Description:Technical Field
[001] This disclosure relates generally to battery matrix configurations, and more particularly to system and method for managing battery matrix configurations.
Background
[002] Demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is increasing worldwide. However, EVs today are not yet considered a viable alternative to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. Longer range and faster charging are two major obstacles that may slow down large scale adoption of EVs in automobile market. Most EVs today use a 400 V battery architecture. However, an 800 V battery architecture is being proposed to reduce charging time of an EV battery and enhance the range of an EV. Presently, 800 V charging stations (or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSEs)) are less common. Also, EVs with the conventional 800 V architecture cannot be charged with 400V EVSEs directly. Thus, it is important to make an EV with 800 V battery architecture compatible to charge with 400V EVSEs.
[003] A simple way to achieve the compatibility is to add a Step up DC-DC converter between an EVSE and an EV battery. But this will increase cost and weight of the EV and will also require additional space in the EV. Another alternative solution in the present state of art is use of battery matrix charging technique in the 800 V architecture EV. With the battery matrix charging technique, a high voltage battery can be reconfigured in 800 V electric vehicle to enable charging with a 400 V EVSE. In vehicle discharge (i.e., drive) mode, all modules in the battery will be in series configuration to form 800 V configuration of the battery. In vehicle charge mode with 400V EVSE, the modules will be divided in two sections and these two sections will be connected in parallel to form a 400 V configuration of battery.
[004] However, there are multiple issues when the battery is connected in a matrix configuration. Firstly, if switches for 400 V configuration and 800 V configuration are activated simultaneously, then the battery modules will get short circuited which may lead to a fire hazard. Secondly, if the two 400 V battery modules have a voltage difference, there will be a high inrush current flowing through battery contactors. This will weld the battery contactors and may damage the battery.
[005] There is, therefore, a need in the present state of art for techniques to rectify the above mentioned issues associated with the battery matrix charging technique to enable compatibility of higher voltage architecture EVs with lower voltage EVSEs.
SUMMARY
[006] In one embodiment, a system for managing battery matrix configurations is disclosed. In one example, the system includes a first battery module. The system further includes a second battery module connected with the first battery module in one of a first voltage configuration or a second voltage configuration. The system further includes a plurality of switches. The plurality of switches includes a first set of switches and a second set of switches. In the first voltage configuration, each of the first set of switches is activated and each of the second set of switches is deactivated. In the second voltage configuration, each of the first set of switches is deactivated and each of the second set of switches is activated. The plurality of switches further includes a set of relay switches comprising a first relay switch, a second relay switch, and a supply control switch. The supply control switch is in a state selected from a first closed state, a second closed state, or an open state. In the first closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate at least one of the first relay switch and the second relay switch. Upon activation, each of the first relay switch and the second relay switch is configured to activate a corresponding switch from the first set of switches. In the second closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate a relay switch to activate a corresponding switch from the second set of switches. The system further includes a Battery Management System (BMS) connected to the first battery module, the second battery module, and the plurality of switches. The BMS is configured to receive one of a first level battery charge signal, a second level battery charge signal, or a battery discharge signal. Voltage of the first level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the first voltage configuration. Voltage of the second level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the second voltage configuration. The BMS is further configured to manage the state of the supply control switch based on the received one of the first level battery charge signal, the second level battery charge signal, or the battery discharge signal.
[007] In one embodiment, a method for managing battery matrix configurations is disclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving, by a Battery Management System (BMS), one of a first level battery charge signal, a second level battery charge signal, or a battery discharge signal. The BMS is connected to a first battery module, a second battery module, and a plurality of switches. The second battery module is connected with the first battery module in one of a first voltage configuration or a second voltage configuration. The plurality of switches comprises a first set of switches, a second set of switches, and a set of relay switches. In the first voltage configuration, each of the first set of switches is activated and each of the second set of switches is deactivated. In the second voltage configuration, each of the first set of switches is deactivated and each of the second set of switches is activated. The set of relay switches comprises a first relay switch, a second relay switch, and a supply control switch. The supply control switch is in a state selected from a first closed state, a second closed state, or an open state. In the first closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate at least one of the first relay switch and the second relay switch. Upon activation, each of the first relay switch and the second relay switch is configured to activate a corresponding switch from the first set of switches. In the second closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate a relay switch to activate a corresponding switch from the second set of switches. Voltage of the first level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the first voltage configuration. Voltage of the second level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the second voltage configuration.
[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[010] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate circuit block diagrams of various exemplary voltage configurations of battery modules, in accordance with some embodiments.
[011] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of an exemplary system for managing battery matrix configurations, in accordance with some embodiments.
[012] FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a set of relay switches, in accordance with some embodiments.
[013] FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a schematic diagram of an exemplary scenario of charging of battery modules with unequal instant voltages, in accordance with some embodiments.
[014] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process for managing battery matrix configurations, in accordance with some embodiments.
[015] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process for managing battery matrix configurations of battery modules with unequal instant voltages, in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[016] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[017] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, circuit block diagrams of various exemplary voltage configurations of battery modules are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are powered by rechargeable batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries). EVs include Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and may be, for example, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, railcars, watercraft, forklifts, buses, trucks, and cars. A battery includes a plurality of battery cells and provides a voltage to power various components (such as electric motors, air conditioner, display screen, etc.) of an EV. The components of the EV are designed based on a compatibility with the battery. Such components perform optimally within a specific voltage range. For example, 400 V batteries may not optimally support components designed for 800 V batteries, and vice versa. Thus, an EV architecture (which includes the battery and the battery-powered components) is designed around the voltage range of the battery. Currently, 400 V architecture is the most common EV architecture. However, 800 V architecture is being started to get adopted due to various advantages over the 400 V architecture, such as longer range of the EV and faster charging of the battery.
[018] Charging stations (i.e., Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSEs) provide power to the battery of the EV at a specific voltage range. Currently, most EVSEs support charging EVs with the 400 V architecture. However, EVs with the conventional 800 V architecture cannot be charged with 400V EVSEs directly. Thus, the potential of faster charging of an 800 V architecture EV may not be realized with a 400 V EVSE.
[019] To enable mass adoption of the 800 V architecture EV, there is a need to overcome the issue of optimally charging the 800 V architecture EV with a 400 V EVSE. One solution is to bring the 800V EVSEs into the field at all the locations. But that would require a significant investment and cannot be done in a limited time frame. Another solution is to enhance compatibility of the 800 V architecture EV with 400 EVSEs. This has been addressed by introducing a battery matrix charging technique in the 800 V architecture EV. The battery can be divided into two or more battery modules to change a voltage configuration (i.e., a battery matrix configuration) of the battery. For example, in the 800 V architecture EV, the battery can be divided into two battery modules of 400 V each. Each of the two or more battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells.
[020] In FIG. 1A, a first voltage configuration 100A of a first battery module 101 and a second battery module 102 is shown. In the first voltage configuration 100A, the first battery module 101 is connected in parallel with the second battery module 102. In an embodiment, voltage of each of the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 is 400 V. In such an embodiment, total voltage of the first voltage configuration 100A is 400 V. Thus, a battery with 800 V operates as a 400 V battery in the first voltage configuration 100A.
[021] In FIG. 1B, a second voltage configuration 100B of a first battery module 101 and a second battery module 102 is shown. In the second voltage configuration 100B, the first battery module 101 is connected in series with the second battery module 102. In an embodiment, voltage of each of the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 is 400 V. In such an embodiment, total voltage of the second voltage configuration 100B is 800 V. Thus, the battery operates as an 800 V battery in the second voltage configuration 100B.
[022] In the battery matrix charging technique, a battery matrix configuration (used interchangeably with voltage configuration from hereon) of the EV may be changed to optimally adapt to various charging or discharging scenarios. It should be noted that the battery matrix configurations of the EV may be managed by a Battery Management System (BMS) of the EV. For example, when the 800 V architecture EV is being charged with a 400 EVSE, the BMS may change the voltage configuration of the battery from the second voltage configuration 100B to the first voltage configuration 100A. This would make the 800 V architecture EV compatible with the 400 V EVSE. Thus, the same battery which supports EV components designed to work with 800 V batteries can get charged with a 400 V EVSE. When charging is complete and the battery is discharging, the BMS may change the voltage configuration of the battery from the first voltage configuration 100A to the second voltage configuration 100B. Thus, the EV components may receive power from the second voltage configuration 100B (which provides power at 800 V).
[023] However, the battery matrix charging technique is faced with two major issues. Firstly, if switches for the first voltage configuration 100A (i.e., 400 V configuration) and the second voltage configuration 100B (i.e., 800 V configuration) are connected simultaneously, then the battery module 101 and the battery module 102 may get short circuited which may lead to a fire hazard. Presently, there is no way to keep a check on simultaneous switching. Secondly, if the battery module 101 and the battery module 102 have a voltage difference (i.e., unequal instant voltages), then there may be a high inrush current flowing through battery contactors. This may weld the battery contactors and may damage the battery.
[024] Referring now to FIG. 2, a circuit block diagram of an exemplary system 200 for managing battery matrix configurations is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The system 200 may include a BMS 201, an EVSE 202, a load 203 (i.e., the EV), and a precharge circuit 204. The BMS 201 is connected to the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102. Voltage of each of the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 may be 400 V. The first battery module 101 may be connected with the second battery module 102 in one of a first voltage configuration or a second voltage configuration.
[025] Additionally, the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 may be connected to the EVSE 202. The EVSE 202 may be a 400 V EVSE or an 800 V EVSE. The BMS 201 may receive one of a first level battery charge signal, a second level battery charge signal, or a battery discharge signal. When the EVSE 202 is the 400 V EVSE and is connected to the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102, the BMS 201 receives the first level battery charge signal. When the EVSE 202 is the 800 V EVSE and is connected to the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102, the BMS 201 receives the second level battery charge signal. When the EVSE 202 is not connected to the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102, the BMS 201 receives the battery discharge signal.
[026] Further, the system 200 may include the plurality of switches. The plurality of switches may include a first set of switches, a second set of switches, and a set of relay switches. In an embodiment, the first set of switches includes switches S1 and S2. The second set of switches includes switch S3. Switches S5 and S4 will be connected in all situations, i.e., for the first level battery charge signal, the second level battery charge signal, and the battery discharge signal.
[027] In the first voltage configuration 100A, each of the switches S1 and S2 is activated (i.e., closed) and the switch S3 is deactivated. In the second voltage configuration 100B, each of the switches S1 and S2 is deactivated and the switch S3 is activated. It should be noted that the first battery module 101 is connected in parallel with the second battery module 102 in the first voltage configuration 100A. The first battery module 101 is connected in series with the second battery module 102 in the second voltage configuration 100B.
[028] The set of relay switches may include a first relay switch, a second relay switch, and a supply control switch. In an embodiment, the set of relay switches includes switches S6, S7, and S8. S8 is the first relay switch, S7 is the second relay switch, and S6 is the supply control switch. The supply control switch S6 may be one of a Single Pole Triple Throw (SPTT) relay switch or a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) relay switch. The switch S6 is in a state selected from a first closed state, a second closed state, or an open state. In the first closed state, the switch S6 is configured to activate at least one of the switch S7 and the switch S8. Upon activation, each of the switch S7 and the switch S8 is configured to activate a corresponding switch from the switches S1 and S2, respectively. In the second closed state, the switch S6 is configured to activate a relay switch to activate a corresponding switch S3. In an embodiment, the set of relay switches S6, S7, and S8 may be advanced relay switches configured to communicate a status of connection of the switches to the BMS 201.
[029] Further, the BMS 201 may manage the state of the switch S6 based on the received one of the first level battery charge signal, the second level battery charge signal, or the battery discharge signal. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[030] The BMS 201 may manage battery matrix configurations using the plurality of switches. In some embodiments, the BMS 201 may include one or more processors (not shown in figure) and a computer-readable medium (for example, a memory; not shown in figure). The computer-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to manage battery matrix configurations, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The computer-readable storage medium may also store various data (for example, the current state of each of the plurality of switches, the instant voltage of each of the battery modules, and the like) that may be captured, processed, and/or required by the system 200.
[031] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of processes may be employed for managing battery matrix configurations. For example, the exemplary system 200 and the associated BMS 201 may manage battery matrix configurations by the processes discussed herein. In particular, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, control logic and/or automated routines for performing the techniques and steps described herein may be implemented by the system 200 and the associated BMS 201 either by hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. For example, suitable code may be accessed and executed by the one or more processors on the system 200 to perform some or all of the techniques described herein. Similarly, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) configured to perform some or all of the processes described herein may be included in the one or more processors on the system 200.
[032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a circuit block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration 300 of a set of relay switches is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2.
[033] When the BMS 201 receives the first level battery charge signal from the EVSE 202, the BMS 201 switches the switch S6 to the first closed state to connect the first battery module 101 with the second battery module 102 in the first voltage configuration 100A. In the first closed state of third switch, the switch S6 is configured to activate switches S7 and the switch S8. The switch S8 will provide a supply for a relay coil 1 associated with the switch S1 and the switch S7 will provide a supply for a relay coil 2 associated with the switch S2. If the voltage of the first battery module 101 is equal to the voltage of the second battery module 102, BMS 201 will activate the coils of switches S1 and S2 which will activate switches S1 and S2 respectively. This will ensure that Battery modules 101 and 102 are charged simultaneously. If the voltage of the first battery module 101 is not equal to the voltage of the second battery module 102, BMS 201 will activate a coil of a switch corresponding to the Battery module with lower voltage. This will allow charging of the battery module with the lower voltage until the voltages of both battery modules are equal. Once the voltages of both battery modules are equal, the BMS 201 will activate a relay coil associated with the other battery module so that both the battery modules are charged together. It should be noted that the arrangement of the configuration 300 provides a safety mechanism which is independent of software to increase reliability of the system 200 to avoid contactor welding.
[034] When the BMS 201 receives one of the second level battery charge signal or the battery discharge signal, the BMS 201 switches the switch S6 to the second closed state to connect the first battery module 101 with the second battery module 102 in the second voltage configuration 100B. In the second closed state, the switch S6 is configured to activate a relay coil 3 to activate a corresponding switch S3. Activation and inactivation of relay coil 4 (associated with the switch S4) and relay coil 5 (associated with the switch S5) may be directly controlled by the BMS 201.
[035] When the BMS 201 receives the battery discharge signal, the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 provide power to the load 203. The load 203 may have a capacitive input. When the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 are being discharged, there may be a surge of current as capacitance of the load 203 is charged to the voltage of the battery (i.e., 800 V as the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 are connected in series). Such inrush current may quickly reach a maximum value, especially with large batteries and powerful loads, and may cause damage to the components of the EV. To prevent the inrush current, the precharge circuit 204 may be used to restrict the inrush current while allowing operating current to flow freely.
[036] The switch S6 may be an SPTT relay switch or an SPDT relay switch. If the switch S6 is the SPTT switch, the switch S6 may be in one of 3 states – the first closed state, the second closed state, or the open state. Thus, when the BMS 201 receives a battery switch off signal, the BMS 201 switches the switch S6 to the open state. In an embodiment, when the switch S6 is the SPDT relay switch, the switch S6 may be in one of 2 states – the first closed state and the second closed state. In such an embodiment, since the switch S6 switch cannot be switched to the open state, when the BMS 201 receives a battery switch off signal, the +12 V supply is stopped to achieve a similar result (i.e., stopping flow of current in the configuration 300).
[037] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-C, a schematic diagram of an exemplary scenario 400 of charging of battery modules with unequal voltage is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 4A-C are explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The BMS 201 is configured to receive an instant voltage corresponding to each of the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102.
[038] In FIG. 4A, the instant voltage of the first battery module 101 is equivalent to a voltage of 400 V and the instant voltage of the second battery module 102 is equivalent to a voltage of 395 V. When the BMS 201 receives the first level battery charge signal and when the instant voltage of the first battery module 101 is unequal to the instant voltage of the second battery module 102 as in scenario 400, the BMS 201 switches the switch S6 to the first closed state. It should be noted that the BMS 201 switches the switch S6 to the first closed state even in a scenario where the instant voltage of the first battery module 101 is equal to the instant voltage of the second battery module 102. However, particular to the scenario 400, the BMS 201 identifies a battery module with lower instant voltage from the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102. In the scenario 400, the second battery module 102 has a lower instant voltage than the first battery module 101.
[039] In FIG. 4B, the BMS 201 activates a relay switch from the switch S8 and the switch S7 corresponding to the battery module with the lower instant voltage. In the scenario 400, the BMS 201 activates the switch S7 to activate the relay coil 2, thereby activating the switch S2 (corresponding to the second battery module 102). The switch S8 remains in an open state (i.e., inactivated). Thus, the second battery module 102 receives charging power while the first battery module 101 does not receive charging power. This continues until the instant voltage of the second battery module 102 is equivalent to a voltage of 400 V (i.e., until the instant voltage of the second battery module 102 is equal to the instant voltage of the first battery module 101).
[040] In FIG. 4C, the instant voltage of the second battery module 102 becomes equal to the instant voltage of the first battery module 101. Now, the BMS 201 activates the switch S8 to activate the relay coil 1, thereby activating the switch S1. Now, both the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102 receive charging power. In another exemplary embodiment, the BMS 201 inactivates the activated relay switch when the instant voltage of the first battery module 101 is equal to the instant voltage of the second battery module 102 to stop flow of the charging power to the second battery module 102. In both cases, the scenario 400 ensures that two battery modules are not simultaneously charged when there is a potential difference between the two battery modules. Thus, the scenario 400 prevents flow of high inrush current through battery contactors, and therefore, prevents welding of the battery contactors which could damage the battery.
[041] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary process 500 for managing battery matrix configurations is depicted via a flow chart, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4A-C. In an embodiment, the process 500 may be implemented by the system 200.
[042] The process 500 may include receiving, by the BMS 201, one of a first level battery charge signal, a second level battery charge signal, or a battery discharge signal, at step 501.
[043] The BMS 201 is connected to the first battery module 101, the second battery module 102, and a plurality of switches. The second battery module 102 is connected with the first battery module 101 in one of a first voltage configuration or a second voltage configuration. The first battery module 101 is connected in parallel with the second battery module 102 in the first voltage configuration 100A. The first battery module 101 is connected in series with the second battery module 102 in the second voltage configuration 100B.
[044] A plurality of switches includes a first set of switches, a second set of switches, and a set of relay switches. In the first voltage configuration 100A, each of the first set of switches is activated and each of the second set of switches is deactivated. In the second voltage configuration 100B, each of the first set of switches is deactivated and each of the second set of switches is activated.
[045] The set of relay switches includes a first relay switch, a second relay switch, and a supply control switch. The supply control switch may be one of an SPTT relay switch or an SPDT relay switch. The supply control switch is in a state selected from a first closed state, a second closed state, or an open state. In the first closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate at least one of the first relay switch and the second relay switch. Upon activation, each of the first relay switch and the second relay switch is configured to activate a corresponding switch from the first set of switches. In the second closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate a relay switch to activate a corresponding switch from the second set of switches. Voltage of the first level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the first voltage configuration. Voltage of the second level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the second voltage configuration.
[046] Further, the process 500 may include managing, by the BMS 201, the state of the supply control switch based on the received one of the first level battery charge signal, the second level battery charge signal, or the battery discharge signal, at step 502.
[047] Upon receiving the first level battery charge signal, the step 502 of the process 500 may include switching, by the BMS 201, the supply control switch to the first closed state to connect the first battery module 101 with the second battery module 102 in the first voltage configuration, at step 503.
[048] Upon receiving one of the second level battery charge signal or the battery discharge signal, the step 502 of the process 500 may include switching, by the BMS 201, the supply control switch to the second closed state to connect the first battery module 101 with the second battery module 102 in the second voltage configuration, at step 504.
[049] The process 500 may include receiving, by the BMS 201, a battery switch off signal. Upon receiving the battery switch off signal, the step 502 of the process 500 may include switching, by the BMS 201, the supply control switch to the open state, at step 505.
[050] Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary process 600 for managing battery matrix configurations of battery modules with unequal instant voltage is depicted via a flow chart, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 6 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A-C, and 5. In an embodiment, the process 600 may be implemented by the system 200.
[051] The process 600 may include receiving, by the BMS 201, an instant voltage corresponding to each of the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102, at step 601.
[052] Upon receiving the first level battery charge signal and when the instant voltage of the first battery module 101 is unequal to the instant voltage of the second battery module 102, the process 600 may include switching, by the BMS 201, the supply control switch to the first closed state, at step 602.
[053] Further, the process 600 may include identifying, by the BMS 201, a battery module with lower instant voltage from the first battery module 101 and the second battery module 102, at step 603.
[054] Further, the process 600 may include activating, by the BMS 201, a relay switch from the first relay switch and the second relay switch corresponding to the battery module with the lower instant voltage, at step 604.
[055] Further, the process 600 may include activate, by the BMS 201, an inactivated relay switch from the first relay switch and the second relay switch when the instant voltage of the first battery module 101 is equal to the instant voltage of the second battery module 102, at step 605.
[056] Thus, the disclosed method and system try to overcome the technical problem of managing battery matrix configurations. The method and system dynamically switch battery matrix configurations to allow charging of high voltage architecture EVs with low voltage EVSEs. The method and system prevent simultaneous activation of two different voltage configurations, thus preventing short circuit and consequent fire hazards. The method and system also prevent high inrush of current by ensuring that two battery modules with unequal instant voltages do not get charged together until the instant voltages of the two battery modules are equal. This also prevents welding of battery contactors.
[057] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the techniques described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional, or well understood in the art. The techniques discussed above provide for managing battery matrix configuration. The techniques first receive, by a BMS, one of a first level battery charge signal, a second level battery charge signal, or a battery discharge signal. A second battery module is connected with a first battery module in one of a first voltage configuration or a second voltage configuration. A plurality of switches includes a first set of switches, a second set of switches, and a set of relay switches. In the first voltage configuration, each of the first set of switches is activated and each of the second set of switches is deactivated. In the second voltage configuration, each of the first set of switches is deactivated and each of the second set of switches is activated. The set of relay switches includes a first relay switch, a second relay switch, and a supply control switch. The supply control switch is in a state selected from a first closed state, a second closed state, or an open state. In the first closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate at least one of the first relay switch and the second relay switch. Upon activation, each of the first relay switch and the second relay switch is configured to activate a corresponding switch from the first set of switches. In the second closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate a relay switch to activate a corresponding switch from the second set of switches. Voltage of the first level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the first voltage configuration. Voltage of the second level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the second voltage configuration. The techniques then manage, by the BMS, the state of the supply control switch based on the received one of the first level battery charge signal, the second level battery charge signal, or the battery discharge signal.
[058] In light of the above mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[059] The specification has described method and system for managing battery matrix configurations. The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[060] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[061] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:1. A system (200) for managing battery matrix configurations, the system (200) comprising:
a first battery module (101);
a second battery module (102) connected with the first battery module (101) in one of a first voltage configuration (100A) or a second voltage configuration (100B);
a plurality of switches comprising:
a first set of switches;
a second set of switches, wherein:
in the first voltage configuration (100A), each of the first set of switches is activated and each of the second set of switches is deactivated,
in the second voltage configuration (100B), each of the first set of switches is deactivated and each of the second set of switches is activated; and
a set of relay switches comprising a first relay switch, a second relay switch, and a supply control switch, wherein:
the supply control switch is in a state selected from a first closed state, a second closed state, or an open state,
in the first closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate at least one of the first relay switch and the second relay switch,
upon activation, each of the first relay switch and the second relay switch is configured to activate a corresponding switch from the first set of switches, and
in the second closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate a relay switch to activate a corresponding switch from the second set of switches; and
a Battery Management System (BMS) (201) connected to the first battery module (101), the second battery module (102), and the plurality of switches, wherein the BMS (201) is configured to:
receive (501) one of a first level battery charge signal, a second level battery charge signal, or a battery discharge signal, wherein voltage of the first level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the first voltage configuration (100A), and wherein voltage of the second level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the second voltage configuration (100B); and
manage (502) the state of the supply control switch based on the received one of the first level battery charge signal, the second level battery charge signal, or the battery discharge signal.

2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first battery module (101) is connected in parallel with the second battery module (102) in the first voltage configuration (100A), and wherein the first battery module (101) is connected in series with the second battery module (102) in the second voltage configuration (100B).

3. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein to manage the state of the supply control switch, the BMS (201) is configured to:
upon receiving the first level battery charge signal,
switch (503) the supply control switch to the first closed state to connect the first battery module (101) with the second battery module (102) in the first voltage configuration (100A); and
upon receiving one of the second level battery charge signal or the battery discharge signal,
switch (504) the supply control switch to the second closed state to connect the first battery module (101) with the second battery module (102) in the second voltage configuration (100B).

4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the BMS (201) is configured to:
receive a battery switch off signal; and
switch (505) the supply control switch to the open state upon receiving the battery switch off signal.

5. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the BMS (201) is configured to:
receive (601) an instant voltage corresponding to each of the first battery module (101) and the second battery module (102);
upon receiving the first level battery charge signal and when the instant voltage of the first battery module (101) is unequal to the instant voltage of the second battery module (102),
switch (602) the supply control switch to the first closed state;
identify (603) a battery module with lower instant voltage from the first battery module (101) and the second battery module (102);
activate (604) a relay switch from the first relay switch and the second relay switch corresponding to the battery module with the lower instant voltage; and
activate (605) an inactivated relay switch from the first relay switch and the second relay switch when the instant voltage of the first battery module (101) is equal to the instant voltage of the second battery module (102).

6. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a voltage sensor coupled to the first set of switches and the second set of switches.

7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the BMS (201) is configured to:
receive voltage metrics from the voltage sensor; and
identify welded contactors based on the voltage metrics.

8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply control switch is one of a Single Pole Triple Throw (SPTT) relay switch or a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) relay switch.

9. A method (500) for managing battery matrix configurations, the method (500) comprising:
receiving (501), by a Battery Management System (BMS) (201), one of a first level battery charge signal, a second level battery charge signal, or a battery discharge signal, wherein:
the BMS (201) is connected to a first battery module (101), a second battery module (102), and a plurality of switches,
the second battery module (102) is connected with the first battery module (101) in one of a first voltage configuration (100A) or a second voltage configuration (100B),
the plurality of switches comprises a first set of switches, a second set of switches, and a set of relay switches,
in the first voltage configuration (100A), each of the first set of switches is activated and each of the second set of switches is deactivated,
in the second voltage configuration (100B), each of the first set of switches is deactivated and each of the second set of switches is activated,
the set of relay switches comprises a first relay switch, a second relay switch, and a supply control switch,
the supply control switch is in a state selected from a first closed state, a second closed state, or an open state,
in the first closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate at least one of the first relay switch and the second relay switch,
upon activation, each of the first relay switch and the second relay switch is configured to activate a corresponding switch from the first set of switches,
in the second closed state, the supply control switch is configured to activate a relay switch to activate a corresponding switch from the second set of switches,
voltage of the first level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the first voltage configuration (100A), and
voltage of the second level battery charge signal is equivalent to voltage of the second voltage configuration (100B); and
managing (502), by the BMS (201), the state of the supply control switch based on the received one of the first level battery charge signal, the second level battery charge signal, or the battery discharge signal.

10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first battery module (101) is connected in parallel with the second battery module (102) in the first voltage configuration (100A), and wherein the first battery module (101) is connected in series with the second battery module (102) in the second voltage configuration (100B).