A battery system includes at least one battery including a plurality of cells and a hybrid control module configured to monitor a differential capacity of the at least one battery, determine when the monitored differential capacity of the at least one battery corresponds to a predetermined differential capacity of the at least one battery, and determine a state of charge of the battery in response to the determination that the monitored differential capacity corresponds to the predetermined differential capacity.

Disclosed herein are battery management systems (BMS) for controlling the operating state of a battery pack device, as well as methods for changing the operating state of a battery pack device. The battery pack may have multiple cells therein, each cell capable of generating multiple different voltages to allow more energy (voltage×current) to be quickly and efficiently put into the battery, thus optimizing battery charging (i.e., reducing battery charging times). These battery packs may change from operating in series, to operating in parallel, when desired, while utilizing affordable relays and more affordable electrical components. These battery packs may be comprised of any number of cells and can controlled and/or operated by the BMS, for optimal battery charging, or for optimal discharging, as desired. The BMS may be any type of control logic and/or software, operable to control and/or operate the battery packs.

Disclosed herein are battery management systems (BMS) for controlling the operating state of a battery pack device, as well as methods for changing the operating state of a battery pack device. The battery pack may have multiple cells therein, each cell capable of generating multiple different voltages to allow more energy (voltage×current) to be quickly and efficiently put into the battery, thus optimizing battery charging (i.e., reducing battery charging times). These battery packs may change from operating in series, to operating in parallel, when desired, while utilizing affordable relays and more affordable electrical components. These battery packs may be comprised of any number of cells and can controlled and/or operated by the BMS, for optimal battery charging, or for optimal discharging, as desired. The BMS may be any type of control logic and/or software, operable to control and/or operate the battery packs.

A battery system for a motor vehicle or other system includes a voltage bus with positive and negative bus rails, and first and second battery packs. The battery packs are arranged between and connected to rails. High-voltage switches are collectively configured to selectively interconnect the battery packs in a series or parallel battery arrangement. The switches include a pair of mutually-exclusive three-way/two-position contactors each having a series connection position and parallel connection position corresponding to the respective series and parallel battery arrangements. An electric powertrain includes an electrical load connected to the battery system, and a controller coupled to the switches. In response to a battery mode selection signal, the controller selectively transitions the contactors from the series connection position to the parallel connection position, or vice versa. A motor vehicle includes road wheels, a body, and the electric powertrain.

A battery system for a motor vehicle or other system includes a voltage bus with positive and negative bus rails, and first and second battery packs. The battery packs are arranged between and connected to rails. High-voltage switches are collectively configured to selectively interconnect the battery packs in a series or parallel battery arrangement. The switches include a pair of mutually-exclusive three-way/two-position contactors each having a series connection position and parallel connection position corresponding to the respective series and parallel battery arrangements. An electric powertrain includes an electrical load connected to the battery system, and a controller coupled to the switches. In response to a battery mode selection signal, the controller selectively transitions the contactors from the series connection position to the parallel connection position, or vice versa. A motor vehicle includes road wheels, a body, and the electric powertrain.

A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cell units, each one comprising: a battery cell having a first pole and a second pole, and a switch circuit, comprising a plurality of switches, and a switch controller arranged to control the switches of the switch circuit to enter either of a first state, in which the battery cell is connected in parallel with a neighboring battery cell, and a second state, in which the battery cell is connected in series with a neighboring battery cell. The battery module is configured to control the switching between the first and second states on a probabilistic basis.

A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cell units, each one comprising: a battery cell having a first pole and a second pole, and a switch circuit, comprising a plurality of switches, and a switch controller arranged to control the switches of the switch circuit to enter either of a first state, in which the battery cell is connected in parallel with a neighboring battery cell, and a second state, in which the battery cell is connected in series with a neighboring battery cell. The battery module is configured to control the switching between the first and second states on a probabilistic basis.

A traction battery assembly includes battery cells of a battery array, and switches of the battery array. The switches are transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the switches are in the first configuration, the battery cells of the array are partitioned into a first number of groups of battery cells in parallel with each other. When the switches are in the second configuration, the battery cells of the array are partitioned into a different, second number of groups of battery cells in parallel with each other.

A traction battery assembly includes battery cells of a battery array, and switches of the battery array. The switches are transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the switches are in the first configuration, the battery cells of the array are partitioned into a first number of groups of battery cells in parallel with each other. When the switches are in the second configuration, the battery cells of the array are partitioned into a different, second number of groups of battery cells in parallel with each other.

Methods and systems are provided for managing multi-battery systems, such as those utilized in an electric vehicle. Multi-battery systems comprise batteries providing power in parallel, thereby making each battery available to the vehicle and avoiding the weight of transporting a backup battery. The methods and systems provided allow for a fault in one battery, in a parallel configuration with at least one other battery, to be detected and managed.