Battery Pack BMS ID Assignment by Module Connection Order Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assigning communication IDs to slave Battery Management Systems (BMSs) in battery packs face challenges with wireless communication, including delays, human errors, and interference from internal components, especially when trying to determine the connection order of battery modules for ID assignment.
Innovation Solution
A method where a master BMS determines the connection order of battery modules by controlling discharge and charge cycles to identify battery modules with low-voltage cells and assigns communication IDs based on this order, eliminating the need for additional circuits or processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication ID is assigned based on serial number or unique number before assembly, then communication can be established, but manufacturing process time increases and human errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary discharge-charge cycles on battery modules before final assembly to automatically determine their connection orders. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual ID assignment during assembly, thereby improving both reliability (automatic detection reduces human error) and productivity (no manual intervention required).
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system automatically determines connection orders through controlled discharge-charge cycles and voltage measurements without external intervention. The system serves itself by using its own battery modules as test subjects, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication ID is assigned based on signal strength corresponding to distance, then communication can be established, but large errors occur due to interference from internal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless signal strength measurement (electromagnetic method) with electrical voltage measurement during controlled discharge-charge cycles. This substitution eliminates interference from internal metal structures that affect wireless signals, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated electrical testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from wireless signal strength to battery voltage during controlled charge cycles. By measuring voltage differences that occur when battery modules are charged in sequence, the system achieves accurate connection order detection without the interference problems associated with wireless signal-based methods.
3Reliability
If wire communication method is used with ID assignment based on wire connection order, then communication is reliable, but internal circuit becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of connection orders through automated discharge-charge cycles before final system operation. This preliminary action allows the system to establish communication protocols and ID assignments without requiring complex physical wiring configurations, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assigning a communication ID and a battery pack providing the method are disclosed. The battery pack may include: a plurality of slave BMSs to manage a plurality of battery modules having a plurality of battery cells; and a master BMS to control the slave BMSs to charge the battery modules after a predetermined battery module is discharged, and to receive data for each battery cell indicating a first cell voltage before the charging and a second cell voltage after the charging. The master BMS may determine a battery module including a low-voltage battery cell having the second cell voltage lower than the first cell voltage as a battery module located at a higher potential adjacent to the discharged battery module and estimate a connection order of the battery modules, and may assign a communication ID of each of the slave BMSs based on the estimated connection order.