Configurable Battery Pack Capacity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance battery packs pose safety risks during transport and storage due to their high energy density, and existing safety measures, such as switching elements, do not fully mitigate the risk of accidents or failures, while charging limitations are not always adhered to, affecting both safety and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable battery pack with an integrated battery management system (BMS) and data/user interfaces allows users to set battery charging parameters, enabling flexible configuration of the usable capacity, which can be reduced for safer transport and storage, and later increased for full capacity use, with the BMS influencing charging processes to emulate a weaker pack and prevent overcharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the total capacity of the battery pack is increased to provide high energy density, then the energy storage capability is improved, but the safety risk during transport and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack incorporates a configurable capacity mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between high-capacity mode for operation and low-capacity mode for transport and storage. The system can switch between these modes based on the operational context, thereby maintaining high energy storage capability when needed while reducing safety risks during logistics phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the effective capacity parameter of the battery pack by selectively connecting or disconnecting battery cells through a configuration mechanism. This allows the same physical battery pack to present different capacity levels (e.g., 100 Wh vs. 500 Wh) depending on whether it is in transport mode or operational mode, thus resolving the contradiction between energy storage and safety.
2Productivity
If the battery pack is designed with high energy density for better performance, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a capacity selector, a safety device, and a compliance tool. By integrating these functions into a single mechanism, the invention avoids adding separate complex safety systems while still achieving the necessary safety and performance goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack includes a user-accessible interface that allows end-users to independently configure the capacity mode without requiring external assistance or complex safety systems. This self-service capability simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining high performance and safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery pack capacity is reduced for safer transport, then the safety is improved, but the energy storage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack transitions from a static capacity design to a dynamic one, where the effective capacity can be adjusted based on the operational phase. During transport, the system dynamically reconfigures to a lower capacity state for safety, then dynamically switches to full capacity for operational use, thus resolving the trade-off between safety and energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple cell groups that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of cells during transport (reducing effective capacity and safety risks) while activating all cells during operational use (maximizing energy storage capability).
4Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is always fully charged to maximize energy availability, then the energy storage utilization is improved, but the battery lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the state of charge parameter dynamically based on operational needs. Instead of maintaining a constant 100% charge state, the battery management system adjusts the charge level parameter, keeping it at optimal levels for lifespan extension during storage and transport, while ensuring sufficient charge for operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial charging strategies where the battery is charged only to the extent necessary for the intended use rather than always to full capacity. This partial action approach extends battery lifespan by avoiding the degradation effects of continuous full charging, while still providing sufficient energy availability for operational needs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a configurable battery pack (1) comprising an integrated battery management system (2) as well as a data interface (3) and a user interface (4), wherein the battery management system (2) has a data storage (5) for storing at least one battery charging parameter (ULS) and provides the at least one battery charging parameter (ULS) for an external charger at the data interface (3), and wherein the at least one battery charging parameter (ULS) is configurable via an input to the user interface (4).