Battery Block Voltage Control via Dynamic Series Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High variability in output voltage of Lithium-ion battery systems, particularly in electric vehicles, leads to increased manufacturing costs and reduced efficiency due to the need for components to handle maximum and minimum voltage levels, and the complexity and cost of using DC-DC converters for stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling a battery block by selectively coupling groups of battery blocks to voltage terminals, using switching circuits to adjust the output voltage based on charging status, load, and fault conditions, allowing for efficient voltage management without the need for high-breakdown voltage components or complex DC-DC converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large number of battery cells are connected in series to achieve high output voltage, then the desired output voltage level is achieved, but the output voltage varies considerably depending on charging state
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple battery blocks, each containing a subset of battery cells. By selectively connecting different numbers of battery blocks in series, the system can adjust the total output voltage to maintain stability across varying charge states. This segmentation allows the battery management system to choose appropriate voltage levels based on current charge conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system employs dynamic reconfiguration of battery blocks through switching circuits that can connect or disconnect individual battery blocks based on real-time charge state monitoring. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain optimal output voltage by adding or removing battery blocks from the series connection as charge levels change.
2Reliability
If components are dimensioned to handle maximum output voltage at full charge, then the maximum voltage is handled safely, but manufacturing costs increase due to over-specification
Solution Approach 1:
Switching circuits with breakdown voltages matched to specific operating ranges are used to dynamically connect or disconnect battery blocks. These switching circuits have lower breakdown voltages than the maximum battery voltage, allowing them to be optimized for specific voltage ranges rather than being over-specified for maximum voltage, thereby reducing component costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the battery system by adjusting the number of active battery blocks based on charge state. This allows different groups of components to be used for different voltage ranges, with each group optimized for its specific range rather than all components being designed for maximum voltage.
3Power
If components are dimensioned to handle increased current flow at low battery charge, then the maximum output power is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase due to over-specification
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active battery blocks in series connections based on charge state. At low charge states, more battery blocks are connected in series to maintain voltage levels, which naturally reduces current requirements for the same power output. This dynamic reconfiguration allows components to be sized for normal operating conditions rather than worst-case scenarios.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a DC-DC converter is used to stabilize output voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex DC-DC converter, the system segments the battery into multiple blocks that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation provides a simpler voltage stabilization mechanism by directly adjusting the series connection configuration rather than using active power conversion circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the voltage stabilization function from a complex DC-DC converter and implements it through simpler switching circuits that directly control battery block connections. This removes the need for complex power conversion hardware while achieving the same voltage stability objective.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery block is equipped with a plurality of battery blocks. Each of the battery blocks includes at least one battery cell to provide a block voltage of the battery block. A first number of the battery blocks is selected, and the first number of the battery blocks is coupled to voltage terminals of the battery to set a battery voltage which corresponds to the sum of the block voltages of the first number of battery blocks. Further, a second number of the battery blocks is selected, and the second number of battery blocks is coupled to the voltage terminals of the battery to set a battery voltage which corresponds to the sum of the block voltages of the second number of battery blocks.