Single-Cell Power Module With Buck-Boost Multi-Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series and parallel are complex in structure, costly to manufacture, and have low energy density.
Innovation Solution
A power module comprising a single battery cell and a circuit board with a buck-boost circuit, which steps up or down the voltage to provide multiple output voltages, reducing the need for multiple cells and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are connected in series and parallel to form a battery pack, then the supply voltage is increased, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single battery cell is used to perform multiple functions by combining it with a buck-boost circuit that can both step up and step down voltage. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple battery cells connected in series and parallel, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the capability to provide different voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
A buck-boost circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the single battery cell and the load. This intermediary device transforms the single voltage output from the battery cell into multiple voltage levels, eliminating the need for complex multi-cell configurations while achieving the same power supply objectives.
2Power
If multiple battery cells are connected in series and parallel, then higher supply voltage is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single battery cell combined with a buck-boost circuit serves multiple voltage supply needs, reducing the total number of components required. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to assembling and matching multiple battery cells with specific voltage and capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The buck-boost circuit acts as a cost-effective intermediary that provides voltage transformation capabilities without requiring expensive precision matching of multiple battery cell parameters, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining power supply flexibility.
3Power
If multiple battery cells are connected in series and parallel, then power requirements are met, but energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the single battery cell perform multiple functions through voltage transformation, the system achieves higher effective energy utilization. The buck-boost circuit enables the same battery cell to serve different power requirements, effectively increasing energy density compared to using multiple cells where only a portion of total capacity may be utilized at any given time.
4Volume of stationary object
If a single battery cell is used with buck-boost circuit, then packaging space is reduced, but voltage transformation complexity is added
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage transformation function is segmented into a dedicated buck-boost circuit module, separating the energy storage function (battery cell) from the voltage regulation function (circuit). This modular segmentation allows for more efficient space utilization compared to bulky multi-cell arrangements, while the circuit complexity is managed through functional decomposition.
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
The power module reduces packaging space, eliminates the need for matching multiple battery cell parameters, and improves yield, quality, and service life by avoiding voltage differences and heat generation issues.
Implementation Method 1
The buck-boost circuit is configured to receive the first voltage and step up or step down the first voltage, so as to output at least two different second voltages
Data Source
AI summary
An power module includes a battery cell and a circuit board electrically connected to the battery cell. A number of the battery cell is one. The battery cell is configured to feed a first voltage to the circuit board. The battery cell includes a housing and an electrode assembly disposed in the housing. The circuit board includes a buck-boost circuit and at least two output terminals. The buck-boost circuit is configured to receive the first voltage and step up or step down the first voltage, so as to output at least two different second voltages to the at least two output terminals respectively. Each of the output terminals is configured to feed one of the second voltages to a drive circuit in a load electrically connected to the output terminal.