Battery Pack Voltage Monitoring for Parallel Cell Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs without equalization circuits face challenges in detecting abnormal parallel cell blocks, as methods like resistor discharge cause heat and energy loss, and existing detection techniques are limited to battery packs with equalization circuits.
Innovation Solution
A battery abnormality detection system that acquires voltage data for each parallel cell block and detects abnormalities based on voltage changes and differences between normal and target blocks, using a voltage defect level index to identify defective cells without destructive methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an equalization circuit is implemented to detect abnormal parallel cell blocks, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but device complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the abnormality detection function from the equalization circuit and implements it independently using voltage data acquisition and analysis. The detection unit separately monitors voltage changes in each parallel cell block without requiring the equalization circuit to be active, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage acquisition system serves multiple functions: it collects voltage data for both normal battery management operations and abnormality detection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection hardware, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable abnormality detection capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If resistor discharge is used for equalization process, then SOC coordination between parallel cell blocks is improved, but energy loss and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based detection system that continuously monitors voltage changes in each parallel cell block and compares them against expected normal variations. When abnormal voltage patterns are detected, the system can trigger alerts or control actions without requiring energy-intensive equalization processes, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining battery stability through intelligent monitoring.
3Stability of the object's composition
If equalization process is performed to coordinate SOC, then battery balance is improved, but heat generation and energy loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary voltage monitoring and abnormality detection during normal battery operations before equalization processes are initiated. By identifying potential issues early through voltage pattern analysis, the system can prevent the need for aggressive equalization processes that generate heat, thereby maintaining battery balance through preventive rather than corrective actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery data acquisition unit acquires voltage data for each parallel cell block of a battery pack in which a plurality of parallel cell blocks, each comprised of a plurality of cells connected in parallel, are connected in series. An abnormality detection unit detects, based on a voltage change in a normal parallel cell block and on a change in a voltage difference between the normal parallel cell block and a target parallel cell block, an abnormality of the target parallel cell block.