Battery Management System for Parallel Cell Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High capacity batteries face safety issues and limited operating time due to rapid discharge and thermal events, especially when powering complex devices like High and Very High Definition cameras, and are restricted by aviation regulations for transportation.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system that allows coupling of multiple batteries in parallel to exceed safe power ratings, with a control unit determining the maximum safe power and selectively activating batteries based on charge status and temperature to provide extended operating time while preventing thermal events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If very high capacity batteries are used to power complex devices for extended periods, then the operating time is improved, but safety issues arise due to rapid discharge and thermal events
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides a single high-capacity battery into multiple sub-100 Watt-hour battery units that can be coupled together. Each battery unit has its own control unit, and they operate as independent segments under coordinated management. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total capacity while maintaining safety by limiting the capacity of individual battery units.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple batteries are coupled in parallel to increase capacity, then the overall battery capacity is improved, but the risk of thermal events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master control unit continuously monitors temperature, charge status, and operational parameters of each battery unit, and dynamically adjusts which batteries are active based on real-time feedback. This feedback mechanism prevents thermal events by detecting and responding to abnormal conditions before they escalate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary safety measures by having each battery unit equipped with its own control unit that can independently deactivate the battery if abnormal conditions are detected. This preliminary protective action prevents thermal runaway before it can affect other batteries in the parallel configuration.
3Reliability
If batteries are restricted to sub-100 Watt-hour capacity for transportation safety, then safety during transportation is improved, but the operating time for high consumption devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sub-100 Watt-hour batteries into a unified power system that functions as a single high-capacity battery. By coupling batteries in parallel and using a master control unit to coordinate their operation, the system achieves total capacity exceeding transportation limits while maintaining compliance through the use of individually compliant battery units.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery management system and method for controlling the operation of a plurality of electrical batteries (10) coupled to one another, includes a master control unit (50) coupled to each of the batteries (10), at least one battery status unit operable to provide data relating to the status of each of the batteries of the plurality of batteries and a power determination unit operable to provide a measure of the power draw required from the batteries (10). The master control unit (50) is operable to control the operation of the plurality of batteries to activate a number of the plurality to meet the required power draw and to deactivate any batteries (10) of the plurality which would cause said plurality of batteries to exceed the required power draw. In the preferred embodiment, the power determination unit is operable to determine the maximum safe power to a device coupled to the plurality of batteries (10), the master control unit (50) being operable to control the operation of the plurality of batteries (10) to activate a number of the batteries (10) having a combined power capacity not exceeding the safe maximum power. Thus, the system and method allow for a large number of batteries (10) to be coupled to an electrical device and for these to be controlled so as not to produce a current which is too high for the device. There are also described elements for determining the operation of the batteries (10) and in particular which is to operate as a master battery and which as slave batteries, as well as for managing the batteries during the powering of a device and for charging. A battery designed for this purpose is also disclosed.