Battery Pack Control Algorithm for Mixed Chemistry Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery control software is not compatible with mixed battery chemistries, requiring manufacturers to stockpile battery packs with subtly varying chemistries, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in servicing hybrid and electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses voltage trace correlation with a calibration database to identify the chemistry of battery sections, allowing the controller to adopt appropriate control algorithms for mixed chemistry packs, enabling the use of varying chemistries within a single pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery control software is designed to support only specific battery chemistries, then control accuracy and reliability are improved, but adaptability to mixed chemistry packs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control software dynamically adapts to different battery chemistries by detecting voltage traces during charging/discharging and automatically selecting appropriate control algorithms from a database, rather than being statically configured for a single chemistry type
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters and algorithms based on detected battery chemistry characteristics, adjusting voltage thresholds, charging rates, and state-of-charge calculations to match the specific chemistry being used
2Productivity
If manufacturers stockpile battery packs with subtly varying chemistries to maintain compatibility, then service continuity is improved, but warehouse costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single control software implementation can universally support multiple battery chemistries and mixed chemistry packs by automatically detecting and adapting to the specific chemistry present, eliminating the need for chemistry-specific software versions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses voltage trace patterns as fingerprints to identify battery chemistry types, creating a digital reference database that allows identification without physical inspection or specialized equipment
3Measurement precision
If control software supports only subtly varying chemistries, then algorithm accuracy is improved, but ability to handle significantly different chemistries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm is segmented into multiple chemistry-specific sub-algorithms stored in a database, each optimized for a particular chemistry type, with an automatic selection mechanism that chooses the appropriate segment based on detected voltage traces
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting battery control software for a battery having a plurality of battery sections includes connecting the battery to a charging system and a discharging system. A charging operation or a discharging operation is then initiated while monitoring a voltage response of each battery segment during the charging operation or the discharging operation. The voltage response is then correlated to a calibration database for selecting a control algorithm for each battery segment from the calibration database.