Stacked Cell Characterization Using Multiplexed Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require extensive hardware and complexity to characterize and balance series connected energy storage devices, often subjecting them to nonideal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power multiplexer, power converter circuit, measurement circuit, isolated power converter circuit, secondary energy storage device, and charge management controller, enabling dynamic selection and characterization of electrochemical cells with reduced complexity and hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to characterize individual cells in a system composed of multiple series connected energy storage devices, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase extensively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple characterization functions into a single integrated test system that can characterize multiple series-connected cells simultaneously. The system merges perturbation signal generation, response measurement, and data processing into one unified apparatus, eliminating the need for separate test equipment for each cell while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is designed with universal capability to characterize any cell in a series-connected configuration through selective signal injection and measurement. The system can adapt to different cell positions and configurations, providing multi-functional operation that reduces overall hardware requirements while maintaining characterization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If extensive hardware is deployed to characterize series connected energy storage devices, then comprehensive cell characterization can be achieved, but manufacturing cost and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple characterization functions into a single test system that can characterize multiple series-connected cells simultaneously. By merging perturbation signal generation, response measurement, and data processing into one unified apparatus, the system reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive characterization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses test signals and measurement data across multiple cells in the series configuration. Rather than deploying separate hardware for each cell, the system injects signals and measures responses that can be processed to extract characterization data for multiple cells, effectively recovering information that would otherwise require additional hardware to obtain.
3Measurement precision
If conventional test systems are used for multiple series and parallel connected energy storage devices, then all cells can be characterized, but the number of perturbation and measurement circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test system employs universal measurement circuits that can selectively measure responses from any cell in a series or parallel configuration. The system uses configurable signal routing and selective measurement capabilities to characterize all cells using the same circuitry, eliminating the need for dedicated circuits for each cell while maintaining complete cell coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures its measurement and perturbation circuits to adapt to different cell configurations (series or parallel). The circuit topology and measurement strategy are dynamically adjusted based on the target cell and configuration type, allowing a single set of circuits to perform multiple characterization functions without requiring extensive fixed hardware for each possible configuration.
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
Facilitates efficient cell characterization and balancing with minimal hardware, improving system performance, reducing size and cost, and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
Cell characteristics such as impedance or internal resistance of the DUT are derived from the measured response signals. The system in the present invention allows for dynamic selection of an electrochemical storage cell within a series stacked energy storage system in a manner that reduces the number of complex perturbation and measurement circuits.
Implementation Method 2
measure the response waveform voltage response, and determine the complex impedance of the cell through post-processing either on chip or in off-board post-processing
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical storage diagnostic system is configured to perform an electrical test to measure energy storage device parameters. The diagnostic system includes a charge management controller, electrically coupled to a power multiplexer, a power converter circuit, and an isolated converter circuit. The charge management controller is programmed with instructions to identify a device under test, selected from at least one member of the plurality of energy storage devices to perform an electrical test. Then, adjust a charge in the secondary energy storage device to a target voltage through the power multiplexer by transferring energy between the secondary energy storage device and a support device, selected from at least one member of the plurality energy storage devices. After that, transfer electrical power through the power multiplexer and power converter circuit to the device under test in order to perform the electrical test. Finally, complete the electrical test.