New energy battery adjacent channel mergable formation and distribution system

Abstract

The application discloses a new energy battery adjacent channel combined formation and capacity grading system, which comprises a plurality of charge-discharge channels for connecting a plurality of batteries on a tray and performing formation and capacity grading detection on the batteries, wherein two adjacent charge-discharge channels can be configured to work in combination; a channel switching unit connected with the charge-discharge channels and used for switching between a normal working mode and a channel combined working mode in response to a mode switching instruction; a communication unit connected with the charge-discharge switching unit and used for transmitting a parallel control signal between the adjacent charge-discharge channels configured to work in combination when the system operates in the channel combined working mode; and a control unit in communication connection with the channel switching unit, used for setting a working mode of the system and issuing a corresponding mode switching instruction according to the set working mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lithium battery manufacturing, specifically to a formation and capacity control system for new energy batteries that allows adjacent channels to be merged. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing production line of new energy batteries (power and energy storage batteries), the formation and capacity testing process is the core and investment-intensive link, with a long construction cycle and high initial investment cost.

[0003] With the rapid development of new energy batteries (especially power batteries and energy storage batteries), the design of formation and capacity testing equipment typically uses blueprint batteries with capacities and structural dimensions that are only suitable for current mature technologies, and the charging and discharging current of the equipment is matched accordingly. However, as research on large-capacity batteries matures further, their volume and charging current increase accordingly. The capacity (volume) of a single battery and the required charging and discharging current may increase by a factor of two or more. Traditional formation and capacity testing system designs are limited by fixed channel current capabilities and cannot meet the demands of large-capacity, high-current charging and discharging brought about by the rapid development of lithium batteries. This often requires replacing equipment or rebuilding production lines, leading to increased investment costs and extended commissioning cycles.

[0004] In this situation, existing equipment, due to its fixed current capacity in the charging and discharging channels, cannot flexibly increase the output capacity of a single channel. When the battery capacity increases, causing the charging and discharging current demand to exceed the equipment specifications, the only solution is to replace the entire equipment or carry out large-scale modifications to the production line. This results in poor equipment reusability and insufficient scalability. Taking prismatic batteries as an example, the typical arrangement of batteries in the current tray is 2×12 (or 3×12, 4×12, etc.). When the battery volume and capacity double, the arrangement is adjusted to 2×6 or 1×12. The charging and discharging current required for a single battery increases significantly or even doubles, and the channel current specifications of the original equipment cannot meet the testing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned technical defects, the present invention provides a formation and capacity testing system for new energy batteries in which adjacent channels can be merged.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention is implemented according to the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a formation and capacity testing system for new energy batteries in which adjacent channels can be merged, comprising:

[0008] Multiple charge and discharge channels are used to charge and discharge multiple batteries in the tray according to the formation and capacity requirements. Adjacent charge and discharge channels can be configured to work in combination.

[0009] A channel switching unit, connected to a charging and discharging channel, is used to switch between a normal operating mode and a channel merging operating mode in response to a mode switching command. In the channel merging operating mode, a pair of designated adjacent charging and discharging channels are electrically connected in parallel to charge and discharge the same battery together.

[0010] A communication unit, connected to the charging and discharging channel, is used to transmit parallel control signals between adjacent charging and discharging channels configured for merging operation when the system is operating in the channel merging mode.

[0011] The control unit is connected to the channel switching unit and is used to set the system's operating mode and issue corresponding mode switching commands according to the set operating mode.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a first specific embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the charging and discharging channel includes a probe assembly for contacting the battery terminals;

[0013] The current-carrying capacity of the probe assemblies distributed at intervals on the tray is preset to N times the rated value, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The current-carrying capacity of the remaining probe assemblies is the rated value, in order to accommodate the multiplied current flowing through the probe in the channel merging operation mode.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a second specific implementation of the first aspect. Specifically, the channel switching unit is an automatic switching component, which is a combined switching circuit composed of relays or power semiconductor devices. The control unit automatically realizes the electrical connection and isolation between adjacent charging and discharging channels by controlling the conduction and cutoff of the combined switching circuit.

[0015] The merging switch circuit is configured to completely isolate and control the positive and negative terminals of adjacent charging and discharging channels, or to isolate and control only the positive terminals of adjacent charging and discharging channels, while the negative terminals are connected directly or through a low-impedance path.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a third specific implementation of the first aspect, specifically, one of the control units is connected to and independently controls M charging and discharging channels, where M is an integer multiple of N;

[0017] In the channel merging mode, the control unit can configure every N adjacent channels in the M charging and discharging channels to work as one channel, that is, to simultaneously perform capacity testing on M / N batteries.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a fourth specific implementation of the first aspect. Specifically, in the channel merging working mode, the control unit configures every N adjacent charging and discharging channels as a cooperative working unit, and sets a master channel and a slave channel for the cooperative working unit.

[0019] The control unit transmits a synchronization control signal to the main channel and the slave channel through the communication unit, so that the charging and discharging operation of the slave channel follows the main channel. The channel switching unit electrically merges the main channel and the slave channel so that the main channel and the slave channel charge and discharge the same battery together through the corresponding probes.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a fifth specific embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the channel switching unit is a manual switching component, and the manual switching component electrically merges or separates adjacent charging and discharging channels by changing the external connection lines;

[0021] When the system is operating in normal mode, each charging and discharging channel operates independently.

[0022] When the system operates in channel merging mode, adjacent charge and discharge channels can be merged by manually changing the connection lines, so that they can charge and discharge the same battery together.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a sixth specific implementation of the first aspect. Specifically, the channel merging working mode corresponds to the change in the arrangement of batteries on the tray. When the arrangement of batteries on the tray changes from M batteries to a second arrangement of M / N batteries, the control unit configures adjacent charging and discharging channels to merge.

[0024] In the first arrangement, the number of batteries is N times the number of batteries in the second arrangement, and the charging and discharging current requirement of a single battery in the second arrangement is N times or less the charging and discharging current requirement of a single battery in the first arrangement.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a seventh specific embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the formation and capacity testing system is suitable for performing formation and capacity testing on pouch cells, cylindrical cells or prismatic cells.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0027] By setting up a channel switching unit, two adjacent charge / discharge channels can be electrically merged, enabling the system to flexibly increase the single-channel charge / discharge current capacity without replacing hardware, adapting to the demands of doubled single-cell battery capacity and significantly increased charge / discharge current. When battery product iterations lead to current requirements exceeding the original channel specifications, there is no need to completely replace the formation and capacity testing equipment or carry out large-scale production line modifications; compatibility can be achieved simply by switching modes, effectively avoiding redundant investment and shortening the production line upgrade cycle. In the channel merging working mode, parallel control signals are transmitted between adjacent channels through the communication unit, enabling synchronous control and state coordination of the parallel charge / discharge channels. This avoids current unevenness or system instability caused by asynchronous control, ensuring the safety and consistency of the testing process. The control unit uniformly sets the working mode and issues switching commands according to actual needs, allowing the system to flexibly switch between the normal working mode and the channel merging working mode. The same equipment can be compatible with battery production tasks of different capacity specifications, improving equipment utilization and production line flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a new energy battery formation and capacity system structure in which adjacent channels can be merged according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a connection diagram of the present invention in the channel merging working mode. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this invention provides a new energy battery formation and capacity control system that allows adjacent channels to be merged.

[0033] A new energy battery assembly and capacity testing system with merging adjacent channels includes: multiple charging and discharging channels for charging and discharging multiple batteries in a tray according to assembly and capacity testing process requirements, wherein adjacent charging and discharging channels can be configured to operate in combination; a channel switching unit connected to the charging and discharging channels for switching between a normal operating mode and a channel merging operating mode in response to a mode switching command, wherein adjacent charging and discharging channels are electrically connected in parallel to jointly charge and discharge the same battery; a communication unit for transmitting parallel operation control signals between adjacent charging and discharging channels configured to operate in combination when the system is operating in the channel merging operating mode; and a control unit communicatively connected to the communication unit and the channel switching unit for setting the system's operating mode and issuing corresponding mode switching commands according to the set operating mode.

[0034] Specifically, the system mainly includes multiple charging and discharging channels, denoted as Channel 1 to Channel M, a channel switching unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. Each charging and discharging channel corresponds to a DC / DC converter, used to connect to a single battery on the tray and perform battery classification and capacity testing. The batteries in the tray are arranged sequentially, and adjacent charging and discharging channels (e.g., Channel 1 and Channel 2, Channel 3 and Channel 4... Channel M-1 and Channel M) are physically adjacent and can be configured to operate in a combined manner. The number of combined channels is N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; in practical applications, N is usually set to 2 or 3) to accommodate large-capacity batteries that require larger charging and discharging currents or power. Depending on actual operating requirements, the system can be flexibly configured such that all adjacent charging and discharging channel pairs can be configured to operate in a combined manner, or only some adjacent charging and discharging channel pairs can be configured to operate in a combined manner, while the remaining channels still operate independently.

[0035] It should be noted that the system will not mix different types of batteries for simultaneous merging. Merging is limited to channels of the same type of battery to ensure charging and discharging safety and detection consistency. Channel merging is based on "adjacency" as the basic constraint. The conventional method of merging fixed adjacent pairs (channel 1 and channel 2, channel 3 and channel 4, etc.) can be preferred. It also supports the implementation method of combining some adjacent channels to form merged channels as needed.

[0036] The channel switching unit consists of multiple relays or contactor arrays, connected between the output terminal of each charging / discharging channel and the corresponding battery tray interface, as well as between the output buses of adjacent channels. Each charging / discharging channel has a main relay connected in series at its positive output terminal (e.g., KM1-1) and a main relay connected in series at its negative output terminal (e.g., KM1-2), used to control the connection or disconnection of the channel with the battery. For any pair of adjacent channels (e.g., channel 1 and channel 2), a parallel relay, called the positive parallel switch, is installed between their positive buses, and a parallel relay, called the negative parallel switch, is also installed between their negative buses. These parallel relays are controlled by mode switching commands issued by the control unit. Taking N=2 as an example, when two adjacent channels need to be combined for operation, all adjacent pairs of parallel relays between these two channels (e.g., the positive and negative parallel relays between channels 1-2, 2-3, ..., and channel (M-1)-M) must be closed. These parallel relays are controlled by mode switching commands issued by the control unit.

[0037] The communication unit includes at least one parallel signal transmission line for real-time transmission of parallel control signals between adjacent charge / discharge channels configured to operate in parallel. These parallel control signals include, but are not limited to, current reference synchronization signals, voltage reference synchronization signals, fault protection synchronization signals, and master / slave status signals.

[0038] The control unit typically consists of a host computer and a middle unit, and is connected to the channel switching unit. The control unit is used by the user to set the system's operating mode according to the type of battery produced, i.e., the normal operating mode or the channel merging operating mode, and issues the corresponding mode switching command to the channel switching unit according to the set operating mode.

[0039] 1. Standard work mode

[0040] When the system is set to normal operating mode, the control unit sends a normal operating mode command to the channel switching unit. In response to this command, the channel switching unit performs the following actions:

[0041] Close the main relays (KM1-1, KM1-2, etc.) of all channels; disconnect the parallel relays between all adjacent channels. At this point, each charge / discharge channel is electrically independent. Each channel is connected to a separate battery, and the power module of each channel operates independently, performing independent constant current and constant voltage charge / discharge control on the battery according to its own process steps. This mode is suitable for the largest number of relatively small-capacity batteries undergoing formation and capacity testing.

[0042] 2. Channel merging working mode

[0043] When the system is set to channel merging mode, the control unit sets the system to enter channel merging mode.

[0044] (1) Merging configurations and switching

[0045] The control unit first identifies the target channel pair that needs to be merged. The control unit then issues a merging mode switching command for that channel pair to the channel switching unit. Taking channel 1 and channel 2 as an example, in response to this command, the channel switching unit performs the following actions:

[0046] Disconnect the main relays connecting the batteries to Channel 1 and Channel 2 respectively to ensure no current surge during switching; close the positive and negative parallel relays located between Channel 1 and Channel 2; after the parallel relays have stabilized and closed, close the main relays for Channel 1 and Channel 2 again to connect the merged parallel circuit to the same battery. At this point, Channel 1 and Channel 2 are electrically connected in parallel, forming an equivalent high-power charging and discharging circuit connected to the same battery.

[0047] (2) Master-slave control and parallel signal transmission

[0048] In channel merging mode, the control unit configures channel 1 as the master and channel 2 as the slave via the communication unit. The master is responsible for receiving the total charge / discharge process parameters, such as the constant current value, from the control unit and allocating current commands to itself based on internal calculations. The slave receives the real-time parallel control signal from channel 1 via the communication unit. This signal contains the current reference value that the slave should output.

[0049] The master and slave devices achieve real-time current sharing of output current based on the synchronization signal transmitted through the high-speed communication link. The communication unit also transmits a fault protection synchronization signal; if the master detects an overcurrent or short-circuit fault, it will immediately send a "synchronous shutdown" signal to the slave through the communication unit to ensure that both channels simultaneously cut off the output, protecting the battery and the device.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the charge / discharge channel includes a probe assembly for contacting the battery terminals; wherein the overcurrent capacity of the probe assemblies distributed at intervals on the tray is preset to N times the rated value, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the overcurrent capacity of the remaining probe assemblies is the rated value, to accommodate the multiplied current flowing through the probe in the channel merging operation mode.

[0051] Specifically, each charge / discharge channel includes a set of probe assemblies to form reliable electrical contact with the battery terminals after the tray is in place. The tray has multiple probe assembly mounting positions arranged at preset intervals, with each probe assembly corresponding to a specific charge / discharge channel. To accommodate the increased current required in channel merging operation, the probe assemblies employ a differentiated overcurrent capability design. The overcurrent capability of the probe assemblies spaced at intervals on the tray is preset to N times the rated value, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, when supporting two channel merging, the maximum value of N is 2; when supporting three channel merging, the maximum value of N is 3. The overcurrent capability of the remaining probe assemblies is the rated value, with the specific value of N designed according to actual needs.

[0052] Taking N=2 as an example, the probe assemblies on the tray are arranged in a pattern of "strong-normal-strong-normal-...". The positions correspond to the probe assemblies in channel pairs that can be merged (such as channel 1 and channel 2, channel 3 and channel 4... channel M and channel M-1), and their current-carrying capacity is twice that of ordinary probes. When the system enters the channel merging mode, connecting two adjacent channels in parallel to charge and discharge the same battery, the total current flowing through the battery terminals is twice the rated current of a single channel. The high-current-carrying-capacity probe at this position can precisely handle this increased current, preventing the probe from becoming a system bottleneck. For channels that always operate independently in normal mode, the corresponding ordinary probes are sufficient to meet the requirements, without incurring additional costs.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the channel switching unit is an automatic switching component, which is a combined switching circuit composed of relays or power semiconductor devices. The control unit automatically realizes the electrical connection and isolation between adjacent charging and discharging channels by controlling the conduction and cutoff of the combined switching circuit. The combined switching circuit is configured to completely isolate both the positive and negative terminals of adjacent charging and discharging channels, or is configured to isolate only the positive terminal of adjacent charging and discharging channels, while the negative terminal is directly or through a low-impedance path.

[0054] Specifically, for any pair of adjacent channels (e.g., channel 1 and channel 2), the channel switching unit is equipped with a merging switch circuit, which is controlled by mode switching commands issued by the control unit. Depending on the application scenario and cost considerations, the merging switch circuit can be configured in one or a combination of the following two forms:

[0055] Configuration Method 1: Complete Isolation Control

[0056] In this configuration, the combined switching circuit includes a positive parallel switch and a negative parallel switch.

[0057] A positive parallel switch (such as a relay Kp) is installed between the positive busbars of channel 1 and channel 2.

[0058] A negative parallel switch (such as a relay Kn) is installed between the negative busbars of channel 1 and channel 2.

[0059] When performing a channel merging operation, the control unit simultaneously closes both the positive and negative parallel switches, achieving complete electrical parallel connection of the two channels in both positive and negative polarities. When it is necessary to restore independent operation, both switches are simultaneously opened, achieving complete electrical isolation between the two channels. The advantage of this configuration is that it provides thorough isolation, effectively suppressing ground loop interference between different channels, and is suitable for applications requiring high precision in negative electrode potential control.

[0060] Configuration Method 2: Single-Pole Isolation Control

[0061] In this configuration, the combined switching circuit only isolates the positive terminals of adjacent charging and discharging channels, while the negative terminals are directly connected or connected via a low-impedance path (such as a copper busbar) for common connection. Specifically:

[0062] A positive parallel switch (such as a relay Kp) is installed between the positive busbars of channel 1 and channel 2.

[0063] The negative busbars of channel 1 and channel 2 are directly connected through a low-impedance conductor without a negative isolation switch; or, the negative busbars of multiple channels are connected to a common negative busbar.

[0064] When performing a channel merging operation, the control unit only closes the positive parallel switch. Since the negative terminals are already electrically connected, the two channels are electrically connected in parallel. When it is necessary to resume independent operation, the positive parallel switch is simply opened. The advantage of this configuration is that it reduces the number of switching devices (saving one negative parallel switch for each adjacent channel pair), lowering hardware costs and control system complexity. Simultaneously, because the negative terminals are shared, no switching action on the negative side is required at the moment of merging, resulting in faster response and less switching shock. This configuration is particularly suitable for applications with no polarity switching requirements, consistent battery polarity, consistent negative terminal potential references, and insensitivity to ground loop interference.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, one control unit connects to and independently controls M charging and discharging channels, where M is an integer multiple of N; in the channel merging operation mode, the control unit can configure every N adjacent channels among the M charging and discharging channels to work as one channel, that is, to simultaneously perform capacity testing on M / N batteries.

[0066] Specifically, the control unit connects to and controls M charging / discharging channels, where M is an integer greater than 2 and an integer multiple of N (where N is the set number of combined channels). For example, one control unit can manage 8, 16, or 32 charging / discharging channels simultaneously. If N=2, then M is an even number; if N=3, then M is a multiple of 3. The specific value of N is set according to actual needs. This control unit can issue operating mode commands for each channel or each group of channels separately.

[0067] The control unit is used to set the working mode of each channel or group of channels according to the automatic detection results input by the user, and to issue corresponding mode switching commands to the channel switching unit according to the set working mode. By controlling the conduction and cutoff of each switching device in the combined switching circuit, the electrical connection and isolation between adjacent charging and discharging channels are automatically realized.

[0068] Each N channels are configured to operate as one channel (N≥2), forming M / N equivalent high-current channels to simultaneously perform capacity testing on M / N batteries. For example, when N=2, channels 1 and 2, channels 3 and 4, ..., and channels M-1 and M are merged respectively; when N=3, channels 1, 2 and 3, channels 4, 5 and 6, ..., channels M-2, M-1 and M are merged respectively. The control unit automatically identifies and determines the number N channels to be merged based on the capacity specifications of the actual connected batteries, and issues merge commands accordingly, thereby achieving simultaneous capacity testing on M / N batteries.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, in the channel merging mode, the control unit configures every N adjacent charge / discharge channels as a cooperative working unit and sets a master channel and a slave channel for the cooperative working unit; the control unit transmits a synchronization control signal to the master channel and the slave channel through the communication unit, so that the charge / discharge operation of the slave channel follows the master channel, and the channel switching unit electrically merges the master channel and the slave channel so that the master channel and the slave channel jointly charge and discharge the same battery through the corresponding probes.

[0070] Specifically, the control unit first identifies the target channel group to be merged. Taking a maximum of 3 channels as an example, assuming the control unit manages channels 1 to 9 for charging and discharging, when a large-capacity battery requiring 3 times the rated current is connected, the control unit identifies channels 1 to 3 as the target group for merging. The control unit issues a merging mode switching command for this channel group to the channel switching unit. In response to this command, the channel switching unit performs the following actions:

[0071] Disconnect the battery connections to the main switching devices corresponding to channels 1, 2, and 3 respectively to ensure no current surge during switching; according to the configuration of the merging switch circuit, sequentially close the merging switches between adjacent channels:

[0072] For a fully isolated configuration, sequentially close the positive and negative pole merging switches between channels 1-2 and between channels 2-3;

[0073] For a single-pole isolation configuration, the positive pole merging switch between the above channel pairs is closed sequentially (the negative pole has been pre-connected).

[0074] After all the merging switches have been stably closed, close the main switching devices of Channel 1, Channel 2, and Channel 3 again to connect the merged circuit to the same battery.

[0075] At this point, channels 1 to 3 are electrically connected in parallel, forming an equivalent high-power charging and discharging circuit connected to the same battery. Since the probe assembly contacting the battery terminals has been pre-configured for high overcurrent capability, in this scenario, the corresponding probe overcurrent capability needs to be designed at 3 times the rated value, thus safely carrying the doubled charging and discharging current after merging.

[0076] In the channel merging operation mode, the control unit configures every N adjacent charge / discharge channels as a cooperative working unit and assigns a master channel and slave channels to this cooperative working unit. For a cooperative working unit containing multiple channels, the control unit also designates one master channel and the rest as slave channels.

[0077] More specifically, the control unit transmits synchronization control signals to the main channel and the slave channel through the communication unit, causing the charging and discharging operation of the slave channel to follow that of the main channel. Simultaneously, the channel switching unit electrically merges the main channel and the slave channel, enabling them to charge and discharge the corresponding batteries via probes.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the channel switching unit is a manual switching component. The manual switching component electrically merges or separates adjacent charging and discharging channels by changing the external connection lines. When the system is operating in the normal operating mode, each charging and discharging channel operates independently. When the system is operating in the channel merging operating mode, the adjacent charging and discharging channels are connected in parallel by manually changing the connection lines to charge and discharge the same battery together.

[0079] Specifically, the manual switching component can adopt pluggable terminals, shorting cables, etc. In normal operating mode, the output terminals of each charging / discharging channel are connected to the corresponding battery through independent connection lines, and each channel operates independently. When it is necessary to merge adjacent channels, the operator externally merges the output terminals of adjacent channels by replacing or adding connection lines. This solution is suitable for scenarios where the production line configuration is relatively fixed and frequent switching is not required. It has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and high reliability. Regardless of whether automatic control or manual switching is used, the channel switching unit can achieve the following two operating modes:

[0080] In normal operating mode, the channel switching unit makes each charge / discharge channel electrically independent. Each charge / discharge channel is connected to a separate battery for charging and discharging. This mode is suitable for batch testing of standard specification batteries.

[0081] In channel merging mode, when testing a large-capacity battery, a designated set of adjacent charge / discharge channels (e.g., channel A, channel B, and channel C) are electrically merged via automatic commands or manual operation. Simultaneously, the control unit configures this group of channels as a cooperative working unit and sets a master channel (e.g., channel A) and slave channels (e.g., channel B and channel C). The control unit transmits synchronization control signals to the master and slave channels via a communication unit, causing the charge / discharge operation of the slave channels to follow the master channel. At this point, these channels are electrically merged and controllably coordinated, all connected to a large-capacity battery on the same tray for charging and discharging. In this mode, because the probe assembly at the corresponding position of the battery is pre-set with an overcurrent capacity matching the maximum number of merged channels (N times), it can safely withstand the increased current after merging.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the channel merging working mode corresponds to the change in the battery arrangement on the tray. When the number of batteries on the tray changes from M batteries to a second arrangement of M / N batteries, the control unit configures adjacent charging and discharging channels to merge. In this arrangement, the number of batteries in the first arrangement is N times the number of batteries in the second arrangement, and the charging and discharging current requirement of a single battery in the second arrangement is within N times (maximum N times) the charging and discharging current requirement of a single battery in the first arrangement.

[0083] Specifically, in actual production, the arrangement of batteries on the tray is adjusted according to the specifications of the batteries being produced. For example, when producing smaller capacity batteries, more batteries can be arranged on the tray. The first arrangement, such as a 2×12 array with 24 batteries, involves relatively low charging / discharging current requirements for each battery. The system operates in normal mode, with each charging / discharging channel serving one battery independently. When switching to producing larger capacity batteries, the number of batteries that can be placed on the tray decreases due to the increased battery size. A second arrangement is then adopted, such as a 1×12 array with 12 batteries (M / N=12, N=2). Simultaneously, the charging / discharging current requirement for a single battery increases to within twice the original value (maximum of twice). The control unit automatically determines the change in battery arrangement by identifying the tray type, reading production order information, or receiving user configuration commands. It then configures adjacent charging / discharging channels to work in a combined manner. For example, when the number of combinations N=2, channel 1 is combined with channel 2, channel 3 with channel 4, and so on, so that the combined channels can provide a multiplied current matching the battery's current requirements. If producing larger capacity batteries increases the charging and discharging current requirement of a single battery to within three times the original (maximum three times), the control unit can also merge three adjacent channels into a combined group to provide a maximum current output of three times. This embodiment realizes intelligent linkage between equipment configuration and production changeover, and can automatically switch working modes without manual intervention, greatly improving the efficiency of production line changeover and avoiding equipment damage or test anomalies caused by configuration errors.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the formation and capacity testing system is suitable for performing formation and capacity testing on pouch cells, cylindrical cells, or prismatic cells.

[0085] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A formation and capacity testing system for new energy batteries that allows adjacent channels to be merged, characterized in that, include: Multiple charge and discharge channels are used to charge and discharge multiple batteries in the tray according to the formation and capacity requirements. Adjacent charge and discharge channels can be configured to work in combination. A channel switching unit is connected to a charging and discharging channel and is used to switch between a normal working mode and a channel merging working mode in response to a mode switching command. In the channel merging working mode, adjacent charging and discharging channels are electrically connected in parallel to charge and discharge the same battery together. A communication unit, connected to the charging and discharging channel, is used to transmit parallel control signals between adjacent charging and discharging channels configured for merging operation when the system is operating in the channel merging mode. The control unit is connected to the channel switching unit and is used to set the system's operating mode and issue corresponding mode switching commands according to the set operating mode.

2. The formation and capacity testing system for adjacent channels of a new energy battery that can be merged according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging and discharging channel includes a probe assembly for contacting the battery terminals; The current-carrying capacity of the probe assemblies distributed at intervals on the tray is preset to N times the rated value, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The current-carrying capacity of the remaining probe assemblies is the rated value, in order to accommodate the multiplied current flowing through the probe in the channel merging operation mode.

3. The formation and capacity testing system for adjacent channels of a new energy battery that can be merged according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channel switching unit is an automatic switching component, which is a combined switching circuit composed of relays or power semiconductor devices. The control unit automatically realizes the electrical connection and isolation between adjacent charging and discharging channels by controlling the conduction and cutoff of the combined switching circuit. The merging switch circuit is configured to completely isolate and control the positive and negative terminals of adjacent charging and discharging channels, or to isolate and control only the positive terminals of adjacent charging and discharging channels, while the negative terminals are connected directly or through a low-impedance path.

4. A new energy battery formation and capacity testing system with merging adjacent channels according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the control units connects to and independently controls M charging and discharging channels, where M is an integer multiple of N; In the channel merging mode, the control unit can configure every N adjacent channels in the M charging and discharging channels to work as one channel, that is, to simultaneously perform capacity testing on M / N batteries.

5. A formation and capacity testing system for adjacent channels of a new energy battery that can be merged according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the channel merging working mode, the control unit configures every N adjacent charging and discharging channels as a cooperative working unit, and sets a master channel and a slave channel for the cooperative working unit; The control unit transmits a synchronization control signal to the main channel and the slave channel through the communication unit, so that the charging and discharging operation of the slave channel follows the main channel. The channel switching unit electrically merges the main channel and the slave channel so that the main channel and the slave channel charge and discharge the same battery together through the corresponding probes.

6. A new energy battery formation and capacity testing system with merging adjacent channels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channel switching unit is a manual switching component, which electrically merges or separates adjacent charging and discharging channels by changing the external connection lines. When the system is operating in normal mode, each charging and discharging channel operates independently. When the system operates in channel merging mode, adjacent charge and discharge channels can be merged by manually changing the connection lines, so that they can charge and discharge the same battery together.

7. A new energy battery formation and capacity testing system with merging adjacent channels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channel merging working mode corresponds to the change in the battery arrangement on the tray. When the battery arrangement on the tray changes from M batteries to a second arrangement of M / N batteries, the control unit configures adjacent charging and discharging channels to merge. In the first arrangement, the number of batteries is N times the number of batteries in the second arrangement, and the charging and discharging current requirement of a single battery in the second arrangement is N times or less the charging and discharging current requirement of a single battery in the first arrangement.

8. A new energy battery formation and capacity testing system with merging adjacent channels according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The formation and capacity testing system is suitable for performing formation and capacity testing on pouch cells, cylindrical cells, or prismatic cells.

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