Parallel Energy Storage Charging Control for Battery Energy Mismatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

The charging efficiency of traction batteries is limited by energy storage unit capacity and energy mismatch between multiple energy storage units connected in parallel, leading to inefficiencies in energy transmission.

Innovation Solution

A charging apparatus with multiple energy storage units connected in parallel, each equipped with a DC/DC converter, adjusts output current based on the energy storage unit's parameters to match electrical energy, using control signals to optimize energy distribution and prevent mismatch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple energy storage units are connected in parallel to increase charging capacity, then the charging efficiency of traction battery can be improved, but energy mismatch between energy storage units occurs leading to inefficient energy transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidenergy transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making each energy storage unit have different output current characteristics based on its individual state (SOC, temperature, capacity). The control system adjusts each unit's output current locally according to its own parameters rather than treating all units uniformly, thereby preventing energy mismatch and improving overall energy transmission efficiency while maintaining high charging capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters (output current, voltage) of each energy storage unit dynamically based on real-time monitoring of their states. By adjusting parameters individually for each unit according to its capacity, temperature, and charge state, the system optimizes energy distribution and prevents mismatch, resolving the contradiction between high charging capacity and energy transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the capacity of energy storage unit is increased to receive more electrical energy from traction battery, then fast charging capability is improved, but the energy storage unit capacity becomes the limiting factor for charging efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefast charging capabilityVSAvoidenergy storage unit capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the energy storage system into multiple independent energy storage units, each with its own DC/DC converter and control system. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total capacity through parallel connection while each individual unit operates within optimal capacity ranges, preventing any single unit from being the bottleneck and enabling fast charging capability without being limited by individual unit capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control where the output current of each energy storage unit is continuously adjusted based on real-time monitoring of the traction battery's charging state and the energy storage units' conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maximize charging speed while adapting to changing capacity requirements, transforming the static capacity limitation into a dynamic optimization problem that can be solved through real-time control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach ensures balanced energy transfer, fully utilizing the capacity of energy storage units, thereby improving the charging efficiency of traction batteries.

Implementation Method 1

each energy storage unit includes an energy storage battery and a first DC/DC converter connected to the energy storage battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC/DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4239828B1Charging method, charging device and charging system for power battery
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4239828B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4239828B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4239828B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A charging method and a charging device (100) for a power battery, which can improve the charging efficiency. The charging method is applied to a charging device. The charging device comprises N energy storage units (110, 120) connected in parallel. Each energy storage unit comprises an energy storage battery (111, 121) and a first DC/DC converter (112, 122) connected to same. Each charge cycle of the charging device comprises a stage in which a power battery (210) is charged, and a stage in which the power battery discharges the N energy storage units. The charging method comprises: obtaining a first parameter in each energy storage unit in a discharging stage; determining, according to the first parameter, a first current output by the first DC/DC converter in each energy storage unit, the first current being inversely proportional to the first parameter in the energy storage unit; and sending the first current to the first DC/DC converter, so that the energy storage battery receives, according to the first current, the electric quantity released by the power battery by means of the first DC/DC converter.