Battery Emulator Calibration Using a Single Switchable Standard

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery calibration methods require multiple calibration standards and are complex, making them costly and space-consuming, especially for high-voltage batteries used in traction applications.

Innovation Solution

A battery emulator that emulates a high-voltage battery with series-connected cells, incorporating a switching device to connect cells to a single calibration standard, allowing for simplified and automated calibration, reducing the need for external devices and high-precision components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple calibration standards are used for battery calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single calibration standard is designed to perform multiple calibration functions across different voltage ranges by incorporating switchable taps. The standard can be connected to different cell groups (e.g., first cell group and second cell group) through the switching device, eliminating the need for separate calibration standards for different voltage ranges while maintaining calibration accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple calibration functions that previously required separate standards are merged into a single calibration standard. The standard integrates multiple taps corresponding to different voltage points, allowing one device to replace multiple calibration standards through electronic switching between taps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple calibration standards are used, then calibration coverage is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration coverageVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single calibration standard incorporates multiple taps that provide comprehensive voltage coverage across different operating ranges. This universal design allows the same physical device to cover the entire calibration range through electronic switching, dramatically reducing the space required compared to having separate physical standards for each voltage range.

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

3Measurement precision

If high-precision electrical components are used for simulated cells, then emulation accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulation accuracyVSAvoidcomponent cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery emulator performs self-calibration by comparing its own output against the single calibration standard. The control unit automatically adjusts the emulation parameters based on the calibration results, eliminating the need for expensive high-precision components while maintaining accuracy through software-based compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on expensive high-precision hardware components, the system achieves accuracy by dynamically adjusting electrical parameters through calibration. The control unit modifies emulation parameters based on feedback from the calibration standard, replacing hardware precision with software-controlled parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4202452B1Device and method for calibrating a battery emulator
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 DSPACE SE & CO KG
  • EP4202452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4202452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4202452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device or method for calibrating a battery emulator is proposed. The battery emulator emulates several cells connected in series, each emulated cell having taps from which at least one emulated quantity can be accessed, and the device includes a switching device via which a calibration standard with different taps can be switchably connected.