Vehicle Battery Current Detection with Series-Parallel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle battery devices cannot effectively detect electric current flowing through battery cell groups in both series and parallel connections, limiting maintenance and inspection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating current sensors near the positive or negative electrode terminals of each battery cell group, connected to the current path or branch points, to detect currents in both series and parallel connections, with a charge control unit that manages connection switches and determines sensor failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If battery cell groups are connected in series or parallel configuration, then power output and flexibility are improved, but current detection capability for each cell group deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple battery cell groups (first, second, third cell groups) and places individual current sensors near the positive or negative electrode terminals of each group. This segmentation allows independent current measurement for each cell group regardless of whether they are connected in series or parallel, resolving the detection difficulty in multi-configuration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The current sensors are positioned at electrode terminals that serve multiple functions - they are part of the series connection path and also part of the parallel connection structure. By placing sensors at these universal connection points, the system achieves current detection capability that works across both series and parallel configurations without requiring separate detection systems.
2Measurement precision
If current sensors are installed for each battery cell group, then current detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the current detection function with the existing electrode terminal structure. Current sensors are installed near the positive or negative electrode terminals, utilizing the existing electrical connection points rather than creating separate detection pathways. This merging approach achieves accurate current measurement for each cell group while minimizing additional structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connection switches are added to enable series/parallel switching, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential sensor failures
Solution Approach 1:
The charge control unit continuously monitors the output signals from multiple current sensors and compares them to detect inconsistencies. When a sensor failure is detected through this feedback mechanism, the system can identify the faulty sensor and adjust operation accordingly, maintaining reliability despite the presence of multiple sensors and switching components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle battery device includes a plurality of battery cell groups in which battery cells are connected in series, connection switches which can switch an electrical connection between the plurality of battery cell groups to a series connection or a parallel connection, and current sensors which detect electric currents flowing in the respective battery cell groups in both of the series connection and the parallel connection, and the current sensor is provided in the vicinity of a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal of each of the battery cell groups.