Dynamic Battery Cell Reconfiguration for Defect Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs for portable information handling systems enter permanent failure mode when a single cell fails, leading to inconvenient and prolonged downtime until a replacement is obtained, as they do not allow for dynamic adjustment of cell connections based on operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for real-time variation of battery cell connections in a multiple cell battery system based on operating conditions, enabling bypassing of defective cells and rearrangement of non-defective cells to adjust voltage according to power modes, thereby extending the operational life of the battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional battery packs use fixed cell connections, then the battery pack structure is simple, but the battery pack enters permanent failure mode when a single cell fails, causing prolonged downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cell interconnection by using switching devices (such as MOSFETs or relays) that can reconfigure the series/parallel connections of battery cells in real-time based on operating conditions. This allows the battery pack to adapt its internal structure dynamically, enabling bypass of defective cells and optimization of voltage output, thereby maintaining operational continuity without permanent failure mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independently controllable cell groups with individual switching devices for each cell or cell group. This segmentation allows selective isolation and reconfiguration of specific cells while maintaining operation of others, enabling the system to continue functioning even when individual cells fail, thus improving reliability without requiring complete pack replacement.
2Productivity
If the battery pack maintains fixed high voltage configuration, then power output is maximized for high power modes, but power conversion efficiency decreases in low power modes
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuitry dynamically reconfigures cell connections based on detected power mode requirements. In low power modes, the system reduces the number of series-connected cells to lower voltage, optimizing power conversion efficiency. In high power modes, full series connection provides maximum voltage and power output. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between efficiency and power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) of the battery pack by reconfiguring cell interconnections. By varying the series/parallel arrangement of cells, the system adjusts output voltage to match load requirements, thereby optimizing power conversion efficiency across different operating conditions while maintaining adequate power delivery capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the battery pack uses dynamic cell reconfiguration, then operational life is extended through defect bypassing, but device complexity increases due to additional switching components
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple cell groups with individual switching control, allowing selective isolation of defective cells. This segmentation enables the system to bypass failed components while maintaining operation of healthy cells, thereby extending operational life. The modular switching architecture manages complexity through systematic organization of control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system automatically detects cell defects and triggers reconfiguration without user intervention. The control circuitry continuously monitors cell status and autonomously activates appropriate switching sequences to bypass defective cells, extending operational life while minimizing the need for complex external control interfaces or manual intervention.
4Loss of energy
If the battery pack reduces voltage for low power modes, then power conversion efficiency increases, but available power for high power operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage configuration based on real-time power mode detection. When low power mode is detected, the system reconfigures to fewer series cells for efficient power conversion. When high power demand is detected, it switches to full series connection for maximum voltage and power output. This dynamic response optimizes energy efficiency without permanently sacrificing power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system periodically monitors power mode requirements and adjusts cell configuration accordingly. This periodic reconfiguration ensures optimal power conversion efficiency during low power operations while maintaining the capability to deliver full power when needed, balancing energy loss reduction with available power output through rhythmic adaptation to changing load conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The number of battery cells connected together in a main battery conductor path of a multiple cell battery system of an information handling system may be varied in real time based on one or more operating conditions (e.g., system load power consumption, battery cell failure, etc.) of the information handling system. Defective battery cells may be bypassed such that the defective battery system may continue to operate and power an information handling system at a lower voltage, e.g., either temporarily, permanently or temporarily until the user procures a suitable replacement battery system. Interconnection of cells of a non-defective multiple cell battery system may also be selectively re-arranged to vary battery system voltage at particular times or during particular information handling system operation modes.