Battery Balancing Device with Self-Discharging Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery balancing circuits face issues with overcharging due to abnormal operation of the control unit, leading to voltage imbalances and reduced battery life, as the switching element fails to discharge the battery cell when necessary.
Innovation Solution
A battery balancing apparatus and method that incorporates a self-discharging unit, such as a zener diode or TVS diode, which discharges the battery cell when its voltage exceeds a predetermined reference value during non-operation of the balancing unit, preventing overcharging by ensuring voltage is maintained within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control unit and switching element are used to control balancing circuit operation, then active balancing control is improved, but reliability deteriorates when control unit operates abnormally
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing circuit is designed to automatically discharge the battery cell when voltage exceeds the reference level, without requiring control unit intervention. The circuit uses inherent electrical properties (voltage threshold detection, automatic current flow through balancing resistor) to perform the balancing function autonomously, ensuring operation even when control unit fails
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates a safety mechanism that activates before overcharging can cause damage. By setting a reference voltage level and designing the circuit to automatically discharge when this level is exceeded, the system prepares in advance for potential control failures, cushioning against the harmful effects of overcharging
2Reliability
If passive balancing with resistor is used, then overcharge protection is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing circuit operates periodically rather than continuously - it remains inactive during normal operation and only activates when the battery cell voltage exceeds the reference level. This periodic activation minimizes energy loss while maintaining overcharge protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing resistor is designed with specific local characteristics (high resistance value) that are only applied when needed. The circuit selectively engages the resistive balancing function only in the specific condition of overvoltage, rather than continuously dissipating energy, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining protection reliability
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
The solution effectively prevents battery cell overcharging even when the control unit or switching element is malfunctioning, thereby extending battery life and maintaining voltage balance between cells.
Implementation Method 1
a self-discharging unit, such as a zener diode or TVS diode, which discharges the battery cell when its voltage exceeds a predetermined reference value
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of balancing a battery, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method of balancing a battery, in which a control unit controls an operation of a balancing unit that performs balancing of a battery cell in response to a voltage value of the battery cell included in a battery, and an self-discharging unit discharges the battery cell according to whether the voltage value of the battery cell exceeds a predetermined first reference voltage value during a non-operation of the balancing unit.