Voltage Divider Battery Identification for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle systems face challenges in identifying and managing multiple energy storage devices with different voltages and states of charge, leading to potential damage during energy transfer and charging, and require complex and energy-consuming solutions like active power management or large diodes with active cooling.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a voltage divider and an evaluation unit that measures voltage against a reference potential, using a switch and bus control devices to uniquely identify and manage individual storage devices with minimal hardware and energy consumption, allowing for efficient power management and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active power management is used to control connection of batteries, then energy withdrawal can be managed safely according to predetermined memory, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage divider network is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery terminals and the evaluation unit. This passive voltage division mechanism enables safe voltage sampling and battery identification without requiring complex active power management circuitry, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable energy transfer control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic power management systems with a simpler electrostatic voltage division principle. By using passive resistive voltage dividers to scale down battery voltages for evaluation, the system achieves reliable battery management with minimal energy consumption and reduced device complexity
2Reliability
If passive network with diodes is used to prevent charge reversal, then unwanted charge reversal is prevented, but large losses occur and large diodes with active cooling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using voltage division ratios and threshold comparisons instead of relying on diode forward voltage drops. This allows for precise control of charge reversal prevention with minimal energy loss, eliminating the need for large cooling systems while maintaining reliable protection
3Device complexity
If voltage measurement is used to identify battery position, then precise identification is achieved with little hardware outlay, but the system must handle multiple storage devices with different voltages and states of charge
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it scales down voltages for safe evaluation, enables battery position identification through voltage threshold comparison, and works universally with batteries of different voltages and states of charge. This multi-functional approach achieves precise identification while maintaining adaptability across various battery configurations
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 cost-effective, robust, and efficient identification and management of energy storage devices, reducing the risk of damage during energy transfer and charging, while minimizing energy consumption and system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage divider is arranged inside the battery charger, the output of which is used to monitor the battery voltage
Implementation Method 2
an evaluation unit, which is set up to measure an electrical voltage present at the additional contact against a predefined reference potential (e.g. ground) and to compare the measured voltage with a predefined reference value or predefined reference values
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a storage means for electrical energy, and a holding apparatus for at least two storage means for electrical energy, in which storage means in each case one voltage divider is arranged, it being possible for contact to be made with said voltage divider by means of in each case one external, electrical additional contact. Since the division ratio of the voltage divider which is arranged within the holding apparatus is characteristic of a specific holder, a voltage measurement at the tapping point between the resistors of the storage means can be used to determine which holder of the holding apparatus said storage means is arranged in. Since no voltage divider is connected to the storage means in the event of a charging process without the holding apparatus, it is not only possible to identify a respective holder but also to determine that the storage means is not in a holding apparatus for charging purposes. Since the storage means or its battery management system itself can supply current to its inherent voltage divider, identification can also be performed independently of whether a charging device is directly connected to the holding apparatus or to the storage means. In addition, a wake-up function is provided by means of the electrical additional contact of the storage means.