High-Voltage Battery Disconnect Using Self-Powered Pyrotechnic Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery disconnect units (BDUs) in electric vehicles rely on complex systems, including capacitors, to disconnect the high voltage battery from the electrical system during malfunctions or crashes, which can fail if the low voltage power supply is disrupted.
Innovation Solution
A battery disconnecting element powered by the high voltage battery itself, using a pyrotechnic element triggered by the high voltage battery to disconnect from the electrical system, eliminating the need for capacitors and simplifying the system design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery disconnect unit uses capacitors and low voltage power supply to disconnect the high voltage battery, then the disconnection function can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases when low voltage power supply is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage battery powers the battery disconnecting element directly, making the system self-sufficient. The disconnecting element uses the high voltage battery's own power to trigger disconnection when needed, eliminating dependence on external low voltage power supply and capacitors. This self-powered approach ensures the disconnect function remains reliable even when the low voltage power supply is disrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes capacitors and the low voltage power supply from the battery disconnect system. By extracting these components, the system achieves simpler architecture while maintaining or improving reliability. The high voltage battery directly powers the disconnecting element, eliminating the need for energy storage capacitors and separate power supply circuits.
2Reliability
If capacitors are used to power the battery disconnecting element, then disconnection can be achieved during power supply disruption, but the system becomes more complex and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage battery serves its dual function of providing both operational power and emergency disconnection power. The battery disconnecting element is powered directly by the high voltage battery, eliminating the need for separate capacitors. This self-service approach ensures the disconnect function works during power disruptions without adding complex energy storage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage battery performs multiple functions: it powers the normal operation of the vehicle and simultaneously serves as the power source for the battery disconnecting element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated capacitors or separate low voltage power supply circuits, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability during power disruptions.
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
Ensures reliable and secure disconnection of the high voltage battery from the vehicle's electrical system without capacitors, reducing complexity and malfunction risks.
Implementation Method 1
using a pyrotechnic element triggered by the high voltage battery to disconnect from the electrical system
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a battery system (10) for an electric vehicle, comprising a high voltage battery (12) with a plurality of battery cells interconnected with one another for providing a high voltage output at battery system terminals (14, 16) of the battery system (10), further comprising a battery disconnecting element (20) for disconnecting the high voltage battery (12) from at least one of the battery system terminals (14, 16) in case of a malfunction or crash, wherein the battery disconnecting element (20) is powered by the high voltage battery (12).