Battery Pack with Segmented Cell Groups for Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs for electric bicycles lack efficient energy utilization and management, particularly in balancing the energy storage and output demands between high capacity and high output battery cells, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced battery lifespan due to uneven charging and discharging cycles.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack configuration with a high capacity battery cell group and a high output battery cell group operating in parallel, along with a battery management system (BMS) that switches between modes to optimize energy output and charging, allowing for high capacity, high output, and mutual charge modes to efficiently manage energy distribution and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single battery cell group is used, then the structure is simple, but the energy utilization efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into two independent battery cell groups: a high capacity battery cell group and a high output battery cell group. Each group serves a specific function - the high capacity group stores more energy while the high output group provides higher current. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently utilize energy by selecting the appropriate battery group based on the operational requirements, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency without excessive complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If high capacity battery cells are used, then the energy storage is increased, but the current output capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two distinct cell groups with different characteristics. The high capacity battery cell group is optimized for energy storage with higher capacity cells, while the high output battery cell group uses cells optimized for current delivery. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both high energy storage and high current output capability through selective operation of the appropriate battery group.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the battery system have different local qualities - the high capacity group has higher capacity per cell while the high output group has higher current output per cell. This local differentiation allows each battery group to excel at its specific function, achieving both high energy storage and high current output capability simultaneously.
3Power
If high output battery cells are used, then the current output is increased, but the energy storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into two functional groups where the high output battery cell group provides high current capability while the high capacity battery cell group provides energy storage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high current output when needed while maintaining adequate energy storage through the other battery group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two battery cell groups with complementary characteristics into a single battery pack system. The high output group and high capacity group work together, with the control unit selecting or combining their output based on requirements. This merging allows the system to achieve both high current output and adequate energy storage that neither group could provide alone.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If battery cells operate in single mode, then the control is simple, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to uneven charging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the state of charge and operational status of both battery cell groups and dynamically selects or switches between them based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to balance the charging and discharging cycles between the two groups, preventing one group from being overused and thereby extending the overall battery lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system transitions from a static single-mode operation to a dynamic multi-mode operation where the control unit can switch between high capacity mode, high output mode, and combined mode based on real-time requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to distribute wear and tear more evenly across both battery groups, extending their combined lifespan.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes: a first battery cell group including at least one high capacity battery cell; and a second battery cell group including at least one high output battery cell and being coupled in parallel to the first battery cell group, wherein the high output battery cell is configured to output a greater current than the high capacity battery cell, the high capacity battery cell is configured to store a greater amount of electric energy compared to the high output battery cell, and the battery pack is configured to operate in one of operational modes including: a high capacity mode for outputting electric energy stored in the first battery cell group; a high output mode for outputting electric energy stored in the second battery cell group; and a mutual charge mode for charging the first battery cell group or the second battery cell group.