Battery Management for Mixed Energy Density Packs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery management systems for electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries have limited maximum driving distances and energy efficiency, as they cannot effectively utilize multiple batteries with different energy densities to optimize power supply, leading to degraded performance compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery management apparatus and method that connects multiple batteries with different energy densities, using a control unit and switch units to dynamically manage power distribution between them, ensuring continuous operation by supplementing power when one battery's output is low, and maintaining the same overall size as single batteries to fit existing vehicle spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single lithium-ion battery is used in electric vehicles, then the battery system is simple in structure, but the maximum driving distance is limited to approximately 300 km and energy efficiency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple batteries with different energy densities (first battery with 250 Wh/kg and second battery with 100 Wh/kg) instead of using a single battery. This segmentation allows the system to achieve longer driving distance (500 km+) by combining the high energy density of the first battery with the high output capacity of the second battery, while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple batteries with different characteristics are merged into a single battery pack system. The first battery (high energy density) and second battery (high output density) are combined and managed as one integrated system through the battery management apparatus, allowing them to work together to provide both long range and sufficient power output, effectively merging their complementary strengths.
2Productivity
If multiple batteries with different energy densities are connected, then the driving distance and energy efficiency are improved, but the control complexity of power distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management apparatus continuously monitors the output capacity and state of charge of each battery individually. Based on this feedback information, the control unit dynamically adjusts the power distribution between the first and second batteries, switching between them or combining their output to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining simple control operations through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system dynamically adjusts power distribution between batteries based on real-time conditions such as driving demand, battery state of charge, and output capacity. The control unit can flexibly switch between different battery configurations (using only first battery, only second battery, or both in combination) to adapt to varying operational requirements, maintaining high energy efficiency without complex manual intervention.
3Power
If the overall size of multiple batteries is increased to provide more power, then the power output is improved, but the batteries cannot fit in the existing vehicle battery space
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the battery pack are assigned different battery types based on local requirements. The first battery (high energy density) is placed in positions where energy storage is prioritized, while the second battery (high output density) is positioned where power delivery is critical. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve high overall power output within the constrained volume by optimizing the spatial distribution of different battery characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention provides a battery management apparatus and method which connect a plurality of batteries having different energy densities to each other and control power supplied through the plurality of batteries to control the driving of the driving body.