DE102016007804A1 - Battery for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery 10 for a vehicle. The battery has at least a first module 11 and a second module 21, each module 11, 21, 31 having an energy store 12, 22, 32 and at least one switch 13, 23, 33; 14, 24, 34 with a first switching position a1, a2, a3; c1, c2, c3 and a second switching position b1, b2, b3; d1, d2, d3. It is further provided that in the first switching position a1, a2, a3; c1, c2, c3 at least one of the switches 13, 23, 33; 14, 24, 34 a first output voltage to the battery 10 can be provided and in the second switching position of at least one of the switches 13, 23, 33; 14, 24, 34 a second output voltage to the battery 10 can be provided.

Description

The invention relates to a battery for a vehicle.

Conventional high-voltage batteries (HV batteries) in known electric vehicles have a certain input voltage, output voltage (output input voltage) and a certain power, eg. B. 500 V, 100 kW. When charging with DC (DC charging), the battery needs a corresponding voltage with a certain tolerance, eg. B. 500 V + x%. Up to now, DC-DC converters (DC / DC converters) have been used with suitable driving methods to adjust the DC voltage for charging.

The existing batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) provide less power at low temperature, but require increased heating power. This leads to a slow start and to an unfavorable energy consumption.

Furthermore, with charging columns lower voltage, z. B. 250 V + x%, the battery can no longer be charged. This situation occurs, for. B. in countries with different charging standard. Consequently, charging requires an external DC / DC converter, which is costly and is not always present.

Inside the vehicle is often the low-voltage battery (LV battery), z. B. 48 volts, charged by the high-voltage battery (HV battery). For this purpose, a built-in DC-DC converter (DC / DC converter) is required to match the appropriate charging voltage, eg. B. 50 V, for the low-voltage battery (LV battery) to get. This is also a costly solution.

The publication US 2014/0184162 A1 describes an energy storage system having modules each with an energy storage and two switches that can take two positions. Individual modules can be connected to each other, so that at the same time individual energy storage devices can be charged while other energy storage devices can be discharged at the same time.

It results in the technical problem of providing a battery in which the working voltage is variably adjustable without using a DC-DC converter.

This problem is solved with a battery for a vehicle. The battery according to the invention has at least a first module and a second module, wherein each module has an energy store and at least one switch with a first switching position and a second switching position. It is further provided that in the first switching position of at least one of the switches, a first output voltage to the battery is provided and in the second switching position of at least one of the switches, a second output voltage to the battery can be provided.

A battery with scalable working voltage is provided. A high-voltage battery in a previous electric vehicle has only one output input voltage and one power (eg 500 V, 100 kW). It is proposed that the battery according to the invention can operate with several operating voltages in normal operation, so that the two above-mentioned problems are solved. In particular, the battery according to the invention is a high-voltage battery. With the adjustable working voltages in the vehicle according to the proposed scaling patterns by the possible switching positions of the switch costs can be saved.

Here, battery is understood to be an energy source which is self-rechargeable and can be recharged several times. Such a battery can also be equated with an accumulator. Different output voltages are provided, which are different from zero volts.

In a preferred embodiment it can be provided that an output power of the battery can be set by the switching positions of the switches.

Accordingly, a battery with adjustable or scalable power and adjustable or scalable working voltage is made available. It is envisaged that the HV battery can operate with several operating voltages and several powers in normal operation. This makes it possible to react very flexibly to different working requirements of the battery.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that each module has two switches. With a single switch per module, fewer scale levels can be provided, but the structure is simpler. For example, only one switch with two positions can be used, or one on / off switch in each module. By using two switches per module and two switch options per switch, more scaling capabilities can be provided; H. a higher number of different working voltages and / or different power levels. Furthermore, switches with more than two switching positions can also be provided.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the battery is a high-voltage battery, with which a low-voltage battery can be loaded by all modules are connected in parallel.

It allows charging at "inadequate voltage" of the charging station with a cost effective solution (compared to using a DC / DC converter) and charging a low voltage (NV) battery without a DC / DC converter.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the battery is a high-voltage battery with which a low-voltage battery can be connected by a subset of the modules is first connected in series for a charging or discharging and then connected in parallel the subset of modules is.

In this way it is possible, for example, to charge only a subset of energy stores and to provide the stored energy of that subset thereafter. This has the advantage that, for example, a vehicle can be started in a short time.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that an output power can be provided with a subset of the modules, and thereafter at least one further module can be connected to provide a higher output power. This can be used for a startup operation of the vehicle, so that initially for the startup process, a subset of the modules is used and after the startup process, one or more further modules are connected to this subset of modules.

In this case, the starting process can be a cold start. It is thus a fast starting and cheaper energy consumption in the cold state possible.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that a subset of the energy stores are rechargeable or dischargeable by a subset of the modules being connected in series. Here, the subset of the modules is preferably charged with low voltage, for example as a battery with maximum working voltage.

There are the advantages that the battery can be started quickly and results in a more favorable energy consumption when cold. Furthermore, costs are saved. With the extended charging options, a wider range of EV vehicles is also possible.

Furthermore, it can be provided in a further embodiment that the battery is a high-voltage battery and the battery is suitable for charging with adjustable input voltage and adjustable input power.

With an adjustable input voltage and an adjustable input power or a scalable input voltage and a scalable input power charging operations can be operated. For example, the charging of the battery according to the invention can take place in such a way.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, it can be provided that the battery is a high-voltage battery and the battery can be used for a discharge process with an adjustable output voltage and an adjustable output power.

With an adjustable output voltage and an adjustable output power or a scalable output voltage and a scalable output power consumers can be fed. Such a battery may be used, for example, for driving a powertrain or operating a heater. Further, such a battery may be used as a power source to charge one or more additional batteries.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

Showing:

1 an embodiment of a battery in a first operating state;

2 an embodiment of a battery in a second operating state;

3 an embodiment of a battery in a third operating state; and

4 an embodiment of a battery in a fourth operating state.

In the 1 to 4 in each case an embodiment of a battery 10 shown in different operating states. The battery 10 is preferably a high-voltage battery installed in a vehicle. The battery 10 has a plurality of modules 11 . 21 . 31 on, each module each having an energy storage 12 . 22 . 32 and two switches 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 ; 33 . 34 having. The switches 13 . 14 ; 23 . 24 ; 33 . 34 can each occupy two switching positions, marked in the figures with "a1", "b1" for switches 13 , "C1", "d1" for switches 14 , as well as "a2", "b2" for switches 23 , "C2", "d2" for switches 24 , and "on", "bn" for switches 13 , "Cn", "dn" for switch n, where n is a natural integer number. Between each energy storage and a switch is in series an electrical resistance 15 . 25 . 35 connected. This can represent the physical physical battery resistance or be a current-limiting component. The battery has four terminals or taps A, B, C, D, the modules 11 . 21 . 31 can be connected to the taps A, B, C, D via connection lines. Here, the terminals A and D form a first tap and the terminals B and C form a second tap. It is also possible that a tap takes place at the terminals A and C or at the terminals B and C. The taps are used to provide electrical power to a connected load at the taps. Further, the taps may be used to connect a power source, such as a charging station, to the battery 10 to connect or another battery to the battery 10 connect to.

Furthermore, the battery points 10 of the 1 to 4 interconnectors 20 . 30 on which the individual modules 11 . 21 . 31 connect to each other, with a first connecting line 20 from the second switch 14 of the first module 11 to the first switch 23 of the second module 21 is guided. Further, a second connection line 30 from the second switch 24 of the second module 21 to the first switch 33 of the third module 31 guided. This can be continued until the nth module. The nth module, which likewise has a first and a second switch, can be connected with its second switch via the marked switching point "dn" of the second switch to the connecting line of the terminal D. Furthermore, the first module 11 , which also has a first switch and a second switch, with its first switch 13 connected to the connection lead of terminal A via connection "a1". Furthermore, the switches 13 . 23 . 33 via its connections "b1", "b2", "b3" with the connecting cable of the terminal B and the switches 14 . 24 . 34 via its connections "c1", "c2", "c3" to the connection cable of terminal C.

1 shows an embodiment of the battery 10 in a first operating state, which is a normal working mode. This can be an infeed of a connected load. Here are the first switches of the modules 11 . 21 . 31 each set to the switching position "a". The second switches of the modules 11 . 21 . 31 are each set to the switching position "d". This results in a serial connection of the modules 11 . 21 . 31 ie the modules 11 . 21 . 31 are electrically connected in series. At a module voltage of 50 V, ie a cell voltage of 50 volts of the battery 10 , the following output voltage (U _output ) and output power (P _output ) result: V _output = n · U _module = 10 · 50 V = 500V P _output = n · P _module = 10 · 10 kW = 100 kW

Where n is the number of modules closed in series. At n = 10 results in an output voltage of 500 volts and an output power of 100 kilowatts.

The following relationship applies in relation to 1 : U _modulus = U _a1d1 = U _a2d2 = ... = U _andn = _50V P _module = P _a1d1 = P _a2d2 = ... = 10 kW U _Output = U _a1d1 + U _a2d2 + ... = _500V P _output = P _a1d1 + P _a2d2 + ... = 100 kW

2 shows an embodiment of the battery 10 in a second operating state, in which the battery 10 can be connected as a high-voltage battery with a module voltage of 50 volts to a low-voltage battery with a voltage of 48 volts. A DC / DC converter is not necessary here. The high-voltage battery can charge the low-voltage battery or vice versa with appropriate voltage conditions.

Here are the first switches of the modules 11 . 21 . 31 each set to the switching position "b". The second switches of the modules 11 . 21 . 31 are each set to the switching position "c". This results in a parallel connection of the modules 11 . 21 . 31 ie the modules 11 . 21 . 31 are electrically connected in parallel with each other.

At a module voltage of 50 V, ie a cell voltage of 50 volts of the battery 10 , results in the following output voltage (U _output ) and output power (P _output ): U _Output = U _Module = U _b1c1 = U _b2c2 = ... = U _bncn = U _a1d1 = U _a2d2 = ... = U _andn = _50V P _output = P _b1c1 + P _b2c2 ... = 10 · P _module = 10 · 10 kW = 100 kW

Where n is the number of modules connected in parallel. At n = 10 results in an output voltage of 50 volts and an output power of 100 kilowatts.

3 shows an embodiment of the battery 10 in a third operating state where only a part of the existing modules is used. Only part of the battery power is used. For example, during a cold start, first only the first module is heated to start the vehicle. Thereafter, successive modules can be heated and switched on after heating. This procedure can accelerate the starting process of the vehicle in the cold and reduces energy consumption.

3 shows the first module, which is connected to the leads of the terminals B and C, by the first switch of the module 11 is set to the switching position "b1" and the second switch of the module 11 is set to the switching position "c1". The other modules of the battery 10 are initially not switched on and do not contribute to the output of the battery 10 at.

With the same operating voltage as in the previous embodiments, namely 50 V, a different power can be provided n times. The performance of the unused battery modules results from the position of the first switch on "b2" and the second switch on "d2". This means that the modules are electrically connected in parallel with each other.

At a module voltage of 50 V, ie a cell voltage of 50 volts of the battery 10 , results in the following output voltage (U _output ) and output power (P _output ): U _Output = U _Module = U _b1c1 = 50 V = U _b2c2 = ... = U _bncn = U _a1d1 = U _a2d2 = ... = U _andn P _output = P _module = P _b1c1 = 10 kW

This results in an output voltage of 50 volts and an output power of 10 kilowatts (10 kW).

4 shows an embodiment of the battery 10 in a fourth operating state, in which the battery 10 is charged by an external power source, such as a charging station.

Here are the first switch of the first module 11 set to the switching position "a1". The second switch of the first module 11 is set to the switching position "d1". Further, the first switch of the second module 12 set to the switching position "a2" and the second switch of the second module 12 set to the switching position "c2". This means that the two modules 11 . 12 are electrically connected in series, that are connected in series. The remaining modules are not used and remain unused.

It is assumed that the high-voltage battery has a module voltage of 50 volts and is charged at a charging station with 110 volts. Thus, with two modules connected: U _battery = 2 · U _module = 2 · 50 V = 100V P _battery = 2 · P _module = 2 · 10 kW = 20 kW

At a module voltage of 50 V, ie a cell voltage of 50 volts of the battery 10 , results in the following output voltage (U _output ) and output power (P _output ): U _Output = U _a1c2 = U _a1d1 + U _a2c2 = 2 x U _Module = 2 x 50 V = _100V P _output = P _a1c2 = P _a1d1 + P _a2c2 = 2 x P _module = 2 x 10 kW = 20 kW

The result is an output voltage of 100 volts and an output power of 20 kilowatts.

Altogether it can be stated:
With a number N = x ⁿ modules, one can obtain (n + 1) times different battery operating voltages and N = x ⁿ times deliver different powers.

The possible working voltages are: U _module ; x · U _module ; x ² · U _module ; x ³ · U _module ... x ⁿ · U _module

The possible output powers or outputs are: 1 / N · P _total , 2 / N · P _total ...

With x ⁿ modules you can get (n + 1) times different battery working voltage. For each working voltage, you can scale up to x ⁿ power accordingly.

The possible working voltages are: U _module ; x · U _module ; x ² · U _module ; x ³ · U _module ... x ⁿ · U _module

Example 1:

With 2 ⁿ modules, one can supply (n + 1) times different battery working voltages.

Assuming eight modules, ie 8 = 2 ³ , each with 10 V and n = 3, one can obtain 3 + 1 = 4 different voltages.

With eight modules connected in parallel, 10 V is obtained as the output voltage and eight different powers can be provided.

With two modules in series in one group, then four groups in parallel, one obtains 20 V as the output voltage and four different powers can be provided.

With four modules in series in one group, then two groups in parallel, 40 V can be obtained as the output voltage and two different powers can be provided for this purpose.

With eight modules connected in series, 80 V output voltage can be obtained and a power can be provided for this purpose.

Example 2:

At 3 ⁿ modules (n + 1) times can batteries of different operating voltages can be provided.

For n = 3 with 27 = 3 ³ modules each with 10 V output voltage 3 + 1 = 4 different voltages can be provided.

In all 27 modules connected in parallel, 10 V is obtained as output voltage and 27 different powers can be provided for this purpose.

With three modules connected in series in one group and nine groups in parallel, 30 V is output as output voltage and nine different powers can be provided.

With nine modules connected in series in one group and three groups connected in parallel, 90 V is obtained as the output voltage and three different powers can be provided for this purpose.

With nine modules in serial connection, 270 V is obtained as the output voltage and a power can be provided for this purpose.

Accordingly, in the case of the battery according to the invention, in particular in the case of a high-voltage battery, more than one output voltage or input voltage and also more than one output can be provided. Thus, the battery can work with multiple voltages and multiple powers and can be designed for a variety of scaling patterns, i. H. operating the battery with different positions of the switches of the battery modules is possible. The battery can be used for charging and / or discharging. There are numerous technical advantages as well as the saving of costs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

battery

11

first module

12

first energy store

13

first switch of the first module

14

second switch of the second module

21

second module

22

second energy store

23

first switch of the second module

24

second switch of the second module

31

third module

32

third energy storage

33

first switch of the third module

34

second switch of the third module

A, B, C, D

terminal

a1, a2, a3

first switching contact of a first switch

b1, b2, b3, bn

second switching contact of a first switch

c1, c2, c3, cn

first switching contact of a second switch

d1, d2, d3, dn

second switching contact of a second switch

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2014/0184162 A1 [0006]

Claims (9)

Battery ( 10 ) for a vehicle having at least a first module ( 11 ) and a second module ( 21 ), each module ( 11 . 21 . 31 ) an energy store ( 12 . 22 . 32 ) and at least one switch ( 13 . 23 . 33 ; 14 . 24 . 34 ) having a first shift position (a1, a2, a3; c1, c2, c3) and a second shift position (b1, b2, b3; d1, d2, d3), characterized in that in the first shift position (a1, a2, c3) a3; c1, c2, c3) at least one of the switches ( 13 . 23 . 33 ; 14 . 24 . 34 ) a first output voltage at the battery ( 10 ) and in the second switching position at least one of the switches ( 13 . 23 . 33 ; 14 . 24 . 34 ) a second output voltage on the battery ( 10 ) is available. Battery ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that by the switching positions (a1, a2, a3; c1, c2, c3) of the switch ( 13 . 23 . 33 ; 14 . 24 . 34 ) an output power of the battery ( 10 ) is adjustable. Battery ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that each module ( 11 . 21 . 31 ) two switches ( 13 . 23 . 33 ; 14 . 24 . 34 ) having. Battery ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the battery ( 10 ) is a high-voltage battery with which a low-voltage battery can be charged by all modules ( 11 . 21 . 31 ) are connected in parallel. Battery ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the battery ( 10 ) is a high-voltage battery to which a low-voltage battery is connectable by a subset of modules for a charge or a discharge ( 11 . 21 . 31 ) is connected in series first and then the subset of modules ( 11 . 21 . 31 ) is connected in parallel. Battery ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that with a subset of the modules ( 11 . 21 ) an output power is available and then at least one further module ( 31 ) is switchable to provide a higher output power. Battery ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a subset of the energy storage ( 12 . 22 . 32 ) are rechargeable or dischargeable by adding a subset of the modules ( 12 . 22 . 32 ) are connected in series. Battery ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the battery is a high-voltage battery and the battery for a charging operation is usable with adjustable input voltage and adjustable input power. Battery ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the battery is a high-voltage battery and the battery for a discharge operation is usable with an adjustable output voltage and an adjustable output power.

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