Battery Voltage Balancing Circuit with Integrated Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery systems in hybrid electric vehicles/electric vehicles face challenges due to fluctuations in charge capacitances and internal resistances among cells, leading to potential thermal reactions and critical states of charge, which existing technologies fail to address effectively, particularly in ensuring safe and reliable operation within voltage limits.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a voltage balancing circuit comprising a balancing current path with two resistors and a controllable switch, combined with a measuring arrangement including an analog-to-digital converter and filters, to detect voltage potentials and balance cell voltages, while also identifying faulty states through a method involving measurement voltage detection and tolerance checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage balancing circuits are implemented to balance cell voltages, then battery safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage measurement function and voltage balancing function into a single integrated circuit. The measuring arrangement measures the voltage across the battery cell while the balancing switch and resistors provide the balancing function, eliminating the need for separate measurement circuits and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures cell voltage, determines when balancing is needed, and executes the balancing operation through the controllable switch. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining safety and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If precise voltage measurement is implemented to detect critical states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is merged with the balancing circuit, using the same electrical connections and components for both purposes. The voltage across the battery cell is measured through the existing balancing circuit components, eliminating the need for separate measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing circuit components (resistors and switch) inherently provide the measurement function without requiring additional dedicated measurement components. The voltage measurement is performed as a byproduct of the balancing operation, making the system self-sufficient.
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
The solution provides a safe, cost-effective battery system that reliably balances cell voltages, prevents thermal reactions, and identifies faults, ensuring stable operation within voltage limits, thereby reducing the risk of overcharging and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
The balancing current path (SP) comprises two resistors (R1, R2) and a controllable balancing switch (T1), wherein the two resistors (R1, R2) and the balancing switch (T1) are connected in series with one another; and the measuring arrangement (MA) is electrically connected on the signal-input side to an electrical connecting point (VP) between the two resistors (R1, R2) and is configured to detect a first voltage potential (Φ1) at the electrical connecting point (VP)
Implementation Method 2
the measuring arrangement (MA) comprises an analog-to-digital converter (AD), which is electrically connected to the electrical connecting point (VP) by means of a first signal input (E1) and is configured to form a first digital voltage potential value from the first voltage potential (Φ1)
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments may include a battery system comprising: a battery cell; and a voltage balancing circuit for balancing a voltage at the battery cell. The voltage balancing circuit includes: a balancing current path electrically connected between a positive power connection terminal and a negative power connection terminal of the battery cell, two resistors, and a controllable balancing switch connected in series with the two resistors; and a measuring arrangement electrically connected on a signal-input side to an electrical connecting point between the two resistors and configured to detect a first voltage potential at the electrical connecting point.