Wireless Cell Balancing Using Inductive Coil Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wired cell balancing methods for large-capacity battery packs become complex and costly as the number of cells increases, requiring advanced technology to efficiently manage state of charge imbalances between cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery apparatus with a coil unit connected to each cell module for wireless power transmission through magnetic induction, utilizing a Battery Management System (BMS) to select transmitting and receiving cells based on state of charge and form a current path for efficient SOC balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired cell balancing method is used with a large number of cells, then cell balancing can be achieved, but the connection between wires and switches becomes very complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical connection system with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. Instead of using physical wires and switches to connect cells for balancing, the invention uses coil units that generate magnetic fields to transmit power wirelessly from high SOC cells to low SOC cells, thereby eliminating the complex wire-s switch connections while maintaining cell balancing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coil units as intermediary components between cells. These coil units act as mediators that enable power transmission through magnetic induction without direct physical connections. The coil units convert electrical energy to magnetic energy and back, facilitating wireless power transfer for cell balancing
2Reliability
If a wired cell balancing method is used with a large number of cells, then cell balancing can be achieved, but a large number of manual operations are required during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical connection system with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. Instead of using physical wires and switches to connect cells for balancing, the invention uses coil units that generate magnetic fields to transmit power wirelessly from high SOC cells to low SOC cells, thereby eliminating the complex wire-s switch connections while maintaining cell balancing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coil units serve multiple functions: they enable wireless power transmission for cell balancing, can be uniformly installed on one side of the cell module, and provide a standardized interface that simplifies manufacturing. The same coil unit design can be used across different cell configurations, reducing manufacturing variability
3Power
If wired cell balancing is used, then power can be transmitted between cells, but the system becomes less scalable as cell number increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into independent cell modules, each with its own coil unit. This segmentation allows each module to operate semi-independently and can be easily scaled by adding or removing modules. The modular approach enables flexible configuration for different battery sizes without requiring complete redesign of the power transmission system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional wired connection plan to a three-dimensional wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission. By utilizing the magnetic field dimension, the system can transmit power through space without physical connections, enabling easier scaling and more flexible system design as cell numbers increase
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
The wireless cell balancing method reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, enhances power transmission efficiency, and improves scalability by allowing simultaneous power transfer from high SOC cells to multiple low SOC cells, thereby optimizing battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
a coil unit installed on one side of the cell module and having coils stacked therein, the coils being connected to the respective battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes: a cell module including a plurality of battery cells; and a coil unit installed on one side of the cell module and having coils stacked therein, the coils being connected to the respective battery cells.