Multiport Battery Ports for Flexible Charging and Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine battery systems lack efficient power control and charging mechanisms, particularly for electric marine propulsion systems, leading to high costs and complexity due to the need for specialized connectors and inadequate management of bidirectional current flow.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with bidirectional and charge-only ports, along with a switch box for parallel connection of batteries, enabling centralized power distribution and charging, using standardized connectors for cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional ports are used for power delivery and charging, then power management flexibility is improved, but connector complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independent battery packs, each with its own control system. This segmentation allows each pack to be managed independently, simplifying the connector design while maintaining overall system flexibility through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal battery pack design is implemented that can serve multiple functions: power delivery to motors, charging from shore power, and inter-battery power transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized connectors for different operations, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized connectors are used for marine battery systems, then power control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery control system automatically manages power flow, charging rates, and safety parameters without requiring specialized external connectors. The control system itself performs the precision control functions, eliminating the need for expensive specialized connectors while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Power
If multiple batteries are connected in parallel without centralized control, then power capacity is increased, but system reliability and charge management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized switch box implements continuous monitoring and feedback control of all battery packs. The system measures voltage, current, and temperature of each pack, automatically balancing charges and managing power distribution to maintain reliability while scaling power capacity through parallel connections.
4Productivity
If complex battery management systems are implemented, then power control and charging efficiency are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system is segmented into modular components distributed across individual battery packs, with a centralized switch box for coordination. This modular approach maintains high charging efficiency through intelligent control while simplifying installation, as each module can be independently installed and configured.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery includes at least one battery cell, a bidirectional port configured to provide current output to a load from the at least one battery cell and to receive a charge current from a battery charger to charge the at least one battery cell, a charge only port configured to receive charge current from the battery charger to charge the at least one battery cell, and a battery control system. The battery control system is configured to detect a connection status of the bidirectional port and/or the charge only port and, based on the connection status of each port, to control the battery between a power delivery mode where current can flow from the at least one battery cell out of the bidirectional port, a charge mode where current can from the bidirectional port or the charge only port to the at least one battery cell, and a disconnected mode where current cannot flow between the bidirectional port or the charge only port and the at least one battery cell.