Swappable Auxiliary Battery Control for Main Battery Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid decrease in the lifespan of main batteries in eco-friendly vehicles due to repetitive charging and discharging, and the inefficiency in utilizing the power of swappable auxiliary batteries, which can lead to reduced driving distance and increased risk of fire from voltage differences.
Innovation Solution
A battery system for vehicles that includes a main battery and swappable auxiliary batteries, with a controller that selectively connects the auxiliary batteries to the load when they are inserted, thereby extending the lifespan of the main battery and maximizing the use of auxiliary battery power. The system also performs battery voltage balancing to prevent damage from electric sparks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the main battery is used preferentially over auxiliary batteries, then the vehicle can operate with a simple battery configuration, but the lifespan of the main battery rapidly decreases due to repetitive charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a main battery and multiple auxiliary batteries with independent connection paths controlled by separate switches. The controller selectively connects auxiliary batteries to the load through second switches while disconnecting the main battery through a first switch, allowing the main battery to remain stationary and undisturbed while auxiliary batteries provide power for repetitive charging/discharging cycles.
2Device complexity
If auxiliary batteries are connected in a simple short-circuit structure, then the system is simple to implement, but there is a risk of fire and burnout of parts due to voltage difference
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the auxiliary batteries and the load, managing voltage balancing before connection. The controller equalizes voltages among auxiliary batteries through controlled charging/discharging cycles, preventing dangerous voltage differences that could cause fire or part burnout, while still allowing simple parallel connection structure.
3Ease of operation
If an auxiliary battery is swapped with a new auxiliary battery even when energy remains, then the swapping operation is simple, but power of the auxiliary batteries is not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the state of charge (SOC) and voltage levels of auxiliary batteries, providing feedback to determine optimal swapping timing. Instead of swapping based on simple counters or fixed schedules, the system uses real-time electrical parameter feedback to maximize energy utilization, swapping only when necessary while maintaining simple swap operations.
4Quantity of substance
If the capacity of the high-voltage battery is reduced to minimize price, then the cost competitiveness improves, but the driving distance of the vehicle and output power of the motor/inverter are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the main battery with multiple auxiliary batteries into a unified power supply system. The auxiliary batteries collectively provide additional capacity and power output, compensating for the reduced main battery capacity while maintaining cost competitiveness. The controller manages power distribution from both main and auxiliary batteries to achieve required driving distance and motor output.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system of a vehicle using a swappable auxiliary battery and a control method thereof includes a main battery configured to be selectively connected to a load of the vehicle using a first switch, a battery slot providing a space into which an auxiliary battery is inserted and be connected to the load of the vehicle using a second switch, and a controller configured to turn off the first switch and turn on the second switch in response to the auxiliary battery being inserted into the battery slot.