Removable Battery Pack Cell-Voltage Multiplexing Fault Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable battery packs lack reliable fault detection mechanisms for multiplexer measuring apparatus and monitoring units, which can lead to unsafe operation and potential damage if faults are not identified and addressed.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that incorporate a further monitoring unit to control a multiplexer measuring apparatus, allowing for sequential measurement of cell voltages and identification of faulty behavior, with switching elements to balance cell states and prevent further damage by deactivating the battery pack or reducing current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a multiplexer measuring apparatus is used to sequentially measure cell voltages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fault detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a self-test function that activates before normal operation to detect potential faults in the multiplexer measuring apparatus. The monitoring unit performs preliminary measurements and checks the functionality of switching elements and measurement circuits, identifying faults before they compromise battery safety, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified device architecture and reliable fault detection.
2Reliability
If redundant monitoring is implemented, then the reliability of fault detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring functions by integrating the fault detection capabilities directly into the existing monitoring unit that controls the multiplexer. Rather than adding separate redundant monitoring systems, the invention combines measurement, control, and self-diagnosis functions within a single integrated unit, achieving improved reliability through functional redundancy while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the multiplexer measuring apparatus is deactivated upon fault detection, then the safety is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by differentiating between critical faults requiring immediate deactivation and non-critical faults allowing continued operation. The monitoring unit categorizes faults based on their impact on battery safety, deactivating only those measurement channels or specific cells affected by faults while maintaining operation of unaffected channels, thus preserving productivity while ensuring safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method detects electrical fault states of a plurality of energy storage cells interconnected with one another in series and/or in parallel in a removable battery pack using a first monitoring unit integrated in the removable battery pack and a multiplexer measuring apparatus, which can be controlled by the first monitoring unit to sequentially measure cell voltages of the energy storage cells. A further monitoring unit sends a command to the first monitoring unit to control the multiplexer measuring apparatus, and is provided in an electrical device, in particular a charging device, a diagnostic device or an electrical consumer, that can be electrically connected to the removable battery pack.