Vehicle Battery Emergency Discharge Using On-Board Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for discharging defective battery cells in vehicles are cumbersome, time-consuming, and inefficient, particularly in emergencies, often requiring manual intervention and complex circuit designs to manage high discharge capacities.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing on-board electrical consumers and external power supply systems to discharge battery cells efficiently by converting them into consumers or charging stations, allowing high discharge capacities and minimizing structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If manual connection of discharge device is used, then discharge capability is achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's charging device automatically functions as a discharge device when fault is detected. The control unit automatically controls the charging device to operate in discharge mode, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by utilizing existing components and automatically transitioning to emergency discharge operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device is designed to perform multiple functions: normal charging operation and emergency discharge operation. By controlling the charging device to operate in reverse mode (as a discharge device), the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated discharge equipment, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining high discharge capability.
2Power
If dedicated discharge device is integrated into vehicle, then discharge capability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device performs dual functions as both a charging device and a discharge device. The control unit manages both operating modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated discharge equipment. This universal approach reduces device complexity and installation space requirements while maintaining high discharge capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the charging device are dynamically changed based on system needs. The control unit controls the charging device to operate in normal charging mode during regular operation and switches to discharge mode (reversing current flow direction) when fault is detected. This parameter change allows one device to serve multiple functions without increasing complexity.
3Device complexity
If balancing circuit is used for discharge, then existing components are utilized, but discharge capacity is insufficient for complete battery discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device, which is already part of the vehicle's electrical system, is made universal by enabling it to perform both charging and discharge functions. When fault is detected, the control unit controls the charging device to operate in discharge mode, providing high discharge capacity without requiring separate balancing circuits or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing charging infrastructure serves the dual purpose of charging and discharging the battery. The control unit automatically activates the discharge function using the charging device, eliminating the need for separate balancing circuits and utilizing the vehicle's own resources for emergency discharge operation.
4Power
If entire battery is discharged via resistor, then energy is converted to heat, but heat dissipation requirements and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting battery energy to heat through resistors (which creates heat dissipation problems), the system converts the charging device into a discharge device that returns energy to the power supply system. This transforms what would be wasted heat energy into usable electrical energy, eliminating heat dissipation requirements while maintaining high discharge capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal energy conversion mechanism (resistor-based discharge converting electrical energy to heat) with an electrical energy conversion mechanism (charging device operating in reverse, converting electrical energy back to electrical energy). This substitution eliminates the need for heat dissipation infrastructure while maintaining effective discharge capability.
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 rapid and efficient discharge of battery cells, reducing the risk of thermal runaway by minimizing heat generation and maintaining energy usability, thus preventing extensive damage.
Implementation Method 1
an extremely large amount of heat is released via a resistor when discharging an entire high-voltage battery
Implementation Method 2
If the motor vehicle and/or such a device external to the motor vehicle for coupling to the power supply system external to the motor vehicle, such as a charging column, is designed for bidirectional charging
Data Source
AI summary
A method for discharging at least one battery cell of a battery for a motor vehicle in the event of at least one specific detected fault concerning the battery. The specific fault is detected and, depending on the detection of the fault, an emergency discharge process for at least partially discharging the at least a battery cell is initiated. In doing so, the at least one battery cell is at least partially discharged during the emergency discharge process via at least one on-board electrical consumer of the motor vehicle external to the battery and/or a power supply system external to the motor vehicle.