Daisy-Chained Battery Module Controllers for Energy Storage Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aging electrical infrastructures face increased vulnerability due to rising electrical energy demand and the integration of renewable energy sources, leading to peak demand exceeding supply levels, necessitating more efficient and reliable energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system with isolated, distributed, daisy-chained battery module controllers that form a communication network, allowing for self-adjustment of battery cells to a target voltage and state of charge, enabling efficient energy balancing and monitoring across multiple battery modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized battery management system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability decreases during peak demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized battery management system into multiple distributed battery module controllers (BMCs), each independently managing specific battery modules. This segmentation improves reliability by eliminating single points of failure - if one BMC fails, others continue operating independently. The system transitions from a monolithic architecture to a modular distributed architecture where each BMC can function autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery module controller is designed with localized intelligence to manage its specific battery module independently. The BMCs have different functional capabilities tailored to their local requirements, with each controller capable of autonomous decision-making for its module. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain overall functionality even when individual modules or controllers fail.
2Reliability
If multiple battery modules are managed independently, then the reliability improves, but the communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent communication interfaces into a single daisy-chain communication bus that connects all battery module controllers sequentially. This reduces the total number of communication channels required - instead of needing separate point-to-point connections between the central controller and each BMC, a single serial daisy-chain topology suffices. The isolation circuits prevent communication failures from propagating across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The daisy-chain communication bus acts as an intermediary medium that enables simplified connectivity between multiple BMCs. Each BMC connects to the bus through isolation circuits that mediate communication signals, preventing electrical interference and fault propagation. This intermediary approach allows multiple independent controllers to communicate efficiently through a shared medium rather than requiring complex direct connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If distributed controllers are used, then the balancing precision improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery module controller is equipped with autonomous capabilities to independently monitor and balance its associated battery module without requiring constant central controller intervention. The BMCs can detect voltage imbalances within their modules and execute balancing operations autonomously, reducing the need for complex centralized control logic and simplifying the overall manufacturing and deployment process.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery pack that may be used in an battery energy storage system. In an embodiment, the battery pack may include an integrated battery management system (BMS) having isolated, distributed, daisy-chained battery module controllers. The daisy-chained battery module controllers may be coupled to a battery pack controller, which may charge and/or discharge the battery pack using the battery modules controllers and a balancing charger.