Battery Module Bypass Architecture for Self-Healing Packs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery designs require complete shutdown and lengthy equalization periods when a faulty battery module is replaced, leading to operational inefficiencies and extended downtime.
Innovation Solution
A self-healing battery pack system that automatically identifies and bypasses faulty battery modules using electrical protective devices and a controller system, allowing continuous operation and remote adjustment of state-of-charge to minimize downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a faulty battery module is replaced in current battery designs, then the battery pack can be repaired, but the operational downtime increases due to complete shutdown and lengthy equalization periods
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each with its own protective device. This segmentation allows individual modules to be isolated and replaced without affecting the operation of other modules, eliminating the need for complete system shutdown and lengthy equalization periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective devices are pre-installed in parallel with each battery module before operation. When a fault occurs, these pre-positioned protective devices can immediately bypass the faulty module, avoiding the need for time-consuming equalization procedures and enabling rapid replacement of defective components.
2Extent of automation
If electrical protective devices are added to each battery module, then automatic bypass capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical protective devices serve multiple functions: they monitor battery module status, automatically bypass faulty modules, and enable rapid replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall device complexity while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective devices are configured to automatically detect faults and bypass faulty battery modules without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the control system architecture and reduces the complexity of manual monitoring and intervention procedures.
3Power
If battery modules are connected in series to achieve targeted voltage, then voltage requirements are met, but a single faulty module causes complete system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The series-connected battery modules are segmented into independent units with individual protective devices. This allows the series string to maintain voltage requirements while providing isolation capability, so that a single faulty module can be bypassed without causing complete system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes its electrical configuration by bypassing faulty modules through parallel protective devices. This allows the battery pack to maintain operational voltage levels by reconfiguring the series connection, effectively adapting to module failures while preserving power output requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-healing battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules connected in series. When a faulty battery module is detected, an electrical protective device connected in parallel with the faulty battery is caused to operate and thereby bypass the faulty battery module. The self-healing battery pack can additionally report the detection of the faulty battery module. When maintenance is scheduled to replace the faulty battery module, the self-healing battery pack can receive instructions to adjust a state-of-charge of the battery modules to reduce an equalization period.