Parallel Battery Module Switching for Safe Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electric storage systems with multiple modules connected in parallel, replacing one module while maintaining voltage matching with others is challenging due to the risk of large currents flowing between modules with slight voltage differences, leading to potential damage or deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A control device that includes a switching element and a control unit to disconnect and reconnect the electric storage unit from a wire based on terminal voltage conditions, allowing for safe replacement without precise voltage matching, using a field effect transistor and relay circuit in parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric storage modules are connected in parallel for easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but large currents may flow between modules with voltage differences causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A switching element is introduced as an intermediary component between the electric storage unit and the wire. This switching element is controlled by a control device to open or close based on voltage conditions, mediating the connection and preventing harmful large currents from flowing when voltage differences exist between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the voltage difference between the electric storage unit and the wire, and based on this feedback, automatically controls the switching element to open when the voltage difference exceeds a threshold and close when it is within acceptable range. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures safe operation during module replacement.
2Reliability
If voltage matching is required before connecting modules, then reliability is improved, but time consumption increases due to voltage adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is pre-configured in an open state before connection, and the control device is ready to close it automatically once voltage matching is achieved. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual voltage adjustment and waiting, as the system automatically transitions to the connected state when voltage conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic voltage matching verification and connection control without external intervention. The control device continuously monitors voltage conditions and autonomously controls the switching element, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust voltages or wait for matching conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If switching elements are added to control connection, then protection against large currents is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitoring and control functionality is extracted as a separate control device that independently manages the switching element. This modular extraction simplifies the overall system architecture, as the control device can be implemented as a dedicated integrated circuit or microcontroller unit with standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to handle multiple functions: voltage difference detection, threshold comparison, and switching element control. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control device, the overall system complexity is reduced compared to having separate components for each function.
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 easy and quick replacement of electric storage modules by preventing large currents from flowing during voltage adjustments, thus minimizing damage and deterioration, even with different battery characteristics and states of charge.
Implementation Method 1
a switching element electrically connects the wire and the electric storage unit if terminal voltage of the switching element satisfies a predetermined condition; and (ii) the switching element electrically disconnects the wire and the electric storage unit if the terminal voltage of the switching element does not satisfy the predetermined condition
Implementation Method 2
current flowing between an electric storage unit of an electric storage device configured such that the electric storage device can be connected in parallel with a distinct power supply device, and a wire that electrically connects the electric storage device and the distinct power supply device
Data Source
AI summary
When one of the electric storage modules connected in parallel is individually replaced, the voltage of an electric storage module to be newly added and the voltage of the remaining electric storage module(s) need to match each other with high precision before the electric storage module to be newly added is attached to an electric storage system. A control device includes a control unit for controlling a switching element arranged between a wire and an electric storage unit such that: (i) the switching element electrically connects the wire and the electric storage unit if terminal voltage of the switching element satisfies a predetermined condition; and (ii) the switching element electrically disconnects the wire and the electric storage unit if the terminal voltage of the switching element does not satisfy the predetermined condition.