Switched Battery Balancing Circuit for Dynamic Charge-Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery balancing techniques, whether active or passive, suffer from inefficiencies and safety concerns due to static balancing strategies, leading to energy loss and potential fire hazards, especially in dynamic use cases like renewable energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell balancing system with a suite of customizable balancing applications that can be configured to match specific use cases, allowing for targeted passive and active balancing while cells are being charged or discharged, using a balancing circuit with relays and controllers to manage voltage and power distribution dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive balancing is used to discharge battery cells above threshold, then cell voltage balance is improved, but energy loss increases due to parasitic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic balancing strategies that adapt to different operating conditions (charging, discharging, idle states) rather than using a fixed passive balancing approach. The system dynamically selects between passive balancing, active balancing, or no balancing based on real-time cell voltage measurements and operational context, thereby reducing unnecessary energy dissipation while maintaining voltage balance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes balancing parameters (thresholds, timing, intensity) based on operational state. During charging phases, different balancing thresholds are applied compared to discharging phases. The patent adjusts balancing activation criteria dynamically, enabling the system to minimize energy loss by avoiding balancing operations when they would result in significant parasitic losses, while still ensuring cell voltage balance is maintained within safe limits.
2Reliability
If active balancing is used to charge battery cells, then cell voltage balance is improved, but efficiency loss increases due to low efficiency components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic selection between passive and active balancing modes based on operational conditions. Active balancing is selectively activated only when necessary (e.g., during specific charging phases or when voltage imbalances exceed dynamic thresholds), rather than being continuously applied. This dynamic approach minimizes the use of low-efficiency active balancing components, thereby reducing overall efficiency losses while maintaining adequate cell voltage balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates balancing operations continuously with normal charging and discharging cycles rather than treating them as separate processes. By embedding balancing decisions within the continuous operational flow and using real-time voltage monitoring, the system achieves cell voltage balance through the natural charging/discharging process whenever possible, minimizing the need for separate active balancing operations that would incur additional efficiency losses.
3Ease of operation
If static balancing strategy is deployed for all cells, then implementation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different use cases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic balancing strategy that automatically adapts to different operational contexts (charging, discharging, idle states) and battery configurations. The system uses real-time voltage measurements and operational state detection to dynamically adjust balancing thresholds, timing, and method selection, thereby achieving high adaptability to various use cases while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system is self-configuring and self-optimizing based on operational feedback. It automatically detects the current operational phase and battery configuration, then selects appropriate balancing parameters without requiring manual configuration for each use case. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to different applications (grid storage, renewable energy integration, high-drain devices) while maintaining a unified, simple implementation architecture.
4Reliability
If balancing is performed outside charging/discharging cycles, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs balancing operations continuously during normal charging and discharging cycles rather than requiring separate idle balancing phases. The system integrates voltage monitoring and balancing decisions into the continuous operational flow, enabling cell voltage balance to be maintained throughout the battery's active service period. This approach eliminates dedicated idle balancing time, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring safety through continuous voltage management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts balancing operations based on real-time voltage measurements during charging and discharging. Rather than performing fixed scheduled balancing, the system activates balancing only when voltage imbalances are detected during operational cycles, and deactivates it when balances are achieved. This dynamic integration of safety monitoring with productive operation ensures that safety measures do not create idle time, as balancing occurs seamlessly within the charging/discharging workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more of the present embodiments provide for a battery cell balancing system and strategy that delivers more efficient use of battery capacities as needed for different use cases. For example, a balancing circuit is provided to support targeted battery cell passive and active balancing according to a balancing strategy for the use cases. Further the balancing circuit allows for cell balancing to be performed while the battery cells are collectively being charged or discharged.