Integrated Circuit Breaker for Battery String Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery power systems lack effective overcurrent protection and isolation for individual battery strings, which can lead to system failures and safety hazards, particularly in hybrid power management systems that integrate solar and wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a bidirectional current sensor and a circuit breaker within the battery case, connected to a programmable microprocessor-based battery management system (BMS) controller, allowing for independent operation and management of current flow to and from rechargeable batteries, providing real-time protection and isolation during overcurrent conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common circuit breaker is used for the entire battery bank, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to isolate faulty battery strings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery bank into multiple independent strings, each with its own integrated circuit breaker. This segmentation allows individual strings to be isolated from faults while maintaining the rest of the system operational, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and fault isolation capability.
2Reliability
If individual circuit breakers are provided for each battery string, then the fault isolation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit breaker with the battery case to form an integrated unit. This combination reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate external circuit breakers and their associated wiring, while still providing individual string isolation capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated circuit breakers are installed in each battery, then the safety and protection capability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker is pre-integrated into the battery case during manufacturing, establishing protection capabilities before the battery is deployed. This preliminary integration simplifies field installation and ensures consistent safety standards across all battery units.
4Reliability
If separate disconnect circuit breakers are used for each battery string, then the system protection capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit breaker performs multiple functions including overcurrent protection, string isolation, and system safety within a single unified component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection devices while maintaining comprehensive system protection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of this disclosure is directed to a power system controller. This embodiment comprises a controller having a programmable microprocessor and memory associated therewith, and one or more rechargeable batteries each located within a battery case and connected in parallel to the controller. Each of the rechargeable batteries has a circuit breaker located within the battery case. The circuit breaker has a bidirectional current sensor connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to operate the bidirectional current sensor to manage a current flow to and from one or more of the rechargeable batteries.