Switched-Cell Battery Power Sharing for Multi-Load Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in designing an electrical power-supply system for hybrid or electric vehicles that efficiently delivers power to multiple consuming equipment without over-dimensioning batteries, while minimizing weight and bulk, and ensuring reliable power delivery without the need for DC/AC converters.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises a plurality of switched-cell batteries, each dedicated to a separate piece of consuming equipment, with processing and control means that select a standby battery for assistance or charging based on state of charge thresholds, allowing for dynamic management of battery power distribution and recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each battery is dedicated to one separate piece of consuming equipment, then power delivery reliability is improved, but battery dimensioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures battery connections based on real-time state of charge levels and power demands. The control means selectively connect batteries in series or parallel configurations, allowing the system to adapt its voltage and current output dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable power delivery through dynamic adaptation rather than static over-dimensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a primary power source for its dedicated equipment and as a support battery for other equipment. The control means can switch between different operational modes where batteries provide assistance or recharge functions. This universal design reduces the need for oversized dedicated batteries while maintaining reliability.
2Power
If battery capacity is increased, then power delivery capability is improved, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple batteries into unified series or parallel configurations based on demand. Rather than each battery being permanently oversized to handle peak loads independently, the control means combine battery capacities dynamically. This allows the system to achieve high power delivery capability only when needed, reducing the effective weight and bulk of battery infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to scale its power delivery capability according to real-time demands. When high power is needed, batteries are connected in series for high voltage or parallel for high current. When lower power suffices, fewer batteries are active. This dynamic scaling eliminates the need for permanently oversized batteries, reducing weight and bulk.
3Weight of moving object
If battery capacity is decreased, then weight and bulk are reduced, but risk of charge depletion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means continuously monitor the state of charge of all batteries and use this feedback to make real-time decisions about power distribution and battery reconfiguration. When a dedicated battery's charge drops below thresholds, the system automatically activates assistance modes or recharges from other batteries. This feedback mechanism ensures charge availability reliability even with smaller, lighter batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively managing battery charges before depletion occurs. The control means detect when a battery's charge is decreasing and preemptively activate assistance from other batteries or initiate recharging sequences. This prevents charge depletion before it compromises reliability, allowing the use of lighter batteries.
4Weight of moving object
If converters are eliminated, then weight and cost are reduced, but control precision over voltage and current decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic converters with a direct battery connection system using switching means. Instead of using complex DC/AC converters to control voltage and current, the system uses solid-state switches to directly connect batteries in different configurations. This substitution eliminates heavy converter equipment while maintaining control precision through electronic switching control of battery series/parallel arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls voltage and current parameters by changing the physical configuration of battery connections rather than using converters. By switching batteries between series and parallel configurations, the system directly controls output voltage and current characteristics. This parameter control method achieves the needed precision without requiring heavy converter equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical power-supply system comprising:a plurality of electrical batteries (B_1, B_2, B_3, B_aux), each battery comprising a plurality of cells connected in series and/or parallel and separate switching means attached to each cell or to a group of a plurality of cells, said plurality of batteries comprising batteries that are called main batteries (B_1, B_2, B_3), which are each dedicated to delivering electrical power to one separate piece of consuming equipment,processing and control means,the processing and control means comprising:means for selecting at least one what is called standby battery (B_S) from said plurality of batteries, the selected standby battery being a battery the output current of which is zero.