Battery Module Thermal Control Using Distributed BMS Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face challenges in maintaining optimal temperature ranges for battery modules to ensure reliable and safe operation, particularly in managing temperature differences and variations among multiple battery modules.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based thermal management system that includes battery management systems (BMS) nodes to individually control the temperature of each battery module, adjusting operations based on temperature profiles, thermal coupling, and energy transfer between modules to achieve desired temperature profiles, diagnostic procedures, and operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual temperature control for each battery module is implemented, then temperature management precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the battery management into independent BMS nodes, each responsible for specific battery modules. Each BMS node can independently control temperature of its assigned modules through individual cooling channels, enabling precise temperature management while distributing system complexity across multiple modular units rather than requiring a centralized complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized temperature control where each BMS node manages temperature for specific battery modules independently. This allows different temperature profiles to be applied to different modules based on their specific thermal conditions, state of charge, and operational requirements, achieving precise local temperature optimization without requiring uniform complex control across the entire system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If thermal coupling between battery modules is utilized, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes thermal coupling between battery modules to enable heat transfer from modules that are generating excess heat to modules that require heating. This self-service thermal management approach allows modules to serve each other's thermal needs, improving overall energy efficiency by recovering waste heat and reducing the energy required for active heating and cooling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMS nodes continuously monitor temperature profiles of battery modules and use this feedback information to control thermal coupling operations. When temperature differences between modules indicate potential thermal imbalance, the system adjusts thermal coupling to maintain temperature uniformity while still utilizing the energy efficiency benefits of inter-module heat transfer.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If bypass operating mode is implemented for diagnostic tests, then diagnostic capability is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic operating modes for battery modules, including normal power transfer mode and bypass mode. BMS nodes can dynamically switch between these modes based on diagnostic requirements or operational conditions. The bypass mode allows modules to be electrically isolated for diagnostic testing while maintaining thermal management capabilities, providing diagnostic capability without permanently reducing operational flexibility.
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
Enables precise temperature control of each battery module, enhancing safety, performance, and longevity by maintaining desired temperature profiles, facilitating diagnostic procedures, and optimizing operation modes.
Implementation Method 1
the first battery module is thermally coupled with the second battery module
Implementation Method 2
the first battery module is electrically coupled in parallel with the second battery module
Data Source
AI summary
A method for thermal management performed by a controller of an energy storage system, where the energy storage system includes at least a first battery module, a second battery module, a first battery management system (BMS) node, and a second BMS node. The first BMS node is configured to control operation of the first battery module, and the second BMS node is configured to control operation of the second battery module. The method includes (a) determining a first temperature profile difference representing a difference between an actual temperature profile of the first battery module and a desired temperature profile of the first battery module, (b) determining a first operation adjustment representing a desired change in operation of the first battery module for decreasing the first temperature profile difference, and (c) controlling the first BMS node to change operation of the first battery module according to the first operation adjustment.