of the second switch circuit. The first control terminal is used to control the connection between the first input terminal and the first output terminal or the second output terminal. The first controller also includes a second control terminal connected to the first control terminal, and the first controller outputs a control signal to the first control terminal through the second control terminal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first controller outputs a control signal directly to the first control terminal of the selection switch circuit through the second control terminal. Through the structural design of the first input terminal, the first output terminal, and the second output terminal of the selection switch circuit, the power supply can selectively supply power to either the first or the second switch circuit, ensuring that the two switch circuits will not be powered at the same time, thus avoiding the risk of short circuit from the perspective of power supply logic.

[0017] Optionally, the first switching circuit includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a third control terminal, wherein the third control terminal is connected to the first output terminal; the second switching circuit includes a third connection terminal, a fourth connection terminal, and a fourth control terminal, wherein the fourth control terminal is connected to the second output terminal. The first connection terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack, the second connection terminal is connected to the total positive terminal, the third connection terminal is connected between the first switching circuit and the total positive terminal, and the fourth connection terminal is connected to the total negative terminal; or, The first connection terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack, the second connection terminal is connected to the total negative terminal, the third connection terminal is connected between the first switching circuit and the total negative terminal, and the fourth connection terminal is connected to the total positive terminal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connection method of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit is designed so that the battery pack can be connected to the branch circuit to participate in power supply when it is normal, and can be replaced by the path formed by the second switching circuit when it fails, so as to ensure that the branch circuit continues to conduct and shield the faulty battery pack.

[0019] Optionally, the first controller includes a first detection terminal and a second detection terminal. The first detection terminal is connected to one end of the second switching circuit, and the second detection terminal is connected to the other end of the second switching circuit. The first detection terminal and the second detection terminal are used to monitor the status of the battery pack.

[0020] In some embodiments, monitoring the electrical signals at both ends of the second switching circuit via the first and second detection terminals can directly reflect whether the battery pack is properly connected to the circuit or whether it is effectively shielded, providing the first controller with accurate status judgment criteria. In some embodiments, the first controller can verify the control effect of the selection switching circuit in real time by monitoring the status parameters at both ends of the second switching circuit. If the actual status is found to be inconsistent with the control command, the controller can promptly identify the anomaly and take countermeasures to improve circuit safety.

[0021] Optionally, the first controller is connected to the control terminal of the first switching circuit via a line, and is used to control the on / off state of the first switching circuit; and / or, The first controller is connected to the control terminal of the second switching circuit via a line, and is used to control the on / off state of the second switching circuit.

[0022] In some embodiments, backup redundant power supply is achieved through direct connection between the first controller and the switching circuit. When a control failure occurs in the selected switching circuit, the first controller can directly control the operation of the switching circuit to ensure that the faulty battery pack can be effectively shielded and improve the fault tolerance of the circuit.

[0023] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a battery cluster control method is provided, applicable to the aforementioned battery cluster circuit, the battery cluster control method comprising: The first controller monitors the status information of the battery pack; In some cases, the first controller uses its own detection modules (such as voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) to collect parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and cell balancing status of the battery pack in real time. These parameters together constitute status information reflecting the operating status of the battery pack. The first controller processes and analyzes this information to determine whether the battery pack is working properly.

[0024] When the battery pack is in normal condition, the first controller controls the selection switch circuit to turn on the first switch circuit and turn off the second switch circuit, so that the battery pack is connected between the total positive terminal and the total negative terminal. In some cases, when the first controller analyzes and determines that all parameters of the battery pack are within the normal range, it will send a corresponding control signal to the selection switch circuit. This signal triggers the selection switch circuit to switch to the state of turning on the first switch circuit and turning off the second switch circuit. At this time, the battery pack forms a path with the total positive and total negative terminals through the turned-on first switch circuit and is connected in series to the main circuit of the branch to participate in the charging and discharging process of the battery cluster.

[0025] When the battery pack is in an abnormal state, the first controller controls the selection switch circuit to disconnect the first switch circuit and turn on the second switch circuit, so that the battery pack is disconnected from the main positive terminal or the main negative terminal, and the main positive terminal and the main negative terminal are connected to shield the battery pack.

[0026] In some cases, when the first controller detects abnormal conditions such as overvoltage, overcurrent, high temperature, or cell damage in the battery pack, it sends a switching control signal to the selection switch circuit. This causes the selection switch circuit to disconnect the first switch circuit and connect the second switch circuit. At this time, the battery pack is separated from the main positive or main negative terminal through the disconnected first switch circuit, while the main positive and main negative terminals are connected through the connected second switch circuit. This ensures that the main circuit of the branch remains unobstructed, shielding the faulty battery pack without affecting the normal operation of other battery packs.

[0027] Optionally, the monitoring of the battery pack status information by the first controller further includes: the first controller sending the battery pack status information to a second controller, and the second controller determining the status of the battery pack based on the status information. In some examples, the first controller transmits the collected status information of the battery pack, such as voltage, current, and temperature, to the second controller via wired or wireless communication. The second controller then analyzes and judges whether the battery pack is operating normally based on preset judgment criteria (such as voltage threshold, current threshold, and temperature range) to form a unified status judgment result.

[0028] When the battery pack is in normal condition, the second controller transmits a control signal to the first controller, and the first controller continues to monitor the battery pack status. In some cases, when the second controller determines that the battery pack is in normal condition, it will send a signal to the first controller that no shielding operation is required. After receiving the signal, the first controller will continue to monitor the battery pack status, continue to periodically collect and transmit status information, and ensure that the battery pack operation status is monitored in real time.

[0029] When the battery pack is in an abnormal state, the second controller transmits a control signal to the first controller, and the first controller controls the selection switch circuit to shield the battery pack.

[0030] In some cases, when the second controller determines that the battery pack is faulty, it sends a command to the first controller to initiate a shielding operation. After receiving the command, the first controller controls the selection switch circuit to disconnect the first switch circuit and connect the second switch circuit according to the preset logic, so as to separate the faulty battery pack from the main circuit, while maintaining the branch circuit open, thus completing the shielding process for the battery pack.

[0031] Optionally, when the battery pack is in an abnormal state, after the first controller controls the selection switch circuit to turn on the second switch circuit and turn off the first switch circuit, the following steps are taken: Monitor the status of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit. In some examples, after the first controller issues a switching command through the selection switch circuit, it will collect the actual on / off state of the first and second switch circuits in real time through its own detection terminals (such as voltage detection terminals and current detection terminals) or feedback interfaces connected to the switch circuit, in order to verify whether the switching action is executed as expected.

[0032] When the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are in normal condition, it is determined that the battery pack shielding is complete; In some cases, when the first controller detects that the first switching circuit is open and the second switching circuit is on, and both are in the same state as the control command, it determines that the faulty battery pack has been successfully separated from the main circuit, the main positive terminal and the main negative terminal are effectively connected through the second switching circuit, and the branch circuit remains unobstructed. At this time, it is confirmed that the battery pack shielding operation is completed.

[0033] When the state of the first switching circuit and / or the second switching circuit is abnormal, the first controller controls the first switching circuit to disconnect through the third control terminal and detects the state of the first switching circuit. In some cases, when the first controller detects that the first switching circuit is not disconnected or the second switching circuit is not conducting (e.g., a failure of the selection switching circuit leads to switching failure), it activates the backup control path, directly sends a disconnect command to the first switching circuit, and checks its actual status again to forcibly disconnect the faulty battery pack from the main circuit.

[0034] When the first switch circuit is closed, the first controller reports an error; In some cases, if the first controller detects that the first switch circuit is still in a closed state after directly controlling the first switch circuit through the third control terminal, it indicates that the first switch circuit has faults such as mechanical jamming or contact sticking, and cannot disconnect the faulty battery pack. At this time, the first controller will trigger the error reporting mechanism (such as sending a fault code or starting an alarm signal) and stop controlling the branch to prevent the fault from spreading.

[0035] When the first switching circuit is disconnected, the first controller controls the second switching circuit to be turned on through the fourth control terminal and detects the state of the second switching circuit; In some examples, after the first controller confirms that the first switching circuit has been successfully disconnected, it continues to send a closing command to the second switching circuit through the backup control path and detects its actual status to ensure that the main positive terminal and the main negative terminal form a circuit and maintain the integrity of the branch circuit.

[0036] When the second switching circuit is disconnected, the first controller reports an error; In some cases, if the first controller detects that the second switching circuit is still in the open state after directly controlling it, it indicates that the second switching circuit is faulty and cannot form an alternative path, resulting in a broken branch circuit. In this case, the first controller will trigger an error reporting mechanism and stop control, prompting that manual intervention is required.

[0037] When the second switching circuit is turned on, it is determined that the battery pack shielding is complete.

[0038] In some cases, when the first controller confirms that the second switching circuit has been successfully closed and the first switching circuit remains open, it determines that the faulty battery pack has been shielded through the backup control path, the main positive and main negative terminals are effectively connected through the second switching circuit, and the branch can continue to operate normally.

[0039] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a battery cluster is provided, including the battery cluster circuit described above or applying the battery cluster control method described above. This battery cluster possesses all the beneficial effects of the battery cluster circuit or battery cluster control method described above, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0040] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, an energy storage system is provided, comprising the aforementioned battery cluster circuit or battery cluster, or applying the aforementioned battery cluster control method. This battery cluster possesses all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned battery cluster circuit, battery cluster control method, or battery cluster, which will not be elaborated further herein.

[0041] In the battery cluster circuit of this application embodiment, a selective switching circuit ensures that at most one of the first and second switching circuits is conducting, preventing the short-circuit risk caused by the simultaneous closure of both switching circuits and improving the safety of the battery cluster circuit. A first controller monitors the battery pack status in real time and controls the selective switching circuit, enabling shielding of faulty battery packs and continuous operation of branch circuits. This avoids the problem of needing to shut down the entire cluster after a fault, as seen in related technologies, and ensures the power supply stability of the battery cluster. Each branch has an independently configured first controller and switching circuit, allowing each branch to operate and handle faults independently, further improving the reliability and fault tolerance of the entire battery cluster circuit.

[0042] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first branch structure of the battery cluster circuit provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second branch structure of the battery cluster circuit provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third branch structure of the battery cluster circuit provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first battery cluster circuit provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second battery cluster circuit provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third battery cluster circuit provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the fourth branch structure of the battery cluster circuit provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth branch structure of the battery cluster circuit provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 9 yes Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the branch structure in the second type of battery cluster circuit provided in the diagram; Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a battery cluster control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 11 This is a logic diagram of the battery cluster control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Branch circuit; 11. Main positive terminal; 12. Main negative terminal; 13. Battery pack; 14. First switching circuit; 141. First connection terminal; 142. Second connection terminal; 143. Third control terminal; 15. Second switching circuit; 151. Third connection terminal; 152. Fourth connection terminal; 153. Fourth control terminal; 16. Selector switch circuit; 161. First input terminal; 162. First control terminal; 163. First output terminal; 164. Second output terminal; 17. First controller; 171. Power output terminal; 172. Second control terminal; 173. First detection terminal; 174. Second detection terminal; 2. External power supply; 3. Second controller. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0047] According to the first aspect of this application, referring to Figure 1This disclosure provides a battery cluster circuit, including multiple branches 1 connected in series. Each branch 1 includes a total positive terminal 11, a total negative terminal 12, a battery pack 13, a first switching circuit 14, a second switching circuit 15, a selection switch circuit 16, and a first controller 17. The positive terminal of the battery pack 13 is connected to the total positive terminal 11 through the first switching circuit 14, and the negative terminal of the battery pack 13 is connected to the total negative terminal 12; or, the positive terminal of the battery pack 13 is connected to the total positive terminal 11, and the negative terminal of the battery pack 13 is connected to the total negative terminal 12 through the first switching circuit 14. The second switching circuit 15 is connected between the total positive terminal 11 and the total negative terminal 12. The selection switch circuit 16 is connected to the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15 respectively, and is used to turn on at most one of the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15. The first controller 17 is connected to the battery pack 13 and the selection switch circuit 16 respectively, and is used to obtain the state of the battery pack 13 to control the selection switch circuit 16.

[0048] It is understood that the battery pack 13 includes multiple cells connected in series. The first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15 can be relays, contactors, or semiconductor switching devices. The function of the first switching circuit 14 is to control the connection and disconnection between the battery pack 13 and the main positive terminal 11 or the main negative terminal 12. The function of the second switching circuit 15 is to control the direct connection and disconnection between the main positive terminal 11 and the main negative terminal 12. The selection switching circuit 16 can be an electronic interlocking module or a logic control circuit to ensure that the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15 will not be turned on at the same time. The first controller 17 can be a microcontroller or a dedicated control chip that integrates voltage, current, and temperature detection modules, and can collect the voltage, current, temperature, and other status parameters of the battery pack 13 in real time.

[0049] When battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the first controller 17 detects that battery pack 13 is fault-free and controls the selection switch circuit 16 to turn on the first switch circuit 14 and turn off the second switch circuit 15. At this time, battery pack 13 is connected to the main positive terminal 11 or the main negative terminal 12 through the first switch circuit 14, and battery pack 13 is normally connected to branch 1 to participate in power supply. When battery pack 13 malfunctions, the first controller 17 detects the fault state of battery pack 13 (such as overvoltage, overcurrent, high temperature, etc.) and controls the selection switch circuit 16 to turn off the first switch circuit 14 and turn on the second switch circuit 15. At this time, battery pack 13 is disconnected from the main positive terminal 11 or the main negative terminal 12 of branch 1. The main positive terminal 11 and the main negative terminal 12 form a circuit through the second switch circuit 15 to ensure that the overall circuit of branch 1 is not interrupted.

[0050] In some embodiments, by selecting the switching circuit 16 to ensure that at most one of the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15 is turned on, the risk of short circuit caused by the simultaneous closure of the two switching circuits can be prevented, thus improving the safety of the battery cluster circuit. The first controller 17 monitors the status of the battery pack 13 in real time and controls the selecting switching circuit 16 to achieve shielding of the faulty battery pack 13 and continuous operation of the branch circuit 1, preventing the need for the entire battery cluster to be shut down after a fault, as is common in related technologies, and ensuring the power supply stability of the battery cluster. Each branch 1 is independently equipped with a first controller 17 and a switching circuit, allowing each branch 1 to operate and handle faults independently, further improving the reliability and fault tolerance of the entire battery cluster circuit.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the first controller 17 has a power output terminal 171, and a selection switch circuit 16 is connected to the power output terminal 171; and / or, the selection switch circuit 16 can be connected to an external power supply 2; wherein the power output terminal 171 or the external power supply 2 supplies power to the first switch circuit 14 or the second switch circuit 15 through the selection switch circuit 16.

[0052] It is understood that the power output terminal 171 of the first controller 17 is used as a power interface to supply power to the external circuit, and its output voltage and current match the working requirements of the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15; the external power supply 2 is a power supply device independent of the first controller 17, and its output voltage and current match the power supply parameter requirements of the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15; the selection switch circuit 16 can connect to the power supply according to the actual working conditions, such as switching to the first controller 17 when the external power supply 2 fails, thereby providing power to the first switching circuit 14 or the second switching circuit 15.

[0053] When the external power supply 2 is working normally, it supplies power to either the first switching circuit 14 or the second switching circuit 15 via the selection switch circuit 16. When the external power supply 2 fails to supply power, the power output terminal 171 of the first controller 17 supplies power to the selection switch circuit 16, which then acts as a backup power source to supply power to either the first switching circuit 14 or the second switching circuit 15 via the selection switch circuit 16.

[0054] In some embodiments, the power supply can be switched between the power output terminal 171 of the first controller 17 and the external power supply 2 by selecting the switching circuit 16. This avoids the problem of the first switching circuit 14 or the second switching circuit 15 failing to work due to a single power supply failure, thus improving power supply reliability. The switching circuit 16 supplies power to only one of the first switching circuit 14 or the second switching circuit 15. Combined with its function of controlling the switch to conduct, it further ensures that the two switching circuits will not be energized and conducted at the same time, reducing the risk of short circuits from the power supply perspective.

[0055] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the battery cluster circuit further includes a second controller 3, which is connected to a first controller 17 of each branch 1. The first controller 17 is used to transmit a battery pack 13 status signal to the second controller 3, and the second controller 3 is used to transmit a control signal to the first controller 17 according to the status signal, so as to transmit a control signal of the control selection switch circuit 16.

[0056] Understandably, the second controller 3 can be a centralized control unit, a cluster-level management module, or a higher-level control system, possessing data reception, logic operation, and command transmission functions, and capable of unified coordination and management of the first controller 17 of multiple branches 1. The battery pack 13 status signal includes parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, health status, and fault information of the battery pack 13, which are collected and processed by the first controller 17 and then transmitted to the second controller 3; the control signal is a command generated by the second controller 3 based on the received battery pack 13 status signal, used to control the operation of the selection switch circuit 16, such as signaling the first switch circuit 14 or the second switch circuit 15.

[0057] When the battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the first controller 17 transmits a normal condition signal of the battery pack 13 to the second controller 3. The second controller 3 generates a control signal to maintain the current state based on this signal and transmits it to the first controller 17. The first controller 17 keeps the selection switch circuit 16 conducting the first switch circuit 14 and disconnecting the second switch circuit 15 according to the control signal. When the battery pack 13 malfunctions, the first controller 17 transmits a malfunction status signal of the battery pack 13 to the second controller 3. The second controller 3 generates a control signal to switch the state based on this signal and transmits it to the first controller 17. The first controller 17 controls the selection switch circuit 16 to disconnect the first switch circuit 14 and conduct the second switch circuit 15 according to the control signal.

[0058] In some embodiments, by setting the second controller 3 to be connected to the first controller 17, the second controller 3 generates the control signal of the control selection switch circuit 16 in a unified manner, and the first controller 17 transmits the status signal of the battery pack 13 to the second controller 3, so that the second controller 3 can grasp the operating status of each battery pack 13 in real time, realize the coordinated control of multiple branches 1, provide data support for global decision-making and fault diagnosis, and improve the intelligent management level of the battery cluster circuit.

[0059] Reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the second controller 3 is connected to the control terminal of the selection switch circuit 16 via a line to control the selection switch circuit 16.

[0060] It is understandable that the second controller 3 can directly send electrical signals (such as high and low level signals, pulse signals) to the selection switch circuit 16 to change the conduction state of the selection switch circuit 16, thereby realizing the on / off control of the first switch circuit 14 and the second switch circuit 15.

[0061] When battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the first controller 17 transmits a normal condition signal to the second controller 3. The second controller 3 then sends a control signal to the selection switch circuit 16 based on this signal, causing the selection switch circuit 16 to connect the first switch circuit 14 and disconnect the second switch circuit 15, allowing battery pack 13 to be normally connected to branch 1. When battery pack 13 malfunctions, the first controller 17 transmits a fault condition signal to the second controller 3. The second controller 3 then sends a control signal to the selection switch circuit 16 based on this signal, causing the selection switch circuit 16 to disconnect the first switch circuit 14 and connect the second switch circuit 15, shielding the faulty battery pack 13 while keeping the branch 1 circuit connected.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second controller 3 is directly connected to and controls the switching circuit 16, reducing intermediate steps in control signal transmission, improving the response speed of the switching circuit 16, and ensuring that the faulty battery pack 13 is quickly shielded. The second controller 3 centrally controls the switching circuit 16, allowing for global regulation based on the operating status of multiple branches 1, avoiding potential local decision-making biases that might occur with a single first controller 17, and improving the overall coordination of the battery cluster circuit operation.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first switching circuit 14 includes a relay; and / or, the second switching circuit 15 includes a relay; and / or, the selection switching circuit 16 includes a relay or a switching transistor.

[0064] It is understood that the relays included in the first switching circuit 14 can be electromagnetic relays, solid-state relays, etc., which control the opening and closing of contacts by energizing or de-energizing the coil, thereby controlling the connection state between the battery pack 13 and the main positive terminal 11 or the main negative terminal 12. The relays included in the second switching circuit 15 can be electromagnetic relays, solid-state relays, etc., which control the opening and closing of contacts by energizing or de-energizing the coil, thereby controlling the direct connection state between the main positive terminal 11 and the main negative terminal 12. The selector switching circuit 16 includes relays such as electromagnetic relays and solid-state relays, and the switching transistors included can be transistors, field-effect transistors, IGBTs, etc., which control at most one of the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15 to be turned on by changing its own on / off state.

[0065] When battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the selector switch circuit 16 (if it is a relay, its corresponding contacts close; if it is a switching transistor, it conducts) energizes the relay coil of the first switch circuit 14, making the first switch circuit 14 conduct. Simultaneously, the selector switch circuit 16 de-energizes the relay coil of the second switch circuit 15, making the second switch circuit 15 open, and battery pack 13 is normally connected to branch 1. When battery pack 13 malfunctions, the selector switch circuit 16 (if it is a relay, its corresponding contacts switch; if it is a switching transistor, its state switches) de-energizes the relay coil of the first switch circuit 14, making the first switch circuit 14 open. Simultaneously, the selector switch circuit 16 energizes the relay coil of the second switch circuit 15, making the second switch circuit 15 conduct. The faulty battery pack 13 is shielded, while the branch 1 circuit remains conductive.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15 employ relays, which possess high current carrying capacity and isolation performance, making them suitable for high-voltage, high-current scenarios in marine battery systems. Switching circuit 16 can be selected using either a relay or a switching transistor. Relays are suitable for scenarios requiring strong electrical isolation, while switching transistors offer faster response times. The choice can be made based on actual needs, enhancing the flexibility of circuit design. By using relays or switching transistors to control the on / off states of each switching circuit, combined with the logic for selecting switching circuit 16, it can be reliably ensured that the first switching circuit 14 and the second switching circuit 15 will not conduct simultaneously, reducing the risk of short circuits.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the selection switch circuit 16 includes a first input terminal 161, a first control terminal 162, a first output terminal 163, and a second output terminal 164. The first input terminal 161 is used to connect to a power supply, the first output terminal 163 is connected to the first switch circuit 14, and the second output terminal 164 is connected to the second switch circuit 15 and controls the on / off state of the second switch circuit 15. The first control terminal 162 is used to control the connection between the first input terminal 161 and the first output terminal 163 or the second output terminal 164. The first controller 17 also includes a second control terminal 172 connected to the first control terminal 162. The first controller 17 outputs a control signal to the first control terminal 162 through the second control terminal 172.

[0068] Understandably, the first input terminal 161 is the interface for the selection switch circuit 16 to receive electrical energy, used to connect to the power output terminal 171 of the first controller 17 or an external power supply 2. The first control terminal 162 is the interface for the selection switch circuit 16 to receive control commands, and the received control signals can be high / low levels, pulse signals, etc. The first output terminal 163 is the interface for the selection switch circuit 16 to transmit electrical energy to the first switch circuit 14, and the second output terminal 164 is the interface for the selection switch circuit 16 to transmit electrical energy to the second switch circuit 15. The second control terminal 172 is the interface for the first controller 17 to output control commands, and the output control signal must match the signal type of the first control terminal 162 of the selection switch circuit 16.

[0069] When the battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the first controller 17 outputs a control signal to the first control terminal 162 of the selection switch circuit 16 through the second control terminal 172, connecting the first input terminal 161 and the first output terminal 163. Power is supplied to the first switch circuit 14 through the selection switch circuit 16, turning on the first switch circuit 14. Simultaneously, the first input terminal 161 is disconnected from the second output terminal 164, and the second switch circuit 15 is de-energized and disconnected. When the battery pack 13 malfunctions, the first controller 17 outputs another control signal to the first control terminal 162 of the selection switch circuit 16 through the second control terminal 172, connecting the first input terminal 161 and the second output terminal 164. Power is supplied to the second switch circuit 15 through the selection switch circuit 16, turning on the second switch circuit 15. Simultaneously, the first input terminal 161 is disconnected from the first output terminal 163, and the first switch circuit 14 is de-energized and disconnected.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first controller 17 outputs a control signal directly to the first control terminal 162 of the selection switch circuit 16 through the second control terminal 172. Through the structural design of the first input terminal 161, the first output terminal 163 and the second output terminal 164 of the selection switch circuit 16, the power supply can selectively supply power to either the first switch circuit 14 or the second switch circuit 15, ensuring that the two switch circuits will not be powered at the same time, thus avoiding the risk of short circuit from the perspective of power supply logic.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the first switching circuit 14 includes a first connection terminal 141, a second connection terminal 142 and a third control terminal 143, the third control terminal 143 being connected to the first output terminal 163; the second switching circuit 15 includes a third connection terminal 151, a fourth connection terminal 152 and a fourth control terminal 153, the fourth control terminal 153 being connected to the second output terminal 164. The first connection terminal 141 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack 13, the second connection terminal 142 is connected to the main positive terminal 11, the third connection terminal 151 is connected between the first switching circuit 14 and the main positive terminal 11, and the fourth connection terminal 152 is connected to the main negative terminal 12; or, The first connection terminal 141 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack 13, the second connection terminal 142 is connected to the main negative terminal 12, the third connection terminal 151 is connected between the first switching circuit 14 and the main negative terminal 12, and the fourth connection terminal 152 is connected to the main positive terminal 11.

[0072] Understandably, the first connection terminal 141 of the first switching circuit 14 is an interface connected to the positive or negative terminal of the battery pack 13, the second connection terminal 142 is an interface connected to the main positive terminal 11 or the main negative terminal 12, and the third control terminal 143 is an interface that receives power from the first output terminal 163 of the selection switch circuit 16, and controls the connection and disconnection of the first connection terminal 141 and the second connection terminal 142 by powering on or off; the third connection terminal 151 of the second switching circuit 15 is an interface connected between the first switching circuit 14 and the main positive terminal 11 or between the first switching circuit 14 and the main negative terminal 12, the fourth connection terminal 152 is an interface connected to the main negative terminal 12 or the main positive terminal 11, and the fourth control terminal 153 is an interface that receives power from the second output terminal 164 of the selection switch circuit 16, and controls the connection and disconnection of the third connection terminal 151 and the fourth connection terminal 152 by powering on or off.

[0073] With the first connection terminal 141 connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack 13, the second connection terminal 142 connected to the main positive terminal 11, the third connection terminal 151 connected between the first switching circuit 14 and the main positive terminal 11, and the fourth connection terminal 152 connected to the main negative terminal 12, when the battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the third control terminal 143 of the first switching circuit 14 is energized, the first connection terminal 141 and the second connection terminal 142 are connected, and the battery pack 13 is connected to the main positive terminal 11 through the first switching circuit 14. At the same time, the fourth control terminal 153 of the second switching circuit 15 is de-energized, and the third connection terminal 151 and the fourth connection terminal 152 are disconnected. When the battery pack 13 malfunctions, the third control terminal 143 of the first switching circuit 14 is de-energized, the first connection terminal 141 and the second connection terminal 142 are disconnected, and at the same time, the fourth control terminal 153 of the second switching circuit 15 is energized, the third connection terminal 151 and the fourth connection terminal 152 are connected, and the main positive terminal 11 is connected to the main negative terminal 12 through the second switching circuit 15.

[0074] With the first connection terminal 141 connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack 13, the second connection terminal 142 connected to the main negative terminal 12, the third connection terminal 151 connected between the first switching circuit 14 and the main negative terminal 12, and the fourth connection terminal 152 connected to the main positive terminal 11, when the battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the third control terminal 143 of the first switching circuit 14 is energized, the first connection terminal 141 and the second connection terminal 142 are connected, and the battery pack 13 is connected to the main negative terminal 12 through the first switching circuit 14. At the same time, the fourth control terminal 153 of the second switching circuit 15 is de-energized, and the third connection terminal 151 and the fourth connection terminal 152 are disconnected. When the battery pack 13 malfunctions, the third control terminal 143 of the first switching circuit 14 is de-energized, the first connection terminal 141 and the second connection terminal 142 are disconnected, and at the same time, the fourth control terminal 153 of the second switching circuit 15 is energized, the third connection terminal 151 and the fourth connection terminal 152 are connected, and the main negative terminal 12 is connected to the main positive terminal 11 through the second switching circuit 15.

[0075] In some embodiments, the connection method of the first switch circuit 14 and the second switch circuit 15 is designed so that the battery pack 13 can be connected to the branch 1 to participate in power supply when it is normal, and can be replaced by the path formed by the second switch circuit 15 when it fails, so as to ensure that the branch 1 circuit continues to conduct and shield the faulty battery pack 13.

[0076] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first controller 17 includes a first detection terminal 173 and a second detection terminal 174. The first detection terminal 173 is connected to one end of the second switching circuit 15, and the second detection terminal 174 is connected to the other end of the second switching circuit 15. The first detection terminal 173 and the second detection terminal 174 are used to monitor the status of the battery pack 13.

[0077] It is understandable that the first detection terminal 173 is the interface on the first controller 17 used to collect electrical signals from one end of the second switching circuit 15, and the second detection terminal 174 is the interface on the first controller 17 used to collect electrical signals from the other end of the second switching circuit 15. The battery pack 13 status monitored by the first detection terminal 173 and the second detection terminal 174 includes the voltage difference between the two ends of the second switching circuit 15, the presence of abnormal current, etc. These parameters can be used to determine whether the battery pack 13 is properly connected or whether a fault has occurred.

[0078] When battery pack 13 is functioning normally, the first switching circuit 14 is on and the second switching circuit 15 is off. The first detection terminal 173 and the second detection terminal 174 detect a voltage difference across the second switching circuit 15 corresponding to the voltage of battery pack 13. Based on this, the first controller 17 determines that battery pack 13 is functioning normally. When battery pack 13 malfunctions, the first switching circuit 14 is off and the second switching circuit 15 is on. The first detection terminal 173 and the second detection terminal 174 detect a voltage difference across the second switching circuit 15 approaching zero. Based on this, the first controller 17 determines that battery pack 13 has been blocked, or determines that battery pack 13 is malfunctioning based on previous voltage changes.

[0079] In some embodiments, monitoring the electrical signals across the second switching circuit 15 via the first detection terminal 173 and the second detection terminal 174 can directly reflect whether the battery pack 13 is properly connected to the circuit or whether it is effectively shielded, providing the first controller 17 with an accurate basis for status judgment. In some embodiments, by monitoring the status parameters across the second switching circuit 15, the first controller 17 can verify the control effect of the selection switching circuit 16 in real time. If the actual state is found to be inconsistent with the control command, the controller can promptly identify the anomaly and take countermeasures, thereby improving the safety of the circuit.

[0080] Reference Figure 9 In some embodiments, the first controller 17 is connected to the control terminal of the first switch circuit 14 via a line to control the on / off state of the first switch circuit 14; and / or, the first controller 17 is connected to the control terminal of the second switch circuit 15 via a line to control the on / off state of the second switch circuit 15.

[0081] It is understood that the control signal output by the first controller 17 can be DC, level signal, pulse signal, etc., and is used to directly control the conduction or disconnection of the first switch circuit 14; the type of control signal output by the first controller 17 matches the control signal of the first switch circuit 14, and is used to directly control the conduction or disconnection of the second switch circuit 15.

[0082] In some embodiments, backup redundant power supply is achieved through direct connection between the first controller 17 and the switching circuit. When a control failure occurs in the selected switching circuit 16, the first controller 17 can directly control the operation of the switching circuit to ensure that the faulty battery pack 13 can be effectively shielded and improve the fault tolerance of the circuit.

[0083] According to the second aspect of this disclosure, referring to Figure 10 A battery cluster control method is provided, applicable to the aforementioned battery cluster circuit. The battery cluster control method includes: S101, The first controller 17 monitors the status information of the battery pack 13; In some examples, the first controller 17 uses its own detection modules (such as voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) to collect parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and cell balancing status of the battery pack 13 in real time. These parameters together constitute the status information reflecting the operating status of the battery pack 13. The first controller 17 processes and analyzes this information to determine whether the battery pack 13 is working properly.

[0084] S102. When the battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the first controller 17 controls the selection switch circuit 16 to turn on the first switch circuit 14 and turn off the second switch circuit 15, so that the battery pack 13 is connected between the total positive terminal 11 and the total negative terminal 12. In some examples, when the first controller 17 analyzes and determines that all parameters of the battery pack 13 are within the normal range, it will send a corresponding control signal to the selection switch circuit 16. This signal triggers the selection switch circuit 16 to switch to the state of turning on the first switch circuit 14 and turning off the second switch circuit 15. At this time, the battery pack 13 forms a path with the total positive terminal 11 and the total negative terminal 12 through the turned-on first switch circuit 14, and is connected in series to the main circuit of the branch 1 to participate in the charging and discharging process of the battery cluster.

[0085] S103 When the battery pack 13 is in an abnormal state, the first controller 17 controls the selection switch circuit 16 to disconnect the first switch circuit 14 and connect the second switch circuit 15, so that the battery pack 13 is disconnected from the main positive terminal 11 or the main negative terminal 12, and the main positive terminal 11 and the main negative terminal 12 are connected to shield the battery pack 13.

[0086] In some cases, when the first controller 17 detects abnormal conditions such as overvoltage, overcurrent, high temperature, or cell damage in the battery pack 13, it sends a switching control signal to the selection switch circuit 16, causing the selection switch circuit 16 to disconnect the first switch circuit 14 and connect the second switch circuit 15. At this time, the battery pack 13 is separated from the main positive terminal 11 or the main negative terminal 12 through the disconnected first switch circuit 14, while the main positive terminal 11 and the main negative terminal 12 are connected through the connected second switch circuit 15, ensuring that the main circuit of branch 1 remains unobstructed, thus shielding the faulty battery pack 13 without affecting the normal operation of other battery packs 13.

[0087] Reference Figure 11 In some embodiments, the first controller 17 monitors the status information of the battery pack 13, and further includes: the first controller 17 sending the status information of the battery pack 13 to the second controller 3, and the second controller 3 determining the status of the battery pack 13 based on the status information. In some examples, the first controller 17 transmits the collected status information of the battery pack 13, such as voltage, current, and temperature, to the second controller 3 via wired or wireless communication. The second controller 3 then analyzes and judges whether the battery pack 13 is operating normally based on preset judgment criteria (such as voltage threshold, current threshold, and temperature range) to form a unified status judgment result.

[0088] When the battery pack 13 is in normal condition, the second controller 3 transmits a control signal to the first controller 17, and the first controller 17 continues to monitor the status of the battery pack 13. In some cases, when the second controller 3 determines that the battery pack 13 is in normal condition, it will send a signal to the first controller 17 that no shielding operation is required. After receiving the signal, the first controller 17 will continue to monitor the status of the battery pack 13, and continue to periodically collect and transmit status information to ensure that the operation of the battery pack 13 is monitored in real time.

[0089] When the battery pack 13 is in an abnormal state, the second controller 3 transmits a control signal to the first controller 17, and the first controller 17 controls the selection switch circuit 16 to shield the battery pack 13.

[0090] In some cases, when the second controller 3 determines that the battery pack 13 is faulty, it will send a command to the first controller 17 to start the shielding operation. After receiving the command, the first controller 17 will control the selection switch circuit 16 to disconnect the first switch circuit 14 and connect the second switch circuit 15 according to the preset logic, so that the faulty battery pack 13 is separated from the main circuit, while maintaining the branch circuit 1 open, thus completing the shielding process of the battery pack 13.

[0091] The second controller 3 monitors the number of abnormal states of battery pack 13 in the battery cluster. If the number of abnormal states is within the threshold, a masking step is performed. If the number of abnormal states exceeds the threshold, the battery cluster exits and reports an error.

[0092] In some examples, in a battery cluster formed by multiple battery packs 13 connected in series, the second controller 3 counts the total number of battery packs 13 that are in a fault state (such as overvoltage, overcurrent, high temperature, etc.). This number is obtained by summarizing the status information uploaded by the first controller 17 corresponding to each battery pack 13.

[0093] When the number of abnormal battery packs 13 counted is less than or equal to a preset threshold (this threshold is set according to factors such as the total capacity of the battery pack and the ship's operating requirements, such as 20% of the total number), the second controller 3 or each of the first controllers 17 performs a shielding operation on each abnormal battery pack 13 according to the predetermined logic. That is, by controlling the selection switch circuit 16 to disconnect the corresponding first switch circuit 14 and turn on the second switch circuit 15, the faulty battery pack 13 is separated from the main circuit, while keeping the overall circuit of the battery pack unobstructed.

[0094] When the number of abnormal battery packs 13 exceeds the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery cluster can no longer maintain normal power supply or there is a significant safety risk. At this time, the second controller 3 will issue an instruction to shut down the entire battery cluster (such as cutting off the connection between the battery cluster and the main system) and trigger an error reporting mechanism (such as sending a fault signal to the ship's main control system and activating an audible and visual alarm), indicating that maintenance is required.

[0095] Reference Figure 11 In some embodiments, when the battery pack 13 is in an abnormal state, the first controller 17 controls the selection switch circuit 16 to turn on the second switch circuit 15 and turn off the first switch circuit 14, which includes: monitoring the state of the first switch circuit 14 and the second switch circuit 15. In some examples, after the first controller 17 issues a switching command through the selection switch circuit 16, it will collect the actual on / off state of the first switch circuit 14 and the second switch circuit 15 in real time through its own detection terminal (such as voltage detection terminal, current detection terminal) or feedback interface connected to the switch circuit, in order to verify whether the switching action is performed as expected.

[0096] When the first switch circuit 14 and the second switch circuit 15 are in normal condition, it is determined that the battery pack 13 is shielded. In some cases, when the first controller 17 detects that the first switch circuit 14 is open and the second switch circuit 15 is on, and both are in the same state as the control command, it determines that the faulty battery pack 13 has been successfully separated from the main circuit, the total positive terminal 11 and the total negative terminal 12 are effectively connected through the second switch circuit 15, and the branch circuit 1 remains unobstructed. At this time, it is confirmed that the shielding operation of the battery pack 13 is completed.

[0097] When the state of the first switching circuit 14 and / or the second switching circuit 15 is abnormal, the first controller 17 directly controls the first switching circuit 14 to disconnect through the third control terminal 143 and detects the state of the first switching circuit 14. In some cases, when the first controller 17 detects that the first switch circuit 14 is not disconnected and / or the second switch circuit 15 is not conducting (e.g., the switching failure is caused by a fault in the selector switch circuit 16), it activates the backup control path, sends a disconnect command directly to the first switch circuit 14, and checks its actual status again to forcibly disconnect the faulty battery pack 13 from the main circuit.

[0098] When the first switch circuit 14 is closed, the first controller 17 reports an error; In some cases, if the first controller 17 detects that the first switch circuit 14 is still in a closed state after directly controlling the first switch circuit 14, it indicates that the first switch circuit 14 has a mechanical jam, contact sticking or other faults and cannot disconnect the faulty battery pack 13. At this time, the first controller 17 will trigger the error reporting mechanism (such as sending a fault code or starting an alarm signal) and stop controlling the branch 1 to avoid the fault from spreading.

[0099] When the first switch circuit 14 is disconnected, the first controller 17 directly controls the second switch circuit 15 to be turned on through the fourth control terminal 153 and detects the status of the second switch circuit 15. In some examples, after the first controller 17 confirms that the first switch circuit 14 has been successfully disconnected, it continues to send a closing command to the second switch circuit 15 through the backup control path and detects its actual status to ensure that the total positive terminal 11 and the total negative terminal 12 form a circuit and maintain the integrity of the branch circuit 1.

[0100] When the second switch circuit 15 is disconnected, the first controller 17 reports an error. In some cases, if the first controller 17 detects that the second switch circuit 15 is still in the open state after directly controlling the second switch circuit 15, it indicates that the second switch circuit 15 is faulty and cannot form an alternative path, and the branch circuit 1 is interrupted. At this time, the first controller 17 will trigger the error reporting mechanism and stop control, prompting that manual intervention is required.

[0101] When the second switching circuit 15 is turned on, it is confirmed that the battery pack 13 is shielded.

[0102] In some cases, when the first controller 17 confirms that the second switch circuit 15 has been successfully closed and the first switch circuit 14 remains open, it determines that the faulty battery pack 13 has been shielded through the backup control path, and the main positive terminal 11 and the main negative terminal 12 are effectively connected through the second switch circuit 15, and branch 1 can continue to operate normally.

[0103] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a battery cluster is provided, including the battery cluster circuit described above or applying the battery cluster control method described above. This battery cluster possesses all the beneficial effects of the battery cluster circuit or battery cluster control method described above, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0104] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, an energy storage system is provided, comprising the aforementioned battery cluster circuit or battery cluster, or applying the aforementioned battery cluster control method. This battery cluster possesses all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned battery cluster circuit, battery cluster control method, or battery cluster, which will not be elaborated further herein.

[0105] It is understandable that energy storage systems include, but are not limited to, the following forms: Residential energy storage systems are mostly miniaturized and modular, typically consisting of several battery modules that integrate the aforementioned heat exchange system, and are mainly used by home users.

[0106] Commercial and industrial energy storage systems typically take the form of large battery containers. Each container contains multiple battery modules equipped with the aforementioned heat exchange system, along with auxiliary equipment such as energy storage converters and control systems. Application scenarios include factories, shopping malls, office buildings, data centers, and other commercial and industrial locations.

[0107] Grid-side energy storage systems are large-scale energy storage projects, often existing in the form of energy storage power stations. They consist of dozens or even hundreds of battery containers and integrate the aforementioned heat exchange system to meet the heat dissipation needs of large-scale battery clusters. They are used in fields such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, and backup power in power systems.

[0108] Mobile energy storage systems are mobile energy storage vehicles or containers equipped with towing devices or lifting structures, facilitating their transport to various scenarios for temporary power supply. Applications include emergency rescue, outdoor construction, and large-scale event support.

[0109] Energy storage systems for vehicles: The battery size of such systems is determined by the size of the vehicle and the type of energy supply. For example, the number of battery modules in a ship's energy storage system is generally greater than that in a vehicle, and the number of battery modules in a pure electric vehicle is generally greater than that in a hybrid vehicle.

[0110] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0111] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0112] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0113] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A battery cluster circuit, characterized in that, It includes multiple branches (1) connected in series, each of said branch (1) including: Total positive electrode (11) and total negative electrode (12); A battery pack (13) and a first switching circuit (14), wherein the positive terminal of the battery pack (13) is connected to the total positive terminal (11) through the first switching circuit (14), and the negative terminal of the battery pack (13) is connected to the total negative terminal (12); or, the positive terminal of the battery pack (13) is connected to the total positive terminal (11), and the negative terminal of the battery pack (13) is connected to the total negative terminal (12) through the first switching circuit (14); The second switching circuit (15) is connected between the total positive terminal (11) and the total negative terminal (12); Select switch circuit (16) and connect it to the first switch circuit (14) and the second switch circuit (15) respectively, for turning on at most one of the first switch circuit (14) and the second switch circuit (15); The first controller (17) is connected to the battery pack (13) and the selection switch circuit (16) respectively, and is used to obtain the status of the battery pack (13) in order to control the selection switch circuit (16).

2. The battery cluster circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first controller (17) has a power output terminal (171), and the selection switch circuit (16) is connected to the power output terminal (171); and / or, The selection switch circuit (16) can be connected to an external power supply (2); The power output terminal (171) or the external power supply (2) supplies power to the first switch circuit (14) or the second switch circuit (15) through the selection switch circuit (16).

3. The battery cluster circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The battery cluster circuit further includes a second controller (3), which is connected to the first controller (17) of each branch (1). The first controller (17) is used to transmit the status signal of the battery pack (13) to the second controller (3), and the second controller (3) is used to transmit a control signal to the first controller (17) according to the status signal to control the selection switch circuit (16).

4. The battery cluster circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second controller (3) is connected to the control terminal of the selection switch circuit (16) via a line and is used to control the selection switch circuit (16).

5. The battery cluster circuit according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The selection switch circuit (16) includes a first input terminal (161), a first control terminal (162), a first output terminal (163), and a second output terminal (164). The first input terminal (161) is used to connect to the power supply. The first output terminal (163) is connected to the first switch circuit (14). The second output terminal (164) is connected to the second switch circuit (15) and controls the on / off state of the second switch circuit (15). The first control terminal (162) is used to control the first input terminal (161) to connect with the first output terminal (163) or the second output terminal (164). The first controller (17) further includes a second control terminal (172) connected to the first control terminal (162), and the first controller (17) outputs control signals to the first control terminal (162) through the second control terminal (172).

6. The battery cluster circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first switching circuit (14) includes a first connection terminal (141), a second connection terminal (142) and a third control terminal (143), wherein the third control terminal (143) is connected to the first output terminal (163). The second switching circuit (15) includes a third connection terminal (151), a fourth connection terminal (152) and a fourth control terminal (153), wherein the fourth control terminal (153) is connected to the second output terminal (164). The first connection terminal (141) is connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack (13), the second connection terminal (142) is connected to the total positive terminal (11), the third connection terminal (151) is connected between the first switching circuit (14) and the total positive terminal (11), and the fourth connection terminal (152) is connected to the total negative terminal (12); or, The first connection terminal (141) is connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack (13), the second connection terminal (142) is connected to the total negative terminal (12), the third connection terminal (151) is connected between the first switching circuit (14) and the total negative terminal (12), and the fourth connection terminal (152) is connected to the total positive terminal (11).

7. The battery cluster circuit according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first controller (17) includes a first detection terminal (173) and a second detection terminal (174). The first detection terminal (173) is connected to one end of the second switching circuit (15), and the second detection terminal (174) is connected to the other end of the second switching circuit (15). The first detection terminal (173) and the second detection terminal (174) are used to monitor the status of the battery pack (13).

8. The battery cluster circuit according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first controller (17) is connected to the control terminal of the first switching circuit (14) via a line, and is used to control the on / off state of the first switching circuit (14); and / or, The first controller (17) is connected to the control terminal of the second switch circuit (15) via a line, and is used to control the on and off of the second switch circuit (15).

9. A battery cluster control method, characterized in that, The battery cluster control method, applicable to any one of claims 1-8, comprises: The first controller (17) monitors the status information of the battery pack (13); When the battery pack (13) is in normal condition, the first controller (17) controls the selection switch circuit (16) to turn on the first switch circuit (14) and turn off the second switch circuit (15), so that the battery pack (13) is connected between the total positive terminal (11) and the total negative terminal (12); When the battery pack (13) is in an abnormal state, the first controller (17) controls the selection switch circuit (16) to disconnect the first switch circuit (14) and turn on the second switch circuit (15), so that the battery pack (13) is disconnected from the total positive terminal (11) or the total negative terminal (12), and the total positive terminal (11) and the total negative terminal (12) are connected to shield the battery pack (13).

10. The battery cluster control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first controller (17) monitors the status information of the battery pack (13), including: The first controller (17) sends the status information of the battery pack (13) to the second controller (3), and the second controller (3) determines the status of the battery pack (13) based on the status information. When the battery pack (13) is in normal condition, the second controller (3) transmits a control signal to the first controller (17), and the first controller (17) continues to monitor the status of the battery pack (13); When the battery pack (13) is in an abnormal state, the second controller (3) transmits a control signal to the first controller (17), and the first controller (17) controls the selection switch circuit (16) to shield the battery pack (13).

11. The battery cluster control method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, When the battery pack (13) is in an abnormal state, the first controller (17) controls the selection switch circuit (16) to turn on the second switch circuit (15) and turn off the first switch circuit (14), including: Monitor the status of the first switching circuit (14) and the second switching circuit (15). When the first switching circuit (14) and the second switching circuit (15) are in normal condition, it is determined that the battery pack (13) is shielded. When the state of the first switch circuit (14) and / or the second switch circuit (15) is abnormal, the first controller (17) controls the first switch circuit (14) to disconnect through the third control terminal (143) and detects the state of the first switch circuit (14); When the first switch circuit (14) is closed, the first controller (17) reports an error; When the first switch circuit (14) is disconnected, the first controller (17) controls the second switch circuit (15) to be turned on through the fourth control terminal (153) and detects the status of the second switch circuit (15); When the second switching circuit (15) is disconnected, the first controller (17) reports an error; When the second switching circuit (15) is turned on, it is determined that the battery pack (13) is shielded.

12. A battery cluster, characterized in that, The battery cluster circuit includes any one of claims 1-8, or the battery cluster control method is applied according to any one of claims 9-11.

13. An energy storage system, characterized in that, The battery cluster circuit includes any one of claims 1-8, or the battery cluster of claim 12, or the battery cluster control method of any one of claims 9-11.

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