Modular Battery System with Universal Control for Mixed Chemistries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current large-capacity battery systems are inflexible, as they typically support only one type of battery with a specific capacity and nominal voltage, limiting the use of different battery types and technologies, and require frequent replacements or costly modifications, leading to high maintenance and ecological concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery system that allows the simultaneous use of different battery types with varying capacities and voltages, enabling serial and parallel connections within blocks, and integrating multiple battery technologies like lead-acid, LiFePo4, Ni-Cd, and Li-Ion, with a voltage range of 150 to 840 V, facilitating easy maintenance and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery system is designed for one type with defined capacity and voltage, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to use different battery types is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The battery box is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different battery types (lead-acid, LiFePo4, Ni-Cd, NiMA, Li-Ion) with varying capacities and nominal voltages. The box includes universal electrical connections and a control unit that can adapt to different battery configurations, allowing one box design to serve multiple battery types without requiring separate specialized boxes for each battery type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of electrical parameters including nominal voltage (150-840V range) and capacity by changing how batteries are connected within the box (series, parallel, or combination connections). The control unit detects battery parameters and automatically configures the electrical connections to match the inserted battery type, enabling parameter adaptation without physical modification of the box structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the battery system supports multiple battery types with different voltages and capacities, then the versatility is improved, but the control and integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects the inserted battery type, its capacity, and nominal voltage through self-diagnosis functions. Based on this automatic detection, the control unit self-configures the electrical connections (selecting appropriate series, parallel, or combination configurations) and sets the appropriate charging parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex external configuration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors battery parameters including voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts charging currents, selects appropriate charging algorithms for different battery types, and manages the electrical connections to optimize performance and safety for the specific battery configuration currently installed.
3Reliability
If a particular battery type from a particular manufacturer must be utilized, then the system reliability is maintained, but the long-term sustainability and maintenance flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery box is designed as a universal platform that can accept batteries from different manufacturers and of different types. The standardized mechanical interface, electrical connections, and control unit enable the system to reliably operate with various battery technologies (lead-acid, LiFePo4, Ni-Cd, NiMA, Li-Ion) without requiring manufacturer-specific hardware modifications, ensuring long-term sustainability as battery technologies evolve.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit adapts to different battery types by changing operational parameters such as charging voltage thresholds, charging current limits, temperature compensation factors, and state-of-charge detection algorithms. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability across different battery chemistries and manufacturers while preserving the ability to upgrade or replace batteries with newer technologies.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The large-capacity battery system for electrical energy storage containing at least one block (1) for connecting of at least three batteries (5) with different voltage and/or different capacity and/or different technology which is connected by means of a data line (2) to a module (3) for work with the battery connected to a converter (4) for different battery types, to ensure control and integration of the battery system.