Battery Module Cycling for Internal Resistance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery systems for motor vehicles experience high internal resistance and depletion effects, especially during high current draws, leading to voltage drops and accelerated aging, particularly at low charge levels and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method that alternates the activation of first and second battery modules based on a cycle time, deactivating the first module to allow recovery and reducing internal resistance, while maintaining overall system voltage, using a control unit to manage temperature, state of charge, and voltage to optimize module loading and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a battery module is continuously activated during high current draw, then the power supply is maintained, but the internal resistance increases and depletion effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between at least two battery modules, where the first battery module is activated for a specified cycle time and then deactivated in favor of the second battery module. This periodic alternation allows each module to recover during its inactive period, preventing continuous depletion and reducing internal resistance buildup while maintaining continuous power supply to the load.
2Power
If a battery module operates under high current load, then the power demand is met, but voltage drop increases due to internal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
By periodically switching between multiple battery modules, the system ensures that no single module is continuously subjected to high current draw. Each module alternates between active and recovery states, allowing internal chemical processes to reduce internal resistance during idle periods. This results in reduced voltage drops when modules are activated, while still meeting the overall power demand of the system.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a battery module is continuously discharged, then the operational duration is extended, but the aging process accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic switching mechanism alternates between multiple battery modules, allowing each module to undergo recovery processes during its inactive period. This prevents continuous discharge and the associated accelerated aging effects. The system thereby extends the overall operational duration by distributing the discharge stress across multiple modules over time, while each individual module experiences reduced aging due to periodic rest periods.
4Reliability
If multiple battery modules are used with alternating activation, then the internal resistance is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the state of charge, temperature, and performance metrics of each battery module in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the activation and switching of battery modules, optimizing the balance between reducing internal resistance and managing control complexity. The feedback mechanism ensures that switching decisions are based on actual module conditions rather than fixed schedules, thereby maintaining reliability while adapting to varying operational demands.
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 method reduces internal resistance, minimizes power loss, and enhances battery system efficiency by regenerating modules, compensating for uneven loading and aging, thereby improving longevity and vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
the battery module that is currently unused or deactivated can recover, i.e. it can reduce the state of depletion through chemical compensation processes and it can lower its internal resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves activating first battery module for predetermined cycle time, then activating second battery module for predetermined cycle time and simultaneously deactivating the first battery module. The second battery module is activated after the first battery module is activated, and the second battery module is activated at the same time that the first battery module is deactivated. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a battery system; and (2) motor vehicle.