Battery Sub Pack Module With Dynamic Power Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs in electronic devices, such as electric vehicles and robots, experience reduced lifespan due to uneven usage of battery sub packs, leading to accelerated aging and capacity loss, as all sub packs are often used simultaneously regardless of power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a power delivery circuit and processor that actively balances the usage of battery sub packs by connecting them in parallel, allowing individual sub packs to be selectively used based on load demands, and includes a transformer for power transfer between sub packs to maintain voltage balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If all battery sub packs are used simultaneously to provide constant current, then power delivery capability is improved, but battery lifespan is reduced due to accelerated aging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different battery sub packs based on usage patterns. The controller activates specific sub packs during high-power demands while keeping others in standby or charging mode, creating a rotating usage pattern that prevents all sub packs from aging simultaneously. This dynamic allocation extends overall battery pack lifespan while maintaining power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows used battery sub packs to be recovered and recharged while other sub packs are in use. The controller manages the charging process by directing current from the power delivery circuit to specific sub packs based on their charge levels and usage history. This recovery mechanism ensures continuous operation while extending the effective lifespan of individual sub packs through controlled cycling.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple battery sub packs are connected in parallel to increase capacity, then battery capacity is improved, but uneven usage leads to accelerated aging
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple independent sub packs, each with its own controller management. This segmentation allows the system to track and control the charge-discharge cycles of each sub pack individually, preventing the uneven usage that leads to accelerated aging. The controller can selectively activate specific sub packs based on their state of charge and usage patterns, ensuring more uniform aging across all sub packs while maintaining increased capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the charge levels and usage patterns of all battery sub packs and adjusts the power distribution accordingly. Based on feedback from voltage and current sensors, the controller can identify which sub packs are being overused and redirect power flow to balance the usage across all sub packs. This feedback mechanism prevents uneven aging while maintaining the increased capacity provided by parallel connection.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery sub packs are individually controlled based on load context, then battery lifespan is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs multiple tasks: monitoring voltage and current, managing power distribution, tracking usage patterns, controlling switching elements, and balancing charge across sub packs. By consolidating these functions into a single universal controller, the system achieves individualized sub pack control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The controller uses standardized interfaces and algorithms that can be applied across different battery configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control functions for multiple battery sub packs into a single integrated control circuit. Rather than having separate control mechanisms for each sub pack, the controller combines monitoring, switching, and balancing functions into one unified system. This merging reduces the total number of control components needed while still achieving individualized control of each sub pack, thereby extending battery lifespan without excessive complexity increase.
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
This solution extends the lifespan of battery packs by optimizing power distribution, reducing wear and tear, and enabling continuous operation even when sub packs are added or replaced, thus maintaining battery capacity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer connectable to the plurality of battery sub packs
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module including a plurality of battery sub packs and an electronic device including the battery module is provided. The battery module comprises a battery pack including a plurality of battery sub packs, a power delivery circuit connectable to the plurality of battery sub packs, a plurality of switches connected between the plurality of battery sub packs and the power delivery circuit, and at least one processor configured to control the plurality of switches to transmit power stored in a first battery sub pack to the power delivery circuit during a first time interval and transmit power stored in the power delivery circuit to a second battery sub pack during a second time interval. Other various embodiments are also provided herein.