Non-magnetic Polymer Battery Housing Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules with metallic housings act as Faraday cages, making wireless communication impractical, and existing power supply systems face challenges with high voltage and current requirements, noise issues, and the need for extensive cabling, which affects reliability and cost in marine and offshore applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-magnetic polymer materials for the housing of energy storage modules enables wireless communication, and a DC power supply system with a wireless communication network that eliminates the need for additional cables, allowing for higher voltage operation and improved reliability by integrating an internal power source for control units within each module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic housings are used for battery modules, then structural strength and electromagnetic shielding are improved, but wireless communication is blocked due to Faraday cage effect
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is constructed from non-magnetic materials (such as aluminum alloys or stainless steel with specific properties) that allow wireless signals to penetrate while maintaining structural integrity and electromagnetic shielding where needed. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between shielding and communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing uses composite material structures combining magnetic and non-magnetic materials in specific configurations, or employs coated metallic surfaces with electromagnetic shielding properties that are transparent to certain frequency ranges, allowing both structural strength and wireless communication functionality.
2Reliability
If extensive cabling is used for power supply and communication, then power delivery and data transmission are ensured, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cabling systems with wireless communication technologies (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or proprietary wireless protocols) for data transmission between battery modules and control systems. For power delivery, it employs high-voltage DC architecture with integrated power management that reduces cabling requirements through optimized electrical architecture and galvanic isolation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module design integrates multiple functions into single components: the housing serves both structural and electromagnetic shielding functions, while communication antennas are integrated directly into the housing structure. Power management units combine multiple control functions in single integrated circuits, reducing the number of separate cables and connectors needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high voltage operation is implemented, then energy density and efficiency are improved, but noise interference and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular units with individual power management for each module. This segmentation allows localized noise management and isolation, where high-voltage operations in one module do not interfere with others. Each module operates at optimized voltage levels, reducing overall noise while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs galvanic isolation techniques using isolated DC-DC converters and optocouplers as intermediaries between high-voltage battery modules and low-voltage control electronics. This intermediary approach allows efficient high-voltage power delivery while blocking noise and interference from propagating to sensitive communication and control circuits.
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 solution enhances communication efficiency, reduces noise interference, and decreases installation costs and complexity by eliminating the need for external power supplies and cables, while ensuring reliability and scalability in high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional battery modules with metallic housings act as Faraday cages, making wireless communication impractical
Data Source
AI summary
A DC energy storage unit with a plurality of energy storage modules, each energy storage module including a plurality of electrochemical energy storage devices electrically connected in series; an internal control unit in the energy storage module; a power supply for the internal control unit; and a wireless communication system; wherein the total voltage of the plurality of energy storage devices in series is greater than or equal to 40 V DC, wherein the plurality of energy storage modules are coupled together in series, or in parallel, each energy storage unit including a wireless gateway for communication between the energy storage unit controller and each energy storage module; wherein each energy storage module further has a housing, the housing at least partially having a non magnetic material.