Monoblock Battery Hot-Swap Control With Dual Power Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft battery systems lack efficient hot-swappable solutions that allow for the addition or removal of battery modules without disrupting the power supply, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies in weight management and electrical capacity adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A hot-swappable battery system featuring a monoblock with a solid-state relay printed circuit board (SSR PCB) and a control system that manages power paths to enable seamless connection and disconnection of battery modules, using a low-power path for control and monitoring, and a high-power path for primary power delivery, with automatic deactivation and activation mechanisms to prevent safety hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If battery modules are connected or disconnected in existing aircraft battery systems, then the power supply is disrupted and safety hazards occur, but the ability to adjust weight and electrical capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system detects the connection status of battery modules through the second power path and initiates deactivation of the first power path before physical connection or disconnection occurs. This preliminary detection and deactivation sequence prevents power disruption while enabling module adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The second power path serves as an intermediary control path that provides power to the control system independently of the first power path. This intermediary path enables the control system to monitor and manage the first power path's activation state, facilitating safe hot-swapping operations.
2Weight of moving object
If battery modules are removed to reduce weight, then weight management improves, but the power supply must be shut down causing operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The second power path maintains continuous power supply to the control system throughout the battery module replacement process. This continuity enables the control system to remain operational and manage the first power path's activation state, allowing weight adjustment without interrupting aircraft operations.
3Ease of operation
If battery modules are added or removed without control mechanisms, then operational flexibility improves, but safety hazards increase due to uncontrolled power path activation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the connection status of battery modules through the second power path and provides feedback control of the first power path's activation state. When modules are detected as connected or disconnected, the control system automatically adjusts the first power path accordingly, preventing unsafe activation states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects battery module connection status and controls the switching device to activate or deactivate the first power path without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures safety while maintaining ease of operation for battery module replacement.
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
Enables efficient and safe addition or removal of battery modules without powering down the system, allowing for real-time adjustments in weight and electrical capacity without interrupting aircraft operations, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-state relay printed circuit board (SSR PCB) that includes a switching device coupled to the first power path and configured to open and to close the first circuit thereof
Implementation Method 2
a second power path electrically coupled to the monoblock and configured to form a second circuit and to provide power to the control system
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a monoblock comprising one or more battery cells, a first power path electrically coupled to the monoblock and electrically couplable to one or more terminals, a switching device coupled to the first power path and configured to open and to close a circuit thereof, a control system that controls the switching device, and a second power path electrically coupled to the monoblock. The second power path is configured to provide power to the control system. An absence of a voltage signal from the second power path detected by the control system causes the switching device to open to electrically disconnect the one or more terminals of the first power path. Detection of the voltage signal from the second power path by the control system may cause the switching device to close to electrically connect the one or more terminals of the first power path.