Battery Pack Blocking Circuit Prevents Controller Overvoltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery packs with a discharge control switch connected to the negative electrode, turning off the switch can result in an overvoltage being applied to communication terminals, potentially damaging the battery controller due to the continued connection between the positive electrode and the pack terminal.
Innovation Solution
A blocking circuit is introduced between the battery controller and the pack communication terminals, comprising FETs and resistors, which are controlled by a blocking control circuit to disconnect the communication lines when the discharge control switch is turned off, preventing overvoltage from reaching the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharge control switch is turned off to block the discharge path, then discharge protection is achieved, but overvoltage is applied to the communication terminals which can damage the battery controller
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the communication terminals and the battery controller. This blocking circuit includes blocking transistors that can be controlled to disconnect the communication terminals from the controller when overvoltage conditions occur, thereby protecting the controller from damage while maintaining discharge protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking circuit is designed to preemptively block the communication path before overvoltage can reach and damage the battery controller. By monitoring the state of the discharge control switch and proactively activating the blocking transistors when the discharge path is blocked, the system prevents the harmful overvoltage effect before it can occur
2Ease of operation
If the communication terminals remain connected to the controller, then communication functionality is maintained, but the controller is vulnerable to overvoltage damage when discharge switch is off
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking circuit employs dynamically controllable transistors that can switch between conducting and blocking states based on real-time operational conditions. When the discharge control switch is on, the blocking transistors remain off allowing normal communication. When the discharge switch turns off, the blocking transistors activate to isolate the controller, creating a dynamic protection mechanism that adapts to system state
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking circuit serves as a controllable intermediary between the communication terminals and the battery controller, enabling the system to maintain communication connectivity when needed while providing isolation protection when required, thus resolving the contradiction between communication availability and controller protection
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
Effectively prevents overvoltage from being applied to the battery controller when the discharge control switch is turned off, ensuring the protection of the controller and maintaining safe communication lines.
Implementation Method 1
A blocking circuit electrically connected between the plurality of pack communication terminals and the controller and configured to control connection between the plurality of pack communication terminals and the controller
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a protection circuit and a battery pack including the same. The protection circuit of the battery pack may include: a discharge control switch positioned on a discharge path of a battery module and configured to block or connect the discharge path; a controller configured to communicate with an external device through a plurality of pack communication terminals and output a control signal of controlling on/off of the discharge control switch; a blocking circuit electrically connected between the plurality of pack communication terminals and the controller and configured to control connection between the plurality of pack communication terminals and the controller; and a blocking control circuit configured to control the blocking circuit to block the connection between the plurality of pack communication terminals and the controller according to the control signal.