Battery Operating Apparatus with Segmented Fixed and Auxiliary Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles face limitations in battery replacement cycles and efficient utilization due to the need for batteries with different characteristics, leading to potential replacement of batteries based on lifespan, which affects the overall efficiency and lifespan of the power source.
Innovation Solution
A battery operating apparatus comprising a master battery manager, a fixed battery unit, and a removable auxiliary battery unit, where the master battery manager controls both units to supply fixed and variable power to the load, optimizing power distribution based on the vehicle's speed and load requirements, and includes a slave battery management system, DC/DC converters, and DC/AC inverters to manage power supply across different voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery is used in an EV, then the device complexity is reduced, but the battery replacement cycle is shortened and utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into two independent units: a fixed battery unit and a removable auxiliary battery unit. Each unit has its own battery management system (BM) and can operate independently or in combination, allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios and extend the replacement cycle of the fixed battery while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed battery unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it can supply power alone for steady-state operation, combine with the auxiliary battery for accelerated operation, or be charged by regenerative braking. This multi-functionality increases battery utilization efficiency without requiring complete system redesign for each scenario
2Adaptability or versatility
If batteries with different characteristics are added to an EV, then the power supply adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple battery management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management function is segmented into a master BM in the fixed battery unit and a slave BM in the auxiliary battery unit. The slave BM can operate independently when the auxiliary battery is installed, or be controlled by the master BM when both are present, allowing the system to adapt to different configurations without overwhelming management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The master BM acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the fixed battery unit, auxiliary battery unit, and power management system. It receives installation detection signals, determines optimal power distribution strategies, and manages the interaction between different battery types, simplifying the overall management architecture
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the fixed battery unit supplies all power needs, then the device complexity is minimized, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to high-rate discharge during acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary battery unit provides partial power supplementation during high-demand situations like acceleration. The master BM determines when to engage the auxiliary battery based on power requirements, allowing the fixed battery to operate at moderate discharge rates for extended periods while the auxiliary battery handles peak power demands that would otherwise shorten the fixed battery's lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the discharge rate parameter of the fixed battery based on operating conditions. During steady-state operation, the fixed battery supplies power at lower c-rates to extend lifespan. During acceleration, the master BM adjusts the parameter to have the auxiliary battery share the high-rate discharge burden, thereby protecting the fixed battery from excessive wear
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 solution extends the replacement cycle of the fixed battery unit, enhances its state of health, and increases its lifespan by optimizing power distribution, allowing for efficient use of both battery units and maintaining optimal battery conditions, thereby improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the battery system.
Implementation Method 1
the DC/DC converter may be connected to the battery module and the load, and the slave BM may be configured to control the DC/DC converter to supply a power output from the battery module to the load
Implementation Method 2
the DC/AC inverter may be connected to the battery module and the second load, the slave BM may be configured to control the DC/AC inverter to supply the power output from the battery module to the AC load
Data Source
AI summary
A battery operating apparatus, an auxiliary battery unit, and a battery control method are provided. The battery operating apparatus includes a master battery manager (BM), a fixed battery unit configured to supply a fixed power to a load, the fixed power remaining unchanged over time, and a removable auxiliary battery unit configured to supply a variable power to the load, the variable power varying over time, wherein the master BM is configured to control the fixed battery unit to supply the fixed power among a power needed by the load, and to control the auxiliary battery unit to supply the variable power among the power needed by the load.