Dynamic Battery Subsystem Reconfiguration for Homogeneous Aging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery systems for electric vehicles face challenges in interoperability with various charging station technologies and suffer from premature aging due to uneven electrical stresses between battery subsystems, particularly when thermal regulation is powered by the same subsystem.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically control the connection configuration of battery subsystems during charging, allowing operation at different voltages and alternating the stress on each subsystem to ensure homogeneous aging, while maintaining compatibility with high-voltage equipment without the need for a voltage converter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If battery subsystems are connected in parallel during charging, then the system can operate with lower voltage and maintain compatibility with charging stations, but the thermal regulation device draws power from the same subsystem causing uneven aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with charging stationsVSAvoidbattery subsystem aging uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery system into multiple independent battery subsystems (first battery subsystem, second battery subsystem) that can be independently managed. During charging, one subsystem is dedicated to charging while another powers the thermal regulation device, preventing single-subsystem overload and uneven aging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple battery subsystems into a unified battery system with a common charging interface. The subsystems work together to provide both charging function and thermal regulation function simultaneously, achieving versatility while maintaining reliability through load distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If battery subsystems are connected in series for high-voltage operation, then charging time is reduced and maximum charging power is achieved, but the system loses compatibility with standard charging stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidinteroperability with charging stations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the battery system can switch between series connection (for high-voltage fast charging when compatible) and parallel connection (for standard charging station compatibility). The control unit dynamically adjusts the connection configuration based on charging station capabilities and system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The battery system is designed with multi-functionality to operate in different connection configurations (series and parallel) and interface with various charging station types. The system universally supports both high-voltage fast charging and standard charging protocols through its reconfigurable architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single battery subsystem powers both charging and thermal regulation, then the system structure is simplified, but the subsystem experiences accelerated and uneven aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidbattery subsystem lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power delivery function into separate battery subsystems. One subsystem is dedicated to charging operations while another handles thermal regulation power supply. This segmentation prevents any single subsystem from bearing excessive electrical stress and heat generation, thereby extending overall system lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different battery subsystems are assigned different functional roles based on local quality requirements. The charging subsystem operates under controlled charging protocols while the thermal regulation subsystem provides stable power for temperature management. Each subsystem is optimized for its specific function, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3776795B1Method for controlling a battery system for optimising the ageing of the battery sub-systems
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3776795B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3776795B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for recharging a battery system comprising the series connection (E1) of at least two battery sub-systems in order to implement recharging, then, in the event of the detection of an activation condition (CDA) of a thermal regulation system of the battery system, the connection (E3) of the terminals of a first sub-system only, from among the at least two battery sub-systems, to a first consuming interface, then, in the event of the detection of a switching condition (CDC) during recharging, the disconnection (E4) of the terminals of the first battery sub-system from the first consuming interface (63), then the connection (E5), via the means for controlling the terminals, of a second sub-system, from among the at least two battery sub-systems, to the first consuming interface. The invention is applicable to electric and hybrid electric motor vehicles.