DESC:BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421002000 filed on 11/01/2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Generally, the present disclosure relates to electric vehicles. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a battery management system for electric vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The increasing demand for more economical and efficient vehicles, along with consumer preferences for higher-performance batteries, compels automobile manufacturers to innovate in order to satisfy these needs. As a result, the automotive industry has consistently worked to improve battery packs with modular battery management systems, aiming for better safety and simplified maintenance and servicing.
Conventionally, a Battery Management System (BMS) usually comprises of integrated components that function as a single, cohesive unit to manage various aspects of a battery pack. The primary components of a BMS include a battery monitoring unit (BMU), a controller, a balancing circuit, and a protection circuit. The Battery Monitoring Unit (BMU) oversees voltage, current, and temperature monitoring of individual cells. Further, the controller makes decisions based on data from the BMU and the balancing circuit ensures uniform charge across all battery cells. Subsequently, the protection circuit safeguards the powerpack and/or system associated from the conditions such as overcharging, over-discharging, over current, over voltage, overheating and so forth. The components are integrated as a single unit, and the entire BMS is designed to function as a single, monolithic unit with a simplified design making the initial system setup faster and less complex.
However, the battery management system is also required to perform critical safety functions such as cell balancing and pack balancing. In the conventional battery management systems, such critical safety functions may be processed slowly leading to critical safety risks.
Therefore, there exists a need of an improved battery management system that overcomes one or more problems as mentioned above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery management system.
In accordance with an aspect of present disclosure there is provided a battery management system of a battery pack for an electric vehicle, wherein the battery management system comprises a communication module configured to establish communication with a plurality of electronic control units of the electric vehicle, a cell balancing module configured to perform cell balancing within the battery pack, a pack balancing module configured to ensure pack balancing across multiple battery packs, and a safety module configured to disable power supply during service or maintenance of the electric vehicle.
The battery management system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of actively communicating with other electronic control units of the electric vehicle. The battery management system ensures seamless operation and safety by integrating essential functionalities such as communication, cell balancing, pack balancing, and power supply control. This comprehensive approach enhances the reliability and performance of the electric vehicle's battery system.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a battery management system, in accordance with an aspect of present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a battery management system and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “electric vehicle”, “EV”, and “EVs” are used interchangeably and refer to any vehicle having stored electrical energy, including the vehicle capable of being charged from an external electrical power source. This may include vehicles having batteries which are exclusively charged from an external power source, as well as hybrid-vehicles which may include batteries capable of being at least partially recharged via an external power source. Additionally, it is to be understood that the ‘electric vehicle’ as used herein includes electric two-wheeler, electric three-wheeler, electric four-wheeler, electric pickup trucks, electric trucks and so forth.
As used herein, the term “communicably coupled” refers to a bi-directional connection between the various components of the system. The bi-directional connection between the various components of the system enables exchange of data between two or more components of the system.
As used herein, the terms “battery management system” and “BMS” are used interchangeably and refer to an electronic system that manages and monitors the performance, health, and safety of the vehicle battery pack. Further, the BMS ensures optimal battery operation by managing various functions such as (but not limited to) charging, discharging, temperature control, and state of charge assessment. Furthermore, the BMS protects the battery from potential hazards such as overcharging, deep discharging, and thermal runaway, thereby enhancing battery life and performance.
As used herein, the terms “battery pack” and “powerpack” are used interchangeably and refer to an assembled unit of a plurality of cell arrays that are connected electrically to form a larger energy storage capable of delivering the required amount of energy for high-power applications. The battery modules may be arranged in series or parallel configurations depending on the desired voltage and capacity requirements. The battery modules of the powerpack connected in series increase the overall voltage of the energy storage system. The electrical connections in the powerpack are formed by connecting the terminals of the battery cells with bus bars. Furthermore, in addition to the individual cells, a powerpack also includes circuitry for balancing the charge levels of the cells, managing the charging and discharging processes, and providing safety features such as overcharge and over-discharge protection. The powerpack, along with the associated electronics and packaging, forms the core component of an energy storage system, enabling the efficient and reliable storage and delivery of electrical energy.
As used herein, the term “processing unit” refers to a central component of an embedded system or electronic device responsible for managing and executing tasks based on input data, making decisions, and controlling other system components. The processing unit comprises a microcontroller (MCU) or microprocessor (CPU), memory modules (RAM and ROM), and input/output interfaces. The microcontroller or processor executes software instructions to process data from sensors (such as, but not limited to, temperature, current, or voltage), perform calculations, and make control decisions. The memory stores the program code and runtime data, and the input/output interfaces allow communication with other devices or modules. The processing unit performs by receiving sensor inputs, processing them according to predefined algorithms or logic, and then sending control signals to actuators or other parts of the system, enabling the required functions.
As used herein, the term “communication module” refers to a subsystem within the battery management system (BMS) responsible for establishing and maintaining data exchange with various electronic control units (ECUs) in the electric vehicle. This module facilitates the sharing of real-time information regarding battery performance, health, safety, and operational parameters, enabling coordinated vehicle operation.
As used herein, the term “cell balancing module” refers to a subsystem designed to equalize the voltage levels of individual cells within the battery pack. This module employs either active (redistribution of energy between cells) or passive (dissipating excess energy as heat) balancing techniques to ensure uniform performance and prevent degradation of individual cells.
As used herein, the term “pack balancing module” refers to a subsystem responsible for maintaining uniform state-of-charge levels across multiple battery packs in the electric vehicle. It ensures that all packs discharge and charge evenly, optimizing energy utilization and extending the overall lifespan of the battery system.
As used herein, the term “safety module” refers to a subsystem designed to enhance operational safety by disabling the power supply from the battery pack during service or maintenance activities. This module interrupts high-voltage connections to prevent electric shocks and damage to sensitive components.
As used herein, the term “charging control module” refers to a subsystem that regulates the charging process of the battery pack based on the type of external charger connected to the vehicle. It identifies the charger type (e.g., AC or DC fast charger) and dynamically adjusts the charging parameters to ensure compatibility, optimize efficiency, and protect the battery from overcharging or overheating.
As used herein, the term “monitoring module” refers to a subsystem within the BMS tasked with continuously tracking the battery pack's critical parameters, including temperature, voltage, and current. This module enables real-time diagnostics and decision-making to ensure the battery operates within safe and optimal limits.
As used herein, the term “configuration module” refers to a subsystem responsible for providing configuration information to the analog front end (AFE). This includes setting parameters for measuring voltage, current, and temperature at the cell level, ensuring accurate data acquisition and enabling effective control by the BMS.
As used herein, the terms “switching devices”, and “switches” are used interchangeably and refer to the components that controls the flow of electricity to and from the battery pack, ensuring safe and efficient transmission from the battery pack. The switching devices comprise MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors), relays, and contactors. The MOSFETs are used for high-speed switching and controlling charge and discharge currents. The relays and contactors isolate the battery during fault conditions or during switching between charge and discharge modes. The switching devices functions by receiving control signals from the BMS, which monitors battery health, temperature, and voltage. When a specific condition (such as overvoltage, undervoltage, or thermal overload) is detected, the switching devices open or close the circuit, either allowing or cutting off power to the battery or external load, thus protecting the battery from damage and ensuring optimal performance.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a battery management system 100 of a battery pack for an electric vehicle, wherein the battery management system 100 comprises a communication module 102 configured to establish communication with a plurality of electronic control units 104 of the electric vehicle, a cell balancing module 106 configured to perform cell balancing within the battery pack, a pack balancing module 108 configured to ensure pack balancing across multiple battery packs, and a safety module 110 configured to disable power supply during service or maintenance of the electric vehicle.
The battery management system 100 ensures seamless operation and safety by integrating essential functionalities such as communication, cell balancing, pack balancing, and power supply control. This comprehensive approach enhances the reliability and performance of the electric vehicle's battery system.
In an embodiment, the communication module 102 is configured to exchange data related to battery health, operational status, and safety parameters with the electronic control units 104. Beneficially, effective communication with electronic control units 104 allows the battery management system 100 to share real-time battery health and operational data, enabling the vehicle's systems to optimize performance, ensure safety, and maintain operational efficiency.
In an embodiment, the battery management system 100 comprises a charging control module 112 configured to identify a type of external charger connected to the electric vehicle; and regulate the charging process of the battery pack based on the identified charger type. Beneficially, the adaptive charging control ensures compatibility with various charger types, maximizing charging efficiency while protecting the battery from damage caused by inappropriate charging profiles.
In an embodiment, the battery management system 100 comprises a monitoring module 114 configured to continuously monitor temperature, voltage, and current of the battery pack, and wherein the operation of the battery management system 100 is controlled based on the monitored temperature, voltage, and current values. Beneficially, the continuous monitoring and adaptive control based on critical parameters improve battery safety and longevity by preventing thermal runaway, overcharging, and over-discharge conditions.
In an embodiment, the safety module 110 is configured to disable power supply by interrupting a high-voltage connection between the battery pack and the electric vehicle's powertrain during service or maintenance. Beneficially, the disabling of the power supply during service or maintenance enhances safety for technicians, minimizing the risk of electric shocks or damage to sensitive electronic components.
In an embodiment, the battery management system 100 comprises a configuration module 116 configured to provide configuration information to an analog front end, and wherein the analog front end is configured to measure voltage, current, and temperature of individual cells within the battery pack. Beneficially, providing configuration information to the analog front end ensures precise measurements of voltage, current, and temperature at the cell level, enabling the battery management system to make accurate and effective decisions for battery management.
In an embodiment, the cell balancing module 106 is configured to equalize the voltage levels of individual cells in the battery pack through active or passive balancing techniques. Beneficially, the cell balancing prevents overcharging or undercharging of individual cells, which improves battery pack efficiency, extends its life, and ensures consistent performance across all cells.
In an embodiment, the pack balancing module 108 is configured to redistribute energy between multiple battery packs to maintain uniform state-of-charge levels. Beneficially, the pack balancing ensures uniform state-of-charge levels across multiple battery packs, which optimizes energy utilization and enhances the overall range and efficiency of the electric vehicle.
In an embodiment, the monitoring module 114 triggers preemptive control actions, including altering charging or discharging rates, to prevent thermal runaway or over-voltage conditions. Beneficially, triggering the pre-emptive actions based on monitored parameters ensures proactive mitigation of risks such as overheating or over-voltage, enhancing both safety and battery longevity.
In an embodiment, the charging control module 112 supports both AC and DC fast charging, and dynamically adjusts charging profiles to optimize battery lifespan and efficiency. Beneficially, the support for multiple charging standards and dynamic adjustment of charging profiles provides flexibility for users, reduces charging time, and helps maintain optimal battery health over its lifecycle.
In an embodiment, the battery management system 100 comprises the communication module 102 configured to establish communication with the plurality of electronic control units 104 of the electric vehicle, the cell balancing module 106 configured to perform cell balancing within the battery pack, the pack balancing module 108 configured to ensure pack balancing across multiple battery packs, and the safety module 110 configured to disable power supply during service or maintenance of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the communication module 102 is configured to exchange data related to battery health, operational status, and safety parameters with the electronic control units 104. Furthermore, the battery management system 100 comprises the charging control module 112 configured to identify the type of external charger connected to the electric vehicle; and regulate the charging process of the battery pack based on the identified charger type. Furthermore, the battery management system 100 comprises the monitoring module 114 configured to continuously monitor temperature, voltage, and current of the battery pack, and wherein the operation of the battery management system 100 is controlled based on the monitored temperature, voltage, and current values. Furthermore, the safety module 110 is configured to disable power supply by interrupting a high-voltage connection between the battery pack and the electric vehicle's powertrain during service or maintenance. Furthermore, the battery management system 100 comprises the configuration module 116 configured to provide configuration information to the analog front end, and wherein the analog front end is configured to measure voltage, current, and temperature of individual cells within the battery pack. Furthermore, the cell balancing module 106 is configured to equalize the voltage levels of individual cells in the battery pack through active or passive balancing techniques. Furthermore, the pack balancing module 108 is configured to redistribute energy between multiple battery packs to maintain uniform state-of-charge levels. Furthermore, the monitoring module 114 triggers preemptive control actions, including altering charging or discharging rates, to prevent thermal runaway or over-voltage conditions. Furthermore, the charging control module 112 supports both AC and DC fast charging, and dynamically adjusts charging profiles to optimize battery lifespan and efficiency.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A battery management system (100) of a battery pack for an electric vehicle, wherein the battery management system (100) comprises:
- a communication module (102) configured to establish communication with a plurality of electronic control units (104) of the electric vehicle;
- a cell balancing module (106) configured to perform cell balancing within the battery pack;
- a pack balancing module (108) configured to ensure pack balancing across multiple battery packs; and
- a safety module (110) configured to disable power supply during service or maintenance of the electric vehicle.
2. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication module (102) is configured to exchange data related to battery health, operational status, and safety parameters with the electronic control units (104).
3. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery management system (100) comprises a charging control module (112) configured to:
- identify a type of external charger connected to the electric vehicle; and
- regulate the charging process of the battery pack based on the identified charger type.
4. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery management system (100) comprises a monitoring module (114) configured to continuously monitor temperature, voltage, and current of the battery pack, and wherein the operation of the battery management system (100) is controlled based on the monitored temperature, voltage, and current values.
5. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety module (110) is configured to disable power supply by interrupting a high-voltage connection between the battery pack and the electric vehicle's powertrain during service or maintenance.
6. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery management system (100) comprises a configuration module (116) configured to provide configuration information to an analog front end, and wherein the analog front end is configured to measure voltage, current, and temperature of individual cells within the battery pack.
7. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cell balancing module (106) is configured to equalize the voltage levels of individual cells in the battery pack through active or passive balancing techniques.
8. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pack balancing module (108) is configured to redistribute energy between multiple battery packs to maintain uniform state-of-charge levels.
9. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the monitoring module (114) triggers preemptive control actions, including altering charging or discharging rates, to prevent thermal runaway or over-voltage conditions.
10. The battery management system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the charging control module (112) supports both AC and DC fast charging, and dynamically adjusts charging profiles to optimize battery lifespan and efficiency.