Lithium Ion Battery Module Voltage Matching via Mixed Chemistries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems for micro-hybrid vehicles are limited by the inflexibility of battery cell configurations due to the use of a single battery cell chemistry, which restricts design flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A micro-hybrid battery system incorporating a lithium ion battery module with multiple lithium ion battery cells of different active material chemistries, connected in series and parallel to match voltage profiles with an energy storage unit, allowing for varied cell numbers and chemistries to achieve voltage matching and enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single battery cell chemistry is used in the battery module, then the manufacturing process is simplified and easier to control, but the design flexibility and voltage matching capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is segmented into multiple battery cells, each potentially using different chemistries (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium cobalt oxide). This segmentation allows independent selection of chemistry for each cell to achieve desired voltage profiles and performance characteristics while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Different battery cells within the same module are assigned different local qualities (chemistries) based on their specific voltage characteristics and performance needs. This allows optimization of voltage matching with the energy storage unit while keeping the overall manufacturing process manageable through standardized cell production and modular assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery cell chemistries are used in the battery module, then the design flexibility and voltage matching capability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into independent battery cell segments that can be manufactured separately using different chemistries and then assembled together. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing specialized production of each cell type followed by standardized assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and electrical connections that can accommodate different cell chemistries and configurations. This universality allows the same module structure to work with various chemistry combinations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the diversity of cell types
3Productivity
If battery cells are configured to match voltage profiles with the energy storage unit, then the charging efficiency and performance are improved, but the battery module design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage characteristics of battery cells are optimized by changing key parameters such as chemistry composition, electrode materials, and cell configuration. These parameter changes enable voltage profile matching with the energy storage unit to improve charging efficiency while managing design complexity through systematic parameter optimization
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 increases design flexibility and improves the overall performance and charging efficiency of the battery system by allowing for voltage matching and optimized state of charge management, enhancing the battery system's ability to capture and distribute electrical energy effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A first lithium ion battery cell of the plurality of lithium ion battery cells has a first active material chemistry including a first cathode active material and a first anode active material. The lithium ion battery module also includes a second lithium ion battery cell of the plurality of lithium ion battery cells electrically connected in series to the first lithium ion battery cell. The second lithium ion battery cell has a second active material chemistry including a second cathode active material and a second anode active material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A micro-hybrid battery system (12) includes a lithium ion battery module (28) configured to be coupled to an electrical load. The lithium ion battery module (28) includes a housing. The lithium ion battery module (28) also includes a first lithium ion battery cell (44a) disposed in the housing and having a first active material chemistry including a first cathode active material and a first anode active material. The lithium ion battery module (28) also includes a second lithium ion battery cell (44b) electrically connected to the first lithium ion battery cell (44a) and disposed in the housing. The second lithium ion battery cell (44b) has a second active material chemistry including a second cathode active material and a second anode active material. The first and second active material chemistries are different such that the first and second lithium ion battery cells (44a, 44b) have different open circuit voltages.