Swappable EV Battery Use Modes for Range and Charging Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle systems lack effective control strategies for swappable battery systems, leading to variable charging times and inefficient battery usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling a swappable battery system that determines a use mode based on navigation system information, allowing for maximum or minimum charge amounts of the main battery, considering distance to a destination and availability of replacement stations, to optimize charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general charger is used to charge the battery, then the charging method is simple and reliable, but the charging time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into a main battery and a swappable battery module. The swappable battery can be quickly exchanged at replacement stations, eliminating the need for prolonged charging waits. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain operational continuity while the battery module is replaced or recharged externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The swappable battery is pre-charged at replacement stations before being installed in the vehicle. This preliminary charging action ensures that when the battery is swapped into the vehicle, it is already charged and ready for immediate use, eliminating charging time delays during vehicle operation.
2Length of moving object
If the swappable battery charges the main battery to maximum capacity, then the vehicle range is extended, but the charging time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines whether to charge the main battery to maximum capacity or only to a minimum threshold level based on navigation information and replacement station availability. When a replacement station is nearby, only partial charging to threshold level is performed, saving time and energy. When no replacement station is available, full charging to maximum capacity is performed to extend range.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging strategy dynamically adjusts between two modes: full charging mode (charging to maximum capacity) and threshold charging mode (charging to minimum threshold). The control unit switches between these modes based on real-time conditions including navigation destination, distance to replacement stations, and current battery levels, optimizing the balance between range extension and charging time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides multiple battery use modes, then the adaptability to different user needs is improved, but the control strategy complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides two distinct battery use modes (first mode for maximum charging, second mode for threshold charging) that dynamically switch based on navigation information and replacement station availability. The control unit automatically determines the appropriate mode by evaluating real-time conditions, providing adaptability without requiring complex user intervention or manual mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically determines the optimal battery charging mode by itself, using navigation information and replacement station data to make decisions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex user interfaces or manual mode selection, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different driving scenarios.
4Productivity
If the swappable battery is used to charge the main battery, then the charging speed is improved, but the system complexity increases compared to traditional single battery systems
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two functional components: a main battery for vehicle operation and a swappable battery module for rapid energy replenishment. This segmentation enables the swappable battery to be quickly exchanged or charged at external stations, dramatically improving charging speed compared to traditional single battery systems that require prolonged charging connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The swappable battery module serves multiple functions: it can be quickly swapped at replacement stations for immediate energy replenishment, or it can be used to charge the main battery when replacement stations are unavailable. This multi-functionality improves charging productivity while managing system complexity through a standardized, versatile battery module design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a swappable battery detachably mounted in a vehicle which includes a main battery fixed therein, includes determining a use mode among a plurality of modes which are different in a charge amount of charging the main battery by the swappable battery based on destination information of a navigation system, and controlling the swappable battery to charge the main battery based on the determined use mode to charge the main battery.