Battery Module Switching for Voltage-Compatible Mixed Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies face challenges in simultaneously charging and discharging while maintaining compatibility with vehicle components, as increasing charging voltage is not compatible with the operating voltage of vehicle components, and previous solutions either require costly transformations or limit power supply during charging.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a switching unit and charge balancing system that connects battery modules in series during charging and in parallel during discharging, using a balancing unit to dynamically balance charge levels between modules, allowing simultaneous use and quick recharging without damaging the battery or vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charging voltage is increased to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but compatibility with vehicle component operating voltage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into multiple battery modules (first battery module and second battery module) that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. During charging, modules are connected in series to accept high voltage; during discharge, they can operate independently or in parallel to provide compatible voltage levels for vehicle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a switching unit with controllable switches that dynamically reconfigure the battery module connections based on operational requirements. The system transitions between series connection (for high-voltage charging) and parallel/independent operation (for vehicle power supply), enabling adaptive voltage output.
2Productivity
If battery modules are connected in series during charging, then charging voltage acceptance is improved, but power supply capability to vehicle components during charging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can accept high-voltage charging while continuing to supply power to vehicle components. The switching unit enables the battery to serve both as a charging target and a power source for vehicle electronics during the same operational period.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit acts as an intermediary device that manages power flow distribution. It directs charging current to appropriate battery modules while simultaneously enabling other modules to supply power to vehicle components, coordinating multiple power flows through controlled switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery for storing electrical energy includes: a plurality of battery modules that are electrically connected by an electrical circuit, and a switching unit that includes a plurality of switches arranged on the electrical circuit and designed to connect the battery modules in series in the electrical circuit during a phase of the battery being charged by a charger. The switching unit also includes a system for balancing the charging of the battery modules, which is arranged on the electrical circuit and modifies the electrical circuit to divert a portion of the current being delivered to one of the battery modules which is being overcharged to another of the battery modules which is being undercharged, in a mixed phase during which the battery is simultaneously being charged by the charger and discharged into a consumer circuit that the battery is supplying with electrical power.