Battery Module Shut-off Element Operation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage detection apparatuses fail to detect the operation of a shut-off element in battery modules connected in parallel, as the output voltage remains unchanged when the shut-off element operates, making it impossible to identify which battery module has been shut off.
Innovation Solution
A voltage detection apparatus that includes switching wares to disconnect each battery module from the power supply line, a cell voltage detecting portion to measure the voltage of each battery cell in a disconnected state, and a deciding portion to determine if the shut-off element is operating based on negative voltage detection or current flow through specific paths, including leakage current paths or discharge circuits, allowing for identification of the operating shut-off element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery modules are connected in parallel to increase output current, then the power output capability is improved, but the ability to detect shut-off element operation deteriorates because the output voltage does not change when a shut-off element operates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into segments by providing individual switching devices for each battery module. This allows independent control and detection of each module's shut-off element operation, resolving the detection problem that arises when modules are connected in parallel. The switching device for each module enables separate voltage measurement without affecting other modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching devices as intermediary components between the battery modules and the voltage detection apparatus. These switching devices act as mediators that can disconnect individual modules from the parallel connection, enabling voltage detection without changing the overall output voltage of the battery system. This intermediary mechanism allows detection while maintaining the parallel connection benefits.
2Reliability
If voltage detection is performed on battery modules connected in parallel, then the system can monitor battery voltage, but it cannot identify which specific module has a shut-off element operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into independently controllable modules, each with its own switching device. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall voltage monitoring while also being able to isolate and identify individual modules with shut-off element operations by controlling their respective switching devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage detection apparatus measures voltage after the switching device controls disconnection. This feedback loop provides information about which specific module has a shut-off element operating, preserving module identification information while maintaining reliable voltage monitoring of the entire system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shut-off element operates to disconnect a battery cell, then safety is improved by preventing output supply, but the system loses the ability to detect the operation in parallel-connected modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by controlling the switching device to disconnect the battery module from the parallel connection before voltage detection is performed. This preliminary disconnection creates a detection-friendly state where shut-off element operation can be identified through voltage measurement, while the safety function of the shut-off element remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device serves as an intermediary that enables detection without compromising safety. It allows the system to temporarily isolate the module for detection purposes while maintaining the shut-off element's safety function. The intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between safety protection and detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a voltage detection apparatus for detecting voltage of battery modules, it is possible to detect that a shut-off element performed operation in a certain one of a plurality of battery modules connected in parallel. The voltage detection apparatus detects voltage of the plurality of battery modules each including a shut-off element and connected in parallel with respect to a load, and decides whether the shut-off elements are operating based on the cell voltage in a state that the plurality of battery modules are disconnected from a power supply line by switching wares.