Battery Current Control Using MOSFET Backflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems lack effective mechanisms to control current flow direction, leading to undesired backflow and inefficiencies, particularly in vehicles with regenerative braking systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a battery management system that uses power MOSFETs to actively control current flow, preventing backflow by activating specific MOSFETs based on current measurements, and utilizing a DC-DC converter to manage voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional battery systems are used without active current control, then device complexity is reduced, but current flow direction cannot be controlled leading to backflow issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery system structureVSAvoidcurrent flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The battery management system monitors current flow conditions and automatically activates control switches to prevent backflow. The system serves itself by detecting current direction and state of charge, then autonomously adjusting switch states to maintain proper current flow control without requiring external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The battery management system continuously monitors current flow, voltage, and state of charge, then uses this feedback information to control the activation state of MOSFET switches. This closed-loop control ensures that current flow direction is properly managed while preventing backflow, with the system adjusting its behavior based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If power MOSFETs are added to control current flow, then current direction control and backflow prevention are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent flow controlVSAvoidbattery management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery management system with MOSFET control switches serves multiple functions: it prevents backflow, controls charging/discharging current direction, monitors battery state of charge, and manages power flow between battery and electrical system. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall complexity despite adding active control components.

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

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

Enhances battery system reliability and efficiency by minimizing backflow and optimizing current direction, thereby improving performance and compatibility with traditional vehicle designs.

Implementation Method 1

Implementing a battery management system that uses power MOSFETs to actively control current flow, preventing backflow by activating specific MOSFETs based on current measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMOSFET switching:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a DC-DC converter to manage voltage levels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3317938B1Battery systems for BI-directional current control
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CPS TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
  • EP3317938B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3317938B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3317938B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery system may include an energy storage component (14) the couples to an electrical system (42). The battery system may also include a first semiconductor switching device and a second semiconductor switching device (44, 46). The first semiconductor switching device and the second semiconductor switching device (44,46) each selectively couple the energy storage component (14) to the electrical system (42). Additionally, the battery system may include a first diode coupled in parallel with the first semiconductor switching device and a second diode coupled in parallel with the second semiconductor switching device (48,54). Further, the battery system may include a battery management system (36) that controls operation of the first semiconductor switching device and the second semiconductor switching device (44,46) to selectively couple the energy storage component (14) to the electrical system (42). The battery management system may selectively couple the energy storage component (14) to the electrical system based on an output current measurement (64) of the energy storage component (14).