Parallel Cell Module Charging Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for cell modules connected in parallel fail to efficiently manage varying charging currents due to differences in internal resistance, leading to either excessive charging or inefficient charging with insufficient current margins.
Innovation Solution
A charge control device that compares the maximum current value detected across cell modules with a predetermined reference current value, adjusting the charging current accordingly to ensure optimal charging, while also considering cell voltage and internal resistance variations, and employing current and voltage sensors to prevent overcharge and reflux currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charging current is increased to charge cell modules faster, then charging efficiency is improved, but cell modules with lower internal resistance receive excessive current beyond maximum allowable values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by detecting and individually managing charging current for each cell module based on its specific internal resistance characteristics. The control device monitors current distribution across parallel-connected modules and adjusts charging parameters locally for each module, allowing faster charging for modules that can tolerate higher current while protecting modules with lower current capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously detecting charging current values in each cell module and using this information to dynamically adjust the charging current. The control device compares detected current values with maximum allowable values and modifies charging parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both high charging efficiency and overcharge prevention.
2Reliability
If charging current is reduced with sufficient margin below maximum value to prevent overcharge, then safety is improved, but charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static current limiting to dynamic current adjustment. The control device continuously monitors actual charging current in each cell module and dynamically modifies the charging current based on real-time conditions. This allows the system to operate at or near maximum allowable current when conditions permit, while automatically reducing current only when necessary, thereby maximizing charging efficiency while maintaining safety.
3Ease of operation
If constant current charging is used without considering individual module variations, then control simplicity is maintained, but current distribution becomes unbalanced across modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each cell module to effectively regulate its own charging current based on its internal characteristics. The control device detects current in each module and uses this feedback to adjust charging parameters, allowing modules with different internal resistance to self-adjust their current intake. This maintains relative control simplicity while achieving balanced current distribution across all modules.
Data Source
AI summary
Even when current values of a current that flows to a plurality of cell modules connected in parallel are different, efficient charging is performed. A charge control device that controls a charging current to be supplied to a plurality of cell modules connected in parallel compares a maximum current value, selected from current values detected by a current sensor provided in each of a plurality of the cell modules, with a reference current value predetermined as a maximum current value of the current to be supplied to secondary batteries, and controls the charging current to be supplied to a plurality of the cell modules based on a comparison result.