Battery Management Unit Frequency Modulation Identifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery management systems for multi-module battery packs require complex separate production and algorithms for master and slave BMUs, and face challenges in setting identifiers during replacement or addition of battery packs.

Innovation Solution

A battery management system that uses a simple algorithm to set the status of BMUs based on frequency modulation of a wakeup signal, where the control unit determines the status as master or slave by comparing the received signal frequency to stored fundamental and additional frequencies, and outputs a modified wakeup signal to set communication identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate production and algorithms are used for master and slave BMUs, then the system can control multi-module battery packs, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to control multi-module battery packsVSAvoidcomplexity of separate master and slave BMU production
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single unified BMU design that can function as either master or slave based on the wakeup signal frequency received. All BMUs are manufactured identically with the same hardware configuration, but their role is dynamically determined through frequency-based communication protocols. This eliminates the need for separate master and slave production lines while maintaining full control capability for multi-module battery packs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the wakeup signal to differentiate between master and slave BMUs. Instead of using different hardware configurations, the system uses frequency modulation where the master BMU transmits at a fundamental frequency and slave BMUs transmit at harmonics (multiples) of that frequency. This parameter-based differentiation simplifies manufacturing while preserving functional distinction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex algorithms are developed for each BMU status, then the system can manage master-slave operations, but the ease of operation and configuration during replacement/addition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaster-slave operation managementVSAvoidsimplicity of identifier setting during replacement/addition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-configuration mechanism where BMUs automatically determine their status (master or slave) and set their identifiers through frequency-based wakeup signal exchange without requiring manual configuration or complex algorithms. When a BMU is added or replaced, it automatically receives the wakeup signal, detects the frequency, and configures itself accordingly, eliminating the need for manual identifier setting and simplifying maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If frequency modulation is used for status setting, then the ease of manufacture and configuration improves, but the measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of BMU production and configurationVSAvoidfrequency detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the wakeup signal frequency as an intermediary carrier to transmit status information. Rather than directly configuring BMU status through complex procedures, the system embeds status information in the frequency parameter of the wakeup signal. The frequency acts as a mediator that conveys master/slave identification and identifier information, simplifying the overall configuration process while maintaining reliable distinction between different BMU roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easy production and configuration of BMUs, automatic status setting, and simplified operations for adding or replacing BMUs, reducing the need for separate algorithms and production processes.

Implementation Method 1

a battery management unit and its method for setting communication identifier by using frequency modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3096431B1Battery management unit and method for setting identifier by using frequency modulation
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3096431B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3096431B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery management unit for setting a communication identifier through the frequency of a start signal. The battery management unit according to the present invention analyzes the frequency of a received start signal. If the frequency of the start signal is a fundamental frequency, the battery management unit sets itself as a master unit. If the frequency of the start signal is not the fundamental frequency, the battery management unit sets itself as a slave unit. In addition, when outputting a start signal to another neighboring battery management unit, the battery management unit according to the present invention outputs the start signal by modulating the frequency of the start signal into a frequency produced by adding an additional frequency value to the frequency as received in the battery management unit. Thus, the battery management unit is capable of setting the status of the battery management unit and also setting a communication identifier of the battery management unit by analyzing the value of the received frequency.