Battery Branch State Detection via Open Circuit Voltage Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

In battery systems with multiple branches connected in series and parallel, detecting branch states is challenging, leading to potential safety hazards due to overloading of non-faulty branches when a fault occurs, such as an open circuit fault.

Innovation Solution

A detection method and device that measure and compare first and second open circuit voltages across branches to determine their on/off states, allowing for efficient and accurate diagnosis of branch conditions without increasing complexity with the number of branches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple branches are connected in parallel to increase battery capacity, then the battery system can provide larger electrical energy, but the complexity of detecting and diagnosing branch states increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidbranch state detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery system into multiple independent branches, each with its own detection circuit. The detection circuit includes a control unit that can independently measure the voltage of each branch by controlling switching elements to connect detection terminals to specific branch nodes. This segmentation allows the complex multi-branch system to be managed through modular, independent detection channels, reducing the overall detection complexity while maintaining the ability to monitor all branches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a universal detection circuit design that can be applied to any number of parallel branches. The control unit uses a standardized switching mechanism and voltage measurement approach that works regardless of the number of branches. This multi-functional detection system can adapt to different battery configurations without requiring fundamentally different detection methods, thereby reducing complexity as the system scales.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional detection methods are used for branch states, then the detection process becomes complex, but the detection accuracy may be insufficient to prevent overloading of non-faulty branches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebranch state detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the voltage of each branch and compares it against reference values or historical data. When a deviation indicating a potential fault or imbalance is detected, the system can trigger alerts or adjust operating parameters to prevent overloading of non-faulty branches. This feedback loop enhances detection accuracy by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions rather than relying on static thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit is designed to identify potential branch faults before they lead to overloading or system failure. By continuously monitoring branch voltages and comparing them against expected values, the system can detect imbalances or open-circuit conditions in their early stages. This preliminary detection allows for preventive action, such as isolating affected branches or adjusting load distribution, before the problem escalates to a safety hazard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3882645B1Detection method and detection device for branch states of battery system
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 CALB GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3882645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3882645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3882645B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A detection method and a detection device for branch states of a battery system are provided. A current on/off state of each branch is judged according to a first open circuit voltage of the corresponding branch and a second open circuit voltage corresponding to the battery system. Time for detecting and diagnosing each branch state can be reduced. It solves that the problem of longer time consumption and large error caused by the determination of the status of each branch through the change of the voltage of each branch in the prior art. A detection efficiency of branch states and an accuracy of detection results of branch states are both improved. The detection method is simple and quick to operate, and will not cause the complexity to increase rapidly as the number of branches increases. The detection method has good feasibility and practicability, and has a wide range of applications.