Battery Module ID Allocation Using Pressure-Based Rack Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In energy storage systems (ESS) with multiple battery racks, it is challenging for upper-level BMS to automatically assign IDs to lower-level BMS within the same battery rack during initial installation, leading to potential installation mistakes and increased time due to reliance on manual input or predetermined module order.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a battery module with a pressure detection unit and wireless communication to transmit pressure values to the upper-level BMS, which uses reference pressure values to automatically assign IDs based on the pressure applied during insertion, allowing for efficient ID management within the ESS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual ID input or predetermined module order is used for ID assignment, then installation process is simple, but installation time increases and errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveID assignment accuracyVSAvoidInstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module performs self-identification by detecting the pressure applied during insertion and automatically transmitting this information wirelessly to the upper-level BMS, enabling automatic ID assignment without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical pressure detection during insertion is converted into an electronic signal that is transmitted wirelessly, replacing manual ID input processes with automated sensor-based identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used between BMS units, then communication flexibility improves, but signal interference between multiple racks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCommunication flexibilityVSAvoidSignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure value acts as a unique intermediary identifier that distinguishes signals from different battery racks, allowing the upper-level BMS to correctly identify and associate wireless communications with the specific rack where the module is inserted

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method enables the upper-level BMS to automatically and accurately assign IDs to lower-level BMS, improving the efficiency of ESS management by eliminating manual errors and reducing installation time.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure detection unit provided on a predetermined surface part of the battery module and configured to detect a pressure applied to the predetermined surface part and output a pressure value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

a wireless communication unit configured to transmit a pressure detection signal including the pressure value to the upper-level BMS through wireless communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3993132B1Automatic id allocation system and method for battery module
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3993132B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3993132B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3993132B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is to automatically ID assignment of a battery module and includes: a batter module including: a pressure detection unit provided on a predetermined surface part of a battery module and configured to detect a pressure applied to the predetermined surface part and output a pressure value; a wireless communication unit configured to transmit a pressure detection signal including the pressure value to the upper-level BMS through wireless communication; and when ID information automatically assigned from the upper-level BMS is received, a first control unit configured to set and register the received ID information as its own ID and inserted into a battery module mounting part formed in at least one battery rack; and an upper-level BMS configured to wirelessly communicate with the battery module and including: a second control unit configured to identify a battery module that has transmitted a pressure detection signal including a pressure value, and automatically assign an ID to the identified battery module based on a reference pressure value corresponding to a battery module mounting part into which each of the battery modules are inserted; an ID information storage unit configured to store a reference pressure value for identifying the battery module and ID information that is automatically assigned in association with the reference pressure values; and an ID assignment information storage unit configured to store ID information that is automatically assigned to the battery module identified by the control unit.