Battery Charge Balancing Converter with Dynamic Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charge balancing systems for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in electric vehicles, face inefficiencies due to multiple power levels required for each cell charging, leading to energy losses and suboptimal operating power, as well as limitations in quickly recharging discharged cells.
Innovation Solution
A charge balancing device with a set of charging modules capable of operating at fewer power levels than the number of cell combinations, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple cells with adjustable current levels to optimize power usage and reduce energy losses, while enabling quicker recharging of individual cells by operating closer to the converter's optimal power point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the converter operates as a voltage generator to supply a predetermined balancing current to each cell, then each cell can be recharged simultaneously, but the converter operates far from its optimum operating power leading to significant energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the converter's operating parameters adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the converter's operating voltage and current based on the number of cells being recharged, allowing the system to adapt to different charging scenarios and maintain optimal efficiency across varying loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the converter based on the charging configuration. When fewer cells need charging, the converter operates at higher voltage and lower current; when more cells need charging, it operates at lower voltage and higher current. This parameter adjustment allows the converter to maintain optimal operating points and reduce energy losses.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the converter operates at constant current to recharge multiple cells, then all cells receive equal charging, but this limits the ability to quickly recharge a small number of particularly discharged cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the current distribution based on cell requirements. When only one cell needs charging, it receives the full available current for rapid recharging. When multiple cells need charging, the current is distributed among them. This dynamic current allocation allows the system to optimize between speed and uniformity based on real-time needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the current parameter based on the number of cells being charged. The control unit calculates the appropriate current for each cell based on its state of charge and the total number of cells requiring charging, allowing flexible adjustment between rapid single-cell charging and balanced multi-cell charging.
3Device complexity
If selection systems with transistors are used to connect the converter to selected cells, then the number of converters can be reduced, but additional losses are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single converter universal by enabling it to connect to and charge any combination of cells in the battery pack. The converter functions as a multi-functional device that can adapt its output configuration based on which cells need charging, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated converters while minimizing selection losses through optimized control.
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 solution reduces energy losses and enhances the performance of the balancing device by allowing it to operate closer to its optimal power point, ensuring efficient charging and extending battery life by optimizing the distribution of cell charges.
Implementation Method 1
a converter for simultaneously recharging several cells of a battery
Implementation Method 2
The converter operates as a voltage generator whose level is regular to supply a predetermined balancing current to each cell
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for balancing charge in a battery (2) comprising a set of electrochemical storage cells (C1, C2,..., CR), the device comprising charging means (R1,..., Rs) able to recharge a plurality of combinations of at least one cell, in which for each combination of the plurality of combinations, the charging means are arranged in order to simultaneously recharge all the cells of said combination, the plurality of combinations defining a number N strictly higher than one of combination types, each combination type corresponding to a number m of cells in this combination, and the charging means are permitted to function at a number P of power levels, this number P being strictly lower than the number N of combination types.