Series-Parallel Battery Switching for 400 V and 800 V Charging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power storage systems for vehicles require voltage converters to accommodate both 400 V and 800 V charging equipment, leading to efficiency losses and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for expensive voltage conversion equipment.

Innovation Solution

A power storage system with a battery configuration that switches between series and parallel connections to adapt to different voltage states, utilizing a three-phase motor and inverter for efficient charging and operation without dedicated voltage converters, and a DC power supply circuit with a branch circuit connected to a three-phase motor coil for voltage management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a voltage converter is used to enable charging at both 400V and 800V, then the vehicle becomes compatible with both charging equipment types, but charging efficiency deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging compatibilityVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module connection system is made dynamic by switching between series and parallel configurations. The first and second battery modules can be connected in series for 800V charging or in parallel for 400V charging, allowing the system to adapt to different charging voltages without a voltage converter, thereby maintaining charging efficiency while achieving compatibility with both charging equipment types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The battery system is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can operate in series configuration for high-voltage 800V charging and in parallel configuration for standard 400V charging. This universal design eliminates the need for a dedicated voltage converter, resolving the contradiction between charging compatibility and charging efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a voltage converter is used to enable charging at both 400V and 800V, then the vehicle becomes compatible with both charging equipment types, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can operate in series configuration for high-voltage 800V charging and in parallel configuration for standard 400V charging. This universal design eliminates the need for a dedicated voltage converter, resolving the contradiction between charging compatibility and charging efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a voltage converter for auxiliary devices is used to drive 400V devices during 800V charging, then auxiliary devices can operate correctly, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauxiliary device operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can operate in series configuration for high-voltage 800V charging and in parallel configuration for standard 400V charging. This universal design eliminates the need for a dedicated voltage converter, resolving the contradiction between charging compatibility and charging efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient charging and operation at both 400 V and 800 V without voltage converters, reducing manufacturing costs and improving efficiency by eliminating the need for expensive conversion equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a first switch unit configured to switch between a first voltage state in which the first power storage and the second power storage are connected in series and chargeable at a first voltage, and a second voltage state in which the first power storage and the second power storage are connected in parallel and chargeable at a second voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeries and parallel circuit connection: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

an inverter connected on an electric power transmission path between the battery and the three-phase motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC to AC conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a three-phase motor in which coils of three phases are connected at a neutral point, the three-phase motor being driven by electric power supplied from the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240174090A1Power storage system
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US20240174090A1 patent drawing
  • US20240174090A1 patent drawing
  • US20240174090A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power storage system has a battery, a three-phase motor in which coils of three phases are connected at a neutral point, an inverter connected on an electric power transmission path between the battery and the three-phase motor, and a DC power supply circuit connected to a connection portion positioned on an electric power transmission path between the inverter and the battery. The battery includes two power storages and a switch unit that switches between a first voltage state where the two power storages are connected in series and chargeable at a first voltage, and a second voltage state where the two power storages are connected in parallel and chargeable at a second voltage. The DC power supply circuit has a branch circuit connected to a coil of any one phase among the coils of three phases at a positive electrode side of the DC power supply circuit.