Battery Module Management via Insulated Bidirectional DC-DC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules in a battery pack with different numbers of cells or rated voltages, when used in varying environments, experience uneven deterioration, leading to management challenges and increased costs due to the need for individual handling of each module.
Innovation Solution
A management device that includes an equalization unit for voltage balancing, an insulated bidirectional DC-DC converter for power transmission, and identification information conversion to standardize module management, allowing for coordinated charging and discharging across modules with different ratings and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If battery modules with different numbers of cells or rated voltages are used to construct a battery pack, then the battery pack can be constructed with modules arranged at different positions and with different specifications, but differences in deterioration condition between the battery modules occur and management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The management device is designed to handle multiple types of battery modules with different specifications (different numbers of cells, different rated voltages) through a unified management interface. The device can equalize voltages across modules with different configurations and manage charging/discharging operations for heterogeneous modules, making the management system universal rather than requiring separate management for each module type.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device dynamically adjusts management parameters based on the specific configuration of connected battery modules. It detects the number of cells and rated voltage of each module and adapts its equalization and charging/discharging control strategies accordingly, allowing flexible management of modules with varying electrical parameters without increasing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery modules are used in varying environments, then the battery pack can operate in different conditions, but uneven deterioration between modules occurs leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The management device continuously monitors the state of charge and voltage of each battery module individually, and uses this feedback information to adjust charging and discharging rates for each module. When environmental conditions cause some modules to deteriorate faster, the system detects the varying deterioration rates through continuous monitoring and adjusts operation to equalize the aging process across all modules, maintaining reliability despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device applies different management strategies to different battery modules based on their individual states and environmental conditions. Each module receives customized charging/discharging control and equalization treatment tailored to its specific condition, rather than applying a uniform management approach to all modules. This localized management prevents uneven deterioration by addressing the specific needs of each module.
3Reliability
If individual management of each battery module is performed, then deterioration conditions can be monitored, but the trouble and cost for managing battery modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management device combines multiple monitoring and control functions into a single integrated system. It simultaneously monitors voltage, state of charge, and deterioration conditions of all battery modules through one management interface, and performs equalization and charging/discharging control for all modules through unified control logic. This merging of functions reduces the trouble and cost compared to managing each module separately while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
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
The solution enables efficient management and standardization of battery modules, reducing operational complexity and costs by allowing for coordinated power transmission and equalization across modules with different ratings and environments, thereby maintaining system performance and extending module lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an insulated bidirectional DC-DC converter for power transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Charging and discharging of a plurality of electric storage cells connected in series are: managed by equalizing voltages of a plurality of electric storage cells; and, without disconnecting or shifting an electrical connection between (a) the plurality of electric storage cells and (b-1) a load which uses electric power of the plurality of electric storage cells or (b-2) a charging device which charges the plurality of electric storage cells, (i) sending electric power of the plurality of electric storage cells to an external apparatus which is different from the load and the charging device, or (ii) receiving receives electric power supplied to the plurality of electric storage cells from the external apparatus.