Hybrid Battery Pack with Parallel Capacitor for High Current Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs require multiple connected battery cells to supply high current for electric transport devices, leading to increased volume and reduced lifespan due to high current flow, which affects the performance and distance covered by the transport device.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design incorporating a battery cell, a capacitor connected in parallel, and a microcomputer controlling discharging devices, which allows for efficient charging and discharging of the capacitor to supply high power to the load, such as a motor, thereby reducing the need for multiple battery cells and enhancing battery lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are connected to supply high current, then the current output capability is improved, but the volume increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a battery cell with a capacitor in a hybrid energy storage system. The capacitor is connected in parallel with the battery cell through switching devices, creating a merged system that leverages both the high energy density of the battery and the high power density of the capacitor to supply high current without increasing battery cell quantity or volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary component between the battery cell and the load. During high current demand, the capacitor rapidly discharges to supplement the battery output. The microcomputer controls the switching devices to manage power flow, allowing the capacitor to mediate peak current demands while the battery provides baseline power, thereby maintaining compact volume while achieving high current output.
2Power
If multiple battery cells are connected to supply high current, then the current output capability is improved, but the lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs peak current stresses. By controlling the switching devices, the system directs high current demands to the capacitor rather than forcing the battery to deliver excessive current continuously. This protects the battery from high current degradation, extending its lifespan while maintaining high current output capability through the hybrid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is pre-charged during periods of low demand or when power requirements are met solely by the battery. This preliminary charging allows the capacitor to be ready to immediately supplement battery output during high current demands, preventing the battery from experiencing stressful discharge conditions that would reduce its lifespan.
3Power
If capacitor is charged and discharged rapidly, then instantaneous high power output is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the states of the battery cell and capacitor, as well as the power demands of the load. Based on this feedback, the microcomputer dynamically adjusts the switching states of the discharging devices to optimize power delivery. This feedback mechanism enables rapid capacitor charging and discharging while maintaining systematic control, achieving instantaneous high power output without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The microcomputer continuously evaluates system conditions and adjusts the operation of switching devices in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to rapidly respond to changing power demands by charging or discharging the capacitor as needed, achieving instantaneous high power output while adapting to varying conditions without requiring overly complex fixed control logic.
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 solution enables increased battery power and distance coverage for electric transport devices by stabilizing current usage and extending the battery pack's lifespan through controlled capacitor charging and discharging, while providing instantaneous high power output.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor connected to the first node in parallel with the battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack and a method of controlling the battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery cell and a capacitor connected in parallel to the battery pack. Accordingly, the battery power and the distance travelled by an electric transport device that requires an instantaneous high power output, such as an E-bike, may be increased.