Modular Battery Cells With Bypass Diagnostics for Second-Life Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in repurposing cells for second-life applications due to complex external wiring and lack of traceability, as they often rely on centralized diagnostic systems that hinder easy identification and management of individual cell health and charge states.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with self-contained cell modules, each equipped with a controller, memory, and communication interface, allowing for individual cell diagnostics and data storage, enabling accurate monitoring and optimization of state of charge, health, and power, and facilitating coordinated bypassing to extend battery life and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a centralized diagnostic system is used for multiple cells, then diagnostics can be performed on individual cells, but a significant amount of extra external electrical connections are required and traceability of cells is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into independent cell modules, where each module contains its own diagnostic capabilities. Instead of one centralized system connecting to all cells, each cell module is segmented with its own controller and memory, eliminating the need for complex external wiring while maintaining diagnostic precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cell module performs its own diagnostics independently using built-in controllers and memory. The modules are self-sufficient and do not require external diagnostic equipment, thereby reducing external electrical connections while maintaining the ability to monitor individual cell health and charge states.
2Extent of automation
If cells are arranged with centralized control, then computation can be centralized, but the system presents the same limitations in respect of repurposing cells for second-life applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture so that each cell module has its own controller and memory rather than relying on centralized control. This segmentation enables individual modules to be easily repurposed for second-life applications since each module is independent and self-contained with its own data storage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from centralized to distributed architecture. Each cell module operates with its own controller that can independently manage diagnostics and data storage, making the system adaptable to various applications including second-life uses where modules may be separated and reused independently.
3Measurement precision
If individual cell monitoring is implemented, then accurate data tracking is achieved, but additional external wiring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring functions directly into each cell module by integrating controllers and memory within the modules themselves. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external wiring to connect monitoring equipment to each cell, as the monitoring capability is now built-in and self-contained.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cell module independently performs its own monitoring and data storage functions through integrated controllers. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external wiring to connect to individual cells, as each module is self-sufficient in terms of data acquisition and storage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for precise monitoring and optimization of individual cell health and charge, optimizing battery performance and extending its life by enabling accurate data tracking and flexible bypass strategies, making it suitable for repurposing cells into different applications without additional external wiring.
Implementation Method 1
carry out diagnostics on said cell when bypassed, under the power of said cell (rather than by external power), e.g. by means of electrochemical impendence spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is battery system including a plurality of rechargeable cells connectable in series along a power line, each cell being individually packaged with: —a corresponding controller; —a corresponding memory; and —a corresponding communications interface. Each cell is arranged to be bypassable under the control of the corresponding controller, the corresponding controller being adapted to: —bypass the corresponding cell by a corresponding bypass circuit; —carry out diagnostics on the corresponding cell when bypassed, under the power of the corresponding cell; —communicate with at least one other controller by the corresponding communications interface, and —store information relating to the diagnostics in the corresponding memory.