Self-Balancing Lithium-Ion Battery Modules for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles face challenges with large, heavy nickel metal hydride batteries that hinder acceleration, handling, and range, and require external microprocessor-based voltage balancing systems that can be inefficient and prone to improper timing.
Innovation Solution
A self-balancing methodology for lithium-ion battery packs in electric vehicles that initializes a target balance voltage across modules, adjusts voltages automatically upon connection or disconnection, and prevents overcharging/overdischarging, allowing for balanced operation without external microprocessor commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external microprocessor-based voltage balancing systems are used, then voltage balancing can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and response timing may be improper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling battery modules to autonomously perform voltage balancing through internal circuitry. Each battery module contains balancing circuitry that automatically detects voltage imbalances and redistributes charge without requiring external microprocessor intervention, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable voltage balancing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the battery system into independent modules, each with its own balancing capability. This segmentation allows each module to self-regulate its voltage, eliminating the need for a centralized complex control system while ensuring reliable voltage balancing across all modules
2Reliability
If balancing is performed at predetermined intervals via external microprocessor, then voltage balancing occurs, but balancing may not start or stop at appropriate times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring where each battery module constantly measures its voltage level and automatically initiates balancing when imbalances are detected. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures balancing starts and stops at the precisely appropriate moments based on actual battery conditions rather than predetermined intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static predetermined interval balancing to dynamic condition-based balancing. The system continuously adapts its balancing operation based on real-time voltage measurements, enabling balancing to start and stop dynamically at the most appropriate times according to actual battery state
3Weight of moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used instead of nickel metal hydride batteries, then vehicle weight decreases and performance improves, but voltage balancing challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by equipping each lithium-ion battery module with autonomous balancing circuitry that automatically manages voltage equalization. This eliminates the need for complex external balancing systems while taking advantage of the lighter weight and higher energy density of lithium-ion batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lithium-ion battery system into independent modules with self-balancing capabilities. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity by distributing balancing functions across multiple independent units rather than requiring a single complex centralized system
Data Source
AI summary
A methodology for balancing batteries for use in an electric vehicle. The methodology includes initializing a target balance voltage value to a predetermined voltage. Sampling a first voltage of the batteries at a predetermined interval. Sending the lowest voltage value to all of the batteries. Replacing the target value voltage with the lowest voltage if the lowest voltage is lower than the target balance voltage and bleeding the batteries if a sampled voltage is higher than the target balance voltage.