Adaptive Battery Pack Control via Master Slave BMS Voltage Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery management systems (BMS) require complex reconfiguration and new control programs when the connection state of battery modules changes, which can lead to safety issues and inefficiencies, especially when modules with different voltages, wear rates, or charge states are connected.

Innovation Solution

A method and battery pack design where a master BMS communicates with slave BMS to determine the number of connected battery modules, calculates average voltage values, and controls a switch to manage charge and discharge currents, allowing for adaptive control without needing new control programs, even when connection states alter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connection state of battery modules changes, then the battery pack can be reconfigured for different applications, but complex reconfiguration and new control programs are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidcontrol program complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master BMS automatically detects the connection state of battery modules and configures control parameters without requiring external intervention or new control programs. The system self-adapts to different configurations by monitoring voltage values and determining series/parallel connection relationships dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system transitions from a static configuration requiring fixed control programs to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts control parameters based on real-time detection of connection states. The master BMS continuously monitors and reconfigures control strategies as modules are added or removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If battery modules with different voltages, wear rates, or charge states are connected, then the battery pack can accommodate varied module conditions, but safety issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule compatibilityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The master BMS continuously monitors voltage values of individual battery modules and uses this feedback to detect connection states and identify modules with abnormal conditions. The system compares measured voltages against expected values to determine series or parallel connections and flags potential safety issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of connection states and module conditions before initiating charge or discharge operations. By determining the connection configuration in advance and checking for abnormal voltage differences, the system prevents unsafe operations from occurring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the number of battery modules changes, then the battery pack can adapt to different power requirements, but the control system requires new control programs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol program maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The master BMS implements a universal control algorithm that can handle any number of battery modules in any series or parallel configuration. The single control program automatically adapts to different configurations by detecting the actual connection state, eliminating the need for multiple specialized control programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If traditional BMS communication methods are used, then existing systems can be maintained, but determination of series/parallel connection relationships is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiddetection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical or procedural methods of determining connection states with an electrical measurement-based approach. By monitoring voltage values and using mathematical relationships, the master BMS automatically determines series or parallel connections without requiring physical inspection or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3054554B1Battery pack and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP3054554B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3054554B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3054554B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery pack (1) and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the battery pack (1) includes a master battery management system (BMS) (120) and a plurality of battery modules (100) each including a slave BMS (110_1-110_8) connected to the master BMS (120). In another aspect, the method includes first determining (S310) the number of slave BMS' electrically connected to the master BMS, receiving (S320, S330) a plurality of voltage values of the battery modules from the slave BMS' and first calculating (S340) an average value of the voltage values. The method also includes second determining (S350) a terminal voltage of the battery pack, comparing (S360) the average voltage value with the terminal voltage of the battery pack to calculate the number of the battery modules connected in series, and third determining (S370) a first series connection relationship of the battery modules, in one of a plurality of serial unit sets, based on the comparison.