Battery Submodules With Switching Circuitry For Isolated Module Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery systems face failures where a defective cell can render an entire battery inoperable, especially in configurations where replacement is not possible, leading to insufficient electrical energy supply for loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rechargeable battery modules and systems with switching circuitry that allow individual submodules to operate in engaged or disengaged modes, isolating failed components while maintaining functionality of other modules, enabling continued operation and facilitating replacement of defective submodules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a rechargeable battery system uses multiple cells in series or parallel configuration to meet load demands, then the electrical energy supply capacity is improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to failure where a single defective cell can render the entire battery inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each module containing one or more cells. Switching circuitry is provided to selectively connect or disconnect individual modules from the system terminals. When a cell or module fails, only that specific module needs to be disconnected while other modules continue to operate, preventing total system failure and maintaining reliability while allowing scalable capacity through multiple modules.
2Productivity
If the battery system is configured with fixed connections between cells to maximize energy capacity, then the electrical energy supply is improved, but the ability to replace or isolate defective cells is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system employs dynamic switching circuitry that can change the operational status of individual battery modules in real-time. The switching circuitry includes switches controlled by a controller that can connect or disconnect modules based on their operational status. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain maximum energy supply from healthy modules while isolating defective ones for replacement, combining high productivity with ease of repair.
3Reliability
If switching circuitry is added to allow individual module isolation, then the reliability and maintainability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuitry is segmented and distributed across individual battery modules rather than implementing a complex centralized switching system. Each module has its own switching circuit that can be independently controlled. This modular approach to switching circuitry reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to isolate defective modules, as each module's switching logic is independent and can be implemented with simpler, standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
Batteries, battery systems, battery submodules, battery operational methods, battery system operational methods, battery charging methods, and battery system charging methods are described. According to one aspect, a battery includes a first battery terminal, a second battery terminal, and a plurality of submodules individually comprising a first submodule terminal, a second submodule terminal, a plurality of rechargeable cells electrically coupled between the first and second submodule terminals, and switching circuitry configured to electrically couple one of the first and second battery terminals with one of the first and second submodule terminals of one of the submodules during an engaged mode of operation of the one of the submodules and to electrically isolate the one of the first and second battery terminals from the one of the first and second submodule terminals of the one of the submodules during a disengaged mode of operation of the one of the submodules.