Dual Function Battery System for Hybrid Vehicle Voltage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid electric vehicles require multiple batteries to manage different voltage levels, increasing complexity and cost, while also risking deep depletion of batteries used for key-off accessories.
Innovation Solution
A dual function energy storage system with a single battery module that can provide both high and low voltage levels by selectively connecting subsets of energy storage modules across secondary voltage terminals, managed by a battery management system to prevent deep depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple batteries are used to manage different voltage levels, then voltage level management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single battery system that can operate at multiple voltage levels (12V and 48V) by using a battery management system to selectively connect different numbers of battery modules in series. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical battery to serve both low-voltage accessory loads and high-voltage propulsion needs, eliminating the requirement for separate batteries for each voltage level while maintaining full voltage management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple batteries into a single unified battery system. By combining multiple battery modules into one physical battery unit and using switching circuitry to reconfigure the series connections, the system integrates both 12V and 48V power delivery capabilities into one component, thereby reducing overall system complexity and component count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple batteries are used to manage different voltage levels, then voltage level management capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single battery system performs multiple functions by delivering power at both 12V and 48V levels through reconfigurable series connections of its internal modules. This eliminates the need to purchase and install multiple separate batteries, directly reducing material quantity and associated costs while maintaining full adaptability for different voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines what would traditionally require multiple separate battery units into a single integrated battery package. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of battery materials needed and lowers component count, directly addressing cost reduction while preserving the ability to manage different voltage levels through intelligent switching.
3Power
If all battery modules are connected to secondary terminals for key-off accessories, then power availability for accessories is improved, but battery deep depletion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system divides its modules into different groups that can be independently connected to different terminals. The battery management system selectively connects only the necessary number of modules to the secondary terminals for key-off accessory power, while keeping other modules available for primary propulsion functions. This segmentation prevents over-discharge of the entire battery while ensuring sufficient power for accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures which battery modules are connected to which terminals based on real-time operational conditions. During key-off periods, the management system activates connections to secondary terminals for accessory power while monitoring state of charge levels, and can dynamically adjust or disconnect modules before deep depletion occurs, maintaining both power availability and battery protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system for supporting dual electrical functions of a vehicle includes an energy storage unit having a plurality of energy storage modules connected in series, a plurality of sensing units for sensing state of charges of the plurality of energy storage modules, and a pair of primary voltage terminals. The series connected plurality of energy storage modules is connectable across the pair of primary voltage terminals during a key-on state of the vehicle to supply energy storage power at a first voltage level to support primary electrical functions of the vehicle. The energy storage system is further configured to select a subset of the plurality of energy storage modules during a key-off state of the vehicle to connect across a pair of secondary voltage terminals using a switch network to supply energy storage power at a second voltage level.