Battery Management Apparatus Prevents Inrush Current Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
When connecting multiple battery packs in parallel, inrush current due to voltage differences can cause physical damage to the battery packs and peripheral circuitry, and existing solutions, such as circuit breakers, are inconvenient to operate and risk arc formation.
Innovation Solution
A battery management apparatus with a control unit that monitors and balances the current between battery packs, using switches to safely disconnect them during power outages or overcurrent situations without relying on circuit breakers, ensuring safe electrical separation and preventing inrush current damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery packs are connected in parallel to expand charge/discharge capacity, then the charge/discharge capacity is improved, but inrush current flows due to voltage differences causing physical damage to battery packs and peripheral circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by monitoring voltage levels of each battery pack before parallel connection and executing balancing operations in advance to equalize voltages, thereby preventing inrush current when the connection is finally made
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between multiple battery packs, managing the connection process by monitoring voltages and controlling switching elements to enable safe parallel connection while preventing inrush current damage
2Reliability
If a circuit breaker is used to electrically separate battery packs from electrical load for protection, then the safety is improved, but the circuit breaker requires manual operation causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit enables self-service by automatically monitoring battery pack states and controlling switching elements to electrically separate battery packs from electrical loads without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining protection capability while eliminating the need for manual circuit breaker operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit replaces the mechanical circuit breaker system with an electronic control system that uses switching elements controlled by the control unit, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control while maintaining the same protective function
3Reliability
If a switch connected to each battery pack is suddenly turned off while current flows through it, then the electrical separation is achieved, but an arc may occur at the contact point causing the switch to melt
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by monitoring current levels and gradually reducing current flow before turning off switches, preventing arc formation at contact points while achieving necessary electrical separation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the switching process by monitoring current and controlling the timing and method of switch operation, thereby achieving electrical separation without direct harmful effects
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery management apparatus, a battery management method and an energy storage system including the same. The battery management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first battery pack, a second battery pack, a first switch connected in series to the first battery pack between a first terminal and a second terminal, a second switch connected in series to the second battery pack between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to turn on both the first switch and the second switch when a voltage difference between the first battery pack and the second battery pack at a time point at which both the first switch and the second switch are turned off is less than a threshold voltage.