Smart Battery Cell With Integrated Switching Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage batteries in motor vehicles pose safety risks due to potential short circuits and hazardous electric arcs, necessitating safe operation and handling measures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of switching elements between the galvanic element and electrical connections, allowing for voltage-free switching and safe disconnection of defective cells, utilizing semiconductor components and a driver module for intelligent control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are connected in series to provide high voltage, then the voltage output is improved, but the safety risk increases due to potential short circuits and hazardous electric arcs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into modular battery cells, each equipped with its own switching element and control unit. This segmentation allows individual cells to be isolated and controlled separately, enabling high voltage operation through series connection while maintaining safety through localized control and isolation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching elements as intermediaries between the galvanic element and electrical connections. These switching elements act as mediators that can rapidly disconnect the high voltage source in case of emergencies, thereby enabling high voltage operation while mitigating safety risks through controlled isolation.
2Reliability
If switching elements are added to each battery cell for safety control, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping each battery cell with its own control unit that can autonomously monitor cell conditions and actuate switching elements when necessary. This decentralized self-service approach improves safety through local decision-making while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping each battery cell with switching elements and control units before assembly into the battery pack. This allows safety mechanisms to be integrated at the cell level, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing complexity compared to adding safety systems at the battery pack level.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell for a battery of a motor vehicle having a battery cell housing, in which a galvanic element is accommodated. The battery cell can be electrically connected to at least one other battery cell of the battery by way of two electrical connections. The battery cell has at least one switching element, which is designed for making and breaking a conductive electrical connection between an arrester of the galvanic element and at least one of the electrical connections. A driver module is disposed inside the battery cell housing to control the switching element so that the conductive electrical connection between the arrester and the electrical connections are controlled.