Segmented Battery Assembly for Low-Voltage Maintenance Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery maintenance operations are complex and pose safety risks due to high module voltages, requiring special protective equipment and precautions during handling.
Innovation Solution
A battery design with assemblies that can be electrically disconnected into groups of less than 60 V, using central plates to separate electrochemical cells and allow safe handling, along with integrated cooling circuits and mechanical reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrochemical cells are arranged in modules with high total voltage, then energy density is improved, but safety during maintenance deteriorates due to electrocution risk
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is segmented into two electrically independent groups by a central plate, allowing each group to be handled separately during maintenance. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to work on one group at a time with reduced voltage exposure, while maintaining high energy density through the overall module configuration.
2Ease of repair
If modules are disconnected for maintenance, then individual cell replacement is enabled, but handling complexity increases due to high voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into two independently manageable groups by the central plate, reducing handling complexity during maintenance. Each group can be disconnected and handled separately with lower voltage requirements, while still enabling comprehensive cell replacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The central plate acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates maintenance operations. It provides mechanical support and electrical isolation, enabling cell replacement while simplifying the handling process through its structural design and electrical separation function.
3Reliability
If personal protective equipment is required for module handling, then operator safety is improved, but maintenance operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the module into two low-voltage groups, the inherent safety of the system is improved, reducing the stringency of protective equipment requirements. This segmentation simplifies maintenance operations while still ensuring operator safety through structural electrical isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a battery comprising at least two assemblies (16), each of the two assemblies (16) comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells (18) and a central plate (20), the electrochemical cells (18) of each of the two assemblies (16) comprising a first group (34) of electrochemical cells and a second group (36) of electrochemical cells which are separated from one another in the transverse direction (Y) by the central plate (20),Each of the assemblies (16) is able to move between a use configuration in which the first group (34) and the second group (36) of electrochemical cells are electrically connected to one another and a maintenance configuration in which the first group (34) and the second group (36) of electrochemical cells are electrically disconnected from one another, each of the first group (34) and of the second group (36) of electrochemical cells having a voltage of below 60 V.