Energy Store Monitoring Circuit with Switchable Loading Resistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring circuits for energy stores, such as batteries in electric vehicles, fail to reliably detect overvoltages and breaks in connecting leads, leading to potential cell damage and reduced battery life due to corrosion or mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring circuit with multiple voltage-measuring circuits and switchable loading resistors that allow for voltage measurements with and without the loading resistors, enabling detection of broken leads and overvoltages by altering measured voltages, and using diodes and transistors to manage current and potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring circuits are used with fixed connecting leads, then the circuit structure is simple, but the reliability of overvoltage detection deteriorates when connecting leads become corroded or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connecting leads switchable between different configurations. The monitoring circuit can dynamically reconfigure its connecting leads to test different cells, allowing the same physical lead to serve multiple measurement purposes at different times. This dynamic reconfiguration enables reliable detection even when some leads may be corroded or broken, as the system can switch to alternative paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing connecting leads that serve multiple functions. Each connecting lead can be used to monitor different cells at different times, and the same lead structure is used for both measurement and testing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of leads needed while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability across all cells in the energy store.
2Reliability
If multiple connecting leads are provided for each cell, then the reliability of measurement improves, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing connecting leads that serve multiple functions. Each connecting lead can be used to monitor different cells at different times, and the same lead structure is used for both measurement and testing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of leads needed while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability across all cells in the energy store.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connecting leads switchable between different configurations. The monitoring circuit can dynamically reconfigure its connecting leads to test different cells, allowing the same physical lead to serve multiple measurement purposes at different times. This dynamic reconfiguration enables reliable detection even when some leads may be corroded or broken, as the system can switch to alternative paths.
3Reliability
If the monitoring circuit continuously measures voltage, then real-time detection is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent voltage measurement rather than continuous measurement. The monitoring circuit measures voltage at specific intervals or when certain conditions are met (such as when switching between different cell configurations), rather than continuously monitoring all cells simultaneously. This periodic measurement approach maintains real-time detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption of the monitoring circuit.
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
The solution ensures reliable detection of broken leads and overvoltages, prolonging the life of energy storage cells and systems by preventing false readings and mechanical stress-induced failures.
Implementation Method 1
A first loading resistor (31) is provided capable of being switched between the second measuring input (202) of the first voltage-measuring circuit (21) and a first fixed potential
Implementation Method 2
The monitoring circuit contains at least two voltage-measuring circuits (21, 22) that each measure a voltage between a first measuring input (201) and a second measuring input (202)
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring circuit is provided for an energy storage device. The energy storage device has a plurality of cells which each provide a voltage between their first and second connections and are switched in series. At least two voltage measuring circuits are provided, wherein the voltage measuring circuits each measure the voltage between a first measurement input and a second measurement input. A first connection conductor connects the first terminal of the first cell to the first measurement input of a first voltage measurement circuit. A second connection conductor connects the second terminal of the first cell to the second measurement input of a first voltage measurement circuit. A first load resistor can be switched between the first measurement input of the second voltage measurement circuit and a first fixed potential.