Connection scheme for multiple battery cells
First Claim
1. A method for managing performance of a series-parallel battery system that comprises a plurality of batteries arranged in m columns such that each column comprises n batteries connected in series between the negative and positive terminals of the battery system, wherein m and n are integers greater than 1, the method for managing performance of a series-parallel battery system comprising the steps of:
- forming a plurality of buffer resistors;
connecting a first terminal of each buffer resistor to a connection node of two batteries of the plurality of batteries on a common column of the batteries, such that n−
1 buffer resistors of the plurality of buffer resistors are associated with one column of batteries of the m columns of batteries and m buffer resistors of the plurality of buffer resistors are associated with two rows of the batteries having the common connection;
connecting a second terminal of each of the m buffer resistors associated with the two rows of batteries having the common connection to form one measurement node of a plurality of measurement nodes;
monitoring a voltage level of present at each of the plurality of measurement nodes and the negative and positive terminals of the series-parallel battery system; and
providing a shunt path to drain the batteries of one row of excess charge and to transfer the excess charge to at least one selected row of the batteries, which are deficient in charge for balancing the charge of the plurality batteries.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A series-parallel battery system with a buffer resistor coupled to each junction of batteries or battery cells. Buffer resistors on the same row are coupled to a measurement node. Terminals of the battery system and the measurement nodes are treated as measurement points that are coupled to a conventional battery management unit. The buffer resistors provide a means for limiting in-rush current and a means for maintaining voltage balance across the row of batteries in the parallel columns of batteries. A control unit in series with each series of batteries monitors current in the series and comprises a switch to deactivate the column when the current exceeds a set of predetermined current levels.
-
Citations
6 Claims
-
1. A method for managing performance of a series-parallel battery system that comprises a plurality of batteries arranged in m columns such that each column comprises n batteries connected in series between the negative and positive terminals of the battery system, wherein m and n are integers greater than 1, the method for managing performance of a series-parallel battery system comprising the steps of:
-
forming a plurality of buffer resistors; connecting a first terminal of each buffer resistor to a connection node of two batteries of the plurality of batteries on a common column of the batteries, such that n−
1 buffer resistors of the plurality of buffer resistors are associated with one column of batteries of the m columns of batteries and m buffer resistors of the plurality of buffer resistors are associated with two rows of the batteries having the common connection;connecting a second terminal of each of the m buffer resistors associated with the two rows of batteries having the common connection to form one measurement node of a plurality of measurement nodes; monitoring a voltage level of present at each of the plurality of measurement nodes and the negative and positive terminals of the series-parallel battery system; and providing a shunt path to drain the batteries of one row of excess charge and to transfer the excess charge to at least one selected row of the batteries, which are deficient in charge for balancing the charge of the plurality batteries. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
Specification