Battery Module Maintenance via Dynamic Series-Parallel Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in accounting for the varying electrical characteristics of multiple battery cells, which can impact system performance, particularly in high-voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A battery system comprising a battery module with a series and parallel configuration, utilizing a charging device with bus bars and a rig to connect and equalize battery cells, allowing for bulk charging and voltage modification to balance charge levels across cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple battery cells are used in a battery system, then the energy capacity and voltage of the battery system are increased, but the variation in electrical characteristics among cells leads to performance imbalance and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple battery modules, each containing a specific number of battery cells connected in series. This segmentation allows independent management and monitoring of each module, enabling the system to handle variations in cell characteristics by treating each module as a manageable unit with its own voltage and charge state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel configurations of battery modules based on operational requirements. The controller can reconfigure the electrical connections between modules to optimize performance, balance charge levels, and accommodate variations in cell characteristics under different operating conditions.
2Power
If battery cells are connected in series to increase voltage, then the system voltage is increased, but the charge levels of individual cells become unbalanced and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability that allows switching between series and parallel connections of battery modules. When cells become unbalanced, the controller can reconfigure the electrical architecture to parallel mode for equalization charging, then switch back to series mode for normal high-voltage operation, making maintenance manageable despite high voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its electrical configuration parameters (series/parallel arrangement) based on operational needs and cell state. This parameter change enables the system to transition from high-voltage series operation to balanced parallel charging mode, and vice versa, facilitating easier maintenance and cell equalization without permanently compromising system voltage.
3Reliability
If battery cells are connected in parallel to equalize charge levels, then the charge balance among cells is improved, but the system voltage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel configurations based on whether the operational priority is high voltage or charge equalization. During normal operation, modules are connected in series for high voltage. When charge imbalance is detected, the system reconfigures to parallel connections for equalization charging, then returns to series configuration to restore high-voltage operation.
4Device complexity
If a fixed battery module configuration is used, then the system structure is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to different operational requirements and cell conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system incorporates a reconfigurable electrical architecture that allows dynamic switching between series and parallel connections of battery modules. This dynamic capability provides operational flexibility to adapt to different requirements (high voltage mode, charge equalization mode, maintenance mode) while maintaining a relatively simple physical module structure that can be electrically reconfigured through switching devices controlled by a controller.
Data Source
AI summary
A module maintenance system includes a battery module comprising at least a first battery cell and a second battery cell, and a charging device comprising a bulk output and an equalization output. The battery module has a series configuration and a parallel configuration. In the parallel configuration, the charging device outputs a first voltage to the equalization output to equalize charge levels of the first and second battery cells. In the series configuration, the charging device outputs a second voltage to the bulk output to modify charge levels of the first and second battery cells, wherein the second voltage is greater than the first voltage.