Multi-Battery Pre-Charging Control for Faster Load Energization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pre-charging techniques for inductive and capacitive loads in vehicles require additional circuitry and control mechanisms, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential voltage drops, which can cause damage and disrupt other devices connected to the same power source, and may not be suitable for quick energization applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with processing circuitry that controls multiple battery packs to provide pre-charge to a load, monitoring voltage differences between battery packs and the load to determine if a battery pack is contributing to pre-charging, and discontinuing pre-charge if the battery pack voltage is at or below the load voltage, thereby reducing the risk of uneven voltages and shortening the pre-charging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-charging is implemented using additional circuitry and control mechanisms, then inrush current is limited and voltage stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system automatically monitors battery pack voltages and determines which packs are suitable for pre-charging based on their voltage levels. The system self-regulates the pre-charging process by selecting appropriate battery packs and controlling the pre-charge contactors without requiring external intervention or complex additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing battery management system is extended to perform multiple functions: it continues to manage normal battery operations while also handling pre-charging control. The same processing circuitry that monitors battery status is used to determine pre-charge eligibility and control pre-charge contactors, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pre-charge control circuitry.
2Reliability
If pre-charging is implemented to protect the electrical system, then component damage is prevented, but the energization time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery pack voltages before initiating pre-charging. By checking which battery packs have voltages above the threshold and are therefore suitable for pre-charging, the system prepares the pre-charging configuration in advance, enabling faster energization while still providing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-charging process is dynamically controlled based on real-time battery pack voltage conditions. The system can adaptively select which battery packs to use for pre-charging and can adjust the pre-charging configuration as voltages change, optimizing both protection and speed.
3Productivity
If multiple battery packs are used for pre-charging, then pre-charging capability is enhanced, but voltage unevenness may cause improper pre-charging
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system continuously monitors the voltages of all battery packs and uses this feedback information to determine which packs are suitable for pre-charging. By comparing each battery pack's voltage against the threshold and tracking voltage changes during pre-charging, the system ensures accurate and reliable pre-charging operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system is presented. The computer system comprises processing circuitry configured to control a first battery pack and a second battery pack to provide pre-charge to a load. The processing circuitry is further configured to configure the first battery pack to provide pre-charge in a supporting pre-charge mode, and during pre-charge in the supporting pre-charge mode, monitor a first voltage difference indicator indicating a difference between a load voltage and a first battery pack voltage. The processing circuitry is further configured to, responsive to the first voltage difference indicator indicating that first battery pack voltage is at or below the load voltage, control the first battery pack to discontinue pre-charge of the load.