Master Battery Management Unit Self-Testing via Internal Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for testing a master Battery Management Unit (BMU) require manual connection of a power source, leading to an inefficient preparation process for testing the BMU's ability to control slave BMUs in a battery pack.
Innovation Solution
A master BMU with a sensing unit, power supply units, communication unit, and control unit that utilizes electrical parameters from the battery pack to autonomously test its functionality and transmit results wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual power connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection of power source is used for testing master BMU, then testing can be performed, but preparation process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The master BMU uses its own power supply unit to generate operating voltage for testing, eliminating the need for external manual power connection. The system serves itself by utilizing internal resources (power supply unit, battery pack electrical parameters) to enable autonomous testing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is pre-configured within the master BMU to generate operating voltage before testing begins. This preliminary preparation of power generation capability eliminates the need for manual power source connection during the testing preparation phase.
2Reliability
If separate power source is connected manually, then master BMU can be woken up for testing, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master BMU autonomously activates itself for testing by using its internal power supply unit to generate the necessary operating voltage, eliminating the need for operator intervention to connect external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit serves multiple functions: it provides operating voltage during normal operation and also generates testing voltage autonomously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power source connection procedures.
3Reliability
If traditional testing method is used, then testing can be performed, but automation level remains low requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The master BMU performs self-testing by autonomously generating operating voltage through its power supply unit and conducting tests using its own control unit, achieving high automation without manual power source connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors electrical parameters from the battery pack, uses this feedback to control the power supply unit's operation, and automatically adjusts testing based on the generated operating voltage, creating a closed-loop automated testing system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a master battery management unit and a battery pack including the same. The master battery management unit includes a sensing unit configured to generate pack information of the battery pack, a first master power supply unit configured to generate a first operating voltage using voltage of the battery pack, a communication unit configured to output a first switching signal in response to the first operating voltage supplied from the first master power supply unit, a second master power supply unit configured to generate a second operating voltage using the pack voltage in response to the first switching signal, and a control unit configured to operate using the second operating voltage supplied from the second master power supply unit, and test a preset item based on at least one of the pack information and module information.