Interpack Switch Parallel Charging Traction Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for charging traction batteries in hybrid-electric vehicles lack efficient methods to manage and optimize the transfer of electric charge between battery portions, leading to suboptimal charging times and energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an interpack switch and controller to connect and disconnect half-packs of a traction battery in parallel, allowing for simultaneous electric charge transfer, and a pair of main contactors to manage charge distribution based on series or parallel connections, with circuitry to adjust charge current magnitude accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the interpack switch is closed to connect battery portions in series, then the battery voltage is increased for higher power output, but the charging time is extended because charge must be transferred sequentially between portions
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple half-packs that can be independently charged. The controller can open the interpack switch to disconnect the half-packs, allowing each to be charged simultaneously through separate charging circuits, thus reducing overall charging time while maintaining the ability to connect in series for high power output when needed
2Loss of time
If the interpack switch is opened to charge battery portions in parallel, then the charging time is reduced through simultaneous charge transfer, but the system complexity increases due to additional control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of the interpack switch based on charging requirements. The controller monitors battery state and automatically opens or closes the interpack switch to optimize charging efficiency, providing adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control systems
3Productivity
If the interpack switch is used to transfer charge between battery portions, then charge distribution is optimized, but the reliability decreases due to additional failure points from the switch and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The interpack switch acts as a controlled intermediary that enables efficient charge transfer between half-packs when needed, while the controller serves as an intelligent mediator that monitors system state and decides when to open or close the switch, optimizing charge distribution while maintaining system reliability through controlled operation rather than permanent complex connections
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes an interpack switch configured to connect portions of a traction battery when closed to transfer electric charge therebetween, and a controller configured to, responsive to a request, operate the switch to disconnect the portions and to initiate transfer of electric charge to each of the portions in parallel and at a same time.