Voltage Detection Apparatus Using Current Source Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage detection apparatuses for high-voltage batteries in hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting voltage variations between secondary batteries, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to detection errors and the need for high-accuracy A/D converters and reference voltages.
Innovation Solution
A voltage detection apparatus that includes current sources, current detection elements, and voltage measuring units in adjacent blocks, with an abnormality detector determining voltage detector abnormalities by comparing voltages between blocks, allowing for low-cost detection and correction of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-accuracy A/D converters and reference voltages are used to eliminate detection errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current source as an intermediary element that flows through series-connected current detection elements at block boundaries. This mediator enables voltage comparison between adjacent blocks without requiring direct high-precision voltage measurement, thereby reducing detection errors while avoiding the need for expensive high-accuracy A/D converters and reference voltages in each block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical current detection elements (resistors) at corresponding positions in adjacent blocks to create a standardized measurement setup. By copying the same detection element design and connecting them in series with a common current source, the system achieves consistent detection characteristics across blocks without requiring unique high-precision components in each block.
2Measurement precision
If voltage correction methods are applied to eliminate detection errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional high-accuracy power sources
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex correction circuits and high-accuracy power sources as in conventional methods, the patent uses a simple current source as a mediator that naturally enables accurate voltage comparison between blocks through series-connected detection elements, achieving precision without additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The current detection elements and current source work together in a self-service manner where the current flowing through the series-connected elements automatically provides the reference for comparison. The system uses its own operational current to perform the detection function without requiring external high-accuracy power sources or complex correction mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If blocks are divided to reduce withstand voltage requirements, then ease of manufacture is improved, but detection error between modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current source as an intermediary that connects adjacent blocks through series-connected current detection elements. This mediator enables accurate voltage comparison at block boundaries despite the division into multiple modules, eliminating detection errors while maintaining the manufacturability benefits of modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection functions of adjacent blocks by connecting current detection elements from different blocks in series and applying a common current source. This merging approach allows voltage comparison across block boundaries, maintaining detection accuracy despite modular division for ease of manufacture.
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
Ensures accurate detection of voltage abnormalities between blocks, reducing detection errors and costs by using resistive current detection elements and voltage regulation, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of battery equalization.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage measuring unit which detects a first voltage between both ends of the first current detection element; and a second voltage measuring unit which detects a second voltage between both ends of the second current detection element
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage detection apparatus includes: a battery including unit cells mutually connected in series; a first block including at least one of the unit cells; a second block including at least one of the unit cells, and provided adjacent to the first block; a first voltage detector connected to the first block, which detects a voltage between both ends of the unit cell in the first block, and which includes: a current source; a current detection element connected to the current source; and a voltage measuring unit which detects a voltage between both ends of the current detection element; and a second voltage detector connected to the second block, which has a similar construction with the first voltage detector. An abnormality detector of the voltage detection apparatus detects an abnormality of the voltage detectors in accordance with the voltages between both ends of the current detection elements.