Battery Module Balance Apparatus with Active Inter-Module Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power reserve apparatuses face challenges in efficiently equalizing voltage across multiple battery cells and modules due to complex coil configurations and high component counts, leading to prolonged voltage adjustment times and decreased overall voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A power reserve apparatus comprising modules with passive inter-cell balance adjustment units and active inter-module balance adjustment units, utilizing resistors and switches for passive balancing within modules and flyback transformers for active balancing between modules, allowing for independent control and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive balance adjustment using resistors is used for voltage equalization, then the configuration is simple, but the time required for voltage equalization becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple modules, each with its own balance adjustment circuit. This segmentation allows parallel processing of voltage equalization across modules, significantly reducing the total time required compared to sequential equalization of all cells through a single circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switching elements that can dynamically change the circuit configuration between passive resistor-based discharge and active transformer-based power transfer. This dynamic switching enables the system to adapt between different equalization strategies based on real-time voltage differences, optimizing both speed and efficiency.
2Loss of time
If active balance adjustment using coils and switching elements is used, then voltage equalization speed improves, but the device complexity and component count increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the module-level balance adjustment circuit: voltage equalization, power management, and module isolation are all handled by the same circuit architecture. This merging reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby reducing overall component count while maintaining active equalization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance adjustment circuit is designed to serve multiple purposes: it can perform passive resistor-based equalization, active transformer-based equalization, and module isolation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized circuits, reducing device complexity while maintaining fast equalization performance.
3Device complexity
If resistors are used for voltage equalization, then the circuit configuration is simple, but the overall voltage level decreases requiring repeated charging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transformers as intermediary devices that enable power transfer between modules without direct resistive discharge. The transformers act as mediators that can transfer energy efficiently while maintaining voltage levels, avoiding the energy loss inherent in pure resistor-based equalization schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive resistor-based energy dissipation mechanism with an active transformer-based energy transfer mechanism. This substitution changes the system from one that dissipates energy as heat to one that transfers energy efficiently between modules, preserving overall voltage levels while maintaining circuit simplicity.
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
This configuration reduces the time required for voltage equalization and prevents overall voltage decrease, enabling faster and more efficient balance adjustments across multiple battery cells and modules.
Implementation Method 1
a first primary-side coil electrically connected to the power storage element and a first switch, a first secondary-side coil electrically connected to the first set of battery cells and a second switch, and a first magnetic core inductively coupled to the first primary-side coil and the first secondary-side coil
Data Source
AI summary
A power reserve apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power reserve apparatus comprises a first module including a first set of battery cells and a first inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus also comprises a second module including a second set of battery cells and a second inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the second set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus further comprises an inter-module balance adjustment unit configured to use active balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first and second modules.