Battery Pack Router Architecture for Scalable Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges with excessive network message traffic and scaling difficulties, particularly in static and mobile applications, necessitating more efficient communication and scalable sizing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A battery system architecture with a two-tiered control structure, utilizing per-pack routers and a battery system controller, that separates battery pack communication channels, filters and translates messages into a common set, and includes a controller for monitoring and modifying electricity receiving, storing, and outputting based on state variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a network is used to communicate between battery systems and external devices, then information exchange capability is improved, but network message traffic becomes excessively large and processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery management system into multiple independent control units, each managing specific battery packs. This segmentation allows distributed processing of network messages, reducing the burden on any single controller and enabling scalable system architecture while maintaining comprehensive information exchange capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the battery network and external devices. The gateway filters, translates, and manages network traffic, reducing the message processing burden on battery controllers while maintaining versatile communication capabilities with external systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery systems are scaled to meet various application and energy demands, then system capacity and versatility are improved, but additional difficulties arise in communication and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol and standardized control interfaces that work across different battery configurations and scales. This universality allows the same communication framework to handle everything from single battery packs to large-scale battery farms, facilitating scalability without proportionally increasing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the network topology and control hierarchy can be dynamically adjusted based on system scale and application requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows seamless scaling from small to large systems without requiring complete redesign of the communication architecture.
3Measurement precision
If per-pack control is implemented for each battery pack, then control precision and monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring and control functions into discrete per-pack control units, each responsible for specific battery packs. This segmentation enables precise state variable monitoring at the pack level while distributing the computational burden, preventing any single controller from being overwhelmed by excessive data processing requirements.
4Productivity
If message filtering and translation are implemented, then communication efficiency is improved, but additional processing steps are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary filtering and translation of messages at the source (battery pack level) before transmission to external systems. This preliminary processing reduces the volume and complexity of messages requiring further translation and processing downstream, improving overall communication efficiency while minimizing the number of processing steps required at each stage.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for use with a battery having an electronic system connected to a battery network configured to generate a state variable associated with the receiving, storing and/or outputting of electricity by the battery. The system includes a router connected to the battery network and the electronic system for monitoring the at least one detectable state variable, and based on such monitoring, selectively modifying the receiving, storing and/or outputting of electricity by the battery. The system also may include a second network and a controller connected to the second network and to the router via the battery network and configured to monitor the router, and based on the monitoring of the at least one router, selectively modify the router and the receiving, storing and/or outputting of electricity by the battery.