Battery pack architecture and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to the field of battery technology and provides a battery pack architecture and vehicle. The battery pack architecture of this application includes a power module, and a charging interface and a controller interface connected to the power module. The power module includes a first battery pack, a second battery pack, a first contactor connected between the positive terminals of both the first and second battery packs, a second contactor connected between the negative terminal of the first and second battery packs and the positive terminal of the second battery pack, and a third contactor connected between the negative terminals of both the first and second battery packs. Controlling the first, second, and third contactors to turn them on and off allows for switching between parallel and series connections between the first and second battery packs. The battery pack architecture described in this application, with two sets of battery packs, offers high reliability; if one set fails, the other can still operate. It also supports both parallel and series charging, providing good charging compatibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack architecture. This application also relates to a vehicle using this battery pack architecture. Background Technology

[0002] Existing vehicles generally use a 400V battery pack architecture. However, as consumers continue to demand longer driving ranges and faster charging speeds, some vehicles are also using an 800V battery pack architecture.

[0003] Because 400V and 800V battery pack architectures have different voltages, each requires voltage-matched electrical components. The higher the voltage of the components, the higher their cost. For example, the 800V battery pack architecture requires a larger number of 1200V high-voltage power devices and silicon carbide power devices, making it relatively more expensive than the 400V battery pack architecture.

[0004] In addition, the 400V battery pack architecture can only be charged via 400V, and the 800V battery pack architecture can only be charged via 800V, resulting in a single charging mode. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application aims to propose a battery pack architecture with good charging compatibility and low cost.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows:

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows:

[0008] A battery pack architecture includes a power module, and a charging interface and a controller interface connected to the power module;

[0009] The power module includes a first battery pack, a second battery pack, a first contactor connected between the positive terminals of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, a second contactor connected between the negative terminal of the first battery pack and the positive terminal of the second battery pack, and a third contactor connected between the negative terminals of the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0010] When the first contactor and the third contactor are connected, and the second contactor is disconnected,

[0011] The first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in parallel; when the first contactor and the third contactor are disconnected and the second contactor is connected, the first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in series.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an auxiliary power interface connected to the power module, the auxiliary power interface being used to connect to a power consumption module, and the power consumption module including at least one of a DC-DC converter, an air conditioning compressor, and a heater.

[0013] Furthermore, the positive terminal of the power module is connected to the auxiliary power interface via an auxiliary power contactor, and a first safety device is provided on the circuit connecting the auxiliary power contactor and the auxiliary power interface.

[0014] Furthermore, the DC-DC converter, the air conditioning compressor, and the heater are respectively connected to the on-board charger, and the on-board charger has an AC charging interface at its input end.

[0015] Furthermore, the positive terminal of the power module is connected to the charging interface via a positive charging contactor, and the negative terminal of the power module is connected to the charging interface via a negative charging contactor.

[0016] Furthermore, the circuit connecting the third contactor and the first battery pack is equipped with a first current detection device for detecting current; and / or,

[0017] The circuit connecting the third contactor and the charging negative contactor is equipped with a second current detection device for detecting current.

[0018] Furthermore, one end of the second contactor and one end of the first contactor are connected together, and a second safety device is provided on the circuit where the connection between the second contactor and the first contactor is connected to the first battery pack; a third safety device is provided on the circuit where the second battery pack and the third contactor are connected; and / or, there are multiple controller interfaces, and the multiple controller interfaces are respectively connected to the power module.

[0019] Furthermore, one of the positive and negative terminals of the power module is connected to the controller interface via a first control element that controls the on / off state of the control circuit, and the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power module is connected to the controller interface via a second control element that controls the on / off state of the control circuit.

[0020] Furthermore, the first control element includes a fourth contactor; or, the first control element includes two fourth contactors connected in parallel; the second control element includes a fifth contactor, and a pre-charge contactor and a pre-charge resistor connected in parallel with the fifth contactor.

[0021] Compared with related technologies, this application has the following advantages:

[0022] (1) The battery pack architecture described in this application has high application reliability due to the arrangement of two sets of battery packs, namely the first battery pack and the second battery pack. If one set fails, the other set can still work normally. The battery pack architecture supports both parallel charging and series charging. Since the voltages of the first battery pack and the second battery pack are different after being connected in series and in parallel, the battery pack architecture can realize two types of charging, resulting in good charging compatibility. Since the voltage of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower after being connected in parallel, the discharge process can be achieved through the parallel discharge of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, allowing the battery pack architecture to be matched with low-power electrical components, resulting in lower application costs.

[0023] (2) When the battery pack architecture uses the first battery pack and the second battery pack to discharge in parallel, the power module can use the power through the auxiliary power interface. When the battery pack architecture uses a non-standard voltage for charging, such as the voltage between the parallel voltage and the series voltage of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the power module can still use the power through the auxiliary power interface.

[0024] (3) An auxiliary power contactor is set up to facilitate the independent control of the power modules connected to the auxiliary power interface. By setting up a first safety device, the safety and reliability of the power modules connected to the auxiliary power interface can be improved.

[0025] (4) The DC-DC converter, air conditioning compressor and heater are connected to the on-board charger respectively, and an AC charging interface is provided to facilitate the on-board charger to connect to an external AC power source. When the battery pack architecture adopts the series fast charging mode of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the DC-DC converter, air conditioning compressor and heater can be powered by an external AC power source and the on-board charger, which helps to ensure the normal operation of these power modules.

[0026] (5) The positive terminal of the power module is connected to the charging interface through a charging positive contactor, and the negative terminal of the power module is connected to the charging interface through a charging negative contactor. By controlling the on and off of the charging positive and charging negative contactors, it is beneficial to ensure that the charging proceeds smoothly.

[0027] (6) A first current detection device is provided to facilitate the detection of the current in the circuit connecting the third contactor and the first battery pack, and a second current detection device is provided to facilitate the detection of the current in the circuit connecting the third contactor and the charging negative contactor.

[0028] (7) One end of the second contactor and the first contactor are connected together, and a second fuse is provided on the circuit where the connection between the second contactor and the first contactor is connected to the first battery pack, which can prevent the electrical components in the circuit from being damaged by overheating due to long-term overload; a third fuse is provided on the circuit where the second battery pack and the third contactor are connected, which can prevent the electrical components in the circuit from being damaged by overheating due to long-term overload; multiple controller interfaces are provided, and multiple controller interfaces are connected to the power module respectively, which is conducive to the power module supplying power to multiple controllers at the same time through multiple controller interfaces.

[0029] (8) The first and second control elements are set to facilitate the switching on and off of the control circuit, which helps to improve the safety and reliability of the controller connected to the controller interface.

[0030] (9) Setting the first control element as the fourth contactor and the second control element as the fifth contactor ensures the safe and reliable operation of the controller connected to the controller interface, while also reducing production costs.

[0031] Another object of this application is to provide a vehicle that uses the battery pack architecture described above.

[0032] The vehicle described in this application, by applying the above-mentioned battery pack architecture, can reduce vehicle costs by matching low-power electrical components, and also helps to ensure normal vehicle operation, thereby improving the reliability and safety of vehicle applications. Since it can be charged under two voltages, it is convenient for consumers to choose the appropriate charging mode. The series fast charging method has a short charging time, which helps to save consumers' time. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exemplary structural diagram of the battery pack architecture described in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is an exemplary structural diagram of the power module described in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Charging port; 2. Front drive controller port; 3. Rear drive controller port;

[0038] 4. Power supply module;

[0039] 401. First battery pack; 402. Second battery pack; 403. First contactor; 404. Second contactor; 405. Third contactor;

[0040] 5. Auxiliary power interface; 6. Power module;

[0041] 601. DC-DC converter; 602. Air conditioning compressor; 603. Heater;

[0042] 7. Auxiliary contactor; 8. First safety device; 9. On-board charger; 10. AC charging interface; 11. Positive charging contactor; 12. Negative charging contactor; 13. First current detection device; 14. Second current detection device; 15. Second safety device; 16. Third safety device; 17. Fourth contactor; 18. Fifth contactor; 19. Pre-charge contactor; 20. Pre-charge resistor; 21. Battery; 22. Air conditioning system. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0044] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this application, if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, these are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in light of the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] The present application will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0049] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a battery pack architecture that is low in cost, has good charging compatibility, and can operate safely and reliably.

[0050] In related technologies, a 400V battery pack architecture is generally used. However, as consumers continue to demand longer driving ranges and faster recharging speeds, some vehicles are also using an 800V battery pack architecture.

[0051] Because the 400V and 800V battery pack architectures have different voltages, each architecture requires voltage-matched electrical components. The higher the voltage of these components, the higher their cost. For example, in a full 800V battery pack architecture, high-voltage power devices are used extensively; the number of 1200V withstand voltage high-voltage power devices exceeds 30, and dual-motor models require at least 12 silicon carbide (SiC) power devices. Existing SiC power devices are several times more expensive than insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), resulting in higher component costs.

[0052] Furthermore, the development cost of 800V battery pack architecture is also high. Since most components related to the 800V battery pack architecture need to be redesigned and verified, the testing workload is much larger compared to smaller iterations. Some of the testing equipment used for the 400V battery pack architecture will be incompatible with the 800V battery pack architecture, requiring the purchase of new testing equipment. OEMs using new products with 800V battery pack architecture typically need to share more of the testing and development costs with component suppliers. It is estimated that for a 400kW dual-motor pure electric vehicle using a full 800V battery pack architecture, the cost increase from 400V to 800V is approximately 10,000-20,000 yuan.

[0053] Furthermore, the 800V battery pack architecture has low cost-effectiveness. Taking a pure electric customer using a home charging station as an example, assuming a charging cost of 0.5 yuan / kWh and an energy consumption of 20kWh / 100km (typical energy consumption for high-speed cruising of a mid-to-large-sized EV), the increased cost of the current 800V system could only cover the customer's driving distance for 100,000-200,000 kilometers. Over the vehicle's lifespan, the energy cost savings from efficiency improvements cannot cover the increase in vehicle price.

[0054] An 800V battery pack architecture requires nearly twice the number of cells connected in series as a 400V battery pack architecture. This places higher demands on cell consistency, making the "weakest link" effect more pronounced. Sometimes, a poor-quality cell can significantly reduce the usable capacity. Furthermore, a 400V battery pack architecture can only be charged at 400V, while an 800V battery pack architecture can only be charged at 800V, resulting in a single charging mode.

[0055] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of related technologies, the battery pack architecture of this embodiment combines... Figure 1 As shown, the overall design includes a power module 4, a charging interface 1, and a controller interface connected to the power module 4. The following explanation will use this battery pack architecture as an example of a vehicle's battery pack structure.

[0056] Based on the above overview, specifically, let's continue to combine... Figure 1 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the power module 4 includes a first battery pack 401, a second battery pack 402, a first contactor 403 connected between the positive terminals of both the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402, a second contactor 404 connected between the negative terminal of the first battery pack 401 and the positive terminal of the second battery pack 402, and a third contactor 405 connected between the negative terminals of both the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402.

[0057] When the first contactor 403 and the third contactor 405 are on and the second contactor 404 is off, the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 are connected in parallel; when the first contactor 403 and the third contactor 405 are off and the second contactor 404 is on, the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 are connected in series.

[0058] In one example, the voltage of the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 is 400V. When they are connected in parallel, the voltage is 400V. When they are connected in series, the voltage is 800V.

[0059] The battery pack architecture of this application, due to the arrangement of two battery packs, a first battery pack 401 and a second battery pack 402, offers high application reliability; if one pack fails, the other can still function normally. This battery pack architecture simultaneously supports parallel and series charging. Because the voltages of the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 differ when connected in series and in parallel, this battery pack architecture can achieve two charging voltages, resulting in good charging compatibility. Since the voltage is lower when the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 are connected in parallel, the discharge process can proceed through the parallel discharge of the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402. This allows the battery pack architecture to be compatible with lower-power electrical components, resulting in lower application costs.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the battery pack architecture of this application also includes an auxiliary power interface 5 connected to the power module 4. The auxiliary power interface 5 is used to connect to the power consumption module 6, and the power consumption module 6 includes at least one of a DC-DC converter 601 (DC / DC module), an air conditioning compressor 602, and a heater 603.

[0061] It should be understood that the power module 6 can be any one, two, or three of the following: a DC / DC converter 601, an air conditioning compressor 602, and a heater 603. Preferably, the heater 603 is an existing PTC heater. It should be noted that the DC / DC converter 601, the air conditioning compressor 602, and the heater 603 are each externally connected to an enable control signal, and each of these three is connected to the auxiliary power interface 5.

[0062] The aforementioned DC-DC converter 601 is connected to the battery 21, which is, for example, a 12V battery. The DC / DC module can step down the parallel 400V voltage to 14V to charge the 12V low-voltage battery 21. The air conditioning compressor 602 is, for example, a 400V air conditioning system 22, which can be used to cool the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402, as well as to cool the passenger cabin. The PTC heater can be used to heat the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402, as well as to provide heating for the passenger cabin.

[0063] In the above structure, an auxiliary power interface 5 is provided, preferably an existing high-voltage auxiliary power interface 5. When the battery pack architecture uses the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 to discharge in parallel, the power module 6 can use power through the auxiliary power interface 5. When the battery pack architecture uses a non-standard voltage for charging, such as the voltage between the parallel voltage and the series voltage of the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402, the power module 6 can still use power through the auxiliary power interface 5.

[0064] Still refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the positive terminal of the power module 4 is connected to the auxiliary power interface 5 via an auxiliary power contactor 7, and a first safety device 8 is provided on the circuit connecting the auxiliary power contactor 7 and the auxiliary power interface 5.

[0065] The auxiliary power contactor 7 provided here facilitates independent control of the power module 6 connected to the auxiliary power interface 5. By providing a first safety device 8, such as an existing fuse, the safety and reliability of the power module 6 connected to the auxiliary power interface 5 can be improved.

[0066] For ease of use, such as Figure 2 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the DC-DC converter 601, the air conditioning compressor 602 and the heater 603 are respectively connected to the on-board charger 9, and the on-board charger 9 is provided with an AC charging interface 10 at its input end.

[0067] For example, the on-board charger 9 is a 400V on-board charger, and the AC charging interface 10 is, for example, an AC-DC converter that can convert 220V AC power to 220V DC power to ensure the normal operation of the on-board charger 9. Specifically, 220V AC power can be obtained from an 800V fast charging terminal. Since the current fast charging terminal equipment does not have a 220V AC power supply, it needs to be matched and added.

[0068] The DC-DC converter 601, air conditioning compressor 602, and heater 603 are respectively connected to the on-board charger 9 and are provided with an AC charging interface 10 to facilitate the on-board charger 9 to be connected to an external AC power source. When the battery pack architecture adopts the series fast charging mode of the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402, the power modules 6 such as the DC-DC converter 601, air conditioning compressor 602, and heater 603 can be powered by an external AC power source and the on-board charger 9, which helps to ensure the normal operation of these power modules 6.

[0069] Still refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the positive terminal of the power module 4 is connected to the charging interface 1 via a positive charging contactor 11, and the negative terminal of the power module 4 is connected to the charging interface 1 via a negative charging contactor 12.

[0070] The positive terminal of the power module 4 is connected to the charging interface 1 via a positive charging contactor 11, and the negative terminal of the power module 4 is connected to the charging interface 1 via a negative charging contactor 12. By controlling the on / off state of the positive charging contactor 11 and the negative charging contactor 12, it is beneficial to ensure smooth charging.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 1As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, a first current detection device 13 for detecting current is provided on the circuit connecting the third contactor 405 and the first battery pack 401. This first current detection device 13, for example, can employ an existing current sensor to facilitate the detection of current in the circuit connecting the third contactor 405 and the first battery pack 401.

[0072] In some examples, a second current detection device 14 for detecting current is provided on the circuit connected to the third contactor 405 and the charging negative contactor 12. The second current detection device 14 provided here can, for example, be an existing current sensor, to facilitate the detection of current on the circuit connected to the third contactor 405 and the charging negative contactor 12.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, one end of the second contactor 404 and the first contactor 403 are connected together, and a second safety device 15 is provided on the circuit where the connection between the second contactor 404 and the first contactor 403 is connected to the first battery pack 401. This second safety device 15, for example, is a conventional fuse, which prevents overheating damage to electrical components in the circuit due to prolonged overload. Preferably, the second safety device 15 is a conventional smart fuse.

[0074] In some examples, a third safety device 16 is provided on the circuit connecting the second battery pack 402 and the third contactor 405, which, for example, uses an existing fuse, to prevent electrical components in the circuit from overheating and being damaged due to prolonged overload.

[0075] For ease of use, in some examples, there are multiple controller interfaces, each connected to the power module 4. In this embodiment, there are two controller interfaces, such as front drive controller interface 2 and rear drive controller interface 3. Front drive controller interface 2 is used to connect to the front drive controller, while rear drive controller interface 3 is used to connect to the rear drive controller.

[0076] In the above structure, multiple controller interfaces are provided, and each controller interface is connected to the power module 4, which allows the power module 4 to supply power to multiple controllers simultaneously through multiple controller interfaces. It should be understood that the number of controller interfaces can also be other, such as one, three, etc.

[0077] Continue to refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, one of the positive and negative terminals of the power module 4 is connected to a first control element via a control circuit to the controller interface, and the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power module 4 is connected to a second control element via a control circuit to the controller interface.

[0078] For example Figure 1In the structure shown, the positive terminal of the power module 4 is connected to the controller interface through a first control element. In specific implementation, since there are two controller interfaces, one end of the first control element is connected to the positive terminal of the battery module, and the other end of the first control element is connected to the front drive controller interface 2 and the rear drive controller interface 3 respectively.

[0079] The negative terminal of the power module 4 is connected to the controller interface through a second control element. In specific implementation, since there are two controller interfaces, one end of the second control element is connected to the negative terminal of the battery module. For example, in this embodiment, one end of the second control element is connected to the downstream of the second current detection device 14, and the other end of the second control element is connected to the front drive controller interface 2 and the rear drive controller interface 3 respectively.

[0080] In the above structure, the first and second control elements facilitate the switching on and off of the control circuit, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the controller connected to the controller interface.

[0081] like Figure 1 In some exemplary embodiments, the first control element includes a fourth contactor 17, which ensures the safe and reliable operation of the controller connected to the controller interface while reducing production costs. For example, in this example, the fourth contactor 17 is an 800V high-voltage contactor. It should be understood that, in addition to using one fourth contactor 17, the first control element can also be replaced with two fourth contactors 17 connected in parallel, depending on the power of the front-drive controller and the rear-drive controller. In this case, the two fourth contactors 17 can be contactors with lower current carrying capacity, which helps to reduce costs and provides a higher cost-performance ratio.

[0082] In some examples, the second control element includes a fifth contactor 18, and a pre-charge contactor 19 and a pre-charge resistor 20 connected in parallel with the fifth contactor 18. Specifically, one end of the pre-charge contactor 19 and the pre-charge resistor 20 are connected, and the other end of the pre-charge contactor 19 and the pre-charge resistor 20 are connected upstream and downstream of the fifth contactor 18, respectively.

[0083] It should be noted that one end of the aforementioned charging negative contactor 12 is connected to the charging negative contactor 12, and the other end is connected to the connection point between the second current detection device 14 and the fifth contactor 18.

[0084] In the above structure, the first control element is set as the fourth contactor 17, and the second control element is set as the fifth contactor 18. This ensures the safe and reliable operation of the controller connected to the controller interface, while also helping to reduce production costs.

[0085] It should be noted that all contactors mentioned in this embodiment are preferably 800V high-voltage contactors. Each contactor is connected to an external controller, and the on / off state of each controller can be changed by controlling the external controller. This allows the battery pack to be connected in parallel at 400V during discharge and in series at 800V during fast charging.

[0086] Since some charging stations on the market still do not support 800V charging, when using charging stations that do not support 800V, the battery pack adopts a parallel 400V architecture to ensure compatibility with the charging station. When the charging current remains constant, the voltage is boosted to 800V in series, which doubles the charging power and thus greatly improves the charging speed. While ensuring 800V fast charging, the parallel 400V discharge eliminates the need for expensive high-voltage power components in the vehicle, achieving a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.

[0087] In this embodiment, the battery pack architecture enables the parallel connection of the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 through the closing of the first contactor 403 and the third contactor 405. After the fourth contactor 17 is closed, the pre-charge contactor 19, which is connected in parallel with the fifth contactor 18, closes first to charge the capacitors in the front drive controller and the rear drive controller, preventing sticking if the fifth contactor 18 is closed directly. After the pre-charge is completed, the fifth contactor 18 is closed, thus completing the preparation work for the 400V parallel discharge architecture.

[0088] In 400V parallel operation, auxiliary power contactor 7 is closed, and the high-voltage auxiliary power is energized, supplying power to the DC-DC converter 601, air conditioning compressor 602, and heater 603. These components can be enabled and controlled as needed to start and stop. When the vehicle is not discharging, contactors 17 and 18 can be disconnected.

[0089] In addition, the battery pack architecture can also adopt a non-800V charging station charging mode. For example, when the vehicle is charged using a 500V or 750V charging station, the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 remain connected in parallel, and the auxiliary power contactor 7 is closed to energize. At this time, the air conditioning compressor 602, heater 603 and DC / DC module can be enabled and controlled to start or stop as needed.

[0090] When using the 800V charging pile fast charging mode, the first contactor 403 and the third contactor 405 are disconnected, and the second contactor 404 is closed. At this time, the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 form a series structure, which can perform 800V fast charging. However, due to the mismatch of the 800V charging voltage and the fact that some contactors are not allowed to close, components such as the air conditioner compressor 602, DC / DC module and heater 603 cannot work.

[0091] The reason for disallowing partial contactor closure is to ensure system safety and prevent accidental energization of contactors in 800V series fast charging mode, thereby preventing damage to the front-drive controller and rear-drive controller. When the vehicle controller or BMS (Battery Management System) determines that the battery pack is in 800V series fast charging mode, and the second contactor 404 closes, the fourth contactor 17, the fifth contactor 18, and the auxiliary contactor 7 need to be locked and not allowed to close.

[0092] However, if components such as the air conditioning compressor 602, DC / DC module, and heater 603 are not working, it will affect the normal operation of the fast charging function. Specifically, the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 can be turned on for cooling or heating as needed; otherwise, it will affect the normal operation of the fast charging strategy. At the same time, the DC / DC module is turned on to charge the battery 21, ensuring that the low-voltage battery 21 will not fail to start due to undervoltage. Moreover, during charging, the passenger compartment will also turn on the air conditioning for cooling or the heater 603 for heating as needed.

[0093] To address this issue, the battery pack architecture of this embodiment utilizes the vehicle's on-board charger 9 for collaborative operation. The on-board charger 9 typically has a power output of 6.6 kW, which is sufficient to meet the combined power requirements of the air conditioning compressor 602, DC / DC module, heater 603, and DC / DC module. The output voltage of the on-board charger 9 is higher than the parallel voltage of the battery pack, ensuring the normal operation of the aforementioned components.

[0094] Finally, it should be noted that the battery pack architecture of this embodiment can also be used to balance the voltage between the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402. Specifically, after fast charging is completed, the second contactor 404 is disconnected. Since a voltage difference will occur after the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 are connected in series for fast charging, if voltage balancing is not performed and the 400V parallel architecture conversion is directly performed, if the voltage difference between the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 is too large, a large circulating current will be generated, which will damage electrical components such as contactors and fuses in the circuit. Therefore, voltage balancing between the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 is required.

[0095] When the voltage difference between the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 is less than or equal to a preset limit, the first contactor 403 and the third contactor 405 can be directly closed to perform parallel current sharing without damaging the electrical components in the circuit. When the voltage difference between the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 is greater than the preset limit, the battery pack with the higher voltage between the two will close first.

[0096] When the voltage difference between the first battery pack 401 and the second battery pack 402 is less than or equal to a preset limit, the battery pack with the lower voltage closes and works in parallel. Alternatively, the operation can be powered by a DC / DC module, an air conditioning compressor 602, or a heater 603. In short, any measure that can reduce the voltage of the higher-voltage battery pack to within the allowable voltage difference limit is acceptable and not limited. The added first current detection device 13 and second current detection device 14 can provide current data for adjusting the battery pack SOC during the battery pack voltage equalization process.

[0097] In this embodiment, the battery pack architecture, during 800V series fast charging, provides input power to the DC / DC converter, air conditioning compressor 602, and heating PTC by reusing the functions of the 400V on-board charger 9. This allows the above components to start and stop as needed, ensuring that the battery pack can turn on cooling or heating as needed during high-voltage fast charging of the whole vehicle. At the same time, the DC / DC converter turns on to charge the battery 21, ensuring that the low-voltage battery 21 will not cause the whole vehicle to fail to start due to undervoltage.

[0098] In addition to adding a first contactor 403, a second contactor 404, a third contactor 405, three 800V contactors, and a current detection device, the battery pack architecture uses existing conventional 400V mature components. It does not require the use of expensive silicon carbide high-voltage components, which can save a lot of development and testing costs. While having 800V fast charging performance, the system cost increases very little, making it cost-effective.

[0099] Furthermore, during 800V fast charging, the on-board charger 9 provides the necessary input power to the air conditioner or PTC without requiring additional vehicle components. This allows for the reuse of the on-board charger 9's functions, ensuring the feasibility of the 800V fast charging architecture at a lower cost.

[0100] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a vehicle on which the above-described battery pack architecture is applied.

[0101] The vehicle described in this application, by employing the battery pack architecture described above, can reduce vehicle costs by matching lower-power electrical components, and also helps ensure normal vehicle operation, thereby improving the reliability and safety of vehicle applications. Since it can be charged under two voltages, it is convenient for consumers to choose the appropriate charging mode. The series fast charging method results in a short charging time, which helps save consumers' time.

[0102] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack architecture, characterized in that: It includes a power module, as well as a charging interface and a controller interface connected to the power module; The power module includes a first battery pack, a second battery pack, a first contactor connected between the positive terminals of the first battery pack and the second battery pack, a second contactor connected between the negative terminal of the first battery pack and the positive terminal of the second battery pack, and a third contactor connected between the negative terminals of the first battery pack and the second battery pack. When the first contactor and the third contactor are connected, and the second contactor is disconnected, The first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in parallel; When the first contactor and the third contactor are disconnected and the second contactor is on, the first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in series.

2. The battery pack architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an auxiliary power interface connected to the power module, the auxiliary power interface being used to connect to the power consumption module. The power module includes at least one of a DC-DC converter, an air conditioning compressor, and a heater.

3. The battery pack architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positive terminal of the power module is connected to the auxiliary power interface via an auxiliary power contactor, and a first safety device is provided on the circuit connecting the auxiliary power contactor and the auxiliary power interface.

4. The battery pack architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that: The DC-DC converter, the air conditioning compressor, and the heater are respectively connected to the on-board charger, and the on-board charger has an AC charging interface at its input end.

5. The battery pack architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positive terminal of the power module is connected to the charging interface via a positive charging contactor, and the negative terminal of the power module is connected to the charging interface via a negative charging contactor.

6. The battery pack architecture according to claim 5, characterized in that: The circuit connecting the third contactor and the first battery pack is equipped with a first current detection device for detecting current; and / or, The circuit connecting the third contactor and the charging negative contactor is equipped with a second current detection device for detecting current.

7. The battery pack architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the second contactor and the first contactor are connected together, and a second safety device is provided on the circuit where the connection between the second contactor and the first contactor is connected to the first battery pack; a third safety device is provided on the circuit where the second battery pack and the third contactor are connected; and / or, The controller has multiple interfaces, and each of the multiple controller interfaces is connected to the power module.

8. The battery pack architecture according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: One of the positive and negative terminals of the power module is connected to a first control element that controls the on / off state of the controller interface via a control circuit, and the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power module is connected to a second control element that controls the on / off state of the controller interface via a control circuit.

9. The battery pack architecture according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first control element includes a fourth contactor; or, the first control element includes two fourth contactors connected in parallel. The second control element includes a fifth contactor, and a pre-charge contactor and a pre-charge resistor connected in parallel with the fifth contactor.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle uses the battery pack architecture described in any one of claims 1-9.

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