Dynamic Battery Voltage Limit Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle battery systems have static voltage limits that do not account for variations between cells and sections, leading to potential damage from overcharging or undercharging, and lack dynamic adjustment based on real-time voltage data.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically adjusts voltage limits by calculating an offset based on the average or weakest section voltage, applying it to static limits to prevent cell damage, and updates these limits in response to changing voltage conditions and current throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static voltage limits are used based on temperature lookup tables, then the control system is simple, but cell damage may occur due to voltage variations between cells and sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static voltage limits to dynamic voltage limits that adjust in real-time based on the weakest cell's voltage. The voltage limit is no longer fixed but changes continuously according to the state of charge and voltage variations across cells, ensuring protection while adapting to actual battery conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage limit parameter dynamically based on the voltage of the weakest cell. Instead of using a fixed temperature-based lookup table, the system calculates the voltage limit as a function of the weakest cell's voltage, thereby adapting the protection threshold to actual battery state and preventing both overcharging and undercharging.
2Reliability
If dynamic voltage adjustment based on weakest cell voltage is implemented, then cell protection is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing control attention on the weakest cell rather than treating all cells uniformly. The voltage limit is determined specifically by the cell with the lowest voltage, allowing the control system to concentrate protection efforts where they are most needed while simplifying the overall control logic compared to monitoring each cell individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the battery's own voltage measurements to automatically adjust protection limits without requiring external intervention or complex control algorithms. The weakest cell's voltage directly determines the voltage limit, creating a self-regulating mechanism that adapts to battery conditions naturally.
3Ease of operation
If voltage limits are adjusted based on average pack voltage, then overall battery management is simplified, but the weakest section may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively identifying the weakest cell and using its voltage to set protection limits before damage can occur. Rather than reacting to average pack voltage conditions, the system continuously monitors and adjusts based on the most vulnerable cell, preventing undercharging or overcharging issues before they affect battery health.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for adjusting the voltage limits of a battery. In some implementations, voltage data may be received from each of a plurality of battery sections of a vehicle battery. A voltage offset for the vehicle battery may be calculated using the voltage data. The voltage offset may be calculated by determining a difference between an average voltage taken from each of the plurality of battery sections and at least one of a minimum voltage of all of the battery cells and an average cell voltage from a battery section having the lowest average cell voltage. The voltage offset may be applied to dynamically adjust a voltage limit associated with the vehicle battery so as to prevent any of the battery cells in the vehicle battery from exceeding the voltage limit.