Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A battery cell monitoring and controlling system, comprising:
a battery unit configured with a first set of cells, a second set of cells and a third set of cells; and
plurality of control monitoring units (CMU) connected to said battery unit configured for automatic cell balancing and over charge controlling of said battery unit, and wherein said plurality of CMUs comprises:
a first CMU connected with said first set of cells and said second set of cells of said battery unit and configured for balancing the charge of said first set of cells and said second set of cells and controlling full charge of said second set of cells; and
a second CMU connected with said second set of cells and said third set of cells of said battery unit, where said second CMU in combination with said first CMU configured for controlling the full charge of said second set of cells, and wherein said second CMU configured for controlling the full charge of said third set of cells once said second set of cells attain the full charge,
whereby the cell balancing and over charge control is achieved.
2. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery unit comprises 16 stack or more battery cells which are controlled without digital communication between said plurality of CMUs.
3. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first CMU and said second CMU control the charge and discharge paths of the battery cells.
4. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first CMU and said second CMU comprises of a first set of channels and a second set of channels.
5. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first set of channels of said first CMU is connected with said first set of cells of said battery unit.
6. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second set of channels of said second CMU is connected with said third set of cells of said battery unit.
7. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second set of cells of said battery unit is commonly connected to both of said first CMU and said second CMU, and wherein said second set of channels of said first CMU and said first set of channels of said second CMU are connected with said second set of cells.
8. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said automatic cell balancing is achieved through voltage monitor of last cell of said second set of cells and said third set of cells connected to said first CMU and said second CMU.
9. A method for configuring a battery cell monitoring and controlling system, comprising:
selecting a battery unit comprising a first set of cells, a second set of cells and a third set of cells;
connecting a first CMU with said first set of cells and said second set of cells of said battery unit for balancing the charge of said first set of cells and said second set of cells and controlling full charge of said second set of cells; and
connecting a second CMU with said second set of cells and said third set of cells of said battery unit for controlling the full charge of said second set of cells by combining with said first CMU, and for controlling the full charge of said third set of cells once said second set of cells attain the full charge through said second CMU.
10. The method for configuring a battery cell monitoring and controlling system as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
connecting a first set of channels of said first CMU with said first set of cells of said battery unit;
connecting a second set of channels of said second CMU with said third set of cells of said battery unit;
connecting said second set of cells of said battery unit commonly to both of said first CMU and said second CMU; and
connecting a second set of channels of said first CMU and a first set of channels of said second CMU with said second set of cells of said battery unit. , Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of Invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of battery cell monitoring systems, and more particularly relates to a system and method with a customized hardware circuit for auto cell balancing and overcharge controlling using multiple control monitoring units (CMU).
Background of the invention:
[0002] In general, various applications necessitate use of stack of batteries. The batteries are typically arranged in series with one another to provide power supply of a particular rated voltage to drive an electrical load. Battery stacks can be used as an energy store in electric or hybrid electric cars. Each battery within the overall stack comprises a number of individual battery cells.

[0003] The lifetime of the batteries is strongly dependent on the way in which the batteries are charged and discharged. Use of the battery and over-discharge of one cell will impact the lifetime of that cell and of the total battery. To prolong the lifetime of the cells, the difference in voltage between the cells should be balanced and over charge should be controlled.

[0004] Conventionally, cell balancing of the batteries is carried out using control monitoring units (CMU). Most popular CMUs facilitate cell balancing of 8S or 16 stack cell pack. The cell balancing for battery cells beyond 16 stack, the CMUs must be intelligent and support inter CMU communication for effective cell balancing and to manage cut off charge and discharge. Such CMUs need to act on various common failures like short circuit, over temperature and over current consumption. Thus, such type of CMUs is expensive to use in product design.

[0005] Further, existing systems comprise plurality of monitoring units for monitoring battery stacks where each battery cell is monitored by multiple monitoring units. However, the multiple monitoring units are communicated through a communication interface which is a separate controller enabling a digital communication. Hence, communication between control monitoring units for auto cell balancing without using separate digital communication does not exist.

[0006] Hence, there is a need for a system and method that provides auto cell balancing overcharge controlling of battery cells beyond 16 stack without any digital communication between CMUs. There is a need for a battery cell monitoring system that efficiently controls the charge and discharge path. There is a need for a cost effective solution for battery cell monitoring.
Objectives of the invention:
[0007] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a battery cell monitoring and controlling system that requires no digital communication between CMUs for cell balancing and over charge controlling.

[0008] The other objective of the invention is to provide a battery cell monitoring and controlling system in which all the CMUs participate in controlling the charge and discharge path.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to provide a battery cell monitoring and controlling system with effective fail safe detection of over charge and overload.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to provide a battery cell monitoring and controlling system that needs no additional cost required for CMUs to achieve cell balancing.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a cost effective battery cell monitoring and controlling system design that supports cell balancing with more than 16 stack pack and with non-intelligent CMUs or separate processors.

Summary of the Invention:
[0012] The present disclosure proposes a battery cell monitoring and controlling system and method thereof. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0013] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a battery cell monitoring and controlling system and method thereof that provides cell balance without digital communication between control monitoring units.

[0014] According to an aspect, the invention provides a battery cell monitoring and controlling system. The system comprises a battery unit and plurality of control monitoring units (CMU). The battery unit is configured with a first set of cells, a second set of cells, and a third set of cells. The battery unit comprises 16 stack or more battery cells which are controlled without digital communication between the plurality of CMUs. The plurality of CMUs are connected to the battery unit and is configured for automatic cell balancing and overcharge controlling of the battery unit. The plurality of CMUs comprises plurality of CMUs.

[0015] Here, the plurality of CMUs comprises a first CMU and a second CMU. The first CMU is connected with the first set of cells and the second set of cells of the battery unit. The first CMU is configured for balancing the charge of the first set of cells and the second set of cells of the battery unit. The first CMU also controls the full charging of the second set of cells. The second CMU is connected with the second set of cells and the third set of cells of the battery unit. The second CMU is in combination with the first CMU configured for controlling the full charge of the second set of cells. The second CMU is configured for controlling the full charge of the third set of cells once the second set of cells attain the full charge. Further, the first CMU and the second CMU control the charge and discharge paths of the battery cells.

[0016] The first CMU and the second CMU are comprised of a first set of channels and a second set of channels. The first set of channels of the first CMU is connected with the first set of cells of the battery unit. The second set of channels of the second CMU is connected with the third set of cells of the battery unit. The second set of cells of the battery unit is commonly connected to both the first CMU and the second CMU. In specific, the second set of channels of the first CMU and the first set of channels of the second CMU are connected with the second set of cells of the battery unit. Further, the automatic cell balancing is achieved through voltage monitor of the last cell of the second set of cells and the third set of cells connected to the first CMU and the second CMU.

[0017] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for configuring the battery cell monitoring and controlling system. At first, the battery unit is selected with the first set of cells, the second set of cells, and the third set of cells. Next, a first CMU is connected with the first set of cells and the second set of cells of the battery unit. The first CMU is connected to the battery unit for balancing the charge of the first set of cells and the second set of cells and controlling the full charge of the second set of cells. Finally, the second CMU is connected with the second set of cells and the third set of cells of the battery unit for controlling the full charge of the second set of cells by combining with the first CMU. Further, for controlling the full charge of the third set of cells once the second set of cells attain the full charge through the second CMU.

[0018] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Description of Drawings:
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a battery cell monitoring and controlling system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram of the battery cell monitoring and controlling system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for configuring the battery cell monitoring and controlling system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed description of Drawings:
[0023] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0024] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery cell monitoring and controlling system and method that provides cell balancing and over charge controlling without any digital communication or any other additional processors between control monitoring units.

[0025] Batteries are employed as a source of power in a variety of sectors, including portable gadgets and electric and hybrid cars, because they can be charged and discharged again. Due to its high specific energy relative to other electrochemical energy storage systems, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are frequently employed among various batteries. When a lithium battery pack or any other battery pack is designed using multiple cells in series, it's critical to include electrical components that keep the cell voltages balanced. This is important not just for the battery pack's performance but also for its long life cycles.

[0026] To go along with regular cell balancing, every pack that is designed and manufactured incorporates an overvoltage protection circuit (sometimes even a backup) to avoid events like catching fire or even bursting due to a thermal runaway scenario. Cell balancing is the process of equalizing the voltages and state of charge among the cells when they are at a full charge. No two cells are identical. There are always slight differences in the state of charge, self-discharge rate, capacity, impedance, and temperature characteristics.

[0027] Cell balancing is not only important for improving the performance and life cycles of the battery, it adds an element of safety to the battery. One of the emerging technologies for enhancing battery safety and extending battery life is advanced cell balancing. Since new cell balancing technologies track the amount of balancing needed by individual cells, the usable life of battery packs is increased, and overall battery safety is enhanced.

[0028] The battery management system keeps a check on the key operational parameters during charging and discharging of battery such as voltages and currents and the battery internal and ambient temperature. The control monitoring units normally provide inputs to protection devices that would generate alarms or disconnect the battery from the load or charger should any of the parameters become out of limits.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a block diagram of a battery cell monitoring and controlling system 100. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system 100 comprises plurality of control monitoring units (CMU) 102 and a battery unit 104. The battery unit 104 is configured with a first set of cells 110, a second set of cells 112, and a third set of cells 114. The battery unit 104 comprises more than 16 stack battery cells which are controlled without any digital communication or any other additional processors between the plurality of CMUs 102.

[0030] The plurality of CMUs 102 are connected to the battery unit 104 and is configured for automatic cell balancing and overcharge controlling of the battery unit 104. The plurality of CMUs 102 comprises plurality of CMUs. Here, the plurality of CMUs 102 comprises a first CMU 106 and a second CMU 108. In specific, the first CMU 106 and the second CMU 108 comprises of first set of channels and second set of channels.

[0031] The first CMU 106 is connected with the first set of cells 110 and the second set of cells 112 of the battery unit 104. The first CMU 106 is configured for balancing the charge of the first set of cells 110 and the second set of cells 112 of the battery unit 104. The first CMU 106 controls the full charging of the second set of cells 112. In specific, the first set of channels of the first CMU 106 is connected with the first set of cells 110 of the battery unit 104.

[0032] The second CMU 108 is connected with the second set of cells 112 and the third set of cells 114 of the battery unit 104. The second CMU 108 is in combination with the first CMU 106 and is configured for controlling the full charge of the second set of cells 112. The second CMU 108 is configured for controlling the full charge of the third set of cells 114 once the second set of cells 112 attain the full charge. Further, the first CMU 106 and the second CMU 108 control the charge and discharge paths of the battery cells 104. The second set of channels of the second CMU 108 is connected with the third set of cells 114 of the battery unit 104.

[0033] The second set of cells 112 of the battery unit 104 is commonly connected to both the first CMU 106 and the second CMU 108. In specific, the second set of channels of the first CMU 106 and the first set of channels of the second CMU 108 are connected with the second set of cells 112 of the battery unit 104. Further, the automatic cell balancing is achieved through voltage monitor of the last cell of the second set of cells 112 and the third set of cells 114 that are connected to the first CMU 106 and the second CMU 108 respectively.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a circuit diagram of the battery cell monitoring and controlling system 200. The battery cell monitoring and controlling system 200 comprises 24S battery cells and can be extended for n or more number of cells, pluralities of electronic components and circuits such as MOSFETS, drivers, cell balancing circuit, digital isolation and lever shift and thereof for cell balancing and over charge controlling without any digital communication between control monitoring units. The CMUs do the cell balancing with the connected 8S battery cells or 16 stack battery cells or 24S battery cells or more than 16 stack cells of the battery unit.

[0035] The battery unit is configured with the first set of cells, the second set of cells, and the third set of cells. The first set of cells comprise of 8 cells namely C1 to C8, the second set of cells comprise of 8 cells namely C9 to C16 and the third set of cells comprise of 8 cells namely C17 to C24. The first CMU 202 is connected with cells C1 to C16 and is configured for balancing the charge of the cells C1 to C16 of the battery unit.

[0036] The second CMU 204 is connected with cells C9 to C16 and C17 to C24. The second CMU 204 is in combination with the first CMU 202 and is configured for controlling the full charge of the cells C9 to C16. The second CMU 204 is configured for controlling the full charge of the cells C17 to C24 once the cells C9 to C16 attain the full charge. The cells C9 to C16 of the battery unit are commonly connected to both the first CMU 202 and the second CMU 204.

[0037] In specific, the second set of channels of the first CMU 202 and the first set of channels of the second CMU 204 are connected with the cells C9 to C16 of the battery unit. This way, the first CMU 202 and the second CMU 204 achieves full charge and provides balance for C1 to C24 cells. Both CMUs control the charge and discharge paths of the battery unit.

[0038] Further, the battery cell monitoring and controlling system 200 consists of thermal sensors to detect the temperature of the first CMU 202. The plurality of electronic components such as MOSFETS, drivers and thereof, are connected to the first CMU 202 and second CMU 204. The positive terminal of C8 is grounded for the second CMU 204 and the positive terminal of C16 supplies power for the first CMU 202.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 refers to a method 300 for configuring the battery cell monitoring and controlling system. At step 302, the battery unit is selected with the first set of cells, the second set of cells, and the third set of cells. At step 304, the first CMU is connected with the first set of cells and the second set of cells of the battery unit.

[0040] The first CMU is connected to the battery unit for balancing the charge of the first set of cells and the second set of cells and controlling the full charge of the second set of cells. In specific, the first set of channels of the first CMU is connected with the first set of cells of the battery unit.

[0041] At step 306, the second CMU is connected with the second set of cells and the third set of cells of the battery unit for controlling the full charge of the second set of cells by combining with the first CMU. Further, for controlling the full charge of the third set of cells once the second set of cells attain the full charge through the second CMU.

[0042] In specific, the second set of channels of the second CMU is connected with the third set of cells of the battery unit. The second set of cells of the battery unit is commonly connected to both the first CMU and the second CMU. The second set of channels of the first CMU and the first set of channels of the second CMU are connected with the second set of cells of the battery unit.

[0043] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, the battery cell monitoring and controlling system and method provides cell balancing without any digital communication or any other additional processors between the control monitoring units disclosed here.

[0044] The proposed battery cell monitoring and the controlling system require no digital communication between CMUs to balance cells and to detect over charge. In the proposed battery cell monitoring and controlling system, all the CMUs participate in controlling the charge and discharge paths. The proposed battery cell monitoring and controlling system provides effective fail-safe detection of overcharge and overload.

[0045] In the proposed battery cell monitoring and controlling system, no additional cost is required for CMUs as the cell balance is achieved without any digital communication or any other additional processors between the CMUs. The proposed customized hardware design is cost-effective as it supports cell balancing with more than 16 stack packs and with non-intelligent CMUs or separate processors.

[0046] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.