Battery Module Equalization Apparatus with Selective Master-Slave Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery module equalization apparatuses face challenges in simplifying the structure and efficiently balancing voltage between modules, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and defect rates due to complex wiring and difficulty in selecting individual target modules for balancing.
Innovation Solution
A battery module equalization apparatus with a master controller and slave controllers that measure voltage values, allowing for individual selection and command transmission to specific slave controllers for charge or discharge operations, simplifying the structure and reducing wire harness volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional charge equalization circuits are implemented to individually select battery modules, then charge equalization between modules can be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and the number of wire harnesses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the equalization functions into a single integrated equalization module that can selectively connect to any battery module through a multiplexer mechanism. This consolidates multiple potential connection paths into one unified structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to individually address each module for equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The equalization module is designed with multi-functionality to serve all battery modules through a single device. The module can dynamically select and connect to any target module based on voltage differential detection, eliminating the need for dedicated equalization circuits for each module and reducing wire harness requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional charge equalization circuits are implemented to individually select battery modules, then charge equalization between modules can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and defect rate may increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating equalization functionality into a single module rather than distributing it across multiple individual circuits, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing complexity and potential defect points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an equalization module as an intermediary component that simplifies the interface between the battery management system and individual battery modules. This intermediary handles the complexity of selective connection internally, presenting a simplified external interface that is easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Productivity
If a battery module equalization apparatus with selective capability is implemented, then efficient charge equalization can be achieved, but the apparatus structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selectivity in the equalization module, allowing it to adaptively choose which battery module requires equalization based on real-time voltage differential detection. This dynamic capability enables efficient equalization without requiring a statically complex structure with dedicated connections to every module.
Solution Approach 2:
The equalization module serves as an intelligent intermediary that uses voltage differential detection to identify target modules and selectively connect to them. This mediator approach concentrates the complexity in a single controllable unit rather than distributing it throughout the entire battery system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module equalization apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of slave controllers each electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules to measure voltage values of the plurality of battery modules, and having a slave charging/discharging channel through which the current that charges and discharges each battery module flows, and a master controller configured to receive the voltage value of each battery module from the plurality of slave controllers, select at least one of the plurality of slave controllers based on the received voltage value, and transmit a CHARGE or DISCHARGE command to the at least one selected slave controller, and having a master charging/discharging channel through which the charging current supplied to the at least one slave controller and the discharging current supplied from the at least one slave controller flow.