초록 ▼

A bypass apparatus and method for series connected energy storage devices. Each of the energy storage devices coupled to a common series connection has an associated bypass unit connected thereto in parallel. A current bypass unit includes a sensor which is coupled in parallel with an associated ene

A bypass apparatus and method for series connected energy storage devices. Each of the energy storage devices coupled to a common series connection has an associated bypass unit connected thereto in parallel. A current bypass unit includes a sensor which is coupled in parallel with an associated energy storage device or cell and senses an energy parameter indicative of an energy state of the cell, such as cell voltage. A bypass switch is coupled in parallel with the energy storage cell and operable between a non-activated state and an activated state. The bypass switch, when in the non-activated state, is substantially non-conductive with respect to current passing through the energy storage cell and, when in the activated state, provides a bypass current path for passing current to the series connection so as to bypass the associated cell. A controller controls activation of the bypass switch in response to the voltage of the cell deviating from a pre-established voltage setpoint. The controller may be included within the bypass unit or be disposed on a control platform external to the bypass unit. The bypass switch may, when activated, establish a permanent or a temporary bypass current path.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What we claim is:] [1.] A bypass apparatus for an energy storing device coupled to a series connection, comprising:a chamber containing an activatable medium;a movable terminal disposed adjacent the chamber and moveable between a contacting and a non-contacting state with respect to a stationary t

[ What we claim is:] [1.] A bypass apparatus for an energy storing device coupled to a series connection, comprising:a chamber containing an activatable medium;a movable terminal disposed adjacent the chamber and moveable between a contacting and a non-contacting state with respect to a stationary terminal, the movable terminal and stationary terminal being coupled in parallel across the energy storing device;an activation circuit, coupled to the chamber and the energy storing device, that activates the activatable medium in response to an anomalous condition occurring in the energy storing device, the activated medium producing a force that moves the movable terminal into contact with the stationary terminal thereby providing a bypass current path to the series connection that bypasses the energy storing device; anda voltage limiting circuit coupled in parallel across the energy storing device, the voltage limiting circuit limiting a voltage across the energy storing device during provision of the bypass current path.