Traction Battery Control Device for Mobile Working Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the discharge operation of traction batteries in mobile working machines, such as industrial trucks, are prone to errors due to manual input of battery types, leading to potential deep discharge or premature shutdown, which can result in unsafe conditions and suboptimal battery usage.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a battery control device that acquires operating data, adjusts output voltage and power, and communicates with the vehicle control system to ensure accurate state of charge monitoring and prevent deep discharge, while allowing for alternative operating modes to accommodate different battery technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual input of battery type is used in the vehicle control system, then the system can operate with different battery types, but errors occur in battery type identification leading to deep discharge or premature shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different battery typesVSAvoidaccuracy of battery type identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The battery control device automatically identifies the battery type and communicates it to the vehicle control system, eliminating the need for manual input by the operator. The system serves itself by autonomously determining battery characteristics and configuring operation parameters accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The battery control device continuously monitors battery parameters and communicates battery type information to the vehicle control system via a communication interface. This feedback loop ensures the vehicle control system has accurate real-time information about the connected battery type to adjust discharge limits appropriately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the vehicle control system limits discharge operation below threshold voltage to prevent deep discharge, then battery safety is improved, but the battery capacity cannot be fully utilized leading to premature shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of deep dischargeVSAvoidutilization of battery capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the discharge threshold voltage parameter based on the identified battery type. For lithium-ion batteries, a higher threshold voltage is used compared to lead-acid batteries, allowing full capacity utilization while preventing deep discharge specific to each battery chemistry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge control parameters are not fixed but dynamically adapted based on the battery type identification. The vehicle control system modifies operating parameters in real-time according to the specific battery characteristics communicated by the battery control device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2689954B1Method for controlling the discharge of a traction battery
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 STILL GMBH
  • EP2689954B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2689954B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The method involves detecting an operational data of a traction battery. A communication unit is adapted to transmit the parameter of the battery to the mobile working machine. A battery control device is adapted to adjust the output voltage and output power of the battery at the power terminals with start-up on a threshold level below the rated voltage and power rating. The output voltage and output power are switched (S5) to full value of the rated voltage and power rating, in a case of receiving (S4) a communication request over communication unit or in case of detecting fault. An independent claim is included for traction battery for a mobile working machine.