Battery Cell Switching for Direct AC and Variable DC Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric driveline systems based on single DC voltage batteries are complex and costly, requiring auxiliary units to generate AC voltage and are not integrated with battery management systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a controller that can selectively provide positive, negative, or no voltage output, allowing for varying AC or DC voltage outputs without the need for additional inverters or transformers, by using switches and a processor to manage battery cells and communicate with external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single DC voltage battery is used, then the battery system is simple, but auxiliary units are required to generate AC voltage and provide varying voltages, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system dynamically switches between different cell configurations (series/parallel arrangements) to provide varying voltage outputs. The controller actively manages the connection topology of battery cells, enabling the same physical battery to adapt its electrical characteristics based on system requirements, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary voltage generation units
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide DC voltage at different levels, generate AC voltage through controlled switching, and supply power to various auxiliary systems. This multi-functionality is achieved through the controller's ability to reconfigure battery cell connections in real-time, making the battery system a universal power source that replaces multiple dedicated components
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary units are added to generate AC voltage and provide varying voltages, then voltage output flexibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (battery cells, controller, switching mechanisms) into an integrated battery system. The controller is directly coupled to the battery cells, and the switching mechanism is embedded within the battery structure, eliminating the need for external auxiliary units and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining voltage flexibility
3Reliability
If traditional BMS with sensor cables and submodules are used, then battery monitoring is achieved, but complexity and cost are added to the parent system
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system is nested directly within the battery cell structure. The controller is integrated into the battery assembly, with monitoring sensors and control circuitry embedded at the cell level. This nested architecture eliminates the need for external sensor cables and separate BMS modules, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities
4Duration of action of moving object
If battery packs are always on with live voltage, then continuous power availability is improved, but safety risks and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system employs periodic switching of individual cell groups rather than maintaining continuous live voltage across all cells. The controller can isolate and deactivate specific battery cell groups when not in use, while keeping other groups active. This periodic activation approach maintains power availability when needed while reducing safety risks and complexity associated with having all cells permanently energized
Data Source
AI summary
One or more systems, devices, and/or system-implemented methods are provided that can facilitate provision of varying AC output voltage or DC output voltage, including selectively separately providing a positive voltage output, a negative voltage output and no voltage output. A device can comprise a battery cell, and a controller connected to the battery cell and that varies output from the battery cell, wherein the controller is configured to cause the battery cell to selectively separately provide negative output voltage, positive output voltage and no output voltage. A method can comprise varying output polarity from a multi-cell battery cluster and selectively providing one or both of alternating current (AC) voltage output or direct current (DC) voltage output from the multi-cell battery cluster due to the varying of the output polarity.