Voltage Detection Apparatus Using Periodic Capacitor Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single flying-capacitor type voltage detection apparatuses cannot simultaneously acquire voltages of different detection targets, making it impossible to detect leak faults using existing methods, unlike double flying-capacitor type apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A voltage detection apparatus that charges and acquires the voltage of a capacitor twice at different timings to determine if a leak fault has occurred, using a single capacitor by controlling input and output switches to isolate the capacitor during the second acquisition period, thereby suppressing non-leak discharges and allowing accurate fault determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single capacitor is used for voltage detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously acquire voltages of different detection targets is lost, making leak fault detection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing voltage acquisition at multiple distinct time points (first time point, second time point, third time point) rather than simultaneously. The capacitor is charged and discharged in periodic cycles, with voltage measurements taken at specific phases of each cycle. This temporal sequencing allows a single capacitor to provide the functionality previously requiring multiple capacitors, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitor with electric power from a specific detection target before voltage acquisition. The capacitor charging unit charges the capacitor in advance with power from the target whose voltage is to be measured, ensuring the capacitor is ready for measurement at the predetermined time point. This preliminary preparation enables accurate voltage detection and leak fault identification using only one capacitor.
2Speed
If voltage is acquired immediately after capacitor charging, then measurement speed is improved, but non-leak discharges occur during acquisition causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing a deliberate time delay between capacitor charging completion and voltage acquisition. Instead of immediate measurement, the system waits for a predetermined period (first period, second period, or third period) after charging before acquiring the voltage. This periodic timing separates the charging phase from the measurement phase, allowing non-leak discharges to complete before measurement, thus ensuring accuracy without significantly compromising overall system responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly executing the voltage acquisition process at the optimal moment in the periodic cycle. Once the predetermined period has elapsed and non-leak discharges are complete, the system quickly acquires the voltage measurement and transitions to the next cycle. This rushing through the critical measurement phase minimizes the impact of the time delay on overall acquisition speed while ensuring measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate leak fault determination in a single capacitor-based system, simplifies control by eliminating the need for additional voltage acquisitions, and improves estimation of State of Charge (SOC) and leak degree, allowing for timely capacitor replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor (CA), input-side switches (SWn), a voltage detection unit (25), output-side switches (SWA and SWB), and a capacitor charging unit (26)
Implementation Method 2
determine, based on the acquired voltages of the detection targets, whether a leak fault has occurred in either of the two capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage detection apparatus for an assembled battery includes: a capacitor; input-side switches provided between the capacitor and detection targets each including at least one battery cell; a voltage detection unit configured to detect the voltage of the capacitor; output-side switches provided between the capacitor and the voltage detection unit; a capacitor charging unit configured to charge the capacitor using a specific detection target; a first-voltage acquiring unit configured to acquire a first voltage which is the voltage of the capacitor after the passage of a first period from the charging of the capacitor; a second-voltage acquiring unit configured to acquire a second voltage which is the voltage of the capacitor after the passage of a second period from the acquisition of the first voltage; and a fault determining unit configured to determine, based on the acquired first and second voltages, whether a leak fault has occurred in the capacitor.