Modular EV Battery Pack Control with Peer-to-Peer Cell Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle (EV) systems lack advanced battery management, motor control, and charging technologies, leading to inefficient energy storage, reduced reliability, limited battery life, and suboptimal performance due to the use of outdated mechanical drivetrain components and simplistic electronic controls.
Innovation Solution
A unified modular battery pack system with a cascaded architecture, incorporating a networked low voltage converter/controller, embedded ultra-capacitor, and advanced battery management system, which enables peer-to-peer communication and individual cell monitoring, replacing traditional charging systems, battery management modules, and motor controllers, and integrates with in-wheel motors to optimize energy storage and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional battery management systems with simple embedded control are used, then device complexity is reduced, but battery reliability and performance are deteriorated due to inability to monitor individual cell health and adjust power draw
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system is segmented into modular units, each managing specific battery cells or modules. Each module includes its own controller, sensors, and protection circuitry, allowing independent monitoring and control of individual cells while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of cell health, temperature, and state of charge before critical failures occur. Predictive algorithms analyze trends in real-time data to anticipate potential issues and take preventive actions, improving reliability without requiring overly complex real-time intervention systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical drivetrain components are used, then adaptability to different motor designs is reduced, but device complexity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drivetrain components (clutches, transmissions, differentials) with direct-drive electric motor configurations and electronic control systems. This substitution enables greater adaptability to different motor designs while reducing mechanical complexity through elimination of moving mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The drivetrain system is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized electrical connections that accommodate various motor types and configurations. The electronic control architecture provides multi-functional capabilities including motor control, regenerative braking, and energy management, replacing multiple specialized mechanical systems with a single adaptable platform.
3Use of energy by moving object
If simplistic electronic controls are used, then ease of operation is improved, but energy efficiency is deteriorated due to inability to optimize power distribution and thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates multiple sensors monitoring power consumption, thermal conditions, and battery state across the drivetrain. Real-time feedback from these sensors enables dynamic optimization of power distribution, thermal management, and energy recovery strategies, significantly improving energy efficiency without requiring overly complex user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates autonomously to optimize energy efficiency, automatically adjusting power distribution, thermal management parameters, and regenerative braking thresholds based on real-time conditions. This self-service capability improves energy efficiency without adding complexity to user operation, as the system manages optimization internally without user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods directed to improved battery management, motor control, energy storage and battery charging. The systems and methods enable vehicle electrification and provides a paradigm changing platform that enables integration of battery management, charging and motor controls with means to manage regenerative braking, traction and handling. In embodiments, systems and methods are directed to a unified modular battery pack system having a cascaded architecture comprising an integrated combination of a networked low voltage converter/controller with peer-to-peer communication capability, embedded ultra-capacitor or other secondary energy storage element, battery management system and serially connected set of individual cells as the fundamental building block.