Single Connector Battery Module with Automatic Charge Discharge Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery management systems face challenges in accurately monitoring the state of charge of lithium batteries due to their non-linear discharge profile, leading to potential overcharging or undercharging, and require complex and expensive components for protection.
Innovation Solution
An automatic rechargeable battery control module with a single power connector and an integrated control system that automatically switches between charging and discharging modes, includes a low voltage disconnect and over voltage disconnect to prevent damage, and uses a microprocessor with sensors to monitor the battery state of charge, eliminating the need for manual resets and complex relay systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single power connector is used for both charging and discharging, then installation complexity is reduced, but the risk of overcharging or undercharging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines charging and discharging functions into a single power connector and integrated control system. The single connector handles both power input and output, while the microprocessor-based controller manages bidirectional power flow, replacing traditional separate connectors and relay systems. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining protection through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors battery state of charge and autonomously switches between charging and discharging modes without manual intervention. The microprocessor continuously reads sensor data, determines optimal power flow direction, and controls the system accordingly, providing self-service protection against overcharging and undercharging.
2Reliability
If traditional relay systems with multiple components are used, then battery protection is achieved, but component cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function from mechanical relay components and relocates it to a microprocessor-based control system. Instead of using multiple relays and diodes for overcharge and undercharge protection, the system uses software logic in the microprocessor to monitor battery voltage and current, eliminating the need for complex relay arrangements while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical relay systems with an electronic control system based on a microprocessor. The microprocessor reads sensor inputs, processes battery state information, and controls power flow electronically, substituting mechanical switching components with solid-state electronic control. This reduces component count, system complexity, and potential failure points while maintaining protection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If voltage monitoring alone is used for lithium batteries, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but state of charge accuracy deteriorates due to non-linear discharge profile
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based control system performs multiple functions: it monitors battery voltage, measures current flow, calculates state of charge using algorithms that account for lithium battery non-linear discharge characteristics, and controls charging/discharging operations. By integrating these functions, the system achieves accurate state of charge measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through a single control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery parameters through sensors and uses feedback loops to adjust state of charge calculations. The microprocessor reads real-time voltage and current data, compares it against stored discharge curves and algorithms specific to lithium battery chemistry, and dynamically determines accurate state of charge. This feedback mechanism compensates for non-linear discharge behavior and provides precise measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic rechargeable battery control module incorporates an automatic battery control system that automatically switches from charge to discharge modes with a single relay, thereby preventing the need to manually reset a relay switch due to an over or under voltage situation. The module requires on a single power connection line connected with a single power connector on the module. Both input power to charge the battery and output power flow in and out of the single power connector and through the single power connection line. An automatic battery control circuit is coupled with a battery management system and a relay contactor is opened and closed by a signal from the battery management system. The battery management system monitors a state of charge of the battery unit as well as current flow to and from a battery unit.