Battery Cell-Group Conversion Modules for Multi-Voltage Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rechargeable batteries for vehicles require bulky and expensive external energy conversion devices to generate multiple voltage types, leading to inefficiencies and electromagnetic pollution, and lack internal protection against short circuits.

Innovation Solution

A battery with integrated conversion modules that include DC-DC converters and inverters, allowing internal generation of various voltage types and currents, eliminating the need for external devices and enhancing safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external energy conversion devices (DC-DC converters, inverters) are installed downstream of the battery, then multiple voltage types can be supplied to different electrical equipment, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and generates electromagnetic pollution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to supply different voltage typesVSAvoidbulkiness and number of external components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the battery storage function with energy conversion functions by integrating DC-DC converters and inverters directly into the battery structure. The conversion modules are installed inside the battery housing at the output of each cell group, combining multiple functions (energy storage, voltage conversion, inversion) into a single integrated device, thereby eliminating the need for separate external conversion devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery is designed with multi-functional capabilities by incorporating conversion modules that can perform both DC-DC conversion and AC inversion operations. Each conversion module includes a DC-DC converter and an inverter, allowing the battery to universally supply different voltage types (DC and AC) to various electrical equipment through a single integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external DC-DC converters and inverters are used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but energy losses occur and electromagnetic pollution degrades electrical machine operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidenergy losses in conversion devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the conversion modules with the battery structure, the patent reduces the number of energy conversion stages. The integrated design allows direct conversion from battery voltage to required output voltages without multiple external conversion steps, minimizing energy losses associated with repeated conversions and improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If numerous external filters are installed downstream of the battery, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but the device becomes particularly bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidbulkiness of external filters
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates filtering functions within the battery structure by incorporating filters into the conversion modules. This internal integration eliminates the need for numerous separate external filters, achieving electromagnetic compatibility while maintaining a compact design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the filtering function from external components and relocates it inside the battery structure. By taking out the need for external filters and integrating filtering capabilities within the conversion modules, the design achieves electromagnetic compatibility without the bulk of external filtering equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external energy conversion devices are used, then voltage types are converted, but protection against internal short circuits is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage generation capabilityVSAvoidprotection against short circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective actions by incorporating protection circuits within the battery structure that can detect and respond to internal short circuits before they cause damage. The integrated design allows for immediate detection and isolation of faults within the battery itself, providing faster and more reliable protection compared to external devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient, compact, and cost-effective voltage generation within the battery, reducing external components, harmonics, and improving operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

each comprising a first DC-DC (continuous/continuous) converter, capable of converting a first DC voltage supplied by the output of the associated group into a second predefined DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

an inverter capable of converting this first DC voltage into a third predefined AC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC to AC conversion:

Implementation Method 3

each conversion module comprising a second DC-DC type converter capable of converting said first direct voltage into a fourth predefined direct voltage intended to supply said associated control means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3586423B1Battery with groups of storage cells respectively associated with conversion modules, for supplying voltages of different types
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP3586423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3586423B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A battery (B1) comprises: - electrical energy storage cells, - main outputs (SP1-SP3) for delivering voltages of different types and intended to power various items of electrical equipment of a system, - conversion modules (MC1-MCN), each installed on the output of a group (G1-GN) of cells and each comprising a first DC-DC converter, an inverter and switching means for connecting an output of the first converter or of the inverter to an input of another group (G2) or to one of the main outputs (SP1-SP3) according to a received instruction, and - main control means (MCP) each generating an instruction according to a received definition of the type of voltage required for powering at least one of the items of equipment.