Parallel Battery Module Charging Layout for Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The expansion and shrinkage of battery cells or modules, particularly in all-solid-state batteries, necessitate maintaining sufficient space within the battery case, reducing the density of battery cells or modules.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a battery controller that controls the charging and discharging of battery modules or cell groups in parallel, prohibiting charge to one group when another is charging, discharging one group when another is charging, and using elastic materials to accommodate expansion and shrinkage, thereby maintaining density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery modules are placed densely in the battery case, then space utilization is improved, but expansion space for charged batteries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple battery modules (first and second battery modules) that can be independently controlled. Each module can be charged or discharged separately, allowing one module to expand while another provides space, thus resolving the contradiction between high density and expansion accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging control is made dynamic by the battery controller, which monitors the expansion state of battery modules and adjusts charging operations in real-time. When one module expands during charging, the controller dynamically prohibits charging of other modules to maintain proper spacing, enabling the system to adapt to volume changes while preserving high density.
2Reliability
If battery modules are kept apart from battery case walls, then expansion space is ensured, but battery cell density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery system into multiple independently controllable modules, the patent enables one module to be positioned away from the case wall during charging while another module occupies the space, thereby maintaining high overall density while ensuring expansion space for individual modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of different battery modules differently - one module is charged (expanding) while another is discharged or held at constant state (shrinking or maintaining size). This parameter differentiation allows optimal space utilization and maintains high density while ensuring expansion space.
3Productivity
If multiple battery modules are charged simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but expansion conflict occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The battery controller implements dynamic charging control by monitoring the expansion state of each battery module in real-time and adjusting charging operations accordingly. This dynamic approach allows simultaneous charging of multiple modules when space permits, while automatically preventing expansion conflicts by controlling charge distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors that detect battery module expansion states to control charging operations. When expansion conflicts are detected, the controller receives feedback and adjusts charging parameters to prohibit charging of modules that would cause spacing issues, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing charging efficiency.
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 approach effectively maintains battery density by managing expansion and shrinkage without compromising the space within the battery case, especially for all-solid-state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
Battery cells expand or shrink according to their state of charge (SoC). Therefore, a battery module expands when charged and shrinks when discharged.
Data Source
AI summary
A moving object includes: a first battery module and a second battery module, each of which includes a plurality of battery cells laminated in a first direction; a battery case configured to house the first and the second battery modules; a charger configured to charge the first and the second battery modules; a load; and a battery controller configured to control the first and the second battery modules. The first and the second battery modules are arranged in the first direction. The first and the second battery modules are electrically connected in parallel to the charger and the load. When one of the first and the second battery modules is being charged, the battery controller prohibits charge of the other of the first and the second battery modules.