Battery Cell With Four Connectors and Switching Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems for electric vehicles require complex and costly multi-level converters to achieve high DC voltages, leading to high electromagnetic compatibility issues and significant semiconductor switching element stress, with inefficiencies in generating sinusoidal output voltages due to the need for separate cells for positive and negative polarities.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell design with four connectors and two semiconductor switching elements per cell, allowing for flexible series and parallel connections, enabling the provision of various electrical voltages, including AC and DC, with the ability to bypass cells and invert polarity, reducing the number of switching elements and conduction losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multi-level converters are used to achieve high DC voltages, then the electrical voltage output is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility issues worsen and semiconductor switching element stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple battery cells, each with its own semiconductor switching element. This segmentation allows independent control of each cell, enabling the generation of high DC voltages through series connection while reducing the voltage stress on individual switching elements, thereby improving electromagnetic compatibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If multi-level converters are used to generate sinusoidal output voltages, then the electrical voltage quality is improved, but the complexity of the system worsens due to separate cells for positive and negative polarities
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery cell is designed with a universal circuit configuration that can generate both positive and negative voltage polarities through the control of semiconductor switching elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cells for each polarity, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to generate high-quality sinusoidal output voltages.
3Measurement precision
If more semiconductor switching elements are used to control battery cells, then the voltage control precision is improved, but the conduction losses and device cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses semiconductor switching elements to control only the necessary battery cells to achieve the desired voltage output. By activating only the required number of cells and switching elements for each operating condition, the system maintains precise voltage control while minimizing conduction losses and reducing the total number of switching elements needed.
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 design simplifies the battery system, reduces semiconductor switching element stress, and enhances efficiency by allowing flexible voltage generation with lower distortion and improved electromagnetic compatibility, enabling direct coupling to high-efficiency electric machines.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodes are in electrochemical connection with one another, for example, via an electrolyte interacting with the electrodes. An electrical DC voltage is then established at the electrodes, resulting essentially due to the electrochemistry.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell with a galvanic cell, a first semiconductor switching element, a first cell connector electrically coupled directly to a first potential connector of the galvanic cell, and a second cell connector electrically coupled to a second potential connector of the galvanic cell via the first semiconductor switching element. The battery cell further has a third cell connector electrically coupled to the second potential connector of the galvanic cell, a second semiconductor switching element, and a fourth cell connector electrically coupled to the first potential connector of the galvanic cell via the second semiconductor switching element. A third semiconductor switching element is connected between the third cell connector and the fourth cell connector which primarily serves to switch individual battery cells out of the system regardless of the (activation or deactivation) state of the predecessor as well as successor cells.