U.S. patent application number 15/473684 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for control of current in parallel battery strings.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, SPIERS NEW TECHNOLOGIES INC.. Invention is credited to Peter T. Karlson, David S. Maxwell, Bryan Schultz.
Application Number | 20180287228 15/473684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63524622 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180287228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karlson; Peter T. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2018 |
CONTROL OF CURRENT IN PARALLEL BATTERY STRINGS
Abstract
A battery assembly has a first battery string including a first
plurality of cells connected in series. A second battery string is
connected in parallel to the first battery string and includes a
second plurality of cells connected in series. A fluid channel is
operatively connected to the first and the second battery strings
and includes a fluid flowing within. A controller is operatively
connected to the first and the second battery strings. The
controller is configured to determine a desired temperature
differential between the first and the second temperatures of the
battery strings based at least partially on a respective strength
status of the first and the second battery strings. The controller
is configured to control the first and the second currents, via the
fluid in the fluid channel, based at least partially on the desired
temperature differential.
Inventors: |
Karlson; Peter T.;
(Rochester Hills, MI) ; Schultz; Bryan; (Oklahoma
City, OK) ; Maxwell; David S.; (Madison Heights,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
SPIERS NEW TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
Detroit
Oklahoma City |
MI
OK |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
SPIERS NEW TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Oklahoma City
OK
|
Family ID: |
63524622 |
Appl. No.: |
15/473684 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 10/625 20150401;
H01M 2/1077 20130101; H01M 10/48 20130101; H01M 10/613 20150401;
H01M 10/425 20130101; H01M 10/61 20150401; H01M 2010/4271 20130101;
H01M 10/615 20150401; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 10/63 20150401;
H01M 10/6556 20150401; H01M 16/00 20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101;
H01M 10/486 20130101; H01M 10/441 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01M 10/63 20060101
H01M010/63; H01M 10/625 20060101 H01M010/625; H01M 10/615 20060101
H01M010/615; H01M 10/613 20060101 H01M010/613; H01M 10/6556
20060101 H01M010/6556; H01M 10/48 20060101 H01M010/48; H01M 2/10
20060101 H01M002/10 |
Claims
1. A battery assembly comprising: a first battery string including
a first plurality of cells connected in series, the first battery
string operable at a first temperature and configured to produce a
first current; a second battery string connected in parallel to the
first battery string and including a second plurality of cells
connected in series, the second battery string being operable at a
second temperature and configured to produce a second current; a
fluid channel having a fluid flowing within, the fluid channel
being operatively connected to the first and the second battery
strings; a controller operatively connected to the first and the
second battery strings; wherein the controller includes a processor
and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded
instructions, execution of the instructions by the processor
causing the controller to: determine respective strength status of
the first and the second battery strings; determine a desired
temperature differential between the first and the second
temperatures based at least partially on the respective strength
status; control the first and the second currents, via the fluid in
the fluid channel, based at least partially on the desired
temperature differential.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the respective strength status
of the first and the second battery strings includes at least one
of a state of health, resistance and a capacity.
3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a heating unit
operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to warm a
portion of the fluid to produce a warming fluid; and a cooling unit
operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to cool
another portion of the fluid to produce a cooling fluid.
4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a first mixer
operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to mix
the warming fluid and the cooling fluid in a first proportion to
make a first thermal mixture; a second mixer operatively connected
to the fluid channel and configured to mix the warming fluid and
the cooling fluid in a second proportion to make a second thermal
mixture; wherein the controller is configured to command the first
mixer to direct the first thermal mixture to pass through the first
battery string such that heat transfer between the first thermal
mixture and the first battery string is enabled; and wherein the
controller is configured to command the second mixer to direct the
second thermal mixture to pass through the second battery string
such that heat transfer between the second thermal mixture and the
second battery string is enabled.
5. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a pump configured
to provide the fluid to the fluid channel; wherein the heating unit
includes a first condenser directly connected to the pump; wherein
the cooling unit includes an evaporator directly connected to the
pump; an auxiliary circuit configured to circulate an auxiliary
substance between the heating unit and the cooling unit such that
the auxiliary substance is in thermal communication with the fluid
but does not physically mix; and wherein the auxiliary circuit
includes a compressor and a second condenser.
6. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising: at least one sensor
operatively connected to the controller and configured to provide
sensor feedback; and wherein the controller is configured to adjust
the first and the second proportions based on the sensor
feedback.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein: the at least one sensor
includes a first and a second current sensor configured to measure
the first and second currents, respectively; and the controller
includes a closed loop control unit receiving the sensor feedback
from the first and the second current sensor.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein: the controller is configured
to allow a maximum power extracted from the first and the second
battery string; and the controller is configured to adjust the
first and the second proportions such that the first current and
the second current converge.
9. The assembly of claim 6, wherein: the first and the second
battery strings define a first strength status and a second
strength status, respectively; and the controller is configured to
adjust the first and the second proportions such that the first
current is proportional to the first strength status and the second
current is proportional to the second strength status.
10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the controller includes a
thermal management unit configured to: control the first proportion
such that the first temperature is within a first range defined by
a first maximum and a first minimum; and control the second
proportion such that the second temperature is within a second
range defined by a second maximum and a second minimum.
11. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a first housing
configured to enclose the first battery string; wherein the fluid
channel includes a first portion configured to extend through an
interior of the first housing, the first thermal mixture being
configured to flow through the first portion; a second housing
configured to enclose the second battery string; and wherein the
fluid channel includes a second portion configured to extend
through an interior of the second housing, the second thermal
mixture being configured to flow through the second portion.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein: the first portion and the
second portion each define a substantially sinusoidal shape.
13. A method for controlling a first current produced by a first
battery string and a second current produced by a second battery
string, in an assembly having a fluid channel with a fluid flowing
within, a heating unit, a cooling unit, a first mixer, a second
mixer, a controller and at least one sensor, the first battery
string and the second battery string being connected in parallel,
operable at first and second temperatures, respectively, the method
comprising: determining respective strength status of the first and
the second battery strings, via the controller; determining a
desired temperature differential between the first and the second
temperatures based at least partially on the respective strength
status and respective target currents for the first and second
battery strings, via the controller; warming a portion of the
fluid, via the heating unit, to produce a warming fluid; cooling
another portion of the fluid, via the cooling unit, to produce a
cooling fluid; determining the first proportion and the second
proportion based at least partially on the desired temperature
differential; mixing the warming fluid and the cooling fluid in a
first proportion, via the first mixer, to make a first thermal
mixture; mixing the warming fluid and the cooling fluid in a second
proportion, via the second mixer, to make a second thermal mixture;
and controlling the first and second currents by commanding the
first mixer to direct the first thermal mixture through the first
battery string in order to allow heat transfer between the first
thermal mixture and the first battery string, and commanding the
second mixer to direct the second thermal mixture through the
second battery string in order to allow heat transfer between the
second thermal mixture and the second battery string.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: obtaining sensor
feedback from the at least one sensor; and adjusting the first and
the second proportions based on the sensor feedback such that the
first current and the second current converge.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and the second
battery strings define a first strength status and a second
strength status, respectively, and further comprising: adjusting
the first and the second proportions such that the first current is
proportional to the first strength status and the second current is
proportional to the second strength status.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising a thermal management
unit in the controller configured to: control the first proportion
such that the first temperature is within a first range defined by
a first maximum and a first minimum; and control the second
proportion such that the second temperature is within a second
range defined by a second maximum and a second minimum..
17. A battery assembly comprising: a first battery string including
a first plurality of cells connected in series, the first battery
string operable at a first temperature and configured to produce a
first current; a second battery string connected in parallel to the
first battery string and including a second plurality of cells
connected in series, the second battery string being operable at a
second temperature and configured to produce a second current; a
fluid channel operatively connected to the first and the second
battery strings and including a fluid flowing within; a heating
unit operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to
warm a portion of the fluid to produce a warming fluid; a cooling
unit operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to
cool another portion of the fluid to produce a cooling fluid; a
first mixer operatively connected to the fluid channel and
configured to mix the warming fluid and the cooling fluid in a
first proportion to make a first thermal mixture; wherein the first
thermal mixture is configured to be in fluid communication with the
first battery string such that heat transfer between the first
thermal mixture and the first battery string is enabled; a second
mixer operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to
mix the warming fluid and the cooling fluid in a second proportion
to make a second thermal mixture; wherein the second thermal
mixture is configured to be in fluid communication with the second
battery string such that heat transfer between the second thermal
mixture and the second battery string is enabled; a controller
operatively connected to the first and second battery strings;
wherein the controller includes a processor and tangible,
non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions, execution
of the instructions by the processor causing the controller to:
determine respective strength status of the first and the second
battery strings; determine a desired temperature differential
between the first and the second temperatures based at least
partially on the respective strength status and respective target
currents for the first and the second battery strings; determine
the first proportion and the second proportion based at least
partially on the desired temperature differential; and control the
first and second currents by commanding the first and second mixers
to direct the warming fluid and the cooling fluid to pass through
in the first and second proportions, respectively.
18. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising: a first current
sensor and a second current sensor configured to measure the first
and second currents, respectively; and wherein the controller is
configured to adjust the first and the second proportions based on
feedback from the first and the second current sensor.
Description
INTRODUCTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to control of
current for battery strings connected in parallel. Many uses for
electric batteries require multiple dissimilar batteries to be
connected in parallel. Batteries connected in parallel may
discharge at different rates, with the unequal discharge rates
occurring for a variety of reasons.
SUMMARY
[0002] A battery assembly includes a first battery string having a
first plurality of cells connected in series. The first and the
second battery strings are operable at a first temperature and a
second temperature, respectively. The first and the second battery
strings are configured to produce a first current and a second
current, respectively. A second battery string is connected in
parallel to the first battery string and has a second plurality of
cells connected in series. A fluid channel is operatively connected
to the first and the second battery strings and includes a fluid
flowing within. A controller is operatively connected to the first
and the second battery strings. The controller includes a processor
and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded
instructions. Execution of the instructions by the processor causes
the controller to obtain respective strength status for the first
and the second battery strings.
[0003] The controller is configured to determine a desired
temperature differential between the first and the second
temperatures based at least partially on a respective strength
status of the first and the second battery strings. The controller
is configured to control the first and the second currents, via the
fluid in the fluid channel, based at least partially on the desired
temperature differential. The respective strength status of the
first and the second battery strings includes, but is not limited
to at least one of a resistance, a capacity and a state of
health.
[0004] The assembly may include a heating unit operatively
connected to the fluid channel and configured to warm a portion of
the fluid to produce a warming fluid. A cooling unit may be
operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to cool
another portion of the fluid to produce a cooling fluid. A first
mixer may be operatively connected to the fluid channel and
configured to mix the warming fluid and the cooling fluid in a
first proportion to make a first thermal mixture. A second mixer
may be operatively connected to the fluid channel and configured to
mix the warming fluid and the cooling fluid in a second proportion
to make a second thermal mixture.
[0005] A method of controlling the first and second currents
produced by the first and second battery strings, respectively,
includes commanding the first mixer to direct the first thermal
mixture to pass through the first battery string such that heat
transfer between the first thermal mixture and the first battery
string is enabled. The controller is configured to command the
second mixer to direct the second thermal mixture to pass through
the second battery string such that heat transfer between the
second thermal mixture and the second battery string is
enabled.
[0006] The assembly may include a pump as a source of the fluid.
The heating unit includes a first condenser directly connected to
the pump. The cooling unit includes an evaporator directly
connected to the pump. An auxiliary circuit, circulating an
auxiliary substance between the heating unit and the cooling unit,
may include a compressor and a second condenser. The auxiliary
substance is configured to be in thermal communication with the
fluid but does not physically mix.
[0007] The controller includes a thermal management unit configured
to control the first proportion such that the first temperature is
within a first range defined by a first maximum and a first
minimum, and control the second proportion such that the second
temperature is within a second range defined by a second maximum
and a second minimum. The controller is configured to maintain a
relative temperature difference between the first and the second
battery strings, thus instead of heating the first battery string,
cooling the second battery string to have the same effect.
[0008] The assembly may include a first housing configured to
enclose the first battery string and a second housing configured to
enclose the second battery string. The fluid channel includes a
first portion configured to extend through an interior of the first
housing, with the first thermal mixture being configured to flow
through the first portion. The fluid channel includes a second
portion configured to extend through an interior of the second
housing, with the second thermal mixture being configured to flow
through the second portion. The first portion and the second
portion may each define a substantially sinusoidal shape.
[0009] The assembly may include at least one sensor operatively
connected to the controller and configured to provide sensor
feedback. The controller is configured to adjust the first and the
second proportions based on the sensor feedback. The at least one
sensor may include a first and a second current sensor configured
to measure the first and second currents, respectively. The
controller may include a closed loop control unit receiving sensor
feedback from the first and the second current sensor.
[0010] The controller may be configured to adjust the first and
second proportions such that the first current and the second
current converge. The first and the second battery strings may
define a first strength status and a second strength status,
respectively. The controller may be configured to adjust the first
and second proportions such that the first current is proportional
to the first strength status and the second current is proportional
to the second strength status.
[0011] The above features and advantages and other features and
advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out
the disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a battery assembly
having a plurality of battery strings connected in parallel and a
controller;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram for a method executable
by the controller of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic graph of current over time for two
battery strings; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is another schematic graph of current over time for
the two battery strings of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers
refer to like components, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a
battery assembly 10. The assembly 10 may be part of a device 11.
The device 11 may be a mobile platform, such as, but not limited
to, standard passenger car, sport utility vehicle, light truck,
heavy duty vehicle, ATV, minivan, bus, transit vehicle, bicycle,
robot, farm implement, sports-related equipment, boat, plane, train
or other transportation device. The device 11 may be a non-mobile
platform and may take many different forms and include multiple
and/or alternate components and facilities.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly 10 has a plurality of
battery strings 12, such as first battery string 14 and second
battery string 16, connected in parallel relative to one another.
While two battery strings are shown in FIG. 1, it is understood
that the number of battery strings may vary based on the
application at hand. The first battery string 14 includes a first
plurality of cells 18, i.e. individual batteries, connected in
series. The second battery string 16 includes a second plurality of
cells 20 connected in series. The assembly 10 may include a pump 22
configured to deliver a fluid 24.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the fluid 24 is configured to flow
within a fluid channel 26 operatively connected to the first and
the second battery strings 14, 16. The first and second battery
strings 14, 16 are at a first temperature (T.sub.1) and a second
temperature (T.sub.2), respectively, measurable via respective
first and second temperature sensors 28, 30. The first and the
second battery strings 14, 16 produce a first current and a second
current, respectively. A first and a second current sensor 32, 34
is configured to measure the first and second currents,
respectively.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a controller C is operatively connected
to the first and the second battery strings 14, 16. The controller
C includes a processor P and tangible, non-transitory memory M on
which is recorded instructions for executing a method 100
(discussed in detail below with respect to FIG. 2) for controlling
the respective current outputs of the first and second battery
strings 14, 16. The memory M can store controller-executable
instruction sets, and the processor P can execute the
controller-executable instruction sets stored in the memory M. The
controller C of FIG. 1 is specifically programmed to execute the
steps of the method 100.
[0020] The method 100 allows an individually adjustable mixture of
the fluid 24 to be passed through the first and second battery
strings 14, 16. The method 100 includes adjusting the temperature
differential (T.sub.2-T.sub.1) between the first and second
temperatures (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) to modify their respective internal
resistances and balance their respective current contribution. The
internal resistance of a battery is dependent on its size, chemical
properties, age, temperature, the discharge current and many other
factors. The method 100 provides a technical advantage over a
system controlling absolute temperatures. For example, in method
100, instead of heating the first battery string 14, cooling the
second battery string 16 may be pursued in order to increase the
temperature differential (T.sub.2-T.sub.1).
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly 10 may include a heating
unit 36 operatively connected to the fluid channel 26 and
configured to warm a portion of the fluid 24 to produce a warming
fluid 38. A cooling unit 40 may be operatively connected to the
fluid channel 26 and configured to cool another portion of the
fluid 24 to produce a cooling fluid 42. Alternatively, the assembly
10 may include a single cooling/heating loop where the first
battery string 14 is cooled relative to the second battery string
16 by selectively restricting flow rate. The assembly 10 may
include any number of heating and cooling units/loops.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a first mixer 44 may be operatively
connected to the fluid channel 26 and configured to mix the warming
fluid 38 and the cooling fluid 42 in a first proportion (or ratio)
to make a first thermal mixture 46. The first thermal mixture 46 is
configured to be in fluid communication with the first battery
string 14 such that heat transfer between the first thermal mixture
46 and the first battery string 14 is enabled.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a second mixer 50 may be operatively
connected to the fluid channel 26 and configured to mix the warming
fluid 38 and the cooling fluid 42 in a second proportion to make a
second thermal mixture 52. The second thermal mixture 52 is
configured to be in fluid communication with the second battery
string 16 such that heat transfer between the second thermal
mixture 52 and the second battery string 16 is enabled. The first
and second mixers 44, 50 are operatively connected to the
controller C and have respective adjustable valves that function
(i.e. allow a portion of warming and cooling fluid to pass through
in the first and second proportions, respectively) based on
commands from the controller C.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the heating unit 36 may include a first
condenser 56 directly connected to the pump 22. The cooling unit 40
may include an evaporator 58 directly connected to the pump 22. The
heating unit 36 and the cooling unit 40 may be connected via an
auxiliary circuit 60. The auxiliary circuit 60 may include a
compressor 62, a second condenser 64 and a mixer 66. An auxiliary
substance 68 is configured to flow in the auxiliary circuit 60. In
one example, the auxiliary substance 68 is a freon.
[0025] The auxiliary circuit 60 is configured to be in thermal
communication with the fluid channel 26 but is physically separate.
In other words, the auxiliary substance 68 does not physically mix
with the fluid 24, however, the fluid 24 is warmed or cooled based
on the reactions or phase transitions of the auxiliary substance
68. As noted above, the heating unit 36 may include the first
condenser 56. The first condenser 56 is configured to condense the
auxiliary substance 68 from its gaseous to its liquid state, by
cooling it. As the auxiliary substance 68 is condensed, it rejects
heat energy. The fluid 24 in the portion of the fluid channel 26
adjacent to the heating unit 36 takes a portion of the rejected
heat energy and becomes warmer, producing the warming fluid 38.
[0026] As noted above, the cooling unit 40 may include the
evaporator 58. The evaporator 58 is used to turn the liquid form of
the auxiliary substance 68 into its gaseous form. As the auxiliary
substance 68 is evaporated, it takes heat energy away from the
portion of the fluid channel 26 adjacent to the cooling unit 40,
producing the cooling fluid 42. The evaporator 58 supplies the
auxiliary substance 68 (now in a gaseous form) at a low pressure to
the compressor 62. Upon being compressed, the temperature and
pressure of the auxiliary substance 68 are increased. The auxiliary
substance 68 (still in a gaseous form) is delivered to the second
condenser 64 at a pressure at which condensation occur (at a
predefined temperature). The auxiliary substance 68 is
re-circulated to the first condenser 56 and the cycle is
repeated.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly 10 may include a first
housing 70 configured to enclose the first battery string 14 and a
second housing 72 configured to enclose the second battery string
16. The fluid channel 26 includes a first portion 74 configured to
extend through an interior of the first housing 70, with the first
thermal mixture 46 being configured to flow through the first
portion 74. As shown in FIG. 1, the first portion 74 may define a
substantially sinusoidal shape. The fluid channel 26 includes a
second portion 76 configured to extend through an interior of the
second housing 72, with the second thermal mixture 52 being
configured to flow through the second portion 76. As shown in FIG.
1, the second portion 76 may define a substantially sinusoidal
shape.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the controller C may include a thermal
management unit 80 configured to control the first proportion such
that the first temperature (T.sub.1) is within a first range
defined by a first maximum and a first minimum, and control the
second proportion such that the second temperature (T.sub.2) is
within a second range defined by a second maximum and a second
minimum. The first and second maximum may be selected to provide
the maximum life span for the first and second battery strings 14,
16.
[0029] The method 100 allows control of individual charge and
discharge current of the plurality of battery strings 12, so that
the strings 12 are charged or discharged at a rate that is optimal
for their respective condition, yet still meets the total power and
energy demands. The method 100 provides smooth control of total
current output of the assembly 10, especially at the end of charge
or discharge, which would not be achievable with contactors
alone.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a flowchart of the method 100
stored on and executable by the controller C of FIG. 1 is shown.
Method 100 need not be applied in the specific order recited
herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that some steps may be
eliminated. Referring to FIG. 2, in block 102, the controller C is
programmed to obtain respective strength status of the first and
second battery strings 14, 16. The respective strength status of
the first and the second battery strings 14, 16 includes, but is
not limited to, at least one of a state of health, resistance and a
capacity. The state of charge of the first and second battery
strings 14, 16 may be obtained via state-of-charge sensors 84, 86,
shown in FIG. 1. Other estimation methods employed by those skilled
in the art may be used. The capacity of the first and second
battery strings 14, 16 may be based on the rate of discharge
divided by the difference in state of charge. For example, if the
first battery string 14 is at an 80% state of charge at an initial
time, delivers 10 Ampere hours of charge and is then at 60% state
of charge at a final time, the capacity is determined as:
10/(0.8-0.6)=10/0.2=50 Amp hours.
[0031] In block 104 of FIG. 2, the controller C is programmed to
determine a desired temperature differential between the first and
the second battery strings 14, 16, based at least partially on the
respective strength status and other factors. For example, the
desired temperature differential may be based on predefined
respective target currents of the first and the second battery
strings 14, 16.
[0032] In block 106, the controller C is configured to determine
the first proportion and the second proportion based at least
partially on the desired temperature differential (from block 104).
There are multiple ways to maintain a temperature differential
(T.sub.2-T.sub.1). For example, the first battery string 14 may be
heated or cooled by X.sub.1 degrees, while the second battery
string 16 may be heated or cooled by X.sub.2 degrees, such that
(X.sub.2-X.sub.1)=(T.sub.2-T.sub.1). Note that X.sub.1 and X.sub.2
have positive values for heating and negative values for cooling.
In one embodiment, the current balancing control is constrained to
operate such that the first temperature is within a first range
defined by a first maximum and a first minimum (T.sub.1,mm,
T.sub.1,max), and the second temperature is within a second range
defined by a second maximum and a second minimum (T.sub.2,min,
T.sub.2,max). The respective ranges may be selected to offer the
optimal life span for the first and second battery strings 14, 16,
respectively. Thus, the controller C may be configured to operate
such that:
T.sub.1,min<(T.sub.1+X.sub.1)<T.sub.1,max
T.sub.2,min<(T.sub.2+X.sub.2)<T.sub.2,max
[0033] In block 108, the controller C is configured to control the
first and second currents by commanding the first and second mixers
44, 50 to direct the warming and cooling fluids 38, 42 to pass
through in the first and second proportions, respectively,
(determined in block 106). In other words, the controller C is
configured to command the first mixer 44 to direct the first
thermal mixture 46 to pass through the first battery string 14 such
that heat transfer between the first thermal mixture 46 and the
first battery string 14 is enabled. The controller C is configured
to command the second mixer 50 to direct the second thermal mixture
52 to pass through the second battery string 16 such that heat
transfer between the second thermal mixture 52 and the second
battery string 16 is enabled.
[0034] In block 110, controller C is programmed to obtain sensor
feedback from various sensors (including the first and second
temperature sensors 28, 30 and first and second current sensors 32,
34) and adjust the first and second proportions. The controller C
may include a closed loop control unit 82 receiving the sensor
feedback and adjusting the first and second proportions. The closed
loop control unit 82 may be a proportional-integral (PI) control
unit configured to continuously calculate an error value as the
difference between a desired set-point and a measured process
variable. For example, the error value may be the difference
between the desired temperature differential and a measured
temperature differential (the difference between the measurements
obtained by the first and second temperature sensors 28, 30). The
closed loop control unit 82 is configured to apply a correction
factor based on proportional and integral terms, i.e. accounting
for present and past values of the error, and minimize the error
over time. For example, if the error is large and positive, the
correction will be large and negative.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, example graphs of current ("A"
in the vertical axis) versus time ("T" in the horizontal axis) are
shown for two battery strings, a relatively stronger string 202 and
a relatively weaker string 204. The strength status may be based on
a state of health or a capacity. The current limit of individual
strings is indicated by line L. In FIG. 3, both the relatively
stronger string 202 and the relatively weaker string 204 have a
temperature of 23.degree. C. With both strings being at an equal
temperature, the relatively stronger string 202 sources and sinks
more current (see portions 206, 208, respectively). A relatively
large difference in state of health between the strings may result
in the relatively stronger string 202 breaching the individual
current limit indicated by line L (see portion 210).
[0036] In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a relatively stronger
string 302 is maintained at 20.degree. C. and a relatively weaker
string 304 is maintained at 23.degree. C. As shown in FIG. 4,
adjusting the temperature of the relatively stronger string 302 to
be 3.degree. C. lower is sufficient to balance the currents and
avoid exceeding the individual current limit indicated by line L.
The controller C may be configured to adjust the first and second
proportions such that the first current and the second current
converge, i.e., are about the same. The first and the second
battery strings may define a first strength status and a second
strength status, respectively. The controller may be configured to
adjust the first and second proportions such that the first current
is proportional to the first strength status and the second current
is proportional to the second strength status.
[0037] In summary, the method 100 includes adjusting the
temperature differential (T.sub.2-T.sub.1) between the first and
second temperatures (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) to modify their respective
internal resistances and balance their respective current
contribution. This can maximize the power from the assembly 10,
which may be limited by the battery string with the highest
charge/discharge rate, or maximize energy from the assembly 10,
which may be limited by divergence of capacity between the
plurality of battery strings 12. By controlling the temperature
differential of a plurality of battery strings 12 having dissimilar
capacity, their individual contributions can be adjusted to achieve
a number of system level goals. Thus, the controller C (and
execution of the method 100) improves the functioning of the
assembly 10.
[0038] The controller C of FIG. 1 may be an integral portion of, or
a separate module operatively connected to, other controllers of
the device 11. The controller C includes a computer-readable medium
(also referred to as a processor-readable medium), including a
non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in
providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read by a computer
(e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many
forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and
volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example,
optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile
media may include, for example, dynamic random access memory
(DRAM), which may constitute a main memory. Such instructions may
be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial
cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that
comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Some
forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy
disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, other magnetic
media, a CD-ROM, DVD, other optical media, punch cards, paper tape,
other physical media with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an
EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, other memory chips or cartridges, or other
media from which a computer can read.
[0039] Look-up tables, databases, data repositories or other data
stores described herein may include various kinds of mechanisms for
storing, accessing, and retrieving various kinds of data, including
a hierarchical database, a set of files in a file system, an
application database in a proprietary format, a relational database
management system (RDBMS), etc. Each such data store may be
included within a computing device employing a computer operating
system such as one of those mentioned above, and may be accessed
via a network in one or more of a variety of manners. A file system
may be accessible from a computer operating system, and may include
files stored in various formats. An RDBMS may employ the Structured
Query Language (SQL) in addition to a language for creating,
storing, editing, and executing stored procedures, such as the
PL/SQL language mentioned above.
[0040] The detailed description and the drawings are supportive and
descriptive of the disclosure, but the scope of the disclosure is
defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and
other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been
described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments
exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.
Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the
characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present
description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments
independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the
characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment
can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired
characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other
embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings.
Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of
the scope of the appended claims.
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