Battery Module-Subpack Association via Voltage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-cell electrical energy storage systems, there is a challenge in accurately determining the association between battery modules and sub-packs, which is crucial for efficient energy management and monitoring, especially during power disconnection and reconnection scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A battery controller network with cell monitoring units (CMUs), voltage sensors, and an algorithm that detects changes in voltage and temperature, records cross-references, and manages electrical current flow to identify and associate battery modules with sub-packs, ensuring efficient energy storage and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery modules are assembled into battery sub-packs in large battery packs, then the battery system can store more energy and improve productivity, but it becomes difficult to accurately determine the association between individual modules and sub-packs, especially during power disconnection and reconnection scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring voltage changes and maintaining records of module-sub-pack associations during normal operation. When power is disconnected and reconnected, the pre-established monitoring framework and association records enable rapid re-identification without requiring complete system re-initialization, thus maintaining measurement precision despite the power interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring voltage changes in response to directed electrical current and using this information to confirm or update module-sub-pack associations. The controller receives feedback from voltage sensors and adjusts its understanding of the system topology accordingly, ensuring accurate association identification even after power disconnection events
2Reliability
If the battery controller network continuously monitors all battery modules and sub-packs, then the reliability of energy management is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery controller network is segmented into multiple independent cell monitoring units (CMUs), each responsible for monitoring specific battery modules. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive monitoring coverage across all modules and sub-packs while distributing the computational and sensing burden across multiple simpler units, thereby managing system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The cell monitoring units are designed with multi-functionality, serving as both voltage sensors and communication nodes in the controller network. Each CMU can detect voltage across cell groups, process this data locally, and communicate with the electronic controller, eliminating the need for separate dedicated voltage sensing equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
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
The solution enables precise monitoring and management of battery health, state of charge, and thermal management, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of energy storage systems by accurately associating battery modules with sub-packs and managing power flow effectively.
Implementation Method 1
Each voltage sensor is configured to detect voltage across one respective cell group
Implementation Method 2
direct an electrical current through a selected sub-pack of the RESS sub-packs after electrical power is reconnected to the RESS
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system with cell groups arranged in modules and with plurality of modules arranged in individual battery sub-packs includes a controller network configured to monitor the sub-packs. The network includes a plurality of cell monitoring units (CMUs); each CMU connected to one module for processing data for respective cell groups. The network also includes multiple voltage sensors on each CMU, with each sensor detecting voltage across one cell group. The network additionally includes an electronic controller programmed with an algorithm and in wireless communication with each CMU. The algorithm identifies when electrical power is disconnected from the RESS and directs electrical current through a selected sub-pack after power is restored. The algorithm also interrogates voltage sensors of a particular CMU, detects a change in voltage triggered by the current, and records a cross-reference between the particular CMU and the selected sub-pack when the change in voltage is detected.