Modular Charge Equalization Apparatus for Battery Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery operation systems require complex and costly sensing circuits and cell equalization apparatuses for each module, leading to increased volume and reduced reliability, especially when one module fails.
Innovation Solution
A charge equalization apparatus using a single charge equalization converter and battery monitoring IC circuit to control multiple cells, modularizing batteries and reducing complexity, cost, and volume by sharing components and using a DC-DC converter for charge equalization, with a master and slave module configuration for expandability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensing circuits and cell equalization apparatuses are provided for each module, then charge equalization control is achieved, but circuit complexity and system volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single sensing circuit that can sense battery voltages across multiple modules, and a single charge equalization apparatus that can equalize charges across multiple modules. The sensing circuit measures voltages of batteries in different modules through shared connection lines, and the equalization apparatus responds to voltage differences across modules using common capacitors and switches, thereby achieving multi-module charge equalization with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing functions for multiple modules into a single sensing circuit, and combines the charge equalization functions for multiple modules into a single equalization apparatus. By sharing capacitors, switches, and control logic across modules, the system achieves charge equalization for all modules without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each module, thus reducing overall circuit complexity and component count.
2Reliability
If sensing circuits and cell equalization apparatuses are provided for each module, then charge equalization is achieved, but system volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit is designed to sense battery voltages across multiple modules simultaneously through shared connection lines, and the charge equalization apparatus is designed to equalize charges across multiple modules using shared capacitors and switches. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve charge equalization for all modules without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each module, thereby minimizing system volume.
3Reliability
If one module fails in a system with individual circuits per module, then the overall system becomes unusable, but reliability should be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into independent modules, each with its own batteries that can be independently sensed and equalized. The single sensing circuit and equalization apparatus are designed to work with any subset of modules, so if one module fails, the sensing circuit can still sense and the equalization apparatus can still equalize the remaining functional modules, allowing the system to continue operating with reduced capacity rather than complete failure.
4Quantity of substance
If a single charge equalization converter is used for multiple cells, then cost and volume are reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single charge equalization apparatus uses the inherent voltage differences between undercharged and overcharged batteries across multiple modules to automatically determine which batteries need equalization. The sensing circuit provides voltage information that directly guides the equalization process, allowing the system to self-regulate and equalize charges without requiring complex external control logic or additional control components.
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 reduces system complexity, cost, and volume while enhancing reliability by allowing real-time processing of cell information and reducing voltage stress on control switches, enabling efficient charge equalization and easy expansion or replacement of modules.
Implementation Method 1
an equalization converter configured to perform a charge equalization by charging or discharging the two or more battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a charge equalization apparatus for a battery string. According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the charge equalization apparatus are modularized by being divided into the master unit and the slave unit, such that the charge equalization apparatus may be expanded and contracted independent of the number of batteries, the circuits are separated for each module, such that the circuits may be easily implemented, and when the circuits are damaged, only the damaged module is replaced, such that the effective countermeasure may be performed.