Battery Cell Formation Switching for Series Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell formation processes face challenges in efficiently charging multiple cells in series configurations while maintaining control over voltage and current, leading to inefficiencies and potential overcharging, especially when cells have varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing switches to selectively connect and disconnect battery cells from a series string, allowing for adjustable voltage and current distribution, along with sensors and controllers to monitor and manage cell conditions, ensuring uniform charging and formation of solid electrolyte interphase layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are connected in series configuration for charging, then the voltage can be higher (sum of individual cell voltages), but the current is the same for all cells which can lead to overcharging issues when cells have varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into individually controllable cell groups or strings, allowing each group to be charged independently or in parallel. This segmentation enables different charging currents to be applied to different cell groups, preventing overcharging while maintaining high voltage operation through series connection of multiple groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that can reconfigure the battery architecture during charging operations. Switches can dynamically connect or disconnect cell groups in series or parallel configurations based on real-time cell conditions, enabling adaptive current distribution while maintaining high voltage when cells are in series configuration.
2Device complexity
If multiple battery cells are connected in series configuration, then a single DC-DC converter can charge/discharge the cells, but resistive losses increase and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into multiple cell groups that can be charged in parallel configurations. This reduces the total voltage across each parallel branch, thereby reducing resistive losses (P=I²R) while still achieving high system voltage through series connection of parallel groups. The segmentation allows optimization of current distribution to minimize overall energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the electrical configuration parameters (series/parallel arrangements) of cell groups based on operating conditions. By adjusting the voltage and current distribution parameters across different cell groups, the system optimizes energy efficiency and minimizes resistive losses while maintaining the required power output.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to selectively connect and disconnect battery cells, then voltage and current distribution can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal switching mechanisms that can perform multiple functions: connecting cell groups in series, parallel, or series-parallel configurations; isolating individual cells or groups; and reconfiguring the battery architecture dynamically. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated switches for each configuration, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic switching systems that can reconfigure the battery connections in real-time based on cell conditions, charging requirements, and operational demands. This dynamic capability provides versatile voltage and current distribution control, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while optimizing performance and efficiency.
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
This approach reduces resistive losses, saves energy, prevents overcharging, and enhances SEI quality, leading to increased battery cell life and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
providing a current to the first battery cell and to the second battery cell via the first switch and the third switch for battery cell formation of the first battery cell and the second battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
Battery cell formation can include forming a SEI layer in a battery cell, evaluating the cell quality, grading the cells and removing any defect cells. A first switch can connect a first terminal of a battery charger with a first terminal of a first cell. A second switch can connect a second terminal of the first cell with a third switch. The second switch can connect a second cell with a first terminal of the battery charger. The third switch can connect the second switch with a first terminal of the second cell. A fourth switch can connect a second terminal of the second cell with a second terminal of the battery charger. The charger can provide a current to the first cell and to the second cell via the first switch and the third switch for battery cell formation of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.