Modular Aircraft Battery Packs With Parallel Stack Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery systems used to power aircraft propulsion systems are limited by energy density, which restricts payload capacity and range due to the weight penalty associated with battery cells, particularly in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery system comprising an array of battery modules arranged in stacks, where each module has positive and negative receptacles and plugs for side-by-side electrical coupling, allowing parallel interconnection of modules, along with a battery management system, venting, voltage regulation, and thermal conditioning to optimize performance and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery systems are used to power aircraft propulsion systems, then electrical power for propulsion is provided, but weight increases due to energy density limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple modular battery modules that can be independently configured and interconnected. Each module contains battery cells arranged in series to provide a desired voltage, and multiple modules are connected in parallel to achieve the required current and power output. This segmentation allows optimization of the battery system for specific power and energy requirements while minimizing weight.
2Power
If battery modules are interconnected in parallel to increase power output, then electrical power increases, but system complexity increases due to interconnection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple battery modules are combined in parallel configurations to achieve desired power output. The modules share common positive and negative interconnections, reducing the overall complexity compared to series-parallel arrangements. This merging approach simplifies the interconnection system while maintaining high power capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular battery system includes an array of battery modules arranged in at least one stack. Each battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a first side having positive and negative receptacles and a second side, that is opposite of the first side, having positive and negative plugs. The receptacles and plugs are configured such that adjacent battery modules in a side-by-side relationship are electrically coupled together via plug and receptacle connections and such that the battery modules are electrically coupled together in parallel. An interconnection electrically couples each stack of battery modules together via plug and receptacle connections with one of the battery modules in each stack such that the stacks of battery modules are electrically coupled together in parallel. Each of the battery modules includes a thermal conditioning system configured to thermally isolate the battery module from the other battery modules.