Parallel Converter Charging Control for Battery Pack Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle systems with multiple power storage mechanisms face challenges in maintaining equal states of charge and reducing the variation in deterioration rates among batteries, as charging conditions can vary significantly, leading to uneven wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that utilize parallel converters and a charger to select and apply appropriate charging modes for each power storage mechanism, ensuring equalization of states of charge by controlling the charging voltage and current based on the state of charge of each battery, allowing for simultaneous or alternating charging in constant power, constant voltage, or constant current modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple power storage mechanisms are mounted on a vehicle to increase capacity, then the travel distance on a single charge is improved, but the states of charge and deterioration rates vary among the power storage mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging system into separate charging paths for each power storage mechanism. Each converter (first converter for first power storage mechanism, second converter for second power storage mechanism) independently controls charging parameters for its associated power storage mechanism, enabling individualized charging strategies that maintain uniform states of charge across multiple batteries while preserving increased capacity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different charging modes (constant current, constant voltage, or combination modes) to different power storage mechanisms based on their individual states of charge and conditions. The operation unit selects appropriate charging modes for each power storage mechanism independently, allowing localized optimization of charging parameters for each battery while maintaining overall system reliability
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple power storage mechanisms are mounted on a vehicle to increase capacity, then the travel distance on a single charge is improved, but the deterioration rates vary among the power storage mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging control into independent units for each power storage mechanism, with each converter individually managing its associated battery's charging parameters. This segmentation enables tailored charging strategies that optimize both service life and capacity utilization for each battery, preventing premature deterioration while maintaining extended travel range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts charging parameters (current, voltage, mode selection) for each power storage mechanism based on real-time states of charge and operational conditions. The operation unit selects from multiple charging modes (constant current, constant voltage, or combined modes) to optimize both service life and capacity, ensuring uniform deterioration rates across all power storage mechanisms while preserving increased travel distance
3Reliability
If individual charging control is implemented for each power storage mechanism, then the uniformity of states of charge is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs converters that can operate in multiple charging modes (constant current mode, constant voltage mode, or combination modes) to serve different power storage mechanisms with varying requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single converter design to handle diverse charging needs across multiple batteries, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining uniform states of charge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mode selection where the operation unit chooses appropriate charging modes (constant current, constant voltage, or combined modes) based on real-time states of charge and operational conditions for each power storage mechanism. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maintain uniform battery states without requiring overly complex static control architectures, as the control strategy adjusts automatically to current system needs
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 effectively reduces the difference in deterioration rates among power storage mechanisms by ensuring each battery is charged optimally, thereby extending the vehicle's travel range on a single charge and minimizing battery degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a first converter for varying a voltage, a second converter connected in parallel to the first converter for varying a voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In an electric system including a first converter and a second converter connected in parallel, an ECU executes a program including a step of selecting a charging mode for a first battery pack connected to the first converter and a charging mode for a second battery pack connected to the second converter, and a step of controlling a charger connected to the first battery pack, the first converter and the second converter to charge the first battery pack and the second battery pack in the selected charging modes.