Reconfigurable Battery Pack Connection for Full-Capacity Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Series-connected battery packs in battery power sources are limited by the pack with the lowest capacity, leading to inefficient energy discharge and charging, especially when packs have different capacities and states of charge, resulting in unused capacity and uneven charging.
Innovation Solution
A battery power device and system that selectively connects battery packs in series for discharge and in parallel for charging, using a boost converter to maintain a consistent output voltage and a bypass mechanism to disconnect packs at end of discharge, along with a balance circuit to equalize state of charge, allowing for simultaneous discharge and independent charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery packs with different capacities are connected in series, then the total voltage is increased, but the system runtime is limited by the pack with the lowest capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between series and parallel connections based on real-time monitoring of individual pack states. The system transitions from a fixed series configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable architecture that adapts connection topology to maximize runtime while maintaining voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the battery system into independently controllable modules with individual monitoring and switching circuits. Each battery pack can be independently managed, disconnected, or reconfigured, allowing the system to optimize performance by selectively engaging packs based on their state of charge and capacity.
2Power
If series-connected packs are operated until one pack reaches end of discharge, then the system provides maximum voltage output, but remaining capacity in other packs is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates continuous monitoring of individual battery pack states including voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge. This feedback enables the control system to detect when any pack approaches end-of-discharge conditions and trigger reconfiguration before energy waste occurs, optimizing both power output and energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and switching actions before any battery pack reaches its end-of-discharge threshold. By monitoring pack states in real-time and preemptively reconfiguring connections, the system prevents energy waste while maintaining optimal voltage output throughout operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If battery packs are connected in parallel for charging, then each pack can be charged independently, but the charging circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a reconfigurable switching network that serves multiple functions: series connection for discharge, parallel connection for charging, and various intermediate configurations. This multi-functional architecture eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent charging capability.
4Ease of operation
If packs with different states of charge are connected in series, then the system can operate immediately, but uneven discharge occurs leading to premature system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration during discharge operations to accommodate packs with different initial states of charge. The system can switch between series and parallel connections, or engage bypass circuits for depleted packs, allowing immediate operation while extending overall discharge duration through adaptive management.
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
Enables efficient energy utilization from all battery packs by ensuring simultaneous discharge and balanced charging, maximizing available energy and extending runtime while accommodating packs with varying capacities and states of charge.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter electrically connected to the circuit and operable to boost a voltage at the output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A power device including a housing, charging circuitry, and discharge circuitry. The housing defining a first support operable to support a first battery pack, and a second support operable to support a second battery pack. The charging circuitry electrically is connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack in a parallel-type connection. The charging circuity is configured to simultaneously charge the first battery pack and the second battery pack. The discharge circuitry is electrically connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack. The discharge circuitry is configured to electrically connect the first battery pack and the second battery pack in a series-type connection during a discharge.