Battery Section Balancing via SOC Region Algorithms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle battery systems with multiple sections experience inefficiencies and potential damage due to differences in capacity, state of charge, discharge rates, and voltages between new and existing sections, leading to premature termination of battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for balancing battery sections by using sensors to estimate states of charge and redistribute energy between cells, employing different balancing algorithms based on defined state of charge regions to equalize capacities and prevent over/undercharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If battery sections are replaced or added in a battery pack, then the battery system can be upgraded or expanded, but differences in capacities, state of charge, discharge rates, impedances, and voltages between new and existing sections cause battery system inefficiencies and premature termination of discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery sections that can be independently replaced or added. Each section contains multiple cells that can be individually balanced, allowing modular upgrades while maintaining overall system functionality and preventing imbalance from affecting the entire battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts balancing parameters based on the state of charge regions. Different balancing algorithms are applied depending on whether cells are in high SOC, low SOC, or mid SOC regions, optimizing the balancing process to handle variations in capacity, impedance, and voltage characteristics of mixed-age battery sections.
2Productivity
If a battery cell is replaced in a battery section, then the battery section capacity is improved, but differences in state of charge and voltage between the new cell and existing cells result in battery system inefficiencies and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the state of charge of each cell through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the balancing process. The battery control electronics receive real-time SOC estimates and apply appropriate balancing algorithms to prevent overcharging and undercharging, ensuring safe operation despite mixed cell ages and capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system is dynamic rather than static, adapting its behavior based on real-time cell conditions. Different balancing strategies are applied to cells in different SOC regions, and the system can handle varying discharge rates and impedances by continuously adjusting balancing actions to match current battery state.
3Reliability
If battery discharge terminates when the lowest capacity section is depleted, then the battery system protects itself from over-discharge, but other battery sections with sufficient capacity cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary balancing actions during charging to equalize the state of charge across all cells before discharge begins. By proactively balancing cells in different SOC regions during charge cycles, the system ensures that all sections start discharge at similar charge levels, maximizing usable capacity while maintaining protection against over-discharge.
4Productivity
If different balancing algorithms are applied based on state of charge regions, then balancing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The state of charge range is segmented into three distinct regions (high SOC, low SOC, mid SOC), with specific balancing algorithms assigned to each region. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by breaking down the complex balancing problem into manageable regions, each with optimized strategies, while still achieving high overall balancing efficiency.
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 balances battery sections, increasing the battery system's lifetime, preventing over and undercharging conditions, and improving energy delivery by maintaining optimal voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of sensors may be coupled to the plurality of cells and be configured to provide estimations of states of charge for each of the plurality of section/cells (e.g., using voltage measurements or the like)
Implementation Method 2
A cell balancing system may be coupled to the plurality of cells and be configured to redistribute energy between the cells
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for balancing a vehicle battery system are presented. In certain embodiments, a method for balancing battery system having multiple battery sections may include receiving estimated states of charge of the battery sections. Based on the estimated states of charge, a determination may be made whether the battery sections have states of charge within one of plurality of regions included in a state of charge window. Based on the determination, one of a plurality of different balancing algorithms may be utilized to control transfer energy between the battery sections to balance the battery sections.