Cell Balancing Resistor Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-capacity batteries require high reliability and efficient cell balancing to manage increased current and voltage outputs while minimizing heat generation, and there is a growing need for energy storage systems that efficiently utilize renewable energy and reduce environmental impact by effectively connecting renewable energy sources with the grid and load.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a battery system comprising multiple cells and a cell balancing unit that uses resistors and a controller to adjust the connection time of cell balancing resistors based on temperature, ensuring stable operation under high charging currents and voltages, and determining the necessity of cell balancing based on voltage differences between cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cell balancing resistors are connected across battery cells for extended periods to achieve effective cell balancing, then cell balancing efficiency is improved, but resistor temperature increases causing potential damage and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by adjusting the connection time of cell balancing resistors based on real-time temperature monitoring. The controller varies the duty cycle of resistor connection according to temperature thresholds, transforming a static connection approach into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes both balancing efficiency and resistor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensing elements that continuously monitor resistor temperature and feed this information back to the controller. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust resistor connection duration, preventing overheating while maintaining effective cell balancing
2Quantity of substance
If high charging currents are used to increase power storage capacity, then energy storage capability is improved, but heat generation increases causing safety concerns and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature feedback from sensors monitoring battery and resistor temperatures to control the charging process. When temperature thresholds are approached, the controller automatically reduces charging current or adjusts cell balancing operations, creating a safe closed-loop control system that enables high-capacity operation without excessive heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operating parameters including charging current magnitude and cell balancing resistor connection duration based on temperature conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high power storage capacity while preventing harmful heat accumulation through real-time control adjustments
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 system prevents cell balancing resistor damage, enables stable cell balancing under high current and voltage conditions, and effectively manages energy storage and conversion between renewable energy sources, the grid, and loads, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
a cell balancing controller arranged to vary a time for which the cell balancing resistors are connected across the battery cells in dependence on the temperature of at least one of the cell balancing resistors
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy storage system is described that is connectable to at least one of a power generating system, a grid and a load, the energy storage system including a battery system, wherein the battery system comprises a plurality of battery cells, a cell balancing unit for performing cell balancing of the plurality of battery cells, the cell balancing unit comprising a plurality of cell balancing resistors, each arranged to be selectively connected across a respective one of the battery cells and a cell balancing controller arranged to vary a time for which the cell balancing resistors are connected across the battery cells in dependence on the temperature of at least one of the cell balancing resistors.