Multi-Chemistry Vehicle Battery Pack With Switchable Cell Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric energy storage devices in vehicles face challenges in balancing energy density, reliability, cycle stability, operational safety, and resource efficiency, with certain cell chemistries compromising on these parameters to achieve optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle with an electric energy storage device comprising a first partial storage device with stability-optimized cell chemistry and a second partial storage device with power-optimized cell chemistry, interconnected by a switching arrangement, allowing flexible use and optimal space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single cell chemistry is used to optimize energy density, then the achievable energy density improves, but the cycle stability and operational safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcycle stability and operational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into multiple cell groups, each containing electrochemical storage cells with different cell chemistries optimized for specific functions. Some cell groups use chemistries optimized for energy density while others use chemistries optimized for cycle stability and safety, allowing the system to achieve both high energy density and reliable operation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the battery system use different cell chemistries tailored to local requirements. Cell groups located in specific positions or serving specific functions employ chemistries with properties optimized for those particular conditions, enabling the overall system to achieve both high energy density and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If cell chemistry is optimized for power delivery, then the power output improves, but the cycle stability and intrinsic safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidcycle stability and intrinsic safety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system segments power delivery functions across multiple cell groups with different chemistries. Cell groups optimized for power delivery can be activated during high-power demands while cell groups with higher stability are used during normal operation, achieving both high power output and cycle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different cell groups with different chemistries based on real-time power requirements. During acceleration or high-power events, cell groups optimized for power delivery are activated, while during steady-state operation, cell groups with higher cycle stability are used, achieving both high power capability and long cycle life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If improvements are made in reliability and cycle stability, then the operational safety improves, but the achievable energy density reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system uses multiple cell groups with different chemistries where some cell groups prioritize operational safety and cycle stability while others prioritize energy density. The control system manages the distribution of load across these cell groups to achieve both high safety and high overall energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery system effectively creates a composite chemistry architecture by combining multiple different cell chemistries in a coordinated manner. This composite approach allows the system to achieve properties that would be impossible with a single chemistry, including both high operational safety and high energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Device complexity

If a single cell chemistry is used throughout the battery, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different applications and situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery structureVSAvoidapplication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into multiple cell groups with different chemistries, each optimized for specific applications or operating conditions. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different power requirements, temperature conditions, and discharge rates by selectively activating appropriate cell groups, achieving high versatility despite increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-chemistry battery system achieves universal adaptability by designing cell groups that can serve multiple functions. The same cell group with a particular chemistry can serve different purposes depending on operational requirements, allowing the system to be universally applicable across various driving conditions and applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the vehicle's energy storage capacity and safety by leveraging high cycle stability and power density, while minimizing thermal runaway risk and optimizing space usage.

Implementation Method 1

An electric energy storage device is an electrochemical energy storage device which is rechargeable and is suitable for storing electrical energy and providing electrical energy to loads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

Electric energy storage devices usually comprise a plurality of electrochemical storage cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS12434573B2Vehicle with an electric energy storage device
Publication Date: 2025.10.07 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • US12434573B2 patent drawing
  • US12434573B2 patent drawing
  • US12434573B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle is provided with an electric energy storage device including a first sub-storage device for electric energy and a second sub-storage device for electric energy, the first sub-storage device and second sub-storage device being electrically connected together by a switch assembly. The first sub-storage device and the second sub-storage device each include at least one respective electrochemical storage cell, wherein the at least one electrochemical storage cell of the first sub-storage device has a stability-optimized cell chemistry, and the at least one electrochemical storage cell of the second sub-storage device has an output-optimized cell chemistry. The at least one electrochemical storage cell of the first sub-storage device is arranged in an impact assembly of the vehicle.