A battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) has a plurality of battery modules (120). Each of the plurality of battery modules (120) has one or more battery cells. Further, the battery pack (100) has a printed circuit board (140) configured to electrically connect at least two of the plurality of battery modules (120) in a parallel connection. Furthermore, the battery pack (100) has at least one battery management system (160) operatively connected to the printed circuit board (140) and configured to monitor and control the operation of one or more of the battery modules (120).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A Battery Pack

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery pack for a vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] In the modern age of advanced technology, battery packs have become an essential power source across numerous industries. From electric vehicles to portable electronic devices and renewable energy storage, the demand for high-capacity, efficient, and reliable energy storage systems is ever-increasing. To meet this demand, the battery packs are typically designed using multiple battery modules that are interconnected to form a larger, more powerful unit. Further, as the demand for power and energy storage increases, the battery packs often require interconnection of multiple modules.

[0007]

[0003] Furthermore, each of the modules requires a Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor and regulate the performance of the individual cells, ensuring that the battery pack operates safely and efficiently. The BMS serves a crucial role in a battery system by ensuring that each of the voltage, current, and temperature of each cell is kept within safe operating limits. The BMS also protects the battery pack from overcharging, over-discharging, and thermal runaway, which could otherwise lead to catastrophic failure.

[0008]

[0004] The interconnection of multiple modules involves connecting each individual module through a number of wires or bus bars. Further, when multiple modules are involved, the requirement for separate BMS units for each module leads to an increased number of components, interconnections, and wiring. This complex setup not only makes the assembly process more time-consuming and error-prone but also increasesthe chances of loose connections or incorrect wiring, which can negatively affect the performance and safety of the entire battery system.

[0009]

[0005] Moreover, the presence of redundant BMS units for each module contributes to the overall bulkiness of the battery pack, making it less compact and harder to scale. Each BMS unit adds weight and volume to the system, which can be a significant disadvantage in applications where space and weight are critical considerations, such as in electric vehicles or portable energy storage systems. Additionally, the integration of multiple BMS units complicates the design and operation of the battery pack, leads to inefficiency in the system, both in terms of cost and operational complexity.

[0010]

[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a battery pack which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0007] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a battery pack. The battery pack has a plurality of battery modules. Each of the plurality of battery modules has one or more battery cells. Further, the battery pack has a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is configured to electrically connect at least two of the plurality of battery modules in a parallel connection. Furthermore, the battery pack has at least one battery management system. The at least one battery management system is operatively connected to the printed circuit board and configured to monitor and control the operation of one or more of the plurality of battery modules.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment, the plurality of battery modules includes a first battery module and a second battery module. Each of the first battery module and the second battery module includes a plurality of cells arranged in a define configuration.

[0014]

[0009] In a further embodiment, the defined configuration includes at least a 13s5p configuration.

[0015]

[0010] In a further embodiment, the first battery module and the second battery module are electrically connected in the parallel connection in a defined configuration.[Oil] In a further embodiment, the defined configuration includes at least a 13slOp configuration.

[0016]

[0012] In a further embodiment, the printed circuit board has a plurality of coupling units. The plurality of coupling units includes a first coupling unit and a second coupling unit.

[0017]

[0013] In a further embodiment, the first coupling unit is configured to connect the at least one battery management system to one or more of the plurality of battery modules.

[0018]

[0014] In a further embodiment, the second coupling unit is configured to connect one or more sensing units to the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules.

[0019]

[0015] In a further embodiment, the one or more sensing units are temperature sensing units configured to sense temperature of the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules.

[0020]

[0016] In a further embodiment, the printed circuit board is configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery modules in the parallel connection via at least a high voltage connection and a low voltage connection.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]

[0017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the battery packs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a printed circuit board in the battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]

[0018] The present invention relates to a battery pack. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery pack in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle can be an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The battery pack is typically used in a vehicle such as, but not limited, a two-wheeled vehicle. However, it should be understood that the battery pack as illustrated may also find its application in other kinds of vehicle like, a three wheeled vehicle, or a four wheeled vehicle, or other multi-wheeled vehicles, or any non-automotive application which may use the battery pack.

[0027]

[0019] The terms “battery pack” and “battery” may be interchangeably used in the present disclosure. However, the term “battery” may be used less often for brevity. In some embodiments, the battery pack may be a battery pack made of lithium-ion cells. It may be contemplated that the battery pack is not limited to only battery pack made of Lithium-ions, and the battery pack may be made of any other material known in the art. Thus, the scope of application of the present invention may not be limited to only a battery pack having the Lithium-ions.

[0028]

[0020] The battery pack comprises two or more battery modules of 13s5p configuration. The two or more modules are connected together to function as a 13 s 1 Op unit. The two or more modules of the battery pack are connected parallelly using a printed circuit board (PCB), instead of wires or bus bars as used in the conventional methods. The PCB also includes thermal sensor lines and couplers to achieve connection between two different coupler configurations, one with Battery Management System (BMS) and the other with thermistors. The PCB also allows to have a common BMS for both the battery modules and attain the 13 s 1 Op configuration, instead of two dedicated BMSs, one for each module. The PCB provides a compact layout, reduces wires, eases assembly, and avoids issues of loose contact since the wires or the bus bars are not used for connecting the two or more modules of the battery pack.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a battery pack 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the battery pack 100 includes a plurality of battery modules 120. Each of the plurality of battery modules 120 includes one or more battery cells.

[0029]

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the battery packs 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2 along with Figure 1, the battery pack 100 comprises a printed circuit board 140. The printed circuit board 140 is configured to electrically connect at least two of the plurality of battery modules 120 in a parallel connection.

[0030]

[0023] In an embodiment, the plurality of battery modules 120 comprises a first battery module 122 and a second battery module 124. Each of the first battery module 122 and the second battery module 124 includes a plurality of cells arranged in a defined configuration. In an embodiment, each of the first battery module 122 and the second battery module 124 includes a plurality of cells arranged in a 13s5p configuration. The 13s5p configuration allows 13 groups of 5 parallelly connected cells to be connected in series. In a non-limiting example, each cell has a nominal voltage of 3.7V, resulting in a total voltage of the 13s setup approximately to 48.1V. Further, the parallel connection allows the battery module to store more energy and supply higher current.

[0031]

[0024] In an embodiment, the first battery module 122 and the second battery module 124 are electrically connected in the parallel connection, thereby arranged in a defined configuration. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first battery module 122 and the second battery module 124 are electrically connected in the parallel connection, thereby arranged in a 13slOp configuration. The 13slOp configuration further enables the battery pack 100 to store more energy and supply higher current.

[0032]

[0025] Further, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the battery pack 100 comprises a battery management system (BMS) 160. The battery management system 160 is operatively connected to the printed circuit board 140 and configured to monitor and control the operation of the battery modules 120.

[0026] In a non-limiting embodiment, the battery management system 160 comprises cutoff MOSFETs to limit the current flow in the battery pack 100. Further, in a nonlimiting embodiment, the battery management system 160 has a fuel gauge monitor to monitor state of the battery pack 100. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the battery management system 160 has a temperature sensor to monitor temperature of the battery pack 100. Moreover, in a non-limiting embodiment, the battery management system 160 has a state machine to monitor capacity of the battery pack 100.

[0033]

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the printed circuit board 140 in the battery pack 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3 along with Figures 1 and 2, in an embodiment, the printed circuit board 140 comprises a plurality of coupling units, wherein the plurality of coupling units includes at least a first coupling unit 142 and a second coupling unit 144. In an embodiment, the plurality of coupling units are connectors configured to electrically connect the printed circuit board 140 to one or more components within the battery pack 100.

[0034]

[0028] In an embodiment, the first coupling unit 142 is configured to connect the battery management system 160 to the plurality of battery modules 120. The first coupling unit 142 is configured to connect the battery management system 160 to the plurality of battery modules 120 through the printed circuit board 140.

[0035]

[0029] In an embodiment, the second coupling unit 144 is configured to connect one or more sensing units to the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules 120. The second coupling unit 144 is configured to connect the one or more sensing units to the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules 120 through the printed circuit board 140.

[0036]

[0030] The one or more sensing units are temperature sensing units 180 configured to sense temperature of the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules 120. In a non-limiting example, the one or more temperature sensing unit 180 are one or more thermistors configured to sense temperature of the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules 120.

[0031] In an embodiment, the printed circuit board 140 is configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery modules 120 in the parallel connection via at least a high voltage connection and a low voltage connection. In a non-limiting example, the printed circuit board 140 includes the high voltage connection and the low voltage connection in plurality of layers the printed circuit board 140. The high voltage line is a power line responsible for carrying the high-current electrical flow needed to charge and discharge the battery pack 100. The low voltage line is a signal line used for transmitting low-current control signals and data between at least two of the battery modules 120, battery management system 160 and the one or more sensing units.

[0037]

[0032] Advantageously, the present invention eliminates the traditional bus bars and excessive wiring, which are commonly used to connect the individual cells and modules in a battery pack. By eliminating traditional bus bars and excessive wiring, the design becomes compact, reducing both the physical size and the complexity of the system. This results in a compact and more organized layout, minimizing the risk of loose connections and wiring errors that can occur during assembly. The reduction in wiring also contributes to cost savings in materials and labour, as fewer components need to be installed and maintained.

[0038]

[0033] Further, the present invention allows the creation of battery packs with varying capacities, making it suitable for a wide range of industries such as electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage Moreover, the compact design enabled by the printed circuit board allows for more efficient use of space, which is particularly beneficial in applications where weight and volume are critical, such as in electric vehicles or portable devices. The integration of the PCB simplifies the assembly process, reducing the time and complexity involved in building the battery pack, and makes the system easier to scale for different capacities and applications.

[0039]

[0034] Another advantage is the integration of one or more sensing units by the printed circuit board for enhanced safety. The inclusion of one or more sensing units within the battery pack ensures that the battery pack is protected from faults reducing the riskof damage to the battery cells, and preventing potential hazards like overheating or fires.

[0040]

[0035] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.List of Reference Numerals 100: Battery pack

[0041] 120: Battery module

[0042] 122: First battery module 124: Second battery module 140: Printed circuit board 142: First coupling unit

[0043] 144: Second coupling unit 160: Battery management system 180: Temperature sensing units

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A batery pack (100), the batery pack (100) comprising:a plurality of batery modules (120), each of the plurality of battery modules (120) comprising one or more battery cells;a printed circuit board (140), the printed circuit board (140) being configured to electrically connect at least two of the plurality of batery modules (120) in a parallel connection;at least one batery management system (160), the at least one batery management system (160) being operatively connected to the printed circuit board (140) and configured to monitor and control the operation of one or more of the plurality of battery modules (120).

2. The batery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of batery modules (120) comprises a first battery module (122) and a second batery module (124), each of the first batery module (122) and the second batery module (124) comprises a plurality of cells arranged in a defined configuration.

3. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the defined configuration includes at least a 13s5p configuration.

4. The batery pack (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first batery module (122) and the second battery module (124) being electrically connected in the parallel connection in a defined configuration.

5. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the defined configuration includes at least a 13sl0p configuration.

6. The batery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (140) comprises a plurality of coupling units, wherein the plurality of coupling units comprises a first coupling unit (142) and a second coupling unit (144).

7. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first coupling unit (142) being configured to connect the at least one battery management system (160) to the one or more of the plurality of battery modules (120).

8. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, the second coupling unit (144) being configured to connect one or more sensing units to the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules (120).

9. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more sensing units being temperature sensing units (180) configured to sense temperature of the one or more cells of each of the plurality of battery modules (120).

10. The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board ( 140) being configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery modules ( 120) in the parallel connection via at least a high voltage connection and a low voltage connection.

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