Bus Bar Module Voltage Detection Circuit Topology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric storage devices face challenges in efficiently monitoring voltage values across a series-connected array of unit cells due to the limited divisibility of unit cells by the maximum number that can be monitored by a single cell monitoring integrated circuit, leading to potential under-voltage issues for remaining cells.
Innovation Solution
The electric storage device employs a bus bar module with block circuits, where each block circuit includes a voltage detection circuit operated by electric power from assigned unit cells, ensuring that the number of unit cells assigned to each block circuit is equal to or greater than the minimum required to maintain operational voltage, and the number assigned to third block circuits is set to the maximum, allowing for reduced overall block circuits and ensuring voltage detection across all cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the total number of unit cells is divided by the maximum number of cells that can be monitored by one cell monitoring integrated circuit, then the total number of cell monitoring integrated circuits can be reduced, but there may be remaining unit cells whose voltage cannot be ensured for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the unit cells into multiple groups, with each group assigned to a separate block circuit. This segmentation allows each block circuit to independently monitor a specific subset of cells while ensuring adequate voltage supply from its assigned group, resolving the contradiction between reducing total monitoring circuits and maintaining operational voltage for each circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each block circuit is configured with local characteristics - it monitors a specific number of cells assigned to it and draws power from its own assigned group of cells. This local quality approach ensures that each block circuit has sufficient voltage for operation independently, while the overall system uses multiple such circuits to monitor all cells, thus resolving the voltage insufficiency problem for remaining cells.
2Device complexity
If the number of unit cells assigned to each block circuit is increased to maximize monitoring capacity, then fewer block circuits are needed, but the minimum voltage requirement for operating the voltage detection circuit may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total number of cells into multiple smaller groups, each assigned to a separate block circuit. This segmentation ensures that each block circuit has a sufficient number of cells to provide the minimum operating voltage, while the collection of all block circuits together monitors the entire set of cells. This resolves the contradiction by balancing group size for voltage adequacy with the number of circuits needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of cell assignment by ensuring that the number of cells assigned to each block circuit satisfies a specific mathematical relationship (total cells minus remainder is divisible by the maximum monitorable cells). This parameter adjustment ensures that each block circuit receives enough cells to provide adequate operating voltage, resolving the energy sufficiency issue.
3Reliability
If different configurations of block circuits are used to handle remaining unit cells, then all cells can be monitored, but the device complexity and connection process are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each block circuit universal by designing them with the same configuration and functionality. Each block circuit can monitor the same maximum number of cells and has the same power supply requirements. This universality allows any block circuit to handle any group of cells, including the remainder cells, without requiring special configurations, thus reducing device complexity while ensuring complete voltage detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by making all block circuits identical in structure and function. Each block circuit has the same capability to monitor a specific number of cells and the same power supply arrangement. This homogeneous design simplifies the overall system configuration and connection process, as all block circuits can be installed and configured in the same manner regardless of their position in the series connection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A bus bar module includes bus bars and block circuits (50A, 50B, 50C). A voltage detection circuit (51) included in each block circuit (50A, 50B, 50C) detects voltage values of electric storage elements (10) via lines connected to the respective bus bars. The number of the electric storage elements (10) assigned to a first block circuit (50A) is an even number equal to or larger than a minimum number and smaller than a maximum number. The number of the electric storage elements (10) assigned to a second block circuit (50B) is equal to or larger than the minimum number and smaller than the maximum number. The number of the electric storage elements (10) assigned to each third block circuit (50C) is the maximum number.