Vehicle Battery Pack Switching Between Series and Parallel Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric or hybrid vehicles with multiple battery packs are limited to parallel connections, which may not optimize power and efficiency modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically switches between series and parallel connections of battery packs to power motors and loads, controlled by a controller, allowing for higher power or efficiency modes based on operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery packs are connected in parallel for vehicle operation, then the system provides sufficient power for normal operation, but the system cannot optimize for higher power modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures battery pack connections between parallel and series configurations based on operational requirements. Switches controlled by a controller enable the battery packs to transition between connection modes, allowing the vehicle to adapt between normal power mode (parallel) and higher power mode (series), thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining sufficient power and enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical connection parameter (series vs. parallel) of the battery packs to alter system performance characteristics. By switching between different connection configurations, the vehicle can optimize power output for different operational scenarios, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system that adapts to different power demands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system dynamically switches between series and parallel connections, then adaptability and power optimization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the battery pack assembly into separate, independently controllable units with individual switches for each pack. This segmentation allows the controller to selectively connect or disconnect specific battery packs to achieve desired series or parallel configurations, managing system complexity through modular architecture rather than requiring a monolithic complex switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the switching between different battery pack configurations. By centralizing the control logic in a dedicated controller that receives signals and activates appropriate switches, the system simplifies the overall control architecture while enabling complex operational mode transitions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Power
If battery packs are reconfigured during operation, then power optimization is achieved, but potential harmful factors such as voltage imbalances arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring battery pack states (charge levels, voltage, temperature) before initiating reconfiguration. The controller evaluates whether conditions are suitable for switching between series and parallel modes, preventing reconfiguration when voltage imbalances or other harmful conditions exist, thus avoiding the creation of new problems while pursuing power optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors battery pack parameters and uses this information to determine appropriate operational modes. By incorporating real-time feedback on voltage, current, and charge state, the system can make informed decisions about when to switch configurations, avoiding harmful voltage imbalances while achieving power optimization through adaptive control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system in an electric or hybrid vehicle includes two or more battery packs to power one or more motors of the vehicle to move the vehicle. A controller dynamically activates an operational mode of the vehicle during vehicle operation, the operational mode being one of a plurality of possible operational modes. Each of the possible operational modes defines which of the two or more battery packs are connected to the one or more motors and, based on two or more of the two or more battery packs being connected to the one or more motors, also defines an interconnection among the two or more of the two or more battery packs. The plurality of possible operational modes includes a first operational mode defining a series connection between the two or more battery packs and second operational mode defining a parallel connection between the two or more battery packs.