Battery cell module interconnection for operation with alternating current and for operation with direct current

The triangularly configured battery cell module circuit with switchable modules addresses inefficiencies in existing battery systems by enabling efficient AC and DC operation without inverters, enhancing lifespan and reducing costs.

WO2026114654A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-04ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
Filing Date
2025-11-13
Publication Date
2026-06-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing battery systems face inefficiencies in managing individual cell control, leading to uneven aging and reduced lifespan due to protection of the weakest cell, necessitating heavy and expensive components, and inverter reliance for AC voltage generation.

Method used

A battery cell module circuit with a triangular configuration and switchable battery modules allows for AC voltage supply independent of an inverter, enabling efficient AC and DC operation with a minimum number of cells, supporting various chemistries and optimizing self-consumption.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient and compact power supply for electric machines, extends battery lifespan, and reduces costs by minimizing cell aging and inverter reliance, while supporting bidirectional operation and fast charging.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Battery cell module interconnection (100) suitable for operation with alternating current as well as for operation with direct current. The battery cell module interconnection (100) comprises a battery cell string (104) arranged in a delta configuration (106). The battery cell string (104) comprises a number of battery modules (108.1, 108.2, 108.3). Each of the battery modules (108.1, 108.2, 108.3) comprises at least one battery cell (204) so that each battery cell (204) can be connected and / or can be bypassed and / or can have its polarity reversed.
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Description

[0001] R.416108

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Battery cell module interconnection for operation with alternating current and for operation with direct current

[0006] Technical field

[0007] The invention relates to a battery cell module circuit suitable for operation with alternating current and direct current, with a battery cell string arranged in a triangular configuration. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the battery cell module circuit for operating an electric machine.

[0008] State of the art

[0009] Modern batteries are made up of cells connected in series and / or parallel. In addition to the cells, batteries typically include a battery management system (BMS) and a disconnect device (contactor). The BMS monitors the battery continuously or at regular intervals. The battery is charged via an onboard charger or an external charger, with an inverter following the charging process, which converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

[0010] The alternating current required for the electric motor is then generated using an inverter. DC / DC converters typically supply energy for lower-voltage electrical systems, for example, a 12 / 24 / 48 V system.

[0011] Previous approaches rely on the use of appropriately sized, heavy, and expensive components required for charging, propulsion, or energy supply. Furthermore, individual control of all battery cells is currently only possible to a limited extent. Therefore, it is necessary that the BMS always protects the weakest cell. R.416108

[0012] - 2 - The system considers the warmest, fullest, and coldest states of the cells and applies a limit. As a result, the weakest cell ages fastest during both driving and charging. This leads to a reduction in the charging capacity of the entire cell assembly, which negatively impacts the vehicle's performance. This limits the battery's lifespan, as the failure of a single cell can cause the vehicle to stop.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] According to the invention, a battery cell module circuit is proposed that is suitable for operation with alternating current and direct current. The battery cell module circuit comprises a battery cell string arranged in a triangular configuration. The battery cell string comprises a number of battery modules. Each of the battery modules has at least one battery cell which can be switched on and / or bypassed and / or reversed.

[0015] The inventive solution for a battery cell module interconnection allows for an AC voltage supply for multi-phase traction machines to be provided independently of an inverter.

[0016] The battery modules are arranged in a triangular configuration as a battery cell string between the nodes. The nodes define the vertices of the triangular configuration. For example, the first battery module is electrically connected between the first and second nodes. The second battery module connects the second node to the third node. Finally, the third battery module is connected between the fourth and first nodes.

[0017] For example, the battery cell module circuitry can be electrically connected to an electric machine.

[0018] The third node is preferably equipped with a switch. When the switch is closed, the electric machine is supplied with AC voltage for operation with AC current, while when the switch is opened, the battery is charged with DC current or R.416108.

[0019] - 3 - single-phase alternating current is enabled. The electrical machine is separated from the so-called delta connection during this time.

[0020] In an advantageous further development of the battery cell module interconnection proposed according to the invention, the battery modules have a coupling unit.

[0021] In an advantageous further development of the battery cell module interconnection proposed according to the invention, the coupling unit is designed as a half-bridge coupling unit or as a full-bridge coupling unit.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided in the battery cell module interconnection proposed according to the invention that the battery cell module interconnection includes operation with alternating current, charging with alternating current and / or driving with alternating current.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided in the battery cell module connection proposed according to the invention that the battery cell module connection includes operation in direct current and charging with direct current.

[0024] In an advantageous further development of the battery cell module connection proposed according to the invention, charging with alternating current can be carried out in a single-phase or three-phase manner.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the battery cell module interconnection for operating an electric machine, in particular the electric machine of a vehicle.

[0026] Advantages of the invention

[0027] The inventive solution for a battery cell module interconnection enables the use of alternating voltages for multi-phase traction machines independently of an inverter, thus ensuring an efficient and compact solution for the power supply of electric machines. R.416108

[0028] - 4 -

[0029] Furthermore, the solution according to the invention enables bidirectional operation, making it possible to optimize self-consumption, for example in photovoltaic systems.

[0030] Furthermore, the battery cell module interconnection according to the invention enables direct current and alternating current charging in a fast charging process, independent of a charger connected to the drive train.

[0031] Furthermore, the battery cell module configuration according to the invention provides a minimum number of cells for charging with direct current and driving with alternating current. The solution according to the invention is suitable for different cell chemistries. For example, compared to others, the battery cells exhibit above-average charging capacity, lifespan, and low price, so that optimal use in the aforementioned triangular configuration is achievable.

[0032] Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description.

[0034] They show:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a battery cell module circuit,

[0036] Figure 2.1 shows a schematic partial representation of a battery module with a half-bridge coupling unit and

[0037] Figure 2.2 shows a schematic partial representation of the battery module with full-bridge coupling unit.

[0038] Embodiments of the invention

[0039] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, R.416108

[0040] - 5 - whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted in individual cases. The figures represent the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a

[0042] Battery cell module interconnection 100. The battery cell module interconnection 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first battery module 108.1, a second battery module 108.2 and a third battery module 108.3. The first battery module 108.1, the second battery module 108.2 and the third battery module 108.3 are arranged in a triangular arrangement 106 as a battery cell string 104 between nodes 130.

[0043] The nodes 130 are designated as first node 130.1, second node 130.2, third node 130.3 and fourth node 130.4.

[0044] The nodes 130 define the vertices of the triangular arrangement 106. The first battery module 108.1 is electrically located between the first node 130.1 and the second node 130.2. The second battery module

[0045] 108.2 forms a connection between the second node 130.2 and the third node 130.3. The third battery module 108.3 is connected between the third node 130.3 and the fourth node 130.4.

[0046] The third node 130.3 is equipped with a switch 126. When the switch 126 is closed, an AC voltage supply is provided to the electric machine 102. When the switch 126 is opened, an AC or DC charge is applied. This results in the electric machine 102, for example an electric motor, being disconnected from the multiphase AC voltage, namely the delta connection 106.

[0047] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that the battery cell module circuit 100 is electrically connected to an electric machine 102. The nodes 130 of the triangular arrangement 106 are each connected to the electric machine 102 via terminals. The first terminal 110 connects the first node 130.1 to the first input 132 of the electric machine 102. The second terminal 112 connects the second node

[0048] 130.2 with the second input 134 of the electric machine 102. The third R.416108

[0049] - 6 -

[0050] Connection 114 connects the third node 130.3 to the third input 136 of the electric machine 102.

[0051] The battery modules 108.1, 108.2 and 108.3 preferably comprise battery cells 204, as shown in Figures 2.1 and 2.2.

[0052] DC charging takes place when switch 126 is open. A charging voltage is applied between the third node 130.3 and the fourth node 130.4.

[0053] Figure 2.1 shows a schematic partial representation of a battery module 108.1, 108.2, 108.3 with a coupling unit 206, which is configured as a half-bridge coupling unit 208. A half-bridge coupling unit 208 comprises a first semiconductor device 202.1 and a second semiconductor device 202.2. These semiconductor devices 202.1, 202.2 are connected between a positive supply voltage and a negative supply voltage.

[0054] Figure 2.2 shows a schematic partial representation of the battery module 108.1, 108.2, 108.3 with the coupling unit 206, which is configured as a full-bridge coupling unit 210. A full-bridge coupling unit 210 comprises the first semiconductor device 202.1, the second semiconductor device 202.2, the third semiconductor device 202.3, and a fourth semiconductor device 202.4.

[0055] These semiconductor devices 202.1, 202.2, 202.3, 202.4 are connected in a bridge configuration. The first semiconductor device 202.1 and the second semiconductor device 202.2 are connected in series and form the upper branch, while the third semiconductor device 202.3 and the fourth semiconductor device 202.4 form the lower branch.

[0056] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, within the scope specified by the claims, a multitude of modifications are possible that fall within the bounds of what is considered skilled in the art.

Claims

R.416108 - 7 - Claims 1. Battery cell module connection (100) suitable for operation with alternating current and direct current, wherein the battery cell module connection (100) has a battery cell string (104) arranged in a triangular arrangement (106), wherein the battery cell string (104) has a number of battery modules (108.1 , 108.2, 108.3), wherein each of the battery modules (108.1 , 108.2, 108.3) has at least one battery cell (204), wherein each battery cell (204) is switchable and / or bridgeable and / or reversible.

2. Battery cell module interconnection (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery modules (108.1 , 108.2, 108.3) have a coupling unit (206).

3. Battery cell module interconnection (100) according to claim 2, wherein the coupling unit (206) is configured as a half-bridge coupling unit (208) or as a full-bridge coupling unit (210).

4. Battery cell module interconnection (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein operation with alternating current comprises charging with alternating current and / or driving with alternating current.

5. Battery cell module interconnection (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein operation in direct current comprises charging with direct current.

6. Battery cell module interconnection (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein charging with alternating current can be carried out single-phase or three-phase. R.416108 - 8 - 7. Use of a battery cell module interconnection (100) according to one of the preceding claims for operating an electric machine (102), in particular the electric machine (102) of a vehicle.