Dynamic Hold-Up Time Adjustment for Battery Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery backup systems face inefficiencies due to variations in battery cell performance, leading to premature degradation and wasted capacity, as they discharge until the weakest pack is depleted, while stronger packs remain underutilized, and traditional balancing methods waste energy and shorten battery life.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system that monitors cell voltages and temperatures, optimizing the state of charge (SoC) at a system level by adjusting the charging levels of battery packs to extend their life and ensure consistent hold-up times, focusing on the strongest pack's performance without overcharging weaker ones, thus extending battery life and optimizing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery backup systems discharge until the weakest pack is depleted, then the system ensures minimum hold-up time, but stronger packs remain underutilized and battery life is shortened due to premature degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of battery packs based on their individual state of charge and performance characteristics. Instead of treating all packs uniformly, the management system continuously monitors and adapts the discharge/charge cycles to optimize both reliability and lifespan, allowing stronger packs to contribute more when appropriate while protecting weaker packs from excessive stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational strategies to different battery packs based on their individual characteristics. Each pack is monitored and managed according to its specific state, allowing the system to exploit the full capacity of stronger packs while providing enhanced protection to weaker packs, thereby optimizing overall system performance and extending battery life.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional balancing methods are used to equalize battery packs, then capacity utilization is improved, but energy is wasted and battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of battery pack states before initiating any balancing operations. By predicting which packs will need support and when, the system can prepare appropriate charge/discharge schedules that minimize energy waste while ensuring all packs are available when needed, avoiding unnecessary balancing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system enables packs to effectively balance themselves through controlled discharge and charge cycles. Instead of forcing equalization through active intervention, the system allows packs to naturally equalize their states of charge through optimized operational scheduling, reducing the need for energy-intensive active balancing.
3Power
If the system operates all battery packs at full capacity, then maximum power output is achieved, but weaker packs degrade prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as discharge rate, charge voltage, and cycle timing based on the real-time state of each battery pack. By adjusting these parameters, the system can maximize power output from stronger packs while applying gentler parameters to weaker packs to prevent premature degradation, achieving an optimal balance between power and lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by not requiring all packs to operate at full capacity simultaneously. Instead, the system strategically engages packs based on their individual capabilities, allowing some packs to operate at reduced levels to preserve their lifespan while others provide the necessary power output, thereby achieving sufficient total power without excessive stress on any single pack.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for battery pack management are provided. Aspects include receiving battery pack data for two or more battery packs, the two or more battery packs comprising a first battery pack and a second battery pack, determining a target performance characteristic for the first battery pack and the second battery pack, determining a first hold up time for the first battery pack and a second hold up time for the second battery pack based at least in part on the battery pack data, determining, based on the target performance characteristic, a target hold up time from the first hold up time and the second hold up time, and determining, based on the battery pack data, a first voltage for the first battery pack and a second voltage for the second battery pack that satisfies the target hold up time.