Swappable EV Battery Module Switching for Range and Fast Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maximum driving range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is difficult to accurately estimate due to fluctuations in battery efficiency and capacity caused by factors like road conditions, temperature, and load, and the charging speed of BEVs is slower than gasoline vehicles, with battery swapping being cumbersome due to the weight of battery packs.
Innovation Solution
A power control system and battery system for electric vehicles that include a first battery module, a second swappable battery module, and a switch device to switch between series and parallel connections, allowing for convenient battery replacement and increased capacity or voltage, while preventing unrealistic voltage ranges that could cause malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend driving range, then driving range is improved, but battery weight increases making swapping difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into a first battery module (fixed) and a second battery module (swappable with multiple battery packs). This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve extended driving range through the combined capacity of both modules while keeping individual swappable battery packs at manageable weights for easy replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection configuration between the first and second battery modules is dynamically switchable between series and parallel connections. The switch device allows the system to adapt the electrical connection based on driving conditions, maximizing energy utilization and driving range while maintaining flexibility in battery configuration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend driving range, then driving range is improved, but charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery system into fixed and swappable modules, the vehicle can quickly swap battery packs at the second battery module instead of charging the entire battery system. This reduces the time penalty associated with extended range, as swapping takes much less time than charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables periodic battery swapping actions at the second battery module to replenish energy quickly. Instead of continuous charging, the vehicle can periodically swap battery packs during operation or at convenient locations, significantly reducing overall energy replenishment time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switch device adds series and parallel connection capability, then system flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch between series and parallel connections, control current flow between battery modules, and protect against abnormal conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite the added flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If swappable batteries are made lighter for easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but energy capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a first battery module (fixed, providing base capacity) and a second battery module (swappable, providing additional capacity). This allows swappable batteries to be lighter and easier to handle while the fixed first battery module compensates for the reduced capacity, ensuring the total system maintains sufficient energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures the connection between first and second battery modules based on energy needs. When swappable batteries are lighter with reduced capacity, the connection can be switched to utilize the fixed first battery module more heavily, dynamically balancing ease of operation with sufficient total capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system for electric vehicles is provided. The battery system includes a first battery module, a second battery module configured to accommodate multiple swappable batteries and a switch device. The switch device is configured to switch a first connection configuration between the first battery module and the second battery module, and to switch a second connection configuration between the swappable batteries when switching the first connection configuration. Each of the first connection configuration and the second connection configuration includes a series connection and a parallel connection. In addition, a power control system and a control method of the battery system are also provided.