Dynamic Battery Module Reconfiguration for Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs in electric vehicles have fixed wiring configurations that limit voltage adjustment during charging, leading to inefficient charging, inability to charge at higher voltage columns, and lack of cell balancing, resulting in reduced battery life and charging interruptions.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent battery pack with power semiconductor switches and energy storage elements that dynamically adjust series and parallel interconnections based on charging column voltage and cell state, allowing for flexible charging and optimal energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed wiring configuration is used in the battery pack, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the voltage level cannot be adjusted to match different charging columns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability of battery modules using power semiconductor switches that can change the series-parallel connection topology in real-time. This allows the battery pack to adapt its voltage level dynamically during charging operations, transforming from a static fixed-wiring system to a dynamic reconfigurable system that matches charging column requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independently controllable battery modules, each equipped with power semiconductor switches. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration of the modules into different series-parallel combinations, allowing the system to achieve various voltage levels by selectively connecting or disconnecting modules based on charging requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed voltage level is used for charging, then the charging control is simple, but the battery pack cannot charge at higher voltage columns
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack system is designed to perform multiple charging functions by reconfiguring its internal topology. The same battery modules can be arranged in different series-parallel combinations to match various charging column voltage levels (e.g., 400V, 800V, or other levels), making the system universally compatible with different charging infrastructure without requiring separate charging systems for each voltage level
3Reliability
If individual battery cells are monitored and balanced, then the battery life is extended, but the charging process requires interruption for balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous charging operation by performing cell balancing dynamically during the charging process rather than requiring interruptions. The power semiconductor switches allow real-time redistribution of charge among battery modules while charging continues, maintaining continuous useful action (charging) while achieving balancing, thus improving both reliability and productivity
4Adaptability or versatility
If a switchover device is added to change battery cell connections, then higher charging voltage is enabled, but the device becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switchover devices with electronic power semiconductor switches for reconfiguring battery module connections. This substitution eliminates the need for large, heavy mechanical contactors and switches, achieving the same voltage adaptation function through lightweight electronic components that can be integrated directly into the battery module circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A method for DC-charging an intelligent battery pack, which is connected to a charging column and has at least two battery modules. Each battery module includes at least two power semiconductor switches and at least one energy storage element. The battery pack is connected for charging by way of a connection circuit. A state of each individual energy storage element is monitored, wherein, in accordance with a continued evaluation of the states of the respective energy storage elements, a respective series and/or parallel interconnection of the respective battery modules among one another within the battery pack is configured dynamically by way of actuation of the power semiconductor switches.