Wireless Battery Controller Powered by a Bottommost Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery controllers require a power supply circuit to convert module voltage to the rated voltage for activation, which is not feasible in battery packs with high module voltages, hindering wireless communication and control.
Innovation Solution
A battery controller that uses the cell voltage of the bottommost battery cell as power to operate and transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for a power supply circuit by incorporating a voltage measuring unit, control module, protection circuit, and balancing circuit to regulate and balance cell voltages within the battery module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power supply circuit is added to convert module voltage to rated voltage for controller activation, then the controller can be activated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from a separate circuit component and integrates it into the battery controller itself. The controller directly uses the voltage from a specific battery cell (fifth cell) to power its operations, eliminating the need for an external power supply circuit to convert module voltage. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by removing the complex power conversion hardware while maintaining reliable controller activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cell serves multiple functions: it is both part of the energy storage system and simultaneously serves as the power source for the controller. By designing the system so that the controller draws power from one of the battery cells, the cell becomes a multi-functional component that contributes to both the battery's energy capacity and the controller's power supply needs, thereby eliminating the separate power conversion circuit.
2Reliability
If a power supply circuit is added to convert module voltage, then the controller can operate, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing the power supply circuit from the system design, the patent eliminates the associated manufacturing costs of DC-DC converters, voltage regulation components, and related hardware. The controller operates directly from battery cell voltage, significantly reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable controller operation through direct voltage supply.
3Power
If the module voltage is used directly to wake up the controller, then the power supply is sufficient, but the voltage exceeds the upper limit required for controller activation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the overall module voltage which is too high, the patent applies local quality by selecting a specific battery cell (the fifth cell) whose voltage falls within the acceptable range for controller activation. This localized approach allows the controller to receive adequate power for operation while maintaining the voltage within the safe operating limits required for proper activation and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a battery controller, a wireless battery control system, a battery pack and a battery balancing method. The battery controller is for a battery module comprising a positive terminal, a negative terminal and a plurality of battery cells electrically connected in series between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. The battery controller comprises a voltage measuring unit to generate a voltage signal indicating a cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells, and a control module. The control module wirelessly transmits sensing data indicating the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells while the control module is operating using a first cell voltage of a bottommost cell of the plurality of battery cells as power for operating the control module.