Energy Storage Cell Segmentation for Microcycle Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage systems, such as batteries, face premature aging due to microcycles, which are frequent charging and discharging processes involving small capacities, leading to reduced lifespan, particularly in systems like micro-CHP and electric vehicles with energy recovery during braking.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device for energy management that utilize at least two storage cells, switching between operating modes based on their state of charge, ensuring only one cell is charged when energy is absorbed and only the other is discharged, thereby avoiding microcycles and maintaining optimal voltage levels to prevent unnecessary charging or discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the energy store is used to supply small amounts of energy in quick succession (e.g., in micro-CHP or electric vehicles with energy recovery), then the system can meet the power demands, but microcycles occur that have a particularly damaging effect on battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple individual battery cells, each managed independently. The control device assigns specific cells to charging operations and others to discharging operations, preventing any single cell from experiencing frequent microcycles. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power delivery capability while protecting individual cells from damaging frequent small-capacity cycles.
2Speed
If frequent charging and discharging operations are performed to meet varying load demands, then the system responds quickly to power needs, but the frequency of microcycles increases, reducing battery lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple individual battery cells, each managed independently. The control device assigns specific cells to charging operations and others to discharging operations, preventing any single cell from experiencing frequent microcycles. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power delivery capability while protecting individual cells from damaging frequent small-capacity cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically changes operational parameters by monitoring the state of charge of individual battery cells and adjusting which cells are charged or discharged. By changing the state of individual cells based on their charge levels, the system maintains rapid response capability while avoiding microcycles that would reduce battery lifespan.
3Ease of operation
If the energy store is kept ready for both charging and discharging operations, then constant readiness for energy acceptance and delivery is ensured, but frequent switching between modes causes microcycles
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple individual battery cells, each managed independently. The control device assigns specific cells to charging operations and others to discharging operations, preventing any single cell from experiencing frequent microcycles. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power delivery capability while protecting individual cells from damaging frequent small-capacity cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device proactively monitors the state of charge of battery cells and pre-assigns cells to charging or discharging roles before microcycles can occur. By taking preliminary action to assign cells to specific operational modes based on their charge states, the system maintains constant readiness while preventing the harmful switching that causes microcycles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach extends the service life of energy storage devices by preventing microcycles, ensuring constant readiness for energy acceptance and delivery without the damaging effects of frequent small-capacity cycles, and allows for selective cycle depth to optimize battery health.
Implementation Method 1
when energy (power) is consumed by the energy store from an external source, only the first storage cell is charged
Implementation Method 2
when energy (power) is released by the energy store to the external electrical load, only the second storage cell is discharged
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for the energy management of an energy storage device 20 for electrical energy is proposed. The device has at least two storage cells 20a, 20b, which can supply energy to an external electrical load 30 and receive energy from an external source 40. The method has at least two different operating modes for energy management. In each operating mode, one of the storage cells of the energy storage device 20 is operated as a first storage cell, and another storage cell of the energy storage device 20 is operated as a second storage cell. In each operating mode, when the energy storage device 20 receives energy from the external source 40, only the first storage cell is charged, and when the energy storage device 20 supplies energy to the external electrical load 30, only the second storage cell is discharged.Switching between operating modes occurs depending on the remaining capacity of at least one of the first and second storage cells of the currently active operating mode. Additionally, a corresponding control device 10 for the energy management of an energy storage device 20 is proposed.