Parallel Battery Module With Voltage Regulation for Mixed Cell Capacities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules require battery cells of the same capacity to provide a rated voltage, limiting flexibility and efficiency in power supply to electronic equipment.

Innovation Solution

A battery module with multiple battery cells connected in parallel, each with power and reference voltage terminals, and a voltage regulating circuit that adjusts discharging and charging voltages to meet the voltage request of a load system, allowing for the use of battery cells with different capacities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If battery cells are connected in series to provide rated voltage, then the voltage requirement is met, but all battery cells must be of the same capacity which limits flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in battery cell selectionVSAvoidbattery module configuration constraint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module divides the power supply function into two independent parts: multiple battery cells connected in parallel for power accumulation (using different capacities is allowed), and a voltage regulating circuit for voltage control. This segmentation allows flexible cell selection while meeting voltage requirements through the regulating circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A voltage regulating circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the parallel-connected battery cells and the load system. This mediator converts the combined voltage from parallel cells into the required rated output voltage, enabling the use of cells with different capacities while maintaining consistent output voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If battery cells with different capacities are used, then flexibility is improved, but voltage regulation becomes necessary which adds device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell capacity variationVSAvoidvoltage regulating circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulating circuit serves as a necessary intermediary that handles the voltage variation caused by using battery cells of different capacities. It converts the combined voltage from parallel cells into the standard rated output voltage, making the capacity differences of individual cells irrelevant to the output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulating circuit dynamically adjusts the output voltage parameter based on the combined voltage from parallel battery cells. By changing the voltage parameter through regulation, the system can accommodate battery cells with different capacities while maintaining a consistent rated output voltage for the load system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If battery cells are connected in parallel, then different capacities can be used, but voltage regulation is required to maintain rated output voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage conversion mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulating circuit acts as a mediator between the parallel battery cell configuration and the load system, converting the combined voltage into the required rated output voltage. This enables efficient power supply from parallel cells while maintaining voltage compatibility with the load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter through the regulating circuit to match the load requirements. By adjusting the voltage parameter from the parallel cell combination to the rated output voltage, the system achieves efficient power transfer while accommodating different cell capacities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the use of battery cells with varying capacities and sizes, ensuring efficient power supply to electronic equipment by converting discharging voltages to a rated output voltage, enhancing flexibility and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage regulating circuit to convert the discharging voltages of the battery cells into the output voltage of the battery module... When the battery module operates in a charging mode, the voltage regulating circuit converts an input voltage of the power voltage electrode into a charging voltage of the power voltage line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240014527A1Battery module and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC
  • US20240014527A1 patent drawing
  • US20240014527A1 patent drawing
  • US20240014527A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery module and an operation method thereof are provided. The battery module includes multiple battery cells and a controller. Each of the battery cells has a power voltage terminal and a reference voltage terminal. The power voltage terminals of the battery cells are commonly coupled to a power voltage line of the battery module. The reference voltage terminals of the battery cells are commonly coupled to a reference voltage line of the battery module. Electrical energy of the power voltage line and the reference voltage line is used to supply power to a load system outside the battery module. The controller is coupled to the power voltage line and the reference voltage line to monitor charging and discharging operations of the battery cells.