Battery Management System for Controlled Traction Battery Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems in electric vehicles lack a reliable method to safely discharge batteries, especially in compromised states such as after a collision, which can lead to unsafe conditions and potential hazards during rescue or maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system that detects vehicle events using sensors to control the discharge of battery cells independently, utilizing energy dissipation devices to gradually lower the electrical charge, with the ability to prioritize cell discharge based on location or damage, and isolate terminals to prevent temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery safety system is provided to discharge the battery automatically or manually following a vehicle collision, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages normal battery operation and simultaneously serves as the discharge control system for emergency situations. The existing battery management infrastructure is leveraged to control the discharge process, eliminating the need for a completely separate safety system.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system uses its own existing components and control capabilities to manage the discharge process. Rather than requiring external discharge mechanisms, the system self-manages the safe discharge of battery cells using its integrated control logic and switching mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If the battery management system controls discharge of individual cells independently, then discharge control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple switches and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple cell groups, with each group having independent discharge control capability. This segmentation allows selective discharge of specific cell groups based on their charge state and safety requirements, enabling precise control while managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge control system dynamically adjusts which cell groups are discharged based on real-time battery state assessment. The system can change discharge priorities and control parameters during operation, optimizing the discharge process while adapting to changing battery conditions and safety requirements.
3Reliability
If rapid discharge is prevented to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to slower discharge times
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge process is implemented as a periodic, controlled operation rather than a single rapid event. The system discharges battery cells in controlled intervals, monitoring temperature and charge state continuously. This periodic approach ensures safety through gradual energy dissipation while maintaining reasonable overall discharge times for emergency scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge process maintains continuous monitoring and control throughout the energy dissipation process. Rather than attempting a single rapid discharge that could be unsafe, the system continuously manages the discharge process, adjusting parameters in real-time to balance safety requirements with the need for timely energy dissipation.
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 safe and controlled battery discharge in emergency situations, preventing rapid energy release and maintaining operational efficiency without additional discharge means, thereby ensuring passenger and personnel safety and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
discharge of the battery utilising a battery management system until an electrical characteristic of the battery attains a predefined threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A system for discharging the electric charge stored in a traction battery of an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle. The system comprising a traction battery having a plurality cells, a battery management system for balancing or regulating the electric charge stored in each of the battery cells. A sensor for detecting a vehicle event is provided on the vehicle. The battery management system, upon receiving a signal indicative that a vehicle event has occurred, initiates a discharge cycle of the electrical energy stored in one or more of the cells of the battery via an energy dissipation device such as a battery regulator or battery balancer.