Switched Battery Balancing Circuit for Charge-Discharge Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery balancing strategies are inefficient and static, leading to energy losses and safety hazards due to passive and active balancing methods, which do not adapt to different use cases effectively.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell balancing system with a suite of preset and 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 cell group controllers and relays to manage voltage and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive balancing is used to discharge battery cells above threshold voltage, then cell voltage balance is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to parasitic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic balancing strategies that adapt between passive and active balancing modes based on real-time system conditions. The controller selectively switches between discharge-based passive balancing and charge-based active balancing to optimize both voltage balance and energy efficiency for different operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting which cells are balanced during charge versus discharge cycles. Different balancing strategies are applied depending on the state of charge and voltage differentials, allowing the system to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining voltage balance across varying operating conditions.
2Reliability
If active balancing is used to charge battery cells below average voltage, then cell voltage balance is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to component losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between charge-based active balancing and discharge-based passive balancing based on real-time voltage differentials and system state. The controller adapts the balancing approach to minimize energy losses while achieving voltage balance, switching modes based on which strategy is more efficient under current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by implementing different balancing strategies for charge and discharge cycles. The system adjusts which cells receive balancing current and at what rates, optimizing energy efficiency by selecting the most appropriate balancing mode for each operating scenario.
3Device complexity
If static balancing strategy is deployed for all cells, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different use cases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into cell groups that can be independently balanced using different strategies. The controller divides the battery pack into manageable sections, allowing customized balancing approaches for different cell groups based on their specific voltage characteristics and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic balancing strategies that adapt to different use cases and operating conditions. The controller automatically adjusts balancing parameters, current rates, and target voltages based on real-time system state and configured application requirements, providing versatility without requiring complex manual configuration.
4Loss of energy
If cell grouping is implemented for targeted balancing, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional controllers and relays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements cell grouping that segments the battery pack into manageable cell groups, each with its own controller. This segmentation allows targeted balancing of specific cell groups, improving energy efficiency by focusing balancing current only where needed rather than balancing all cells uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell group controllers are designed with multi-functionality, handling both monitoring and balancing operations for their respective cell groups. The relays serve multiple functions by selectively connecting cell groups to balancing circuits during charge and discharge cycles, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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.