Battery Module Equalization via Forecast-Based Discharge Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for equalizing the states of charge in series-connected battery modules often discharge batteries at unfavorable times, leading to energy wastage and reduced storage capacity due to large voltage deviations and infrequent discharging, which results in inefficient energy utilization and reduced usable capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies suitable discharge times for each battery module based on energy supply and demand forecasts, using a detection and evaluation system to determine when discharging makes sense in energy terms, thereby optimizing the storage capacity and utilization of renewable energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If battery modules are discharged via load resistors to equalize states of charge, then voltage differences between modules are reduced, but energy is wasted as heat and usable storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of charging states and forecasts energy supply/demand before deciding on discharge actions. By predicting future energy availability and consumption patterns, the system determines optimal discharge timing that prevents energy waste while maintaining voltage equality between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge decision is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously evaluates charging states, voltage differences, and forecasts energy patterns to adaptively determine which modules should discharge at each time step, optimizing the balance between voltage equalization and energy conservation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If voltage limit values are set high to ensure equalization, then voltage differences are corrected, but the usable storage capacity of the battery is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates charging states and forecasts energy patterns in advance to determine appropriate voltage limit values for discharge. This preliminary assessment allows the system to set dynamic voltage thresholds that ensure equalization while maximizing usable capacity, rather than using fixed conservative limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage limit values are changed from fixed parameters to dynamic parameters that adapt based on the current charging state, voltage differences between modules, and forecasted energy supply/demand patterns. This allows the system to optimize the balance between equalization and capacity utilization in real-time.
3Loss of energy
If discharging is performed infrequently to conserve energy, then energy waste is reduced, but voltage deviations between modules become very large
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of voltage differences and forecasts energy patterns before deciding on discharge frequency. By predicting future energy availability, the system can determine optimal discharge timing that maintains voltage equality without unnecessary energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors voltage differences between modules and uses this feedback, combined with energy forecasts, to dynamically adjust discharge decisions. This closed-loop control ensures voltage equality is maintained while minimizing energy waste through intelligent timing of discharge operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If battery modules are discharged at unfavorable times to equalize states of charge, then voltage equality is achieved, but energy generated by the conversion system is wasted instead of being used
Solution Approach 1:
The system forecasts energy supply and demand patterns in advance to determine optimal discharge timing. By predicting when energy will be available from the conversion system and when consumption will occur, the system schedules equalization discharges to coincide with periods when energy waste would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge timing is made dynamic based on real-time evaluation of charging states and forecasted energy patterns. The system adapts discharge decisions to match actual system conditions, ensuring that equalization operations occur only when they will not conflict with energy utilization opportunities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for equalizing states of charge of a plurality of battery modules (20) of a battery (10). The method comprises identifying each of the battery modules (20) which is to be discharged by means of a load resistor (30) which is associated with the respective battery module for the purpose of equalizing the states of charge. The method comprises carrying out, for each battery module (20) or each identified battery module (20), a first evaluation, which is associated with the respective battery module, of its state of charge which occurs at a first time on a first day and/or of a first quantity of electrical energy and/or of a second quantity of electrical energy. An estimate for the first quantity of energy can be supplied by an energy conversion system to the battery (10) during the first day. An estimate for the second quantity of energy is supplied by the battery (10) to a load during the first day. The method comprises determining for each identified battery module (20), on the basis of the first evaluation which is associated with the respective battery module, whether a discharge time, at which the respective battery module (20) is discharged by means of the load resistor (30) which is associated with it, occurs during the first day.