WO2024110808A1

WO2024110808A1 - A system for battery management and a method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2024110808A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/061254
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ankit Mittal; Nakul MEHAN; Shikhar SHARMA
Original assignee: Seygnux Solutions Private Limited
Priority date: 2022-11-26
Filing date: 2023-11-08
Publication date: 2024-05-30

Abstract

There is disclosed a system and method of battery management system, wherein the battery management system comprises one or more string of a plurality of cells, one or more control unit, wherein at least one of the control unit is connected to each of the one or more string of the plurality of cells, characterized in that, the control unit is configured to regulate a rate of transfer of power from the one or more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR BATTERY MANAGEMENT AND A METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure in general relates to a battery management system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and method of battery management system for battery cell balancing.

BACKGROUND

Battery cells for storing electrical energy are used in various areas of technology. Especially in the current rapidly developing technologies of electro mobility and the energy industry, high storage capacities for electrical energy and high electrical voltages are required. Battery cells are important energy storage devices well known in the art. The energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, and so on, are generally made up of a plurality of cells arranged in a parallel or series connection inside the battery pack. The battery when in operation uses the chemical energy stored in its cells to provide usable electrical energy, this electrical energy from the battery cells is further used to operate a load, such as an electrical motor, a fan, a pump, or a light source and so on. While operating the load, the battery cells lose their electrical energy i.e. charge at a certain rate, depending upon the energy required by the load and so on.

In today’s day and age, in order to maximize the usable form of electrical energy from a battery, the battery is designed to contain a plurality of cells, arranged in a series and/or parallel connection, forming a string of cells. There can be a plurality of strings of cells in a battery pack, depending upon the used case of the battery. For example, a battery pack for a modem electric car will need to provide voltage outputs in the range of 300 volts to 800 volts, whereas a single battery cell can produce only 3.7 volts to 4.2 volts. So, to achieve such high voltages from the battery cells, a combination of series and parallel connection of cells, and the string of cells is used. In general, a plurality of cells is connected in parallel connection with each other to from a string of cells. This string of cells is further connected to another string of cells in a series connection. This usually allows producing voltages in excess of 800 volts from the plurality of 4.2 volts cells.

However, this arrangement is inherently flawed, as even if a single cell of the string is weak or has low voltage, the voltage of the entire string will be reduced to the voltage of the cell having low voltage. This is an inherent property of the parallel connection. The battery pack thus becomes limited in performance by the lowest capacity cell or weakest cell in the battery pack. Once the weakest cell is depleted, the entire battery pack is effectively depleted. It not only reduces the battery life, and usable power of the battery, wastes the usable energy of the healthier cells, but also hampers the charging of the entire battery pack drastically. This is primarily while charging the battery pack without balancing, the weak battery cells will reach full capacity prior to the stronger battery cells and stop the charging of the entire battery pack. Again it is the weak cells that are the limiting factor; in this case, they limit how much total charge a battery system can hold. This will keep the other cells in a partially charged state and further hamper the battery life and the useable power of the battery. It further creates the problem of cell imbalancing, where a cell has a different state of charge as compared to other cells.

To overcome the problem of battery cell imbalancing, there are systems and methods known in the art for battery cell balancing. Battery cell balancing is a technique that improves battery life by maximizing the capacity of a battery pack with multiple cells in series, ensuring that all of its energy is available for use. A cell balancer or control unit is a functionality in a battery management system that performs battery cell balancing often found in lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles. The techniques such as passive battery cell balancing and active battery cell balancing are known in the art. These systems and methods for passive and active battery cell balancing are also infested with countless problems of their own. The passive batery cell balancing allows the batery pack to look like every cell has the same capacity as the weakest cell in the batery pack. This is done by using a relatively low current that drains out a small amount of energy from the high state of charge cell (SoC) cells during the charging cycle so that all cells charge to their maximum SoC. This is accomplished by using a switch and bleed resistor in parallel with each batery cell. Passive batery cell balancing allows all cells to have the same SoC, but it does not improve the run-time of a batery-powered system. It provides a fairly low-cost method for balancing the cells, but it wastes energy in the process due to the discharge resistor. Passive batery cell balancing can also correct for long-term mismatch in self-discharge current from cell to cell. The major problems with passive batery cell balancing are that it; imparts poor thermal management; the batery cells do not balance during the full SoC; they only balance through the top of each cell at around 95%. This is because if there are different cell capacities, the system is forced to bum off the excess energy. Furthermore, the energy transmission efficiency of passive batery cell balancing is usually low, and the electrical energy or charge is dissipated as heat in the resistors and the circuit also accounts for switching losses. In other words, it results in a high amount of energy loss.

The problems inherited in the passive batery cell balancing are partially eradicated in the active batery cell balancing. With active batery cell balancing, the charge is redistributed from the stronger cells to the weaker cells, resulting in a fully depleted batery pack profile. In active batery cell balancing the charge is transferred from one cell to another. That is from high voltage/ high SoC to a cell with a lower SoC. In active batery cell balancing, the charge from cells having higher voltage/ high SoC is redistributed/transferred to the weaker cells to bring all the cells in the batery pack to the same level of charge. Unlike passive batery cell balancing, the active batery cell balancing does not drain out the charger from the cell having higher SoC. However, the active batery cell balancing is also flawed. The problems with active batery cell balancing are that, while transferring the charge from one cell to another, approximately 10-20% of the energy is lost; the charge could be transferred only from the cell with higher SoC to the cell with lower SoC; the control algorithm for active battery cell balancing is complex and its production cost is expensive because each cell should be connected with an additional power electronics interface. Furthermore, the active battery cell balancing is limited to work at a maximum of 4 Amperes only, this is not feasible for the electric mobility application where higher current outputs are required.

Therefore, there exists a problem of how to efficiently balance the battery cells to equalize the SoC in all the cells in the battery pack, without draining or transferring charge from one cell to another. Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional approaches for battery cell balancing in the battery packs.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery management system for efficiently balancing the cells in the battery pack, without draining or transferring the charge from one cell to another.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery management system for efficiently balancing the cells in the battery pack having different levels of charge, by regulating the rate of transfer of power from the cells.

A yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery management system for efficiently balancing the cells in the battery pack having different levels of charge, by dynamically regulating the rate of transfer of power from the cells.

In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery management system, wherein the system comprises:

- one or more strings of a plurality of cells;

- one or more control unit, wherein at least one of the control unit is connected to each of the one or more string of the plurality of cells, characterized in that, the control unit is configured to regulate a rate of transfer of power from the one or more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of battery management, the method comprising:

- providing one or more string of a plurality of cells;

- providing one or more control unit, wherein at least one of the control unit is connected to each of the one or more string of the plurality of cells, characterized in that the method comprises regulating a rate of transfer of power from the one or more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string, using the control unit.

The present disclosure provides the aforementioned battery management system. The battery management system as described herein provides the charge balancing in the cells by regulating the rate of transfer of power from the cells. Generally, the balancing of battery cells in the battery pack is provided by active balancing or passive balancing. Both of these methods of balancing are infested with drawbacks and are not suitable for high power (high voltage and high ampere) applications. Furthermore, another general method of balancing of battery cells in the battery pack is to shut the power from weaker cells having a lower level of charge, until stronger cells reach at the charge level of weaker cells. This drastically reduces the battery life. The battery management system as described herein does not transfer the charge from the cells having a higher level of charge to the weaker cells having a lower level of charge, it also does not stop the drawing of charge from the weaker cell, but it regulates the rate of transfer of power from the cells having the different levels of charge, this is to equalize the level of charge in all the cells. The battery management system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing the maximum useable power from a battery pack having a plurality of cells, it also eliminates the wastage of power while balancing the cells in the battery pack, and it also avoids the limitation of the power of the entire battery pack by the weaker cells, this significantly improves the robustness of the battery pack, improves the longevity of the useable battery power, reduces the thermal losses from the battery pack having imbalanced cells, and ensures the equal charging and discharging of all the cells in the battery pack. This ultimately translates into the full capacity charging and discharging of all the cells in the entire battery pack, which means the battery can now hold a significantly higher amount of charge for a longer duration of time. The present invention confronts the problem of efficiently balancing the battery cells to equalize the SoC in all the cells in the battery pack, without draining or transferring charge from one cell to another.

Optionally, the plurality of the plurality of cells are in parallel connection with each other in the one or more string.

Optionally, the one or more control unit are in series connection with each other.

Optionally, each control unit is configured to individually provide the power to a load.

Optionally, the control unit comprises at least one of: a switching circuit, a voltage transformation circuit, a capacitor, an inductor, resistor.

Optionally, the control unit comprises a processor configured to determine at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string.

Optionally, the processor is configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power for each of the one more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in each of the one or more string.

Optionally, the processor is communicably coupled to a server arrangement via a communication network. Optionally, the processor is configured to receive the rate of transfer of power for each of the one more string of the plurality of cells calculated by the server arrangement in response to the determined at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in each of the one or more string.

Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained through the following examples which are set forth to illustrate but are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a battery management system with a single control unit 102 for the string 108 of cells 104A-104E, wherein the control unit 102 comprises a processor, not shown in the figure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the battery management system with a plurality of strings 208A-208B of cells 204A-204J having separate control units 202A-202B, connected in series with each other, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the battery management system with a plurality of strings 308A-308C of cells 304A-304P having separate control units 302A-302C, connected in series with each other, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the battery management system with a plurality of strings 408A-408C of cells 404A-404P having separate control units 402A-402C, wherein the control units 402A-402C individually provide power to a load, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 is a flow chart of steps of a method 500 of the battery management. At step 504, one or more string of a plurality of cells is provided. At step 506, one or more control unit is provided, wherein at least one of the control unit is connected to each of the one or more string of the plurality of cells. At step 508, the method comprises regulating a rate of transfer of power from the one or more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string, using the control unit.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item to which the arrow is pointing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and the ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.

In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery management system, wherein the system comprises:

- one or more string of a plurality of cells;

- providing one or more string of a plurality of cells;

- providing one or more control unit, wherein at least one of the control unit is connected to each of the one or more string of the plurality of cells, characterized in that the method comprises regulating a rate of transfer of power from the one or more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string, using the control unit. In the first aspect of the embodiment, the battery management system comprises a plurality of strings, wherein the strings are made up of a plurality of cells located in a battery. The plurality of cells is connected with another cell in a parallel connection. This parallel connection of cells significantly increases the duration for which batteries can power equipment. The battery management system also comprises a control unit that is connected to the string of the plurality of cells. The control unit is also connected to the load, to provide power to the load from the plurality of cells. The control unit is configured to regulate the rate of transfer of power from the string of the plurality of cells depending upon the state of power, and/or state of charge, and/or state of health of the plurality of cells in the string. The control unit is configured to regulatively decrease the rate of transfer of power from the weaker string of the plurality of cells, and regulatively increase the rate of transfer of power from the stronger string of the plurality of cells, such that the state of charge in all the strings is equalized.

The present embodiment provides the aforementioned battery management system. The battery management system as described herein provides the charge balancing in the cells by regulating the rate of transfer of power from the cells. Generally, the balancing of battery cells in the battery pack is provided by active balancing or passive balancing. Both of these methods of balancing are infested with drawbacks and are not suitable for high power (high voltage and high ampere) applications. Furthermore, another general method of balancing of battery cells in the battery pack is to shut the power from weaker cells having a lower level of charge, until stronger cells reach at the charge level of weaker cells. This drastically reduces the battery life. The battery management system as described herein does not transfer the charge from the cells having a higher level of charge to the weaker cells having a lower level of charge, it also does not stop the drawing of charge from the weaker cell, but it regulates the rate of transfer of power from the cells having the different levels of charge, this is to equalize the level of charge in all the cells. The battery management system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing the maximum useable power from a battery pack having a plurality of cells, it also eliminates the wastage of power while balancing the cells in the battery pack, and it also avoids the limitation of the power of the entire battery pack by the weaker cells, this significantly improves the robustness of the battery pack, improves the longevity of the useable battery power, reduces the thermal losses from the battery pack having imbalanced cells, and ensures the equal charging and discharging of all the cells in the battery pack. This ultimately translates into the full capacity charging and discharging of all the cells in the entire battery pack, which means the battery can now hold a significantly higher amount of charge for a longer duration of time. The present invention confronts the problem of efficiently balancing the battery cells to equalize the SoC in all the cells in the battery pack, without draining or transferring charge from one cell to another.

Advantageously, in the present aspect of the embodiment, the charge from the stronger string (having higher SoC) is not drained out or transferred to the weaker string (having lower SoC), but the rate of transfer of power from the strings having different levels of SoC is regulated. The advantage of the present embodiment is that it eradicated the loss of a significant amount of charge, up to 10-20%, which would have occurred during the transfer of charge from one string to another string.

Furthermore, the present embodiment is also advantageous in terms of equalizing the SoC in all the strings, it ensures that all the strings of the battery charge and discharge at their full capacity, it further ensures an increased power output from the battery for a longer duration of time. It also increases the efficiency of the battery.

Furthermore, the advantages of the present embodiment are that it significantly improves the useable battery life, improves the longevity of the battery pack, and equalizes the charge or SoC of all the strings in the battery to ensure even charging and discharging of all the strings in the battery. Additionally, the battery is not limited by the charge in the weakest string, and thus an optimized use of the charge stored in the battery is possible.

Furthermore, advantageously the charge wastage due to the draining of the charge from the string with higher SoC is also eradicated, as the charge from the string with higher SoC is neither drained out, nor transferred to the lower battery cell, but the rate of flow of power (current and voltage) from the string is regulated in a way to equalize the SoC in all the string. This is further advantageous, as there is no loss of charge in terms of heat energy and there are minimal switching losses, as there is no transfer of SoC from one string to another.

Moreover, the present embodiment is suitable for the multi-array application. The system can efficiently manage the multiple arrays of the cell, wherein the one array of the cell itself is made up of multiple strings of cells connected in series and/or parallel connections. The present embodiment can efficiently detect the array of cells having low SoC among the multiple arrays of cells and accordingly regulate the transfer rate of power from the arrays of cells in the battery, to equalize the SoC in all the arrays of cells. This makes the present invention, a suitable choice for high voltage application system, such as but not limited to electric vehicles, which usually utilizes a battery pack made up of multiple arrays of cells.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "battery management system” (BMS) as used herein relates to an electronic control circuits that monitor and regulate the charging and discharge of batteries. The battery characteristics to be monitored include the detection of battery type, voltages, temperature, capacity, state of charge, power consumption, remaining operating time, charging cycles, and some more characteristics. The task of battery management systems is to ensure the optimal use of the residual energy present in a battery. In order to avoid loading the batteries, BMS systems protect the batteries from deep discharge, from overvoltage, which are results of extreme fast charge and extreme high discharge current. In the case of multi-cell batteries, the battery management system also provides for cell balancing function, to manage that different battery cells have the same charging and discharging requirements. The BMS includes but not limited to Centralized Battery Management Systems, Decentralized Battery Management Systems, or any combination thereof.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "battery" as used herein relates to an energy storage device that converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy. The batery (or cell) has a cathode, or positive plate, and an anode, or negative plate . These electrodes are separated by and are often immersed in an electrolyte that permits the passage of ions between the electrodes. The electrode materials and the electrolyte are chosen and arranged so that sufficient electromotive force (measured in volts) and electric current (measured in amperes) can be developed between the terminals of a batery to operate load such as but not limited to lights, machines, or other devices. Since an electrode contains only a limited number of units of chemical energy convertible to electrical energy, it follows that a batery of a given size has only a certain capacity to operate devices and will eventually become exhausted. The active parts of a batery are usually encased in a box with a cover system (or jacket) that keeps air outside and the electrolyte solvent inside and which provides a structure for the assembly. The batery includes, but not limited to Alkaline batery (zinc manganese oxide, carbon), Aluminium-air batery, Atomic batery, Radioisotope thermoelectric generator, Betavoltaic device, Bunsen cell, Chromic acid cell (Poggendorff cell), Clark cell, Daniell cell, Dry cell, Earth batery, Frog batery, Galvanic cell, Grove cell, Leclanche cell, Lemon/potato batery, Lithium batery, Lithium-air batery, Magnesium batery, Mercury batery, Molten salt batery, Nickel oxyhydroxide batery, Oxyride batery, Organic radical batery, Paper batery, Pulvermacher's chain, Silver-oxide batery, Solid-state batery, Sugar batery, Voltaic pile, Penny batery, Trough batery, Water-activated batery, Weston cell, Zinc-air batery, Zinc-carbon batery, Zinc-chloride batery, Aluminium-ion batery, Calcium batery, Flow batery, Vanadium redox batery, Zinc-bromine batery, Zinc-cerium batery, Hydrogen bromine batery, Lead-acid batery, Deep-cycle batery, Flooded batery, VRLA batery, AGM batery, Gel batery, Ultra Batery, Glass batery, Lithium-ion batery, Lithium-ion lithium cobalt oxide batery (ICR), Lithium-silicon batery, Lithium-ion manganese-oxide batery (LMO), Lithium-ion polymer batery (LiPo), Lithium-iron-phosphate batery (LFP), Lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides (NMC), Lithium-nickel- cobalt-aluminium oxides (NCA), Lithium-sulfur batery, Lithium-titanate batery (LTO), Thin-film lithium-ion batery, Lithium-ceramic batery, Rechargeable lithium-metal batery, Magnesium-ion batery, Metal-air electrochemical cells, Lithium-air battery, Aluminium-air battery, Germanium-air battery, Calcium-air battery, Iron-air battery, Potassium-ion battery, Silicon-air battery, Zinc-air battery, Tin-air battery, Sodium-air battery, Beryllium-air battery, Molten-salt battery, Microbial fuel cell, Nickel-cadmium battery, Nickel-cadmium battery vented cell type, Nickel-hydrogen battery, Nickel-iron battery, Nickel-metal hydride battery, Low self-discharge NiMH battery, Nickel-zinc battery, Organic radical battery, Polymer-based battery, Polysulfide bromide battery, Potassium-ion battery, Rechargeable alkaline battery, Rechargeable fuel battery, Sand battery, Silver-zinc battery, Silver-calcium battery, Silver-cadmium battery, Sodium-ion battery, Sodium-sulfur battery, Solid-state battery, Super iron battery, Zinc-ion battery, or any combination thereof.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "battery pack" as used herein relates to the arrangement of the multiple batteries in parallel and/or series connection with each other and working as a single battery. The series and parallel connection between the batteries is defined based on the used case of the battery pack. The term “battery pack” as used herein can also relates to the arrangement of the multiple cells or multiple strings of cells or multiple arrays of strings of cells.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “cell” as used herein relates to, but not limited to a single battery in a battery pack. It may also relate to a single cell inside a battery. The term cell as used here is intended to mean a single unit of energy storage device. A cell in general refers to a single anode and cathode separated by an electrolyte used to produce a voltage and current. A battery can be made up of one or more cells.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "array' ' as used herein relates to an arrangement of a plurality of cells connected to each other in series and/or parallel connection with each other, based on the used case of the battery. The term array may also be used for the arrangement of plurality batteries connected to each other in series and/or parallel connection with each other to work as a single energy storage device. Furthermore, the term array may also be used for the arrangement of plurality battery packs connected to each other in series and/or parallel connections with each other to work as a single energy storage device.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "control unit”, as used herein relates to a device having a controller and an electronic circuit, configured to manage the charge, current, voltage, and power output from the cell and/or batteries and/or battery pack, and/or arrays of cells and/or arrays of batteries and/or arrays of battery packs, and/or string of cells, via an electrical circuitry. The controller is configured to detect the SoC in various strings of cells connected to the control unit and determine the string of cells having the lowest SoC. The control unit uses at least one of the voltage sensor, current sensor, and thermal sensor to detect the voltage, current, and temperature of the cell and/or batteries and/or battery pack, and/or arrays of cells and/or arrays of batteries and/or arrays of battery packs, and/or string of cells. The control unit comprises at least one of a switching circuit, a voltage transformation circuit, a capacitor, an inductor, resistor. The control unit is further configured, by the virtue of the controller, to regulate the rate of transfer of power from the various strings of cells in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings of cells connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to regulatively decrease or increase the transfer rate of power from one or more strings of the cells.

In an embodiment, a single control unit can be arranged in connection with the string of the plurality of cells in the battery to provide power to the load. In an another embodiment plurality of control units can be used with the plurality of strings of the cells, and these plurality of control units are connected to each other in series and/or parallel connection, based on the used case of the strings of the cells, to provide power to the load. In an another embodiment the plurality of control units are not in connection with each other, but are configured to individually provide the power to the load, directly. In an another embodiment a dedicated control unit is provided to each string of the cells to provide power to the load.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “load”, as used herein relates to a machine and/or device, and/or tool, and/or an instrument which requires electrical power to operate. The load may be but not limited to, an electric vehicle, a light source, an electric motor, a fan, a cooler, a home appliance, electric trimmer, pet groomer, a computer, a television, a music system, an electric induction cooker, an electric chimney, an electric pump, an electric grinder etc. Furthermore, the load may be but not limited to, a unidirectional charger, wherein the unidirectional charger allows the flow of charge from the grid to the battery pack, and a bidirectional charger, wherein the bidirectional charger allows the flow of charge in both directions, i.e. form battery pack to grid and from grid to battery pack.

Furthermore, the in another embodiment control unit is configured to work with the charger. While charging of the batteries the control unit is configured to regulative ly decrease or increase the rate of transfer of power going into the strings of cells, based on the SoC of the plurality of strings.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "voltage sensor”, as used herein relates to a sensor used to calculate and monitor the amount of voltage in a circuit, device or machine etc. Voltage sensors can determine the AC voltage or DC voltage level. The input of the voltage sensor is the voltage, whereas the output can be the switches, analog voltage signal, a current signal, or an audible signal. The voltage sensor includes but not limited to, Resistive Type Sensor, Capacitor Type Sensor or a combination thereof.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “current sensor”, as used herein relates to a device that detects and converts current to an easily measurable output voltage, which is proportional to the current through the measured path. Current sensor includes but not limited to Hall Effect Sensors, Rogowski Coil, Fiber optic current sensors or a combination thereof.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “temperature sensor”, as used herein relates to a device that measures the temperature of its environment and converts the input data into electronic data to record, monitor, or signal temperature changes. The temperature sensors include but limited to Thermocouples, RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), Thermistors, Semiconductor-based ICs, or a combination thereof. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "state of charge ' (SoC), as used herein relates to the level of charge of a battery, battery pack, cell, array of the cell, an array of battery, and array of battery packs relative to its capacity. The units of SoC are percentage points, 0% = empty; 100% = full charge. The SoC of a cell can determined by, but not limited to, chemical method, voltage method, current integration, Kalman filtering, and pressure method. In chemical method of determination of SoC, the specific gravity or pH of the electrolyte can be used to indicate the SoC of the battery. Hydrometers are used to calculate the specific gravity of a battery. Further, to find specific gravity, it is necessary to measure out volume of the electrolyte and to weigh it. Then specific gravity is given by (mass of electrolyte [g]/ volume of electrolyte [ml])/ (Density of Water, i.e. Ig/lml). To find SoC from specific gravity, a look-up table of SG vs SoC is needed. The voltage method works only with batteries that offer access to their liquid electrolyte, such as non-sealed lead acid batteries. The method converts a reading of the battery voltage to SoC, using the known discharge curve (voltage vs. SoC) of the battery. However, the voltage is more significantly affected by the battery current (due to the battery's electrochemical kinetics) and temperature. This method can be made more accurate by compensating the voltage reading by a correction term proportional to the battery current, and by using a look-up table of battery's opencircuit voltage vs. temperature. In fact, it is a stated goal of battery design to provide a voltage as constant as possible no matter the SoC, which makes this method difficult to apply. The current integration method which is also known as "Coulomb counting", calculates the SoC by measuring the battery current and integrating it in time. Since no measurement can be perfect, this method suffers from long-term drift and lack of a reference point: therefore, the SoC must be re-calibrated on a regular basis, such as by resetting the SoC to 100% when a charger determines that the battery is fully charged (using one of the other methods described here). Further, to overcome the shortcomings of the voltage method and the current integration method, a Kalman filter can be used. The battery can be modeled with an electrical model which the Kalman filter will use to predict the over-voltage, due to the current. In combination with coulomb counting, it can make an accurate estimation of the state of charge. The strength of a Kalman filter is that it is able to adjust its trust of the battery voltage and coulomb counting in real-time. The pressure method can be used with certain NiMH batteries, whose internal pressure increases rapidly when the battery is charged. More commonly, a pressure switch indicates if the battery is fully charged. This method may be improved by taking into account Peukert's law which is a function of charge/discharge rate or ampere.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "state of power ' (SoP), as used herein relates to ratio of peak power to the nominal power of the battery. The peak power, based on present battery-pack conditions, is the maximum power that may be maintained constant for time (T) seconds without violating pre-set operational design limits on battery voltage, SOC, power, or current. 100 [%]

SoP is very important to ensure that the charge or discharge power does not exceed certain limits with the aim of using the battery as good as possible to extend its life expectancy. Also, in peak power applications this indicator can turn useful to define conditions in the battery to be able to make big charges or discharges. The state of power depends highly on the state of charge, the capacity of the battery and its initial features, chemistry and battery voltage so it is obtained in a second step of a battery study.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "state of health" (SoH), as used herein relates to the estimation of the maximum level of charge of a battery relative to its initial value when it is first used is called state of health (SoH). The units of SoH are percentage points and it is calculated as the ratio between the maximum energy storing capacity in the battery at a given time and the maximum energy it was able to store initially (nominal capacity). 100 [%]

The state of health is a useful indicator of the life expectancy of the batteries and helps to decide when to change the battery because the minimum requirements are not achieved. Also, by having an accurate state of health, the model of the battery used and its usage in the application it is possible to estimate the life that the battery will have under a specific use.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "battery balancing". and "battery cell balancing" as used herein relates to the process of equalizing the voltages and state of charge among the cells and/or battery pack and/or array of battery and/or array of cells and/or array of battery packs while charging. Battery balancing is technique that improves the available capacity of a battery pack with multiple cells (usually in series) and increase each cell's longevity. The individual cells in a battery pack naturally have somewhat different capacities and over the course of charge and discharge cycles, they may be at a different state of charge (SoC). Variations in capacity could due to manufacturing variances, assembly variances (e.g., cells from one production run mixed with others), cell aging, impurities, or environmental exposure (e.g., some cells may be subject to additional heat from nearby sources like motors, electronics, etc.), and can be exacerbated by the cumulative effect of parasitic loads, such as the cell monitoring circuitry often found in a battery management system (BMS). The balancing of a multi -cell pack helps to maximize the capacity and service life of the pack by working to maintain the equivalent state- of-charge (SoC) of every cell, to the degree possible given their different capacities, over the widest possible range. The balancing is only necessary for packs that contain more than one cell and/or batteries and/or battery pack, and/or arrays of cells and/or arrays of batteries and/or arrays of battery packs in series. Parallel connected cells will naturally balance since they are directly connected to each other, but groups of parallel connected cells, wired in series (parallel-series wiring) must be balanced between cell groups. The battery balancing majorly relates to two type of battery balancing, namely bottom balancing and top balancing. Bottom balancing relates to the balancing of cells at the lowest “safe” voltage. Top balancing relates to the balancing of cells at the “highest” voltage. The purpose of top balancing is to maximize the use of the battery cells. Optionally, the plurality of cells are in parallel connection with each other in the one or more strings. The string of cells comprises plurality of cells connected to each other in parallel connection. The advantage of the parallel connection of a plurality of cell in a string is that the voltage remains constant in the parallel connection. Therefore, each component in the circuit gets the same amount of voltage. Furthermore, advantageously the connection and disconnection of a cells in the string is possible without affecting the other cells in the string. This enables for the easy replacement of faulty battery cells in a string. In addition to this, it provides the easement in the identification of faulty cell or weaker cell in a string. Furthermore, advantageously in case of a fault in one of the cells, the current is able to pass through different paths of the string.

Optionally, the plurality of cells are in series connection with each other in the one or more strings. The string of cells comprises plurality of cells connected to each other in series connections. This configuration of cells provides an increased output voltage from the string. The advantage of the series connection of the plurality of cells in a string is that the series circuits do not get heated easily. Therefore, any dry or flammable object placed near the series circuit will not catch the fire in case of overheating of the circuit. However, if there is any fault or break at one of the cells, the cells connected after that will also be unable to supply power. The whole string will become dead.

Optionally, the one or more control units of the battery management system are in a series connection with each other. The control unit for the plurality of strings are connected with each other in series connection. This configuration of control units provides an increased output voltage from the strings to the load. The advantage of the series connection of the multiple control units is that the series circuits do not get heated easily. Therefore, any dry or flammable object placed near the series circuit will not catch the fire in case of overheating of the circuit. However, if there is any fault or break at one of the control unit, the control units connected after that will also be unable to supply power to the load. Optionally, the control unit comprises a processor configured to determine at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in one or more strings.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "controller" and "processor", as used herein relates to a processor or an electronic device that enables the control unit to determine the SoC in a various string of cells connected to the control unit and determine the string of cell having the lowest SoC. The processor further enables the control unit to regulate the rate of transfer of power from the various strings of cells in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings of cells connected to the control unit. The processor is configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power from the strings of the cells, based on at least one of the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells and/or a plurality of strings of cells. The processor further utilizes an algorithm to enable the control unit to determine the SoC in the strings of cells and regulate the rate of transfer of power from the string of the cells. The processor includes but not limited to, Microcontroller, Microprocessor, Embedded Processor, DSP and Media Processor, Intel Pentium 111, IBM PowerPC 750X, MIPS R5000, StrongARM SA-110, Atmega328-AU, Microchip P1C16F877A-I/P, Microchip P1C16F1503-I/P, Microchip P1C16F671- I/SN, Microchip P1C18F45K22-I/P, T1 C5416 Processor, DSP 32C Processor, TN2302AP IP, IN2602 AP IP, DM3730, DM3725, DM37385, DM388, TMS320DM6467, TMS320DM6431 or any combination thereof, are suitable for the various embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, in an embodiment, the processor is communicably coupled to the server arrangement, where in the server arrangement calculates the rate of transfer of power from the strings of the cells and communicates the calculated rate of transfer of power to the processor. Optionally, in an embodiment processor is configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power from one or more strings of cells, independently. Advantageously, the battery management system becomes robust and reliable, as in the case of loss of communication with the server arrangement, the processor is capable of calculating the rate of transfer of power on its own. Furthermore, the present embodiment is suitable for use in locations with poor or no network coverage. Optionally, the processor is configured to dynamically calculate the rate of transfer of power from the one or more strings of plurality of cells. The dynamic calculation of rate of transfer of power relates to the alterations in the calculations with respect to the time. The aforementioned alteration in the calculation can relate to at least one of alteration in the inputs data for calculation, alteration in the outcome from the calculation, corresponding to the inputs.

For example, three strings (308A, 308B, 308C) of the plurality of cells are individually connected to three control units (302A, 302B, 302C), and the aforementioned three control units are connected with each other in a series connection, and further the aforementioned three control units are connected to a load (306). At time T_o the level of SoC in the strings 308A is 10%, 308B is 20%, 308C is 30%, so in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings (308A-308C) at time Tj₀, the processor calculates the rate of transfer of power from all the strings (308A- 308C) for times T), T₂, T₃ T_w, such that at time T₁₀ all the strings (308A- 308C) have equal SoC. In order to achieve this, the processor calculates the rate of transfer of power from the strings 308A is to be only 0.1% of its SoC, 308B is to be 0.3% of its SoC, 308C is to be 0.6% of its SoC. However, with this rate of transfer of power the string 308C might be depleted much sooner than that of strings 308B and 308 A, so to avoid this scenario of SoC imblancing, the processor makes the required adjustments into its calculation of the rate of transfer of power form the string, at any time between 7 -T_w, based on the remaining SoC in all three strings at a given time. Thus, the rate of transfer of power is dynamically calculated, and subsequently dynamically changed with respect to time.

The processor constantly keeps on calculating the rate of transfer of power (for the time 7i-Tj₀), which is to be increased or decreased, from one or more strings of plurality of cells, based on the at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings of plurality of cells. This is done to equalize the state of charge (SoC) in one or more strings of plurality of cells. Optionally, the processor is configured to communicate the dynamically calculated rate of transfer of power from one or more strings, to the processor of the control unit in real time via the communication network. The advantage of the dynamic calculation of rate of transfer power from one or more string is that, it optimizes the equalization of SoC in one or more strings and ensures the efficient charge balancing in the one or more strings. Furthermore, the dynamic calculation of rate of transfer power from one or more string makes the battery management system suitable for high power application, and compatible with the plurality of strings of plurality of cells. Furthermore, it increases the efficiency and the applicability of the battery management system.

Optionally, the processor is configured to dynamically increase the rate of transfer of power from the one or more strings of plurality of cells, based on the at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings of plurality of cells.

For example, three strings (308A, 308B, 308C) of the plurality of cells are individually connected to three control units (302A, 302B, 302C), and the aforementioned three control units are connected with each other in a series connection, and further the aforementioned three control units are connected to a load (306). At time T_o the level of SoC in the strings 308A is 10%, 308B is 20%, 308C is 30%, so in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings (308A-308C) at time Tj₀, the processor calculates the rate of transfer of power from all the strings (308A- 308C) for times Tj, T₂, T₃ T_w, such that at time Tj₀ all the strings (308A- 308C) have equal SoC. In order to achieve this, the processor calculates the rate of transfer of power from the strings 308A is to be only 0.1% of its SoC, 308B is to be 0.3% of its SoC, 308C is to be 0.6% of its SoC.

However, at time T₅ it is realised that string 308B will have higher SoC than the strings 308A and 308C, at time Tj₀. So, to avoid this scenario of SoC unbalancing, the processor adjusts the calculation, and re-calculates the rate of transfer of powers from all three strings to achieve equalized SoC in all the strings at time T_w. This is done by dynamically increasing the rate of transfer of power from the string 308B, based on the at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of the string 308B at time T₅. Optionally, the processor is configured to dynamically decrease the rate of transfer of power from the one or more strings of plurality of cells, based on the at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings of plurality of cells.

For example, three strings (308A, 308B, 308C) of the plurality of cells are individually connected to three control units (302A, 302B, 302C), and the aforementioned three control units are connected with each other in a series connection, and further the aforementioned three control units are connected to a load (306). At time T_o the level of SoC in the strings 308A is 10%, 308B is 20%, 308C is 30%, so in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings (308A-308C) at time Tj₀, the processor calculates the rate of transfer of power from all the strings (308A- 308C) for times 7^, T₂, T₃ T_w, such that at time Tj₀ all the strings (308A- 308C) have equal SoC. In order to achieve this, the processor calculates the rate of transfer of power from the strings 308A is to be only 0.1% of its SoC, 308B is to be 0.3% of its SoC, 308C is to be 0.6% of its SoC.

However, at time T₇ it is realised that string 308C will have lower SoC than the strings 308A and 308B, at time T_w. So, to avoid this scenario of SoC unbalancing, the processor adjusts the calculation, and re-calculates the rate of transfer of powers from all three strings to achieve equalized SoC in all the strings at time T_w. This is done by dynamically decreasing the rate of transfer of power from the string 308C, based on the at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of the string 308C at time T₇.

Optionally, the processor is configured to simultaneously increase and/or decrease the rate of transfer of power form one or more strings, based on the at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings. The advantage of the simultaneous dynamic calculation of rate of transfer power from one or more string is that, it is capable of optimizing the equalization of SoC in one or more strings, in real time and ensures the efficient charge balancing in the one or more strings. Furthermore, the simultaneous dynamic calculation of rate of transfer power from one or more string makes the battery management system suitable for high power application, and compatible with the plurality of strings of plurality of cells. Furthermore, it increases the efficiency and the applicability of the battery management system. Beneficially, the simultaneous dynamic calculation of rate of transfer power from one or more string is particularly advantageous in case of the relatively older battery packs, which might have multiple strings of cells among which few strings have become weak (can hold lower SoC only for shorter duration) over the course of time, and remaining are relatively stronger. The simultaneous dynamic calculation of rate of transfer of power enables the battery management system to increase the useable battery life and increase the efficiency of the battery, as even if the battery has aged, its power output remains optimum. This is by the virtue of efficient charge balancing in the one or more string, provided by the battery management system. The balanced strings of plurality of cells, charge and discharge together, and thus can hold higher amount of charge for longer duration of time.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “algorithm” , as used herein relates to a computer-executable set of instructions in the machine-readable language to enable the control unit via the processor to detect the SoC in various strings of cells connected to the control unit and determine the string of cell having the lowest SoC. The processor, via the algorithm, further enables the control unit to regulate the transfer rate of power from the various string of cells in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings of cells connected to the control unit. The algorithm includes but not limited, to the Brute Force algorithm, Greedy algorithm, Recursive algorithm, Backtracking algorithm, Divide & Conquer algorithm, Dynamic programming algorithm, Randomised algorithm, and Machine learning algorithm. The algorithm may be written in programming languages, such as but not limited to C, Java, Python, C++, C#, Visual Basic, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, Assembly language, R, Groovy.

Optionally, the processor is configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power for each of the one more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in each of the one or more string. Optionally the processor is configured to simultaneously calculate the rate of transfer of power for a plurality of strings of plurality of cells, in real-time in response to at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells. The advantage of simultaneous and real-time calculation of the rate of transfer of power for the plurality of strings is that, it makes the battery management system significantly efficient, as it takes lesser time and energy to calculate the rate of transfer of power for multiple strings, and makes the battery management system capable of handling larger battery packs having large numbers of strings. Thus, it makes the battery management system suitable for high voltage applications.

Optionally, the processor is communicably coupled to a server arrangement via a communication network. The processor of the control unit is connected to the server arrangement via a communication network. Optionally, the processor is configured to send the determined values of at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string to the server arrangement. Advantageously, this makes the battery management system remotely accessible. Further, a user can monitor and/or regulate the various aspects of the battery management system remotely. Moreover, it makes the battery management system significantly more use accessible and user-friendly, as the user is now able to access the various aspects of the battery management system remotely. Optionally, the server arrangement is also connected to a database to store and/or retrieve the data related to the battery management system. The database includes but not limited to a virtual database, cloud database, physical database, or a combination of thereof.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “server arrangement” as used herein relates to an arrangement of one or more servers that includes, but not limited to one or more processors configured to perform various operations, for example, as mentioned earlier. Optionally, the server arrangement includes any arrangement of physical or virtual computational entities capable of performing the various operations. Optionally, in an embodiment, the server arrangement is a cloud computing server arrangement communicably coupled with processor of the control unit, via a communication network. Optionally, in an embodiment the server arrangement is configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power from the strings of the cells, based on at least one of the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells and/or plurality of strings of cells and/or string of cell. Further, the calculated rate of transfer of power, by the server arrangement, is communicated to the processor of the control unit to regulate the rate of transfer of power from the string of cells. Advantageously, it enables the battery management system to be remotely accessible and can be remotely monitored. A user is able to monitor and/or control the various aspects of the battery management system, remotely.

Optionally, in an embodiment, a single server arrangement is connected to the multiple processors of the multiple control units, simultaneously. The server arrangement is configured to simultaneously calculate the rate of transfer of power for multiple strings of plurality of cells in multiple batteries in real-time. Optionally, the server arrangement is configured to run the multiple algorithms for multiple strings in the multiple batteries simultaneously, in real-time to calculate the rate of transfer of power for each of the multiple strings. Advantageously, it makes the system suitable for high-power applications and increases the efficiency of the system significantly, as the server arrangement can optimally compute the rate of transfer of power for multiple strings of the plurality of cells. Furthermore, advantageously, it enables the server arrangement to connect to the multiple processors in the multiple control units simultaneously and calculate and communicate (via a communication network) the rate of transfer of power for multiple strings of cells in multiple batteries, in real-time. Additionally, it further improves the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the system, as one server arrangement is connected to multiple processors and communicates the calculated rate of transfer for multiple strings of cells in multiple batteries, simultaneously in real-time. Optionally, the processor is a standalone device and configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power from one or more strings of cells, independently. Advantageously, the battery management system becomes robust and reliable, as in the case of loss of communication with the server arrangement, the processor is capable of calculating the rate of transfer of power from the plurality of strings, on its own. Furthermore, the present embodiment is suitable for use in locations with poor or no network coverage.

Optionally, the server arrangement is configured to dynamically calculate the rate of transfer of power from the one or more strings of plurality of cells. The dynamic calculation of the rate of transfer of power relates to the alterations in the calculations with respect to the time. The aforementioned alteration in the calculation can relate to at least one of alteration in the inputs data for calculation, alteration in the outcome from the calculation, corresponding to the inputs.

For example, three strings (308A, 308B, 308C) of the plurality of cells are individually connected to three control units (302A, 302B, 302C), and the aforementioned three control units are connected with each other in a series connection, and further, the aforementioned three control units are connected to a load (306). At time T_o the level of SoC in the strings 308A is 10%, 308B is 20%, and 308C is 30%, so in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings (308A-308C) at time Tj₀, the server arrangement calculates the rate of transfer of power from all the strings (308A-308C) for times Tj, T₂, T₃ T₁₀, such that at time Tj₀ all the strings (308A-308C) have equal SoC. In order to achieve this, the server arrangement calculates the rate of transfer of power from the strings 308A is to be only 0.1% of its SoC, 308B is to be 0.3% of its SoC, and 308C is to be 0.6% of its SoC. However, with this rate of transfer of power the string 308C might be depleted much sooner than that of strings 308B and 308A, so to avoid this scenario of SoC imbalancing, the server arrangement makes the required adjustments into its calculation of the rate of transfer of power from the string, at any time between Tj- Tj₀, based on the remaining SoC in all three strings at a given time. Thus, the rate of transfer of power is dynamically calculated, and subsequently dynamically changed with respect to time.

The server arrangement constantly keeps on calculating the rate of transfer of power (for the time T₁-T₁₀'), which is to be increased or decreased, from one or more strings of the plurality of cells, based on at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings of the plurality of cells. This is done to equalize the state of charge (SoC) in one or more strings of plurality of cells. Optionally, the server arrangement is configured to communicate the dynamically calculated rate of transfer of power from one or more strings, to the processor of the control unit in real-time via the communication network. The advantage of the dynamic calculation of the rate of transfer power from one or more strings is that it optimizes the equalization of SoC in one or more strings and ensures efficient charge balancing in one or more strings. Furthermore, the dynamic calculation of the rate of transfer power from one or more strings makes the battery management system suitable for high power applications, and compatible with the plurality of strings of the plurality of cells. Furthermore, it increases the efficiency and the applicability of the battery management system.

Optionally, the server arrangement is configured to dynamically increase the rate of transfer of power from the one or more strings of the plurality of cells, based on at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings of the plurality of cells.

For example, three strings (308A, 308B, 308C) of the plurality of cells are individually connected to three control units (302A, 302B, 302C), and the aforementioned three control units are connected with each other in a series connection, and further, the aforementioned three control units are connected to a load (306). At time T_o the level of SoC in the strings 308A is 10%, 308B is 20%, 308C is 30%, so in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings (308A-308C) at time T₁₀, the server arrangement calculates the rate of transfer of power from all the strings (308A-308C) for times T₁₅ T₂, T₃ T₁₀, such that at time T₁₀ all the strings (308A-308C) have equal SoC. In order to achieve this, the server arrangement calculates the rate of transfer of power from the strings 308 A to be only 0. 1% of its SoC, 308B to be 0.3% of its SoC, and 308C to be 0.6% of its SoC.

However, at the time T₅ it is realized that string 308B will have higher SoC than the strings 308A and 308C, at the time T_w. So, to avoid this scenario of SoC imbalancing, the sever arrangement adjusts the calculation and re-calculates the rate of transfer of powers from all three strings to achieve equalized SoC in all the strings at the time T₁₀. This is done by dynamically increasing the rate of transfer of power from string 308B, based on at least one of the states of charge, state of power, and state of health of the string 308B at the time T₅.

Optionally, the server arrangement is configured to dynamically decrease the rate of transfer of power from the one or more strings of the plurality of cells, based on at least one of the state of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings of the plurality of cells.

For example, three strings (308A, 308B, 308C) of the plurality of cells are individually connected to three control units (302A, 302B, 302C), and the aforementioned three control units are connected with each other in a series connection, and further, the aforementioned three control units are connected to a load (306). At time T_o the level of SoC in the strings 308A is 10%, 308B is 20%, 308C is 30%, so in order to equalize the SoC in all the strings (308A-308C) at time Tj₀, the server arrangement calculates the rate of transfer of power from all the strings (308A-308C) for times T), T₂, T₃ T_w, such that at time T₁₀ all the strings (308A-308C) have equal SoC. In order to achieve this, the server arrangement calculates the rate of transfer of power from the strings 308 A to be only 0.1% of its SoC, 308B to be 0.3% of its SoC, and 308C to be 0.6% of its SoC.

However, at the time T₇ it is realized that string 308C will have lower SoC than the strings 308A and 308B, at the time T_w. So, to avoid this scenario of SoC imbalancing the sever arrangement adjusts the calculation and re-calculates the rate of transfer of powers from all three strings to achieve equalized SoC in all the strings at the time T₁₀. This is done by dynamically decreasing the rate of transfer of power from the string 308C, based on at least one of the states of charge, state of power, and state of health of the string 308C at the time T₇.

Optionally, the sever arrangement is configured to simultaneously increase and/or decrease the rate of transfer of power from one or more strings, based on the at least one of the states of charge, state of power, state of health of one or more strings. The advantage of the simultaneous dynamic calculation of the rate of transfer power from one or more strings is that, it is capable of optimizing the equalization of SoC in one or more strings, in real-time and ensures efficient charge balancing in the one or more strings. Furthermore, the simultaneous dynamic calculation of rate of transfer power from one or more strings makes the battery management system suitable for high power applications, and compatible with the plurality of strings of the plurality of cells. Furthermore, it increases the efficiency and the applicability of the battery management system. Beneficially, the simultaneous dynamic calculation of the rate of transfer power from one or more strings is particularly advantageous in the case of the relatively older battery packs, which might have multiple strings of cells among which few strings have become weak (can hold lower SoC only for a shorter duration) over the course of time, and remaining are relatively stronger. The simultaneous dynamic calculation of the rate of transfer of power enables the battery management system to increase the useable battery life and increase the efficiency of the battery, as even if the battery has aged, its power output remains optimum. This is by the virtue of efficient charge balancing in one or more strings, provided by the battery management system. The balanced strings of the plurality of cells, charge and discharge together, and thus can hold a higher amount of charge for a longer duration of time.

Optionally, the server arrangement is also connected to a database to store and/or retrieve the data related to the battery management system. The database includes but not limited to a virtual database, cloud database, physical database, or a combination of thereof.

Optionally, the server arrangement is configured to store the historical data of the calculated rate of transfer of power for the plurality of strings of the plurality of cells, in the database. Optionally, the server arrangement, via a machine learning algorithm, is configured to analyze the historical data of the calculated rate of transfer of power for the plurality of strings to predict the rate of transfer of power for the same plurality of strings in future, via the supervised learning. The server arrangement, by using the supervised learnings in the machine learning algorithm, analyses the stored historical data of the rate of transfer of power for the plurality strings and trains itself to optimally predict the correct rate of transfer of power based on the at least one of the defined state of power, state of charge, state of health of the strings of the plurality of cells and/or array of cells and/or a plurality of batteries and/or a plurality of battery packs. Advantageously, it makes the battery management system significantly more reliable and ensures the optimized out from the string at any given time, as the server arrangement will keep on refining the prediction of the rate of transfer of power from a plurality of strings over the time.

Optionally, the server arrangement is configured to analyze the historical data of the calculated rate of transfer of power for the plurality of strings, to predict the rate of transfer of power for the same plurality of strings in the future, via the unsupervised learning of the machine learning algorithm. The server arrangement, by using the unsupervised learnings in the machine learning algorithm, is capable of feeding itself with the historical data of the rate of transfer of power for the plurality of strings for a given period of time, without any external intervention. Advantageously, it makes the battery management system significantly more reliable and ensures the optimized out from the string at any given time, as the server arrangement will keep on refining the prediction of the rate of transfer of power from the plurality of strings over time.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term “communication network" as used herein includes but not limited to, a cellular network, short-range radio (for example, such as Bluetooth®), Internet, a wireless local area network, and an Infrared Local Area Network, or any combination thereof.

The present disclosure also relates to the method as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the method. A method of battery management, the method comprising:

- providing one or more string of a plurality of cells;

- providing one or more control unit, wherein at least one of the control unit is connected to each of the one or more string of the plurality of cells, characterized in that the method comprises regulating a rate of transfer of power from the one or more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge, and a state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string, using the control unit.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for battery management. The battery management method, as described herein provides the charge balancing in the cells by regulating the rate of transfer of power from the cells. The battery management method comprises providing a plurality of strings, wherein the strings are made up of a plurality of cells located in a battery. The plurality of cells is connected with another cell in a parallel connection. This parallel connection of cells significantly increases the duration for which batteries can power equipment. The battery management method also comprises of providing a control unit that is connected to the string of the plurality of cells. The control unit is also connected to the load, to provide power to the load from the plurality of cells. The control unit is configured to regulate the rate of transfer of power from the string of the plurality of cells depending upon the state of power, and/or state of charge, and/or state of health of the plurality of cells in the string. The control unit is configured to regulatively decrease the rate of transfer of power from the weaker string of the plurality of cells, and regulatively increase the rate of transfer of power from the stronger string of the plurality of cells, such that the state of charge in all the strings is equalized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a schematic illustration of a battery management system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery management system 100, comprises a string 108 of the plurality of cells 104A-104E, connected in parallel with each other, and a control unit 102. The string 108 of the plurality of cells 104A-104E is connected to the control unit 102 and control unit 102 is further connected to a load 106. The control unit comprises a processor, not shown in the Fig. 1. The control unit 102 is configured to regulate a rate of transfer of power from the string 108 of the plurality of cells 104A-104E in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells 104A-104E in the string 108.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown a schematic illustration of a battery management system 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery management system 200, comprises plurality of strings 208A-208B of plurality of cells 204A-204J, connected in parallel with each other, and plurality of control units 202A-202B, wherein control unit 202A is connected to string 208A and control unit 202B is connected to string 208B, wherein the control units 202A- 202B are connected to each other in series. The control units 202A-202B are configured to regulate a rate of transfer of power from the corresponding strings 208A-208B of the plurality of cells 204A-204 J in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells 204A-204J in the strings 208A-208B.

Referring to Fig. 3, there is shown a schematic illustration of a battery management system 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery management system 300, comprises plurality of strings 308A-308C of plurality of cells 304A-304P, connected in parallel with each other, and plurality of control units 302A-302C, wherein control unit 302A is connected to string 308A, control unit 302B is connected to string 308B, and control unit 302C is connected to string 308C, wherein the control units 302A-302C are connected to each other in series. The control units 302A-302C are configured to regulate a rate of transfer of power from the corresponding strings 308A-308C of the plurality of cells 304A- 304P in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells 304A-304P in the strings 308A-308C. Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown a schematic illustration of a battery management system 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery management system 400, comprises plurality of strings 408A-408C of plurality of cells 404A-404P, connected in parallel with each other, and plurality of control units 402A-402C, wherein control unit 402A is connected to string 408A, control unit 402B is connected to string 408B, and control unit 402C is connected to string 408C, wherein the control units 402A-402C are directly connected to a load 406. The control units 402A-402C are configured to regulate a rate of transfer of power from the corresponding strings 408A-408C of the plurality of cells 404A- 404P in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells 404A-404P in the strings 408A-408C.

Referring to Fig. 5, illustrated is a flow chart 500 of steps of a method of battery management in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method for battery management 500, comprises providing one or more string of a plurality of cells at step 502, providing one or more control unit, wherein at least one of the control unit is connected to each of the one or more string of the plurality of cells, at step 504, and characterized in that the method 500 comprises regulating a rate of transfer of power from the one or more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: a state of power, a state of charge and a state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string, using the control unit, at step 508.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

I/We Claim:

1. A batery management system, wherein the system comprises:

- one or more string of a plurality of cells;

2. The batery management system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cells are in parallel connection with each other in the one or more string.

3. The batery management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more control unit are in series connection with each other.

4. The batery management system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each control unit is configured to individually provide the power to a load.

5. The batery management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises at least one of: a switching circuit, a voltage transformation circuit, a capacitor, an inductor, resistor.

6. The batery management system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit comprises a processor configured to determine at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string.

7. The batery management system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power for each of the one more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in each of the one or more string.

8. The batery management system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the processor is communicably coupled to a server arrangement via a communication network.

9. The batery management system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to send the determined at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string to the server arrangement.

10. The batery management system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to receive the rate of transfer of power for each of the one more string of the plurality of cells calculated by the server arrangement in response to the determined at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in each of the one or more string.

11. A method of batery management, the method comprising:

- providing one or more string of a plurality of cells;

12. The method of batery management as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of cells are in parallel connection with each other in the one or more string.

13. The method of batery management as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more control unit are in series connection with each other.

14. The method of batery management as claimed in claim 11, wherein each control unit is configured to individually provide the power to a load.

15. The method of batery management as claimed in claim 11, wherein each control unit is configured to individually provide the power to a load.

16. The method of battery management as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control unit comprises a processor configured to determine at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string.

17. The method of battery management as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to calculate the rate of transfer of power for each of the one more string of the plurality of cells in response to at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in each of the one or more string.

18. The method of battery management as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processor is communicably coupled to a server arrangement via a communication network.

19. The method of battery management as claimed in claim 18, wherein the processor is configured to send the determined at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in the one or more string to the server arrangement.

20. The method of battery management as claimed in claim 18, wherein the processor is configured to receive the rate of transfer of power for each of the one more string of the plurality of cells calculated by the server arrangement in response to the determined at least one of: the state of power, the state of charge and the state of health of the plurality of cells in each of the one or more string.