Converter-Source Module Architecture for Battery Pack Power Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy systems in vehicles and stationary applications face inefficiencies due to lack of advanced monitoring and control capabilities, leading to suboptimal performance, reduced reliability, and limited battery life, as well as inadequate power management and motor control.
Innovation Solution
A module-based energy system comprising multiple modules with converters, where each module includes an energy source and a converter, allowing for complex configurations and independent control of each module to optimize electrical and thermal performance, balance state of charge and temperature, and manage power sharing among modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional battery packs are used with simple battery management systems, then device complexity is reduced, but monitoring precision and control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own converter-source unit and local control capabilities. This segmentation allows each module to be monitored and controlled independently, improving overall monitoring precision without requiring a single complex centralized system. Each module can operate autonomously while contributing to the whole system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control where converter-source modules can adjust their operation modes (charging, discharging, power factor correction) in real-time based on system needs. The modular architecture allows dynamic reconfiguration of power flow paths and operational characteristics, enabling adaptive monitoring and control that improves precision without permanent complexity increases.
2Reliability
If multiple converter-source modules are used with independent control, then system performance and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple converter-source modules that can operate independently. If one module fails, others continue to function, providing redundancy and improving reliability. The segmented architecture isolates faults to individual modules rather than causing system-wide failures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each converter-source module is designed as a universal unit capable of multiple functions: energy storage, power factor correction, voltage regulation, and independent monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving reliability through functional redundancy while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional charging systems are used with steady constant feed, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency and battery life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements periodic pulsed charging instead of steady constant feed. The converter-source modules can deliver charging current in controlled pulses with varying amplitude and duration, optimizing charge transfer efficiency and reducing thermal stress on battery cells. This periodic action improves charging productivity while the modular design keeps complexity manageable through standardized module repetition.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts current and voltage parameters in real-time based on battery state of charge, temperature, and individual cell conditions. The converter-source modules can modify their output characteristics continuously during charging, maximizing efficiency and extending battery life. This dynamic control is implemented through programmable control logic in each module rather than complex external systems.
4Productivity
If the weakest cell constrains the entire battery pack, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but system performance and energy utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple converter-source modules, each associated with specific battery cells or groups of cells. This segmentation allows independent monitoring and control of each module's energy contribution, enabling the system to optimize power draw from stronger cells rather than being constrained by the weakest cell. Each module can operate within its own capability limits while contributing to overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each converter-source module is equipped with local monitoring and control capabilities tailored to its specific battery cells. This local quality approach allows customized control strategies for different modules based on their individual cell characteristics, temperatures, and states of charge. The system can apply different control parameters to different modules, maximizing overall energy utilization without requiring uniform constraints across all cells.
Data Source
AI summary
Module-based energy systems are provided having multiple converter-source modules. The converter-source modules can each include an energy source and a converter. The systems can further include control circuitry for the modules. The modules can be arranged in various ways to provide single phase AC, multi-phase AC, and/or DC outputs. Each module can be independently monitored and controlled.