Battery Cascade Voltage Measurement Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit arrangements for accumulator cascades require multiple comparison circuits and additional capacitors for precise voltage measurement and charge equalization, making them complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement that allows for precise voltage measurement across an accumulator cascade by storing the voltage of one accumulator in a capacitor, enabling differential voltage measurement against ground potential, and using a single measuring circuit capable of handling up to 5.5V, which can be used with a commercially available microcontroller, and includes an analog/digital converter for digital storage and comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a comparison circuit is assigned to each accumulator for voltage measurement, then precise voltage measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage measurement function for multiple accumulators into a single measuring circuit. The capacitor stores voltage information from the first accumulator, allowing the second measuring circuit to measure the voltage difference between the first and second accumulators against ground potential. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate comparison circuits for each accumulator, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If additional capacitors are used for charge equalization, then charge equalization between accumulators is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single capacitor serve multiple functions: it stores voltage information from the first accumulator for measurement purposes and simultaneously enables charge equalization between accumulators. By coupling the capacitor to different points in the circuit at different times, the system achieves charge balancing without requiring additional dedicated capacitors for each function, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If a measuring circuit designed for total cascade voltage is used, then accurate measurement is possible, but expensive specialized circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage measurement task by using the capacitor to store the voltage of the first accumulator, then measuring only the differential voltage between the capacitor and ground potential. This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive, commercially available microcontrollers with lower voltage ratings (up to 5.5V) instead of requiring expensive specialized measuring circuits designed for the total cascade voltage, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
This solution simplifies voltage measurement and charge equalization by eliminating the need for independent measuring circuits for each accumulator, allowing precise voltage measurement and comparison, and enabling the use of inexpensive microcontrollers, while ensuring accurate charge balancing and extended battery life through undervoltage protection.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage of the first accumulator can be stored in the capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
In an electrical device, in which the load is supplied by a battery cascade, the voltages of the batteries of the battery cascade must be measured with high precision in order to start charge equalization and prevent undervoltages or overvoltages, wherein if possible favorable components should be used simultaneously. This problem is solved in that a circuit arrangement having a battery cascade is proposed, comprising a first battery (A1), the negative pole of which has a ground potential (GND), a second battery (A2), the negative pole of which is coupled to the positive pole of the first battery, and further comprising a capacitor (C1), which on the first side thereof is coupled to the positive pole of the first battery by way of a resistor (R1) and with the second side thereof can be applied to the ground potential (GND) by way of a first switch (S1). Furthermore, the positive pole of the second battery (A2) can be coupled between the resistor (R1) and the capacitor (C2) by way of a second switch (S2). The capacitor (C1) can be charged to the voltage (V1) of the first battery and only the differential voltage between the entire battery cascade and the capacitor (C1) must be measured.