Independent Battery String Self-Balancing Without Master Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery balancing methods require complex structures, high energy consumption, and extensive communication networks, making them inefficient and difficult to install, especially in applications like electric buses where additional communication harnesses cannot be easily installed.
Innovation Solution
A self-balancing device capable of independently working in a single string, equipped with a voltage detection unit, a timing unit, and a discharging unit, which allows for automatic balancing of battery packs without the need for overall control from a master controller or extensive communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive balancing is used to improve battery voltage consistency, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and balancing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack into multiple independent battery strings, each equipped with its own balancing circuit controlled by an independent MCU. This segmentation allows each string to balance independently without requiring continuous communication with a central controller, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining voltage consistency across all strings.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery string is equipped with an independent MCU that autonomously controls its own balancing circuit without requiring commands from a master controller. The local MCU monitors its own battery string's voltage and automatically activates the balancing circuit when needed, enabling self-service operation that reduces communication overhead and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If master controller coordination is used to manage all battery strings, then balancing control is improved, but device complexity increases due to communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control architecture into multiple independent distributed control units, one for each battery string. Each unit contains its own MCU and balancing circuit, eliminating the need for extensive communication networks between a master controller and all battery strings. This segmentation reduces device complexity while maintaining effective balancing control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery string's local MCU autonomously monitors its own voltage state and controls its own balancing circuit without requiring communication with a master controller. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex communication protocols and wiring between controllers and battery strings, significantly reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If additional balancing equipment is installed after battery pack formation, then balancing functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased development difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the balancing circuit and MCU directly into each battery string assembly during the battery cell manufacturing process. This merging allows the balancing functionality to be integrated into the battery string itself rather than added as a separate system after battery pack formation, making the battery string ready for immediate use in various pack configurations without additional development work.
Solution Approach 2:
The independently controlled balancing circuit and MCU in each battery string provide universal functionality that can be applied to any battery pack configuration. Since each string is self-contained with balancing capabilities, the same battery string design can be used in different pack arrangements without requiring reconfiguration or additional development, improving ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A series battery pack self-balancing device is capable of independently working in a single string and a self-balancing battery cell. Each battery string in the battery pack is provided with an independent self-balancing device, the self-balancing device is powered by the battery string, and the self-balancing device comprises a voltage detection unit, a timing unit and a discharging unit. When it is detected that the voltage of the battery string exceeds a balancing starting threshold value, discharging of the battery string is started for a specified duration, and the balancing is stopped after discharging is finished; each self-balancing device can independently complete starting, running and ending of the balancing and is used for maintaining or improving the balanced state of the series battery pack. Self-balancing battery cells using the self-balancing device are assembled into a battery pack, so that the battery pack has a self-balancing function.