Centralized Battery Pack Control Without Slave BMS Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems for distributed battery packs require separate control devices in each pack, leading to increased hardware costs, complexity, and difficulty in maintenance due to spatial distribution and the need for software development and flashing.
Innovation Solution
A centralized battery management system is implemented in one battery pack, directly controlling switches and measuring devices in other packs via signal lines, eliminating the need for separate control devices in satellite modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master-slave system with separate control devices in each battery pack is used, then each battery pack can be controlled independently, but the hardware costs and device complexity increase due to multiple control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality of multiple battery packs into a single centralized control device. Instead of having separate control devices in each battery pack (master-slave architecture), one control device controls multiple battery packs directly, reducing the total number of control devices while maintaining independent control capability through software management.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control different battery packs, manage charging/discharging operations, monitor system status, and coordinate communication between various components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated control devices in each battery pack.
2Ease of operation
If separate control devices are installed in each battery pack, then local control is enabled, but hardware development costs and unit costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates control hardware into a single centralized unit that manages multiple battery packs. This reduces hardware development costs by eliminating the need to develop, manufacture, and maintain separate control devices for each battery pack, while still providing local control capability through the centralized system's ability to address and control individual packs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically replicating control devices in each battery pack, the system uses software-based virtual control instances that can be copied and distributed across multiple packs. This allows local control functionality to be replicated without the associated hardware costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed master-slave system is implemented, then control distribution is achieved, but software development and maintenance complexity increases due to the need for flashing and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges software management into a single centralized control system that manages all battery packs through unified software. This eliminates the complexity of coordinating multiple independent control devices, as the centralized system handles all communication, control logic, and software updates from a single point, while still providing distributed control capability.
4Volume of moving object
If battery packs are spatially distributed in a motor vehicle, then space utilization is improved, but access for maintenance and software flashing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the battery packs themselves and places it in a separate, centrally located control device. This allows battery packs to be freely distributed throughout the vehicle for optimal space utilization, while the centralized control device can be positioned in an easily accessible location for maintenance and software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control device acts as an intermediary between the externally accessible system and the spatially distributed battery packs. It provides a single point of access for maintenance and software updates, eliminating the need to physically access each distributed battery pack for these operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery system for a motor vehicle, comprising a battery management system and at least two battery packs each having battery cells, at least one switch for switching the respective battery pack and a measuring device for measuring operating parameters of the battery cells, where the battery management system is arranged in precisely one of the battery packs and the switches of the other battery packs are controlled by the battery management system.