Battery Cell Balancing via Segmented Internal and External Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face inefficiencies in cell balancing operations due to the low balancing current levels suitable for small-sized battery packs, which are inadequate for larger capacity battery cells, making it difficult to efficiently balance voltages across multiple cells.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system comprising a battery module with internal and external balancing modules, where internal balancing is performed through low-current first wires and external balancing through high-current second wires, allowing for efficient voltage equalization across multiple battery cells by discharging higher voltage cells to a predetermined level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If low-current internal balancing is used for small-sized battery packs, then device complexity is reduced, but balancing efficiency deteriorates for larger capacity battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing system is segmented into two independent modules: an internal balancing module for low-current balancing and an external balancing module for high-current balancing. Each module operates independently through separate wire connections (first wires for internal, second wires for external), allowing the system to select the appropriate balancing mode based on battery cell requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system dynamically switches between internal and external balancing modes based on the battery pack size and balancing requirements. The controller can activate either the internal balancing device units or the external balancing device units, or both simultaneously, providing adaptive balancing efficiency for different battery capacities while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Productivity
If high-current external balancing is applied to larger capacity battery cells, then balancing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing system is segmented into two independent modules: an internal balancing module for low-current balancing and an external balancing module for high-current balancing. Each module operates independently through separate wire connections (first wires for internal, second wires for external), allowing the system to select the appropriate balancing mode based on battery cell requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system provides universal functionality by incorporating both internal and external balancing capabilities in a single integrated system. The controller can manage both balancing modes, allowing the same system to efficiently balance both small-sized and large-capacity battery cells, making the system universally applicable across different battery pack configurations.
3Device complexity
If only internal balancing is used, then device complexity is minimized, but balancing current is insufficient for large capacity cells
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing system is segmented into two independent modules: an internal balancing module for low-current balancing and an external balancing module for high-current balancing. Each module operates independently through separate wire connections (first wires for internal, second wires for external), allowing the system to select the appropriate balancing mode based on battery cell requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal balancing module and external balancing module are merged into a single integrated balancing system controlled by a common controller. This combination allows the system to leverage both low-current and high-current balancing capabilities, providing sufficient balancing current for large capacity cells while maintaining manageable device complexity through unified control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual balancing modules are implemented, then balancing adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing system provides universal functionality by incorporating both internal and external balancing capabilities in a single integrated system. The controller can manage both balancing modes, allowing the same system to efficiently balance both small-sized and large-capacity battery cells, making the system universally applicable across different battery pack configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system is segmented into two independent modules: an internal balancing module for low-current balancing and an external balancing module for high-current balancing. Each module operates independently through separate wire connections (first wires for internal, second wires for external), allowing the system to select the appropriate balancing mode based on battery cell requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
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
The system enables efficient cell balancing operations across larger capacity battery cells by utilizing higher current paths for external balancing, ensuring all cells reach a uniform voltage level, thereby enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the energy storage system.
Implementation Method 1
The external balancing device units may include external balancing resistors and external balancing switches connected in series between the second wires. The external balancing resistors may be cement resistors. The external balancing module may forcibly discharge voltages of the battery cells to a predetermined voltage level according to the control signal.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system that includes a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a battery management module connected to the battery cells through a plurality of first wires, detecting voltages of the battery cells and performing first cell balancing operations of the battery cells, and an external balancing module connected to the battery cells through a plurality of second wires, discharging the battery cells to a predetermined voltage and performing second cell balancing operations of the battery cells.