Swappable EV Battery Voltage Integration for Extended Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face challenges with reduced travel distance and long charging times due to battery deterioration, and increasing battery capacity to maximize travel distance increases vehicle weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a swappable battery system in electrified vehicles, where a swappable battery unit with a second battery management system is connected to a main battery unit and DC converter, allowing for varying voltage supply to the power electric system through voltage stepping up or down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to maximize travel distance, then travel distance is improved, but vehicle weight and battery price are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into a main battery unit fixed in the vehicle and a swappable battery unit that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve extended travel distance by swapping batteries rather than carrying a single large-capacity battery, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from a single large-capacity battery to a combination of main battery and swappable battery units. By varying the configuration and capacity of swappable battery units, the system achieves different travel distances without permanently increasing vehicle weight, as batteries can be swapped rather than carried simultaneously.
2Length of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to maximize travel distance, then travel distance is improved, but battery price is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a main battery unit and interchangeable swappable battery units. This allows the vehicle to achieve extended travel distance by using smaller, more affordable swappable battery units rather than investing in a single expensive large-capacity battery, thereby reducing overall battery cost while maintaining operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The swappable battery units are designed to be universal and interchangeable, allowing a single battery unit to serve multiple purposes and be used across different vehicle configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized batteries, thereby lowering overall battery system cost while achieving extended travel distance through strategic swapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If swappable battery unit is connected to vary voltage supply, then voltage flexibility is improved, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
A DC converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the swappable battery unit and the power electric system. This DC converter manages the voltage conversion and integration, providing voltage flexibility to the system while centralizing the complexity in a single manageable component rather than distributing it across multiple points, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC converter serves multiple functions including voltage conversion, battery management, and system integration. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves voltage flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component performs multiple critical roles in managing the swappable battery integration.
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
This solution allows for increased travel distance without significantly increasing vehicle weight or cost, while also managing power sources efficiently by integrating the main battery and swappable battery, and providing various voltage ranges to the power electric system.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, using the vehicle control unit, a voltage command corresponding to a target output voltage to be output by stepping up or stepping down the voltage of the second battery, at the second end of the DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified vehicle capable of additionally mounting a swappable battery and a power source management method for the same are provided. A method of power source management of an electrified vehicle is provided, comprising connecting a swappable battery unit to a connector in an electrified vehicle comprising a first battery fixedly arranged with a main battery unit, a first battery management system configured to control the first battery, and a DC converter having a first end and a second end, the swappable battery unit comprises a second battery, and a second battery management system configured to control the second battery. The method further comprises determining, using a vehicle control unit, a target integrated voltage to be supplied to a power electric unit, and transmitting, using the vehicle control unit, a voltage command corresponding to a target output voltage to the DC converter, according to a determined target integrated voltage.