Wireless Battery Pack RF Repeater for Interference-Resistant BMS Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wired battery management systems face issues such as lack of flexibility in pack design, wasted space due to connectors and cabling, and increased challenges for battery second life usage, while wireless technologies are vulnerable to interference from the battery pack structure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radio frequency (RF) passive repeater between wireless communication devices to facilitate data transmission by placing antennas within specific reception zones, thereby improving communication between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication devices are used in battery management systems, then flexibility in pack design is improved and space is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference from battery pack structure
Solution Approach 1:
A passive RF repeater structure is introduced as an intermediary component within the battery pack to receive, amplify, and retransmit wireless signals. This repeater acts as a mediator that overcomes the blocking effect of battery pack components (such as aluminum extrusions) on wireless communication between the battery management system and external devices, thereby maintaining communication reliability while preserving wireless design flexibility
2Reliability
If passive RF repeater is added to improve communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a passive RF repeater that utilizes existing battery pack structural components (such as aluminum extrusions with hollow cavities) as signal transmission pathways. By integrating the repeater function into existing structural elements rather than adding separate dedicated components, the solution improves communication reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack structural components serve dual functions: they provide mechanical support and structural integrity while simultaneously acting as waveguides for RF signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated communication infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved communication reliability
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
Enhances communication reliability by up to 10dB in the RF link budget, overcoming interference and facilitating efficient data transmission within battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
Placing a RF passive repeater between the communication devices may improve communication in the wireless battery management system by facilitating transmission of data between the wireless communication devices
Data Source
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AI summary
In a particular embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a battery pack structure that includes a plurality of battery cells. The apparatus also includes wireless battery management system that includes a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a radio frequency passive repeater. The radio frequency passive repeater includes a conductor cable, a first antenna at a first end of the conductor cable, and a second antenna at the second end of the conductor cable. In this example embodiment, the first antenna is located within a first wireless signal reception zone of the first wireless communication device and the second antenna is located within a second wireless signal reception zone of the second wireless communication device.