Battery Module Fuse Coordination for Rack Short-Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems with module fuses cannot effectively handle short circuits at the module level when battery modules are mounted in a battery rack, leading to potential damage to system components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a module fuse with a voltage specification capable of withstanding the output voltage of the battery rack and a short circuit specification lower than that of the rack fuse, ensuring the module fuse operates after the rack fuse and only cuts off the rack fuse when a short circuit occurs in the battery rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a module fuse with low voltage specification is used to satisfy UN/DOT 38.3 standard, then the module fuse can protect against short circuits during transportation, but the module fuse cannot withstand the system voltage when a short circuit occurs in the battery rack after mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage specification parameter of the module fuse from a low voltage rating (sufficient for module-level protection during transportation) to a high voltage rating (capable of withstanding system voltage in the battery rack). This parameter change allows the same module fuse structure to satisfy both UN/DOT 38.3 standard and provide protection in the mounted state without damage from system voltage.
2Reliability
If a module fuse with high voltage specification is used to withstand system voltage, then the module fuse can operate safely in the battery rack, but the price and energy density are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the voltage specification parameter of the module fuse to match the actual operating conditions in the battery rack, selecting a fuse with appropriate voltage rating that can withstand system voltage while minimizing size and cost implications on energy density.
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 configuration ensures the battery module and energy storage device remain safe and functional while maintaining price competitiveness and energy density, effectively preventing system voltage from damaging the module fuse.
Implementation Method 1
a rack fuse connected in series to the plurality of battery modules and configured to cut off a battery rack circuit when an overcurrent occurs in the battery rack
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of battery modules includes a battery cell and a module fuse that cuts off a battery module circuit when an overcurrent occurs in the battery module
Implementation Method 3
the module fuse has a voltage specification capable of corresponding to an output voltage of the battery rack, and has a short circuit specification lower than a short circuit specification of the rack fuse
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module and an energy storage device including a battery rack including a plurality of battery modules, and a rack fuse cutting off a circuit when an overcurrent occurs in the battery rack, each of the plurality of battery modules includes a battery cell and a module fuse that cuts off a circuit when an overcurrent occurs in the battery module, the module fuse has a voltage specification capable of corresponding to an output voltage of the battery rack, and has a short circuit specification lower than a short circuit specification of the rack fuse.