Battery Pack Version Verification for Parallel BMS Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In automobile battery management systems, ensuring safety by preventing mismatches in computer programs between host controllers and battery management systems is a challenge, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to detect and address version information discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
A battery management apparatus with a storage section for programs, a judgment section to identify mismatches in version information between host and battery pack programs, and a notification section to alert the host computer, thereby preventing vehicle operation when mismatches are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery packs are connected in parallel with separate BMSs performing CAN communication with a host controller, then system functionality and scalability are improved, but safety risks increase due to potential version mismatches between computer programs in different BMS units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking version information of computer programs in each BMS unit before allowing the battery management system to operate. The host controller collects version information from all BMS units and compares it with the standard version stored in its own storage unit. This pre-operational verification prevents safety issues caused by version mismatches, ensuring that all BMS units are using compatible software versions before the system becomes operational.
2Reliability
If version information checking mechanisms are implemented to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional judgment and notification functions
Solution Approach 1:
The host controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the central control unit for battery management and as the version verification system. The storage unit stores both the standard computer program and its version information, while the judgment unit compares version information from multiple BMS units against this standard. This universal design consolidates the version checking functionality within the existing host controller structure, avoiding the need for separate dedicated verification hardware and thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If version mismatches are detected and vehicle operation is prohibited, then safety is ensured, but productivity decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring version information and providing real-time verification status to the host controller. When a version mismatch is detected, the notification unit immediately informs the host controller, which then prohibits vehicle operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that safety issues are detected and addressed promptly, preventing potential hazards while maintaining operational continuity when no issues are present.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery management apparatus is a battery management apparatus configured to manage a plurality of battery packs that are mounted in a vehicle and connected in parallel, the battery management apparatus including: a storage section configured to store a first computer program used in the battery management apparatus and a second computer program used in each of the plurality of battery packs; a judgment section configured to judge whether or not there is a mismatch between version information of the second computer program stored in each of the plurality of battery packs and version information of each of the first computer program and the second computer program stored in the storage section; and a notification section configured to notify a host computer of the battery management apparatus of the mismatch of the version information when there is the mismatch.