Distributed EV Battery Management with Module-Level ADC Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized battery management systems in electric vehicles face issues with high wiring complexity, signal loss, and noise due to long-distance analog signal transmission, leading to inaccurate parameter sensing and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A distributed battery management system with integrated module controllers and analog-to-digital converters within each battery module, communicating digitally with a master controller via a data bus, reducing wiring and minimizing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a centralized battery management system is used with long-distance analog signal transmission, then the system structure is simple, but signal loss and noise increase leading to reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized battery management system into multiple distributed module controllers, each independently managing a specific battery module. This segmentation allows analog-to-digital conversion to occur locally at each module rather than transmitting analog signals over long distances, thereby improving measurement precision while the modular architecture manages complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces integrated circuit boards with analog-to-digital converters as intermediary devices within each battery module. These converters act as local mediators that transform analog sensor signals into digital signals before transmission, eliminating the need for long-distance analog signal transmission and the associated noise and signal loss problems
2Reliability
If analog signals are transmitted over long distances, then wiring structure is simplified, but signal loss increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical analog signal transmission system with a digital communication system. By converting analog signals to digital signals at the module level and transmitting digital data over communication buses, the system eliminates the problems of analog signal degradation over distance, thereby improving reliability without being constrained by transmission distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs analog-to-digital conversion as a preliminary action within each battery module before signal transmission occurs. This preliminary conversion ensures that only robust digital signals need to be transmitted over long distances, preventing signal loss issues that would affect analog transmissions and thereby ensuring reliable data delivery
3Measurement precision
If integrated module controllers with ADCs are implemented in each battery module, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal integrated module controllers that can be applied to all battery modules in the system. Each controller performs multiple functions including analog-to-digital conversion, data processing, and communication, making the complex functionality reusable across the entire battery pack and thereby managing overall system complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (analog-to-digital conversion, signal processing, and control logic) into single integrated module controllers. This consolidation improves measurement precision by integrating the ADC close to the sensors while managing complexity by combining rather than separating these functions into discrete components
4Device complexity
If distributed battery management system is implemented, then wiring complexity reduces, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery management system into identical modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation reduces wiring complexity within each module while facilitating standardized manufacturing processes and simplifying the assembly of the overall system through modular integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal transmission parameter from analog to digital at the module level. This parameter change reduces the complexity of wiring and signal routing within each module, as digital signals require simpler shielding and routing compared to analog signals, thereby easing manufacturing while improving overall system architecture
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
The distributed system enhances accuracy and reliability of parameter sensing, reduces wiring complexity and costs, and facilitates modular, easy replacement of battery modules.
Implementation Method 1
an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) integrated into a battery module of the traction battery pack of the electric vehicle, the ADC converting an analog signal indicative of a sensed voltage associated with one or more cells of the battery module into a digital signal indicative of the sensed voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed battery management system for a multi-module traction battery pack of an electric vehicle is provided. The battery management system comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) integrated into a battery module of the traction battery pack of the electric vehicle, and a master controller external to the battery module and in digital data communication with the ADC. The ADC converts an analog signal indicative of a sensed voltage associated with one or more cells of the battery module into a digital signal indicative of the sensed voltage. The master controller performs a function associated with the traction battery pack of the electric vehicle based on the sensed voltage.