Dynamic Energy Storage Cell Module Segmentation for Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage device charging systems require a wide voltage range for efficient charging, leading to increased costs and power losses, and struggle to adapt to varying states of charge across battery cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjust the connection of energy storage cell modules in energy supply branches based on their state of charge, using coupling elements to selectively connect or bypass modules, allowing for a reduced voltage range and efficient charging by cyclically exchanging and actuating modules to maintain a predefined voltage framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wide voltage range is used for charging the energy storage device, then all energy storage cells can be charged efficiently, but the charger cost and power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is divided into multiple energy supply branches with series-connected energy storage modules. Each branch can be independently controlled through coupling elements, allowing selective connection of modules based on their state of charge. This segmentation enables the system to charge cells with different voltage requirements separately, avoiding the need for a wide voltage range charger and reducing power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements dynamically adjust the connection configuration of energy storage modules based on their instantaneous states of charge. The system continuously monitors and reconfigures which modules are connected in series during charging, adapting the voltage framework to match the actual needs of the cells. This dynamic adjustment optimizes charging efficiency while minimizing power losses by avoiding over-voltage conditions.
2Productivity
If a wide voltage range is used for charging the energy storage device, then all energy storage cells can be charged efficiently, but the charger cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is divided into multiple energy supply branches with series-connected energy storage modules. Each branch can be independently controlled through coupling elements, allowing selective connection of modules based on their state of charge. This segmentation enables the system to charge cells with different voltage requirements separately, avoiding the need for a wide voltage range charger and reducing power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current distribution) by dynamically reconfiguring the series connections of energy storage modules. By adjusting which modules are connected in series based on their state of charge, the system modifies the charging voltage framework to match actual cell needs, enabling the use of a more cost-effective charger with a narrower voltage range while maintaining charging efficiency.
3Power
If the coupling elements connect more energy storage cell modules in series, then the output voltage increases, but the charging voltage framework exceeds the maximum possible charging voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements dynamically adjust the connection configuration of energy storage modules based on their instantaneous states of charge. The system continuously monitors and reconfigures which modules are connected in series during charging, adapting the voltage framework to match the actual needs of the cells. This dynamic adjustment optimizes charging efficiency while minimizing power losses by avoiding over-voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the instantaneous states of charge of energy storage cells and provides feedback to adjust the coupling element configurations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the series connection of modules does not exceed the maximum charging voltage capability of the charger, maintaining a reliable charging voltage framework while maximizing output voltage when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for charging the energy storage cells of an energy storage device, which comprises: n first output connections, wherein n>1, for issuing a supply voltage at each of the output connections, a second output connection, wherein a charging device can be connected between the first output connections and the second output connection, and n parallel-connected energy supply branches, which are each coupled between a first output connection and the second output connection, wherein each of the energy supply branches comprises a plurality of series-connected energy storage modules, which each comprise an energy storage cell module comprising at least one energy storage cell, and a coupling device having coupling elements that are designed to selectively connect or bridge the energy storage cell module in the respective energy supply branch. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: determining a maximum possible charging voltage of a charging apparatus, which provides a charging voltage for the energy storage device; determining the maximum number of the energy storage cell modules of an energy supply branch at which the sum of the output voltages of the energy storage cell modules, which is dependent on the instantaneous charge states of the energy storage cells of all the energy storage cell modules of an energy supply branch, is still lower than the maximum possible charging voltage; and selecting and controlling the coupling elements of energy storage modules of the energy supply branch, such that in each case only the maximum number of energy storage cell modules is coupled into the energy supply branch.