Rotating Bus Bar Switching Device for Series-Parallel Battery Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices for high voltage energy storage systems require complex contact configurations, leading to increased weight and space requirements, as well as higher contact resistance and a higher risk of short circuits and arcing.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a simplified contact configuration, utilizing a fixed bus bar arrangement and a moveable bus bar arrangement that rotates between two switching positions, allowing for efficient switching between series and parallel connections of high voltage batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-pole contactor devices are used for switching between series and parallel connections, then the switching function is achieved, but at least three contactor devices are necessary, leading to increased device complexity and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple contactor functions into a single multi-pole contactor device that can simultaneously switch between series and parallel connections of two batteries. This merging of functions reduces the number of required contactor devices from three to one, thereby reducing device complexity and weight while maintaining the required switching capability between different battery configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-pole contactor device is designed to perform multiple switching functions: it can connect batteries in series, connect them in parallel, and provide overcurrent protection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate contactor devices for each function, reducing overall device complexity and weight
2Reliability
If traditional contactor devices are used for switching, then the switching function is achieved, but the contact configuration becomes complex, increasing contact resistance and the risk of short circuits and arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple contact elements into a single multi-pole contactor with an integrated contact arrangement. This contact arrangement features poles that are arranged to minimize complexity and reduce the risk of short circuits and arcing by providing clear isolation between different circuit paths when the contactor is open, while maintaining low contact resistance through direct metallic contact when closed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contactor devices are used for switching between series and parallel connections, then the switching function is achieved, but the space requirements and weight of the switching device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching capability for both series and parallel connections into a single multi-pole contactor device, eliminating the need for multiple separate contactor devices. This integration maintains full adaptability for switching between series and parallel battery configurations while significantly reducing the overall weight and space requirements of the switching device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a switching device, which is capable of changing a connection state of at least two batteries of a high voltage energy storage system between a series connection and a parallel connection, and to an energy storage system comprising the switching device. The switching device (100) comprises a fixed bus bar arrangement, which comprises at least a pair of fixed input bus bars (140, 142) and a pair of fixed output bus bars (144, 146), and a moveable bus bar arrangement, which comprises at least one connection bus bar (130, 132). The switching device (100) further comprise at least one actuation element (117), which is configured to change a position of the moveable bus bar arrangement at least to and from a first switching position and to and from a second switching position, wherein in the first switching position, each of the fixed input bus bars (140, 142) is electrically connected to respectively one of the fixed output bus bars (144, 146), and in the second switching position, the pair of fixed input bus bars (140, 142) is electrically connected to each other, and wherein the moveable bus bar arrangement is rotated by the at least one actuation element (117) for changing the position of the moveable bus bar arrangement.