Mixed-Type Battery Module Equalization via Dynamic Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery equalization methods are inadequate for battery modules containing multiple types of battery cores, such as iron-lithium and ternary battery cores, due to differences in fully-charged voltages, leading to poor accuracy in maintaining voltage balance and potentially causing overcharge/overdischarge, which shortens the battery module's lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a power management controller to collect state parameters from each battery cell, determine the fully-charged intervals of different battery cores, and implement specific equalization strategies, including discharging and resting phases, to ensure that both battery cores reach a synchronized state of charge, thereby achieving accurate equalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single type of battery core equalization method is used, then the equalization process is simple, but the equalization accuracy deteriorates when dealing with mixed-type battery modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequalization process complexityVSAvoidequalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the equalization process into distinct phases: a first equalization phase for the first battery core type and a second equalization phase for the second battery core type. Each phase uses equalization parameters specifically tailored to the characteristics of that battery core type, allowing accurate equalization of mixed-type battery modules while maintaining manageable process complexity through structured segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If different equalization strategies are used for different battery cores, then the equalization accuracy is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequalization accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control by switching between different equalization strategies based on real-time detection of battery core types and their respective states of charge. The power management controller dynamically adjusts equalization parameters and selects appropriate equalization phases, enabling accurate equalization of mixed-type battery modules while managing control system complexity through adaptive, condition-based control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4050697B1Method and apparatus for equalizing a battery module, battery module, and power management controller
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4050697B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4050697B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4050697B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application embodiment provides a method for equalizing the battery module, an apparatus, a battery module and a power management controller, including: obtaining each first charging voltage of the first battery core and each second charging voltage of the second battery core; judging whether the first battery core and the second battery core enter their respective fully-charged interval; if the first battery core enters its corresponding fully-charged interval and the second battery core doesn't enter its corresponding fully-charged interval, discharging the first battery core until the second battery core enters its corresponding fully-charged interval; if the first battery core doesn't enter its corresponding fully-charged interval and the second battery core enters its corresponding fully-charged interval, then judging whether the maximum value of the first charging voltage of each battery cell in the first battery core is greater than a third preset value; if so, discharging the second battery core until the first battery core enters its corresponding fully-charged interval; if not, then controlling both to rest a preset time; after resting for the preset time, discharging the first battery core and the second battery core until the SOC of each battery cell in the first battery core and the second battery core enters a same state.