Battery Pack Balancing via Low-Voltage Network Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heavy-duty vehicles, the voltage and state of charge levels of battery packs often drift, leading to inrush currents and reduced energy availability due to imbalances, necessitating energy balancing between multiple packs.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a processor device manages bi-directional DC/DC converters to transfer energy between battery packs and a low voltage storage, balancing charge parameters without external grid connection, using existing vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple traction voltage battery packs are installed in parallel to achieve high energy content, then the energy capacity is improved, but voltage and state of charge imbalances occur between packs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own low voltage electrical energy storage as the balancing medium, eliminating the need for external balancing equipment. The DC/DC converter enables energy transfer between high voltage packs and the low voltage storage, allowing the system to self-balance during normal operation or idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The low voltage electrical energy storage acts as an intermediary medium for energy transfer between the high voltage battery packs. The bi-directional DC/DC converter facilitates this transfer, enabling indirect energy redistribution that balances voltage and state of charge across all packs without direct pack-to-pack connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional energy balancing methods using resistors are used, then charge parameter balance is achieved, but energy is dissipated through heating
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dissipating excess energy as waste heat through resistors, the system converts the imbalance energy into useful stored energy by transferring it to the low voltage electrical energy storage. This transforms what would be a harmful loss into a beneficial resource that can be reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy that would otherwise be discarded through resistive heating. By capturing the excess energy from overcharged packs and storing it in the low voltage storage, the system prevents energy loss and makes the discarded energy available for future use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If external grid connection is used for pre-balancing before service or replacement, then charge parameter balance is achieved, but downtime and external dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs balancing operations autonomously using its own low voltage electrical energy storage, eliminating the need for external grid connection or specialized balancing equipment. This enables balancing to be done anytime during operation or idle periods without requiring vehicle downtime or external facilities.
4Ease of operation
If voltage levels of battery packs are not kept equal, then high inrush currents occur during connection sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary balancing of voltage and state of charge levels across all battery packs before connection operations or service activities. By equalizing the charge parameters in advance, the system prevents harmful inrush currents during subsequent connection sequences.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method efficiently balances battery packs, preserving energy within the vehicle, reduces downtime, and eliminates the need for external charging or resistor dissipation, while allowing balancing post-installation.
Implementation Method 1
transfer energy from the one or more electrical energy storage pack to the low voltage electrical energy storage via the bi-directional DC/DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
Balancing of rechargeable electrical energy storages is described. In particular aspects, the disclosure relates to balancing of an electrical energy storage using a low voltage network.