Inductor-Based Cell Balancing Circuit for ESS Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy storage systems (ESSs), inefficiencies arise during charge and discharge cycles due to variations in conditions and characteristics among different battery nodes, leading to performance and SOC level disparities, which are often limited by the weakest battery cells.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inductor-based charge storing circuits, controlled by transistors, between battery cells to actively transfer energy and equalize energy levels, thereby overcoming inefficiencies and improving overall system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional charge and discharge cycles are used without active energy balancing, then the system structure remains simple, but performance disparities and efficiency losses occur due to variations among battery nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple nodes (cells, modules, or packs) that can be independently managed. The active energy balancing circuit selectively connects specific battery nodes to transfer energy between them, allowing individualized treatment of each node based on its state of charge and performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
An inductor-based charge storing circuit is introduced as an intermediary energy transfer mechanism between battery nodes. The inductor temporarily stores energy during transfer operations, enabling efficient energy redistribution without direct connection between all battery nodes, thus improving balancing efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the weakest battery cells limit the overall system performance, then energy utilization is maximized according to the bottleneck constraint, but the system cannot fully utilize the capacity of stronger battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
Energy from stronger battery cells that would otherwise be wasted (when the system must stop charging because the weakest cell is full) is captured and stored in the inductor-based charge storing circuit. This recovered energy is then transferred to weaker battery nodes that still have capacity, thereby increasing overall energy utilization and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple battery nodes into a more tightly integrated system through the active energy balancing circuit. By connecting battery nodes through the inductor-based circuit, the system behaves more like a unified energy reservoir, allowing energy to flow freely between nodes to equalize their states and maximize total capacity utilization.
3Loss of energy
If passive energy balancing methods are used, then the system structure remains relatively simple, but energy loss occurs during the balancing process
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor serves as an intermediary energy storage element that enables reversible energy transfer between battery nodes. Unlike passive resistive balancing that dissipates energy as heat, the inductor stores energy magnetically and can release it to the receiving battery node with minimal losses, significantly reducing energy waste during the balancing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the electrical parameters (connectivity, current flow paths) based on the real-time state of battery nodes. The control circuit monitors voltage and state of charge of each node and adjusts the switching configuration to optimize energy transfer efficiency, thereby minimizing energy losses while adapting to varying battery conditions.
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 solution enhances the efficiency and performance of ESSs by ensuring balanced energy levels across battery cells, resulting in energy savings and an extended useful life of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit can include a charge unit to store energy transferred between the first battery cell and the second battery cell... an inductor-based charge storing circuits, controlled by transistors, between battery cells to actively transfer energy
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and circuits described herein provide energy transfer to balance batteries of an energy storage system. A system can include a circuit coupled with a first battery cell and a second battery cell. The circuit can include a charge unit to store energy transferred between the first and the second battery cells, a first node of the charge unit coupled with the first and the second battery cells and a second node of the charge unit coupled with a first transistor and a second transistor. At least one of the first transistor and the second transistor can control a first transfer of the energy from a first one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the charge unit and control a second transfer of the energy from the charge unit to a remaining one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.