Mixed Cell Battery Pack Optimizing Cycle Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs with uniform cell types face limitations in improving cycle-life and output characteristics due to the inherent characteristics of the battery cells, which restrict their performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack comprising mixed cells with different electrical characteristics, such as capacity and internal resistance, are coupled in parallel to form a unit cell, allowing for optimized current distribution and improved cycle-life and output characteristics through a battery management system that controls voltage and current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same kind of battery cells are used in a battery pack, then the manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but the cycle-life and output characteristics cannot be improved beyond the inherent limitations of that cell type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different kinds of battery cells (first battery cells and second battery cells with different characteristics) in different regions of the battery pack. Specifically, the battery pack includes a first battery pack with first battery cells and a second battery pack with second battery cells, where the second battery cells have different characteristics from the first battery cells. This allows different parts of the system to have optimized local properties for their specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials principle by combining different types of battery cells to form a hybrid battery pack system. The battery pack integrates first battery cells and second battery cells with different characteristics, creating a composite energy storage system that leverages the strengths of each cell type to achieve improved overall performance beyond what a single cell type could provide.
2Reliability
If different kinds of battery cells are used to improve cycle-life and output characteristics, then the performance is enhanced, but the battery pack complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the battery pack into distinct first battery pack and second battery pack modules, each containing different kinds of battery cells. This modular segmentation allows for independent management and control of different cell types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining performance benefits. The battery management system separately manages voltage and current for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the electrical parameters (voltage, current, capacity) of different battery cell types within the battery pack. The battery management system dynamically adjusts operating parameters for first and second battery cells based on their specific characteristics, optimizing performance while managing complexity through parameter-based control strategies.
3Productivity
If battery cells with different characteristics are combined, then current distribution can be optimized, but the control and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a battery management system that monitors voltage and current of each battery pack and adjusts operation accordingly. The control unit receives feedback on the state of first and second battery cells and dynamically adjusts current distribution to optimize performance while preventing overcharge or discharge, managing complexity through active feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the battery management system to dynamically adjust current and voltage distribution based on real-time conditions. The system can change operating modes and current allocation between first and second battery packs depending on state of charge, temperature, and load requirements, providing adaptive current distribution that responds to changing conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a battery pack including a mixed cell and a power device including the same. The mixed cell may include a first cell and a second cell having different electrical characteristics. The electrical characteristics may include at least one of an open circuit voltage characteristic corresponding to a state of charge, an internal resistance, an operation voltage, or a capacity.