Master Controller for Parallel Battery Pack Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack systems require frequent replacement or recharging, limiting operating time and power capacity, especially in applications like electric bicycles that need to switch between multiple packs manually and charge them separately.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a master controller that manages multiple battery packs, allowing them to be used simultaneously by selecting the pack with the lowest charge for charging and the highest charge for discharging, ensuring safe and efficient parallel operation through switches and sensors, enabling extended operating time and increased power capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are used sequentially to extend operating time, then the operating time is extended, but the device complexity and manual operation requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple battery packs into a single integrated system with unified control. The master controller coordinates multiple battery controllers to manage charging and discharging of all packs simultaneously, merging what would otherwise be separate sequential operations into a coordinated parallel system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages battery pack selection, charging, and discharging without user intervention. The master controller continuously monitors charge states and autonomously determines which packs to charge or discharge based on system needs, eliminating manual switching operations.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple battery packs are charged separately to extend capacity, then the total capacity increases, but the time required for charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by charging multiple battery packs in parallel simultaneously. While one pack is discharging to power the load, other packs are being charged, ensuring that energy storage capacity is continuously being replenished without interruption to the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which battery packs are charged or discharged based on real-time charge states. The master controller monitors all packs and continuously reconfigures the system to optimize the balance between energy consumption and recharging, adapting to changing conditions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If manual switching between battery packs is implemented to extend operating range, then the operating range is extended, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic battery pack management without requiring user action. The master controller autonomously monitors charge states, selects which packs to charge or discharge, and manages the switching between packs, completely eliminating the need for manual intervention that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the charge state of all battery packs through sensors and controllers, using this feedback information to make real-time decisions about which packs to charge or discharge. This closed-loop control ensures optimal operation without user input.
4Quantity of substance
If separate chargers are used for multiple battery packs to maintain capacity, then the capacity is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller serves multiple functions: it manages the charging of battery packs, coordinates the discharging of packs, monitors system state, and controls the switching between packs. This single controller handles all battery management tasks that would otherwise require separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple charging operations into a single coordinated process. Instead of requiring separate chargers for each battery pack, the system uses one master controller to manage the charging of multiple packs simultaneously through coordinated control of their individual battery controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system having one or more battery packs and a system controller for controlling the battery packs. Each battery pack has rechargeable storage cells and a battery pack controller in communication with the system controller. Through the operation of the system controller, battery packs with different initial charge states can be operated in parallel during a charge process and a discharge process. Discharging multiple battery packs in parallel offers not only a higher capacity and a longer run time than is available from a single battery pack, but also offers higher peak currents than available from a single battery pack, which are important in motor control applications. A battery pack design including a battery pack connector with both power and control contacts supporting user replacement of the battery packs.