Battery Switch Unit Arc Damage Control via Dynamic Turn-Off Order
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relay switch control methods for connecting and disconnecting battery packs from loads in HEVs lead to frequent breakdowns and malfunctions due to arc damage, concentrating wear on specific switch units and reducing their operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that control switch units by storing and managing the turn-off number and order of first and second switch units based on current ranges, equalizing their turn-off order to distribute the discharge current load and prevent concentrated arc damage, using a control unit to manage the sequence of switch unit operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a preset manipulation order of relay switch units is used to connect and disconnect the battery pack with the load, then the connection can be established and released, but arc damage concentrates on specific switch units, increasing breakdown frequency and reducing operational lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic manipulation orders for relay switch units based on real-time discharge current magnitude levels. Instead of a fixed preset order, the control unit selects from multiple manipulation orders stored in memory, each optimized for specific current ranges. This dynamic adaptation distributes arc damage more evenly across different switch units by varying which switch is turned off first under different operating conditions, thereby extending operational lifespan and reducing breakdown frequency.
2Productivity
If the battery pack is connected with the load through relay switch units with a preset turn-off order, then the connection can be released, but the frequency of breakdown and malfunction increases due to concentrated arc damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manipulation parameter (turn-off order) of relay switch units based on the magnitude level of discharge current. The control unit detects the current magnitude and selects an appropriate manipulation order from multiple stored orders, each corresponding to different current ranges. This parameter change strategy ensures that no single switch unit consistently bears the brunt of arc damage, thereby reducing breakdown frequency and extending the overall productivity and replacement cycle of the switch units.
3Ease of operation
If arc is generated at the relay switch unit contact during turn-off, then the connection is released, but the contact is damaged and the using period is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores multiple manipulation orders in advance in memory, each optimized for different discharge current magnitude levels. When connection release is needed, the control unit quickly selects the appropriate pre-prepared manipulation order based on the current magnitude, avoiding the need for real-time complex decision-making. This preliminary preparation ensures that the connection can be released efficiently while distributing arc damage across different switch units over time, thereby extending the using period without compromising ease of operation.
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 approach reduces the frequency of switch unit breakdowns and malfunctions, extending their operational period by evenly distributing the wear and tear based on discharge current levels.
Implementation Method 1
When the relay switch unit is turned off, arc generates at a contact of the relay switch unit due to the relay's inductance component
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of controlling switch units between a battery pack and a load, and a battery pack and a battery management system comprising the same. The apparatus comprises a memory for storing the turn-off number and order of first and second switch units connecting the battery pack with the load according to current ranges; and a control unit for equalizing the turn-off order of the first switch unit and the second switch unit with reference to the turn-off number and order in a current range corresponding to a magnitude level of discharge current of a battery. Accordingly, the present invention reduces the frequency of breakdown or malfunction of the switch units and increases the using period of the switch units.