Configurable Rechargeable Battery Pack with Segmented Cell Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power rechargeable battery packs pose safety risks during transport and storage due to high energy density, and existing charging devices cannot guarantee safe charging limits, as they rely on total capacitance rather than actual state of charge.
Innovation Solution
A configurable rechargeable battery pack with an integrated battery management system and data interface that allows users to set battery charging parameters, enabling flexible configuration of total usable capacitance and charging processes, such as IU charging, to ensure safe transport and storage while optimizing battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the total usable capacitance of the rechargeable battery pack is increased to provide high energy density, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the safety risks during transport and storage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple cell packs that can be electrically isolated from each other. During transport and storage, the cell packs remain isolated to limit the amount of energy that can be released in case of damage. When needed, the cell packs can be electrically interconnected to provide the full total usable capacitance for high-power applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical interconnection between cell packs is made dynamic rather than fixed. Switching elements enable the battery system to transition between isolated state (for safe transport and storage) and interconnected state (for high-power operation), allowing the same battery pack to adapt to different safety requirements based on its operational context.
2Quantity of substance
If the rechargeable battery pack is charged to full capacitance to maximize energy availability, then the energy storage is improved, but the battery lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging parameter (state of charge) is changed from always charging to 100% capacity to charging only to a configured limit (e.g., 80%). This parameter change extends battery lifetime by reducing stress on the battery cells while still providing sufficient energy storage for most applications. The configurable charging limit allows optimization between lifetime and energy availability based on user needs.
3Reliability
If the rechargeable battery pack uses switchable total capacitance with internally interconnected cell packs, then the safety during transport is improved, but the complexity of the battery management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages both the electrical interconnection of cell packs and the charging process. By integrating these functions into a single control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for interconnection management and charging management. The universal controller handles safety functions and charging optimization together.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system automatically monitors the state of charge and controls the charging process based on configured parameters. The system self-regulates the charging current and voltage, and manages the switching between isolated and interconnected cell pack configurations without requiring external intervention, reducing the operational complexity for users.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the charging device limits the state of charge to extend battery lifetime, then the battery lifetime is improved, but the total energy stored decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging limit is made configurable rather than fixed. Users can dynamically adjust the state of charge limit based on their specific needs - choosing a lower limit (e.g., 80%) for maximum lifetime extension or a higher limit for greater energy storage. This dynamic configuration allows optimization of the trade-off between lifetime and energy capacity according to actual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging parameter (maximum state of charge) is changed from a fixed value to a configurable value. This parameter change enables users to adapt the charging behavior to different application requirements, allowing the same battery pack to serve both lifetime-critical applications and energy-critical applications by simply changing the charging parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a battery-powered device, comprising a first controller, a first battery interface, and at least one electric consumer, wherein the first battery interface is configured to receive at least one configurable rechargeable battery pack for supplying energy to the at least one electric consumer; and wherein the first controller is embodied to receive at least one battery charging parameter at the first battery interface, and to reconfigure the at least one battery charging parameter by means of the first battery interface according to the power demands of the at least one electric consumer or according to a given user-specification.