Battery Module Balancing via Voltage Differential Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable power supply devices with multiple subcore battery modules often experience a decrease in runtime due to imbalances in state of charge levels across the modules, leading to inefficient energy distribution and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A controller is used to monitor and balance the voltage levels of subcore modules by determining differences and performing balancing operations, such as activating magnetic fields, energizing relay coils, or adjusting heating elements, to ensure that all modules operate within a balanced state, thereby maintaining optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple subcore battery modules are used to increase power capacity, then the power output capability is improved, but voltage imbalance between modules occurs leading to reduced runtime
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors voltage levels of each subcore module and dynamically adjusts current distribution based on real-time voltage differences. When a module's voltage exceeds a threshold relative to others, the controller reduces current to that module, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains voltage balance and maximizes runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different current rates to different subcore modules based on their individual voltage states. Instead of uniform current distribution, the system tailors current allocation locally to each module's charge level, allowing high-voltage modules to charge at lower rates while low-voltage modules receive higher rates, thereby balancing the system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If voltage balancing operations are performed frequently to maintain module equilibrium, then runtime is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the battery modules' own voltage characteristics to drive the balancing process. The controller leverages natural voltage differences that arise during operation and uses these same voltage differentials to control current distribution, eliminating the need for external balancing circuits or additional active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes current rate parameters based on voltage threshold comparisons. By monitoring voltage differences and adjusting current rates accordingly, the system implements a simple parameter-based control strategy that extends runtime without requiring complex control algorithms or additional hardware.
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
The balancing operations extend the runtime of the portable power supply by ensuring consistent energy distribution across all subcore modules, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the device.
Implementation Method 1
activate a first magnetic field source included in the first subcore when the first voltage value is greater than the second voltage value to enable current flow from the first plurality of battery cells to a load through a first reed switch that is closed when the first magnetic field source is activated
Implementation Method 2
increase a temperature of a heating element included in the first subcore when the first voltage value is greater than the second voltage value to increase current flow from the first plurality of battery cells through a leakage device included in the first subcore
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power supply including a first subcore including a first plurality of battery cells, a second subcore including a second plurality battery cells and electrically connected in series with the first subcore, and a controller including an electronic processor. The controller is configured to receive a first voltage value indicative of a voltage of the first plurality of battery cells from the first subcore and a second voltage value indicative of a voltage of the second plurality of battery cells from the second subcore. The controller is further configured to determine a difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value, compare the difference to a balance threshold, and perform a balancing operation when the difference is greater than or equal to the balance threshold.