Battery Module Bypass Circuit for Failed Cell Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules fail when a single battery unit malfunctions, requiring replacement of the entire module, which is resource-intensive and inefficient, as it disrupts capacity balance and accelerates the deterioration of remaining units.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design that includes a conductive part to bypass the failed battery unit, allowing the module to continue operating by connecting non-failed units in series, thereby isolating the failed unit from the circuit and preventing it from affecting the charging and discharging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery unit fails in a traditional battery module, then the entire module must be replaced, but this causes resource waste and increases maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into independent battery units, each with its own bypass circuit. This segmentation allows individual units to be isolated and bypassed without affecting the entire module, enabling selective maintenance rather than complete module replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass circuit acts as an intermediary pathway that allows current to flow around failed battery units. The bypass circuit includes switching elements and conductive components that provide an alternative current path, isolating the failed unit while maintaining module operation.
2Reliability
If the entire battery module is replaced when one unit fails, then reliability is maintained, but maintenance time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture with independent bypass circuits for each battery unit enables quick isolation of failed components without requiring complete module replacement, significantly reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
Bypass circuits are pre-configured for each battery unit during module assembly. The switching elements and conductive paths are prepared in advance, allowing immediate activation of bypass paths when failures occur, eliminating the need for complex on-site reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If failed battery units remain in the circuit, then the module structure is simple, but the failed units continue to affect charging and discharging processes
Solution Approach 1:
Bypass circuits serve as intermediary pathways that redirect current flow around failed battery units. The switching elements act as mediators that can dynamically connect or disconnect the bypass paths based on the operational status of individual battery units, isolating failures while maintaining overall module function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass circuit incorporates controllable switching elements that can dynamically change the circuit configuration based on the operational status of battery units. When a unit fails, the switch automatically or manually redirects current through the bypass path, adapting the circuit topology to maintain reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a battery module, a battery pack, an apparatus, and a failure handling method. The battery module includes: a plurality of battery units configured to be serially-connected, where the plurality of battery units include a failed battery unit and at least one non-failed battery unit after the battery module fails; and a conductive part, electrically connected to the at least one non-failed battery unit, and configured to make a current bypass an electrode assembly of the failed battery unit so that the battery module resumes working. This application simplifies a maintenance process of the battery module, reduces maintenance cost, and improves working efficiency of the battery module.