Wireless Cell Balancing via Electromagnetic Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-capacity battery systems face challenges with cell balancing due to the complexity of wired methods, which increase manufacturing costs and inefficiencies as the number of cells grows, leading to imbalances in state of charge (SOC) that affect overall battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A battery apparatus with a cell module containing multiple battery cells, each equipped with an antenna, and a waveguide (resonator) for wireless power transmission, managed by a Battery Management System (BMS) that selects transmitting and receiving cells based on SOC measurements to form an electromagnetic wave path for balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired cell balancing method is used with switches and wires to transfer power between cells, then cell balancing can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly when the number of cells increases to several tens or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (switches and wires) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. Each battery cell is equipped with an antenna that can wirelessly transmit or receive power through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and switches between cells. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining cell balancing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna integrated into each battery cell serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transmitter and receiver for wireless power transfer, enabling any cell to both send and receive power as needed for balancing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transmitting and receiving components, further reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If a wired cell balancing method is used with multiple switches and wires, then power can be transferred between cells, but the manufacturing cost increases due to large number of manual operations required during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical wired system with wireless electromagnetic power transfer, the patent eliminates numerous manual wiring and switch assembly operations during manufacturing. The antenna integration into battery cells simplifies the manufacturing process to primarily involve attaching antennas to individual cells, which can be done more automatically and with fewer manual operations.
3Reliability
If traditional wired cell balancing is used, then power transfer between two cells can be achieved, but the efficiency is limited due to the complex connection structure
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless electromagnetic power transfer system eliminates the resistance and contact losses associated with physical wire connections and switches. Electromagnetic induction provides a more direct energy transfer path between cells, improving power transfer efficiency and overall cell balancing productivity.
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 complexity, lowers manufacturing costs, improves efficiency by allowing power transfer from one cell to multiple cells, and enhances scalability, while maintaining optimal battery conditions by automatically managing energy storage and preventing overcharge/discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide (resonator) installed at one side of the cell module and having the antenna housed therein
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide (resonator) installed at one side of the cell module and having the antenna housed therein
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes: a cell module including a plurality of battery cells; an antenna connected to each of the battery cells; and a waveguide installed at one side of the cell module and having the antenna housed therein.