Battery Module Switching for String Fault Isolation and MPC Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems in vehicles lack efficient fault diagnosis and management, leading to potential battery module or string failures that can affect vehicle performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with multiple battery modules, each containing switches and strings of battery cells that can be connected in series or parallel, and a fault module and switch control module that use model predictive control to diagnose faults and isolate affected modules or strings, thereby maintaining system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery modules are connected in series to increase voltage output, then power delivery capability is improved, but the risk of system failure increases due to lack of fault isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independently controllable modules, each with its own switches. This segmentation allows individual modules to be isolated from faults while others continue operating, resolving the contradiction by enabling high voltage through series connection while maintaining reliability through modular fault isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures connections between battery modules based on fault conditions. Switches enable real-time changes in series/parallel configurations, allowing the system to adapt from high-power series mode to fault-tolerant isolated modes, thus achieving both high power capability and reliability.
2Power
If battery modules are connected in parallel to increase current output, then power delivery capability is improved, but the complexity of fault diagnosis and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery module is segmented with dedicated switches and individual fault diagnosis capability. This modular approach simplifies fault management in parallel configurations by localizing diagnostics to individual modules rather than requiring system-wide complex monitoring, enabling high current output with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery module performs self-diagnosis of faults independently. This self-service capability reduces the overall system complexity for fault management while maintaining parallel connection benefits for high current delivery, as each module autonomously identifies and reports its own status.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are added to enable flexible connection configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switches serve multiple functions: normal operational configuration changes, fault isolation, and system reconfiguration. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing universal control capability that handles both adaptive reconfiguration and safety functions through the same component infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch control system dynamically adjusts connection configurations based on real-time system state and fault conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to automatically transition between different operational modes and fault isolation states, achieving high adaptability while the control logic manages the inherent complexity.
4Reliability
If faulty battery modules are isolated to maintain reliability, then system safety is improved, but the power output capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into independent modules that can be isolated without affecting others. This segmentation enables fault isolation for safety while maintaining power output capability through the remaining healthy modules, resolving the contradiction by localizing the impact of faults.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the operational battery modules after fault isolation. Switches enable real-time reconfiguration to optimize power output from remaining healthy modules, thus maintaining power capability while preserving safety through isolated faulty sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system includes: a first positive terminal, a second positive terminal, and a negative terminal; at least two battery modules, each including switches and at least three strings of battery cells configured to, via the switches, at different times be: connected in series and to the first positive terminal; connected in parallel and to the second positive terminal; and disconnected from both of the first and second positive terminals; and a switch control module configured to, when a fault is diagnosed in one of the strings of one of the battery modules: at least one of: actuate the switches and isolate the one of the battery modules from the first and second positive terminals; and actuate the switches and isolate the one of the strings from the first and second positive terminals; and selectively actuate the switches of the remainder of the battery modules using model predictive control.