Terrain-Predictive Battery Pack Equalization With Supercapacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional battery equalization methods in electric vehicles do not effectively utilize real-time road terrain information and supercapacitor energy management, leading to suboptimal energy utilization and battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A power battery pack equalization method that uses terrain prediction by the battery management system (BMS) to switch between charging and discharging modes based on road conditions, leveraging the supercapacitor for energy balancing, with specific strategies for steep uphill and downhill slopes to optimize voltage equalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional passive equalization is used to balance battery voltages, then equalization is simple to implement, but energy is wasted as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supercapacitor as an intermediary energy storage device between the battery pack and the equalization process. The supercapacitor temporarily stores energy from batteries with higher voltage and releases it to batteries with lower voltage, enabling active equalization without direct battery-to-battery energy transfer. This resolves the contradiction by providing a practical active equalization method that is easier to implement than complex battery-to-battery balancing while avoiding significant energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If traditional active equalization with capacitors or inductors is used, then energy waste is reduced, but equalization capacity is limited and control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of energy storage capacity by using a supercapacitor instead of traditional capacitors or inductors. The supercapacitor provides significantly higher energy storage capacity and power handling capability, enabling it to effectively balance larger voltage differences across more batteries. The control system simplifies operation by automatically selecting batteries for equalization based on voltage thresholds, making the system easier to control despite the advanced component used.
3Ease of operation
If battery equalization is performed without considering road terrain information, then the system is simple to operate, but optimal energy utilization efficiency cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by acquiring road terrain information in advance through an e-horizon system and using this information to predict future power demands and energy recovery opportunities. The BMS proactively adjusts equalization strategies before the vehicle encounters specific terrain conditions, such as preparing for downhill energy recovery or uphill power demands. This allows the system to optimize energy utilization in advance while maintaining simple operation through automated control based on predicted conditions.
4Reliability
If supercapacitor is used for power system energy management, then instantaneous high power demands are met and battery service life is prolonged, but battery equalization control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by enabling the BMS to switch between different equalization modes (charging equalization and discharging equalization) based on real-time road terrain predictions and supercapacitor state of charge. The system dynamically adjusts equalization strategies according to predicted power demands and energy recovery opportunities, optimizing the collaboration between supercapacitor and battery pack. This dynamic approach manages the increased complexity through adaptive control that responds to changing conditions while extending battery service life.
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 approach enhances energy distribution and utilization efficiency, protecting batteries and reducing energy loss by aligning battery management with predicted power demands and energy recovery opportunities.
Implementation Method 1
The active equalization refers to using ordinary capacitors, inductors and other energy storage devices to absorb energy of single batteries with high energy and to charge single batteries with low energy
Implementation Method 2
When the vehicle brakes, high power energy is first recovered by the supercapacitor with high charging efficiency to avoid damage to the battery by high current charging
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a power battery pack equalization method based on terrain prediction. The method includes: S1. during running of a vehicle, acquiring information of a road ahead of the vehicle; and S2. classifying the road information, setting a power prediction type based on a road information type, and switching a battery pack equalization mode correspondingly. For a low power and high energy recovery type, charging equalization is performed on a battery pack, and single batteries with low power capacity are charged through a supercapacitor; and for a road with high power and high energy consumption, discharging equalization is performed on the battery pack, and the supercapacitor is charged through single batteries with high power capacity. Thanks to the present disclosure, energy distribution and equalization of the entire vehicle can be more reasonable, the batteries are protected, and better economical efficiency is achieved.