Battery Cell Balancing with Continuous In-Process Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell balancing methods in battery systems require periodic interruption to obtain measurements, making it difficult to monitor and control the balancing process effectively, as they cannot obtain cell-level measurements during the balancing procedure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of cell monitoring devices (CMDs) with measuring units and balance control units that allow for continuous monitoring and balancing of battery cells by providing cell-level voltage, charge, and state of charge measurements, enabling real-time control and adjustment of the balancing process without interrupting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic interruption of balancing procedure is used to obtain cell-level measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity is worsened due to process stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous cell-level measurements during the balancing procedure through dedicated measurement circuits that operate simultaneously with the balancing process. This allows the balancing to proceed without interruption while maintaining accurate real-time monitoring of cell voltage, current, and state of charge, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and productivity.
2Productivity
If cell balancing is performed without interruption, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision is worsened due to inability to obtain accurate cell-level measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary measurement circuits and sensors that can continuously monitor cell parameters without interfering with the ongoing balancing process. These intermediaries enable simultaneous operation of balancing and measurement functions, maintaining both high productivity and measurement precision throughout the balancing procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If cell monitoring is performed during balancing, then control accuracy is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional monitoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs monitoring devices that perform multiple functions: they measure cell voltage, current, and state of charge, while also providing control signals for the balancing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving control accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If periodic stopping of balancing is implemented for measurements, then reliability of measurements is improved, but loss of time is worsened due to repeated interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement and control during the balancing process, eliminating the need to stop for periodic measurements. The measurement circuits continuously monitor cell parameters and provide real-time feedback for control adjustments, ensuring both reliable measurements and minimal process time throughout the balancing operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery pack of an electric battery system, for balancing individual cells within the battery pack with respect to voltage, charge and/or state of charge. The electric battery system comprises at least one pack, each pack comprising a plurality of battery cells, and each battery cell is monitored via a cell monitoring device (CMD), which provides cell-level measurements. Cell balancing is provided in a manner which allows for the simultaneous measuring of a cell-level balancing current and a cell-level balancing voltage during the balancing. Such measuring allows for control of the cell balancing without having to continuously interrupt and restart the cell balancing procedure.