Battery Pack Current Modulation for Voltage Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face issues due to variations in battery capacities, self-discharge rates, and impedances, leading to voltage imbalances that can cause failure during high current draws or charging, as different batteries in a system may experience dangerously low or high voltages, potentially resulting in system failure.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack system is designed with batteries arranged in parallel and series groups, where electronics intermittently drop the current from a higher level to a lower level during charge and discharge, allowing batteries to equalize voltage and preventing failure by enabling recharge within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high current is drawn from the battery system, then power output is improved, but voltage imbalance occurs causing battery failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic current modulation by intermittently dropping current from a first level to a second level during charge/discharge cycles. This periodic action allows batteries to equalize voltage periodically, preventing voltage imbalance while maintaining high power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics dynamically adjust current levels based on real-time battery conditions. The system transitions between different current levels (first and second levels) to optimize both power output and voltage balance, making the system adaptive rather than static.
2Quantity of substance
If batteries are connected in parallel groups, then capacity is improved, but voltage imbalance between batteries worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic current drops to allow batteries in parallel groups to equalize voltage. During these periodic intervals when current is reduced to the second level, batteries can recharge each other, maintaining voltage balance while preserving the capacity benefits of parallel connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Batteries in parallel groups recharge each other during current drop intervals. The system leverages the inherent capability of batteries to equalize voltage through mutual charging, eliminating the need for external balancing equipment.
3Productivity
If current is continuously maintained at high level, then productivity is improved, but battery lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between high current (first level) and reduced current (second level) operation. This periodic modulation allows the battery to operate at high productivity intervals while periodic rest intervals reduce stress and heat accumulation, extending overall lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial current reduction to the second level rather than complete shutdown. This partial action maintains sufficient productivity while providing adequate relief to extend battery lifespan, avoiding excessive action that would completely stop operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack system is disclosed. The battery pack system includes a battery pack having batteries arranged in a plurality of parallel groups that are connected in series. Each parallel group includes a plurality of the batteries connected in parallel. The electronics are configured to drop the current at which the battery pack is operating from a first current level to a second current level one or more times. The second current level is lower than the first current level. The electronics can drop the current from the first current level to the second current level during the charge and/or discharge of the battery pack. In some instances, the electronics intermittently drop the current from the first current level to the second current level during the charge and/or discharge of the battery pack.