Cell Balancing Power Supply for BMIC Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems require a dedicated power source for battery monitoring integrated circuits (BMICs) during cell balancing operations, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A battery system that utilizes power generated during cell balancing operations to supply power to BMICs by converting it into a suitable voltage level through a DC-DC converter and a power supply unit, incorporating multiplexers and positive temperature coefficient elements to manage and regulate power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery modules are connected in series to increase operating voltage, then power output is improved, but the number of connection points increases leading to higher connection resistance and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple stacks, with each stack containing a complete series connection of battery cells. This segmentation reduces the number of connection points at any single location while maintaining the required operating voltage through parallel connection of multiple stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional series connection to a multi-dimensional architecture where battery cells are arranged in stacks (vertical dimension) and stacks are connected in parallel (horizontal dimension). This dimensional change allows voltage to be maintained while reducing connection complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If battery cells are tightly fixed to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but expansion space is restricted leading to reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible buffer pieces positioned between battery cells and the housing wall. These buffer pieces provide mechanical constraint to prevent cell movement while allowing radial expansion during charging cycles, thereby extending battery life without compromising structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer pieces are pre-installed in the housing to provide cushioning and expansion space for battery cells before any expansion occurs. This beforehand cushioning prevents mechanical stress and damage that would otherwise occur during normal battery operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If buffer pieces are added between battery cells and housing wall, then expansion space is provided improving battery life, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer pieces are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and installed. Their simplicity and low cost make them an economical solution for providing necessary expansion space without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Discussed is a battery system including: a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells; a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) configured to monitor each of a plurality of cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells; a plurality of balancing batteries each charged by a target battery cell requiring a cell balancing among the plurality of battery cells; a power conversion unit including a direct-current to direct-current (DC-DC) converter receiving voltages from the plurality of balancing batteries and configured to convert the voltages into output voltages; and a power supply unit configured to supply the output voltages to the BMIC when the output voltages have a voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined level for driving the BMIC.