Battery Cell Switch Management for Module Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery management systems struggle to precisely diagnose faulty modules or cell groups within battery packs, leading to poor optimization and rapid performance decline, and require complex wiring setups that pose electrical risks.

Innovation Solution

A battery management system with integrated sensors and local processing circuits at the module level, allowing for real-time measurement and control of cell switches to optimize battery performance and extend lifespan by selectively using cells based on their state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex wiring is used to connect central diagnostic device to each module for precise local observation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and electrical safety worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal observation precisionVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery management system into autonomous modules, where each module contains its own diagnostic capabilities and control functions. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex centralized wiring while maintaining precise local observation through distributed sensing and processing units within each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each battery module is equipped with self-diagnostic capabilities and autonomous control functions, allowing it to monitor its own state and make local decisions without requiring complex external wiring connections to a central diagnostic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate devices are used between battery and motor for voltage adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but energy losses and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage adjustment capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by selectively connecting different numbers of battery modules in series based on real-time motor requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the battery system to adapt its voltage output directly without energy-lossy intermediate conversion devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a solid-state switching network as an intermediary between the battery modules and the motor, allowing direct voltage adjustment through selective module connection. This solid-state mediator eliminates the need for traditional DC/DC converters and reduces energy losses while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2681798B1Battery with individual cell management
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2681798B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2681798B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2681798B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a battery comprising a plurality of modules (12; 112) arranged in series, characterised in that at least one module (12; 112) comprises at least two cells (11; 50; 111) arranged in parallel, at least one of said two cells (11; 50; 111) being associated with a cell switch (13; 63; 113) arranged in series with the cell (11; 50; 111) and with at least one sensor (33, 35, 36; 62, 65, 66; 133) for measuring a characteristic variable of the state of the cell, and in that the battery comprises, in a module, a circuit (27; 67; 127) for controlling the cell switch (13; 63; 113) according to the characteristic variable of the state of the cell.