Swappable Battery Module Control Chains for Flexible AC/DC Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swappable battery charging methods either lack in-situ control or rely on complex control software/firmware, making them inefficient and vulnerable to malware or ransomware attacks.
Innovation Solution
A battery system partitioned into smaller, removable modules, each controlled by a control switch, forming sequential or parallel charging and discharging control chains to manage the charging and discharging of multiple battery modules efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control software/firmware is used for charging control and energy status monitoring, then flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases and vulnerability to malware attacks worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distributed control units, each managing specific battery modules independently. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex centralized control software while maintaining flexibility through modular hardware-based control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units are designed to autonomously manage charging/discharging operations without requiring external control software. Each unit self-monitors energy status and automatically controls power flow, eliminating vulnerability to malware while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If all battery modules are charged in parallel, then charging speed is improved, but power requirements and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging configuration between parallel and sequential modes based on real-time power availability and battery module status. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maximize charging speed when power is abundant while conserving energy when power is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by switching between parallel charging (high power, high speed) and sequential charging (low power, moderate speed) modes. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between charging speed and power consumption based on system conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If a large battery pack is used, then energy capacity is improved, but weight increases and energy efficiency for short distance commuting worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple modular, swappable battery modules instead of using a single large battery pack. This segmentation allows users to carry only the necessary energy capacity for their specific needs, reducing weight for short-distance commuting while maintaining high capacity availability when multiple modules are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular battery modules are designed to be universally compatible across different applications and configurations. The same modules can be used individually for short-distance commuting or combined in various configurations for longer range needs, providing universal energy storage solutions that adapt to different energy requirements.
4Ease of operation
If battery pack swapping facility is built, then charging availability is improved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to autonomously swap battery modules without requiring complex automated swapping machinery or sophisticated facility infrastructure. The simple mechanical module design allows for easy manual insertion and removal, dramatically reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining high charging availability.
Data Source
AI summary
The charging and/or discharging of a set of swappable battery modules in a battery system is carried out automatically using a set of charging and/or discharging control switches linked in a sequential charging and/or a discharging control chain. The charging and discharging of the set of battery modules can be done sequentially or in parallel, and is hardware-based with minimal software/firmware involvement. The system is scalable and automatically reconfigurable for use in an infrastructure and/or in an electric vehicle. The swappable battery modules may be positioned in the battery slots or butted together in the battery system.