Automatic Battery Node Addressing via Power Signal Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems face complexity in wiring and address management, making it difficult to replace batteries and assign unique addresses, especially when the existing address systems are not designed for dynamic changes in battery configuration.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically assigning addresses to battery nodes using an addressing power supply and bypass switches, where each node senses the power signal, assigns a unique address, and communicates with the master controller to confirm and propagate the address assignment sequentially through the series-connected nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual address assignment and rewiring is used for battery replacement, then unique address identification is achieved, but wiring complexity and difficulty of replacement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunique address identificationVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery node automatically assigns its own address by detecting the addressing power signal and storing the address value in its memory without external intervention. The system self-configures when a battery is replaced, eliminating the need for manual address assignment and reducing wiring complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The address assignment is performed automatically during the battery replacement process itself, before the battery begins normal operation. The addressing power supply pre-configures the new battery's address as it is integrated into the series circuit, so the battery is ready for immediate use without additional manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual address assignment is performed, then unique addresses are assigned to batteries, but time and labor for replacement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunique address identificationVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The battery node automatically detects the addressing power signal and assigns its own address without requiring technician intervention for address configuration. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time-consuming manual address assignment process during battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of assigning addresses (writing down, entering, or configuring addresses) is replaced by an automatic electrical detection and storage system. The battery node's sensor detects the addressing power signal and the processor automatically stores the address value in memory, replacing manual operations with automated electronic processes.

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

3Reliability

If traditional wiring and address management is used, then battery metrics can be monitored, but ease of operation and maintenance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery metrics monitoringVSAvoidease of battery replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery node automatically configures itself by detecting the addressing power signal and storing its address, making battery replacement as simple as physically swapping the battery without any additional configuration steps for the technician.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The addressing power signal serves multiple functions: it provides power during the addressing phase and simultaneously carries the address assignment information. This multi-functionality simplifies the system by using a single signal for both power and configuration, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach simplifies the wiring, reduces complexity, and allows for easy replacement of batteries by automatically assigning unique addresses, ensuring accurate recognition and management of each battery node without manual rewiring or reprogramming.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor coupled to the processor for sensing the addressing power signal when applied to the addressing power signal receiving terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical sensing: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3408916B1Automatic addressing of battery nodes in a battery system
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 FORM ENERGY INC
  • EP3408916B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3408916B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3408916B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and battery system for assigning a plurality of addresses to a plurality of battery nodes in a battery system. An addressing power supply for outputting an addressing power signal in sequence to a plurality of battery nodes 1 to N connected in series and each coupled to at least one battery.