Battery Pack Variable Resistor Current Limiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of large capacity DC/DC converters used in heterogeneous battery packs to control discharge currents, which increases the overall cost of the battery pack, and the need to extend the life cycle of high capacity batteries by limiting their output current.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design that includes a high capacity battery and a high output battery connected in parallel, with a variable resistor circuit to limit the discharge current of the high capacity battery to a predetermined value, using sub-controllers and filters to manage current flow and remove high frequency pulses, thereby extending the life cycle of the high capacity battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large capacity DC/DC converter is used to control discharge current, then the discharge current control is effective, but the cost of the battery pack increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge current controlVSAvoidbattery pack cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is segmented into two distinct battery groups: a first battery group with high capacity for long-term output, and a second battery group with high output capability for frequent output. This segmentation allows each battery group to specialize in its strength, eliminating the need for an expensive large-capacity DC/DC converter while maintaining effective discharge current control through the natural characteristics of each battery type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If the high capacity battery provides high output current, then the power supply capability is improved, but the life cycle of the battery decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput currentVSAvoidbattery life cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different battery groups are assigned different functional qualities: the first battery group is optimized for high capacity and long-term sustained output, while the second battery group is optimized for high output current and frequent discharge. This local quality differentiation allows the high capacity battery to operate within its optimal range, extending its life cycle while maintaining overall power supply capability through the second battery group when high current is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution effectively manages discharge currents, reduces the overall cost by minimizing the need for large capacity converters, and extends the life cycle of high capacity batteries by limiting their output current, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operation.

Implementation Method 1

a variable resistor circuit to limit a discharge current of the first battery to a predetermined limit current value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

Each sub controller may include a filter to remove a high frequency pulse from the current flowing in the sub controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS10361573B2Battery pack

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A battery pack includes a first battery with a first capacity, a second battery with a second capacity less than the first capacity, and a variable resistor. The second battery has a larger maximum discharge current than the first battery. The variable resistor circuit limits the discharge current of the first battery to a predetermined limit current value.