Reconfigurable Battery Voltage Topology for Drive Mode Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric propulsion systems lack flexibility in battery configurations, limiting their ability to adapt to varying charging voltages and operating conditions, which affects performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable battery pack system with a switching circuit that can switch between series-connected (S-connected) and parallel-connected (P-connected) configurations in response to user requests or detected conditions, allowing for optimal voltage selection based on drive mode requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery pack configuration is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying charging voltages and operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery modules that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation allows the system to reconfigure the electrical connections between modules to match different charging voltages and operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack incorporates switching circuitry that enables dynamic reconfiguration between series and parallel connections based on real-time operating conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying charging voltages and power demands without requiring multiple fixed battery packs, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Power
If series-connected configuration is used, then the output voltage is higher, but the charging infrastructure requirements are more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel configurations based on the available charging infrastructure. When high-voltage DC fast charging is available, the series configuration is used to maximize power output. When lower-voltage AC charging is available, the parallel configuration is used to ensure compatibility, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high output voltage and maintaining broad charging infrastructure compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel-connected configuration is used, then the charging voltage compatibility is broader, but the power output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuitry enables real-time transitions between parallel and series configurations based on power demands and charging conditions. The parallel configuration provides broad voltage compatibility for charging, while the series configuration delivers high power output for propulsion, resolving the contradiction between charging compatibility and power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single battery pack system performs multiple functions by reconfiguring its internal connections. It can operate as a high-voltage series pack for power delivery and as a low-voltage parallel pack for charging acceptance, making the system universal across different operating modes and infrastructure types without requiring separate battery systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric propulsion system includes a rotary electric machine having an output member, a rechargeable energy storage system (“RESS”) connected to the electric machine, a user interface device, and a controller. The RESS includes multiple battery modules and a switching circuit, the latter being configured, in response to electronic switching control signals, to connect the battery modules in a parallel-connected configuration or a series-connected configuration, as a selected battery configuration. The user interface device receives an operator-requested drive mode request as an electrical signal indicative of a desired drive mode of the electric propulsion system. The controller, which is programmed with mode-specific electrical loss information associated with the desired drive mode, establishes the selected battery configuration in response to the drive mode request, and presents a drive mode recommendation via the user interface device when the loss information associated with the desired drive mode exceeds a calibrated loss threshold.