Battery Module Coupling Unit for Dynamic Voltage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery systems in electric and hybrid vehicles face challenges in efficiently controlling individual battery cells due to the same current flowing through all cells, preventing individual voltage and state management, which leads to high costs and safety risks for maintenance personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a battery module string with a coupling unit that allows for the selection of battery modules based on parameters like state of charge, temperature, and health, enabling the adjustment of output voltage and influencing the conditions of individual battery modules, thereby optimizing their states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery cells are connected in parallel to increase maximum current, then the current capacity is improved, but compensating currents occur between battery cells due to non-identical cell capacities and voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple independent battery module strings, each with its own coupling unit. This allows individual control of current flow through each module, preventing compensating currents while maintaining high current capacity through parallel connection of controlled modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling units dynamically switch between different connection configurations (series, parallel, or disconnected) based on real-time battery parameters. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes current distribution and prevents compensating currents while maintaining high power output capability.
2Power
If a large number of battery cells are connected in series to meet voltage requirements, then the output voltage is improved, but the same current must flow through all cells which prevents individual cell management
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple battery module strings with coupling units that can independently control current flow. This segmentation enables individual cell management while maintaining high output voltage through series connection of controlled modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling units dynamically reconfigure connections between battery modules based on individual cell states. This allows the system to maintain high output voltage while selectively managing individual cells, enabling adaptability that static series connections cannot provide.
3Reliability
If battery modules are selected based on state of charge, temperature, and health parameters, then the optimization of battery module states is improved, but the device complexity increases due to coupling units and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is designed as a universal module that can perform multiple functions: series connection, parallel connection, disconnection, and state monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive battery management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (connection configuration) based on battery state parameters (voltage, temperature, health). This parameter-based control enables optimization of battery module states without requiring complex dedicated control mechanisms for each parameter, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If redundant battery module groups are provided to enable selection based on battery parameters, then the service life and reliability are improved, but the quantity of battery modules and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures redundant battery modules based on real-time parameter monitoring. This dynamic utilization of redundancy extends service life by actively managing module wear and tear, rather than requiring static over-provisioning of battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational status of battery modules based on monitored parameters (state of charge, temperature, health). This parameter-driven management extends service life by optimizing the usage pattern of redundant modules, allowing the system to achieve reliability improvements without proportionally increasing the total number of modules.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a battery that comprises a battery module line (60) consisting of a plurality of battery modules (50) that are coupled to one another. A battery module (50) has a coupling unit (30) that is designed such that either a positive battery module voltage (+Um0d) and a voltage of 0 V can selectively be outputted, or a positive battery module voltage (+Um0d), a negative battery module voltage (-Um0d), and a voltage of 0 V can be outputted. In the method, a battery output voltage is first requested (S1), and a number of required battery modules (50) is determined (S2). Subsequently, battery modules (50) are selected (S3) until the required number of battery modules (50) is reached (S3), and said selection is carried out dependent on at least one of the following battery parameters: the charging state (S3.1), the temperature (S3.2), the aging state (S3.3), and the service life (S3.4).