Removable Battery Module Authentication for Theft Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle battery modules are not designed to prevent unauthorized use, track usage, or facilitate recovery of stolen modules, due to their permanent installation and lack of security features.
Innovation Solution
A removable high voltage battery module design with unique identifiers, secure communication between module and pack controllers, and an authentication system to authorize use, track usage, and assist in recovering stolen modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If battery modules are permanently installed in sealed battery packs, then theft deterrence is improved through physical inaccessibility, but module tracking and unauthorized use control capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the battery pack into removable modules, each equipped with unique identifiers and authentication controllers. This allows individual module tracking and authorization while maintaining security, resolving the contradiction between physical security and information tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
An authentication controller acts as an intermediary between the module controller and pack controller, verifying authorization before enabling module operation. This intermediary layer enables tracking and authorization control for removable modules without compromising security.
2Ease of operation
If battery modules are made removable for ease of service and replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to theft and unauthorized use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication controller performs preliminary authorization verification before the module can be operated or removed. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized modules are removed and installed, mitigating theft risk while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through authentication verification, where the authentication controller communicates authorization status back to the module and pack controllers. This feedback mechanism prevents unauthorized operation while allowing easy removal and installation of authorized modules.
3Reliability
If unique identifiers and authentication systems are added to removable modules, then control over module use and theft deterrence are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication controller serves multiple functions: verifying module authorization, tracking module location, and enabling/disabling module operation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating security functions into a single component rather than adding separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for a vehicle or a stationary installation is disclosed comprising a battery pack having a plurality of removable battery modules, each battery module having an internally controllable connection to a common power bus, a system component controlled by a Power Controller Unit (PCU), said PCU having a connection to said common power bus, and a System Control Unit (SCU) being in communication with each of said battery modules and said PCU, said SCU receiving control inputs from the Operator of the power system. In some embodiments, said Operator may be a human operator, an Electronic Operator Unit (EOU), or a combination thereof. A method is disclosed for operating the internally controllable connection of each of the battery modules responsive to the control inputs received by the SCU from the Operator of the power system and the monitored status of the power system.