Faraday & Future Inc.

Long Phi Huynh

Michael Hong

Phillip John Weicker

Anil Paryani

Caio D Gubel

Anthony Sansone

A battery system of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The battery system can include at least a first battery string including a number of battery modules, wherein the first battery string has an output that is coupled to the first power bus through a string switch, and wherein each of battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series. The battery system can also include a number of battery module monitors, wherein each of the battery module monitors is coupled to the battery cells of a corresponding one of the battery modules. The battery system can further include module monitor protection circuitry coupled to each of the battery module monitors, wherein the module monitor protection circuitry includes a plurality of protection circuits.

Battery monitor protection

A method is disclosed for connecting a plurality of battery strings to a direct-current (DC) bus. The method may include sorting the plurality of battery strings in an order based on respective output voltage values of the battery strings. The sorted plurality of battery strings may include, in the order, at least a first battery string and a second battery string. The method may also include connecting the first battery string to a pre-charge circuit. The method may further include pre-charging the DC bus using the first battery string and the pre-charge circuit. The method may further include connecting the first battery string to the DC bus. The method may further include connecting the second battery string to the DC bus.

Systems and methods for connecting battery strings to a DC bus

A system is disclosed for connecting a battery string to a direct-current (DC) bus of a vehicle. The system may include a pre-charge circuit coupled between the battery string and the DC bus. The pre-charge circuit may include a first transistor. The system may also include a first contactor connected to the pre-charge circuit in series. The system may further include a controller configured to close the first contactor and switch on the first transistor.

Pre-charge system and method

A system for detecting a condition of a contactor configured to connect a battery string to a direct-current bus in a vehicle may include a controller configured to open or close the contactor. The system may also include an alternating-current (AC) signal source configured to provide an AC test signal when the controller opens the contactor. The system may further include an AC coupling circuit. The AC coupling circuit may include a primary side of the AC coupling circuit connected to the AC test signal source, and a secondary side connected to the contactor. The system may also include a detection circuit configured to receive an AC return signal corresponding to the AC test signal, and determine a defective condition of the contactor based on the AC return signal.

Detection of welded contactor using AC coupling

Systems and methods for disengaging a battery are disclosed. The systems and methods may be used to disengage a battery from a direct-current (DC) bus of a vehicle when the DC bus is under a load. In one implementation, the system includes one or more contactors between the battery string and the DC bus. The system also includes a controller. The controller is configured to reduce a current limit of a power train of the vehicle to a first current level. The controller is also configured to open the one or more contactors. The controller is further configured to increase the current limit of the power train of the vehicle to a second current level.

Systems and methods for disengaging a battery

Systems and methods for disengaging a battery are disclosed. The systems and methods may be used to disengage a battery from a direct-current (DC) bus of a vehicle when the DC bus is under a load. In one implementation, the system includes one or more contactors between the battery string and the DC bus. The system also includes at least one transistor connected to the one or more contactors in series. The system further includes a controller configured to switch off the transistor and open the one or more contactors.

Growing community of inventors

West Covina, CA, United States of America

Long Phi Huynh