Modular Battery Storage Layout for Low-Loss Module Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices with battery storage systems face inefficiencies in charge level balancing, leading to unnecessary replacement of entire systems when individual modules fail, and existing balancing methods are either time-consuming or costly.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery storage system design with separate basic and additional fixtures, utilizing an equalizing arrangement to achieve low-loss charge level equalization between modules, allowing for simple and cost-effective integration of new modules with varying charge levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If passive balancing circuits are used to equalize charge levels between battery modules, then charge level uniformity is improved, but equalization time increases significantly and energy losses occur due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive electrical balancing circuits with an active control system that uses the battery management system to selectively activate individual battery modules. This substitution transforms the balancing approach from passive electrical equalization to active mechanical/electrical control, where the BMS determines which modules should be activated or deactivated to achieve charge level equalization without requiring all modules to be continuously balanced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the battery system by dynamically adjusting the charge/discharge states of individual modules based on BMS calculations. Instead of maintaining all modules at the same charge level continuously, the system allows temporary parameter deviations and corrects them through selective module activation, thereby reducing equalization time and energy losses.
2Stability of the object's composition
If passive balancing circuits are used to equalize charge levels between battery modules, then charge level uniformity is improved, but energy losses increase due to heat generation from resistors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive electrical balancing circuits with an active control system that uses the battery management system to selectively activate individual battery modules. This substitution transforms the balancing approach from passive electrical equalization to active mechanical/electrical control, where the BMS determines which modules should be activated or deactivated to achieve charge level equalization without requiring all modules to be continuously balanced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of charge level deviations into a benefit by using the BMS to intentionally create controlled charge level differences among modules. Instead of continuously equalizing all modules (which causes energy loss), the system strategically manages charge levels to achieve overall system balance with minimal energy expenditure, turning the previously harmful charge deviation into a manageable parameter.
3Reliability
If the entire battery storage system is replaced when an individual module fails, then system reliability is maintained, but costs increase and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery storage system into independent, replaceable modules, each with its own fixture. This segmentation allows individual faulty modules to be identified and replaced separately from the rest of the system. The BMS tracks the status of each module independently, enabling selective replacement of only the failed module rather than the entire system, thereby reducing resource waste while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a module replacement strategy where only the faulty battery module is discarded and replaced, while the remaining functional modules are recovered and continue to operate. The BMS manages the transition by reconfiguring the system to exclude the failed module and integrate the new replacement module, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste.
4Ease of repair
If a new battery module with different charge level is integrated into the system, then module replacement is enabled, but charge level uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery storage system into independent, replaceable modules, each with its own fixture. This segmentation allows individual faulty modules to be identified and replaced separately from the rest of the system. The BMS tracks the status of each module independently, enabling selective replacement of only the failed module rather than the entire system, thereby reducing resource waste while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary charge level adjustment of the new module before or during its integration into the system. The BMS monitors the charge levels of all modules and initiates equalization processes proactively to maintain uniformity. By preparing the new module's charge level in advance and continuously managing charge distribution, the system minimizes disruptions to charge level uniformity during module replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes an electric battery storage system including a plurality of battery modules; module fixtures, wherein the battery modules are in the module fixtures, an arrangement of the battery modules in the module fixtures provide a power-related interconnection of the battery modules, the module fixtures are divided into a plurality of basic fixtures and at least one additional fixture; and an equalizing arrangement assigned to the battery storage system, the equalizing arrangement being configured to equalize a low-loss equalization of a basic charge level and an additional charge level between battery modules in the basic fixtures and having a uniform basic charge level and a battery module in the additional fixture and having an additional charge level, and the equalizing arrangement is not configured to cause a uniform basic charge level within the battery modules in the basic fixtures.