Reactive Charge Transfer Units for Battery Cell Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell balancing methods, both passive and active, face challenges in efficiently balancing the state of charge across multiple cells in batteries, leading to potential damage due to charge imbalances and inefficient battery operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method employing reactive charge transfer units and control units to iteratively determine and balance the state of charge across cells by dividing and transferring charge differentials, ensuring balanced cell operation without energy dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive balancing system is employed to equalize state of charge of cells, then cell balancing is achieved, but energy is dissipated and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage element between cells with different charge states. Instead of directly dissipating excess energy through resistance, the capacitor temporarily stores energy from overcharged cells and releases it to undercharged cells, enabling balancing without energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the electrical parameters (voltage, current) by using controlled charge transfer through capacitors. The balancing process adjusts charge flow parameters based on real-time cell state measurements, transitioning from static passive balancing to dynamic active balancing.
2Loss of energy
If active cell balancing system is employed to attain cell balancing, then energy efficiency is improved, but circuitry complexity increases and process becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the balancing process into discrete segments by introducing individual capacitors for each cell. Each capacitor independently manages charge transfer for its associated cell, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining active balancing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial balancing actions by transferring charge only when necessary, based on real-time cell state comparisons. Rather than continuously balancing all cells, the system activates charge transfer only for cells that deviate from the target state, reducing unnecessary circuit activity and complexity.
3Reliability
If balancing is done on a per cell basis in conventional active balancing systems, then cell balancing is achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual balancing operations into a unified parallel process. By connecting capacitors in parallel configurations and using a centralized control unit that manages all cells simultaneously, the system performs balancing across multiple cells at the same time rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and instantaneous charge transfer capability across all cells. The control unit continuously compares cell states and immediately initiates charge transfer when imbalances are detected, eliminating idle time and ensuring uninterrupted balancing action.
4Reliability
If conventional active balancing systems are used with complex battery circuits or large number of cells, then cell balancing is achieved, but the process becomes excessively tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal balancing architecture where identical capacitor-based modules can be applied to any number of cells in series. The standardized design allows the same circuit topology and control logic to handle batteries with varying numbers of cells, from simple to complex configurations, without requiring custom designs.
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
The solution effectively balances cell states, preventing damage from charge imbalances, enhancing battery efficiency, and simplifying circuitry complexity, while managing larger imbalances efficiently and reducing balancing time.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of reactive charge transfer units arranged between the first battery pack and the second battery pack comprises a transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for balancing a battery having a plurality of cells connected in series. The system includes a plurality of reactive charge transfer units connected with the plurality of cells, a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit is configured to determine a state of charge of the plurality of cells, determine a reference value associated with the battery, identify an overcharged cell or a discharged cell in the battery, and determine a charge differential between state of charge of the overcharged cell or the discharged cell and the reference value associated with the battery. The second control unit is configured to arrange charge transfer between the overcharged cell or the discharged cell, and remaining pack of cells in the battery. The first and the second control units are configured to function iteratively until cell balancing is attained.