EP4677715A1

EP4677715A1 - Configurable battery system

Info

Publication number: EP4677715A1
Application number: EP24711296.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jan Johansson
Original assignee: Blixt Tech AB
Current assignee: Blixt Tech AB
Priority date: 2023-03-06
Filing date: 2024-03-06
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: CN120937207A; WO2024186252A1

Abstract

Embodiments of invention relates to a configurable battery system (100) comprising: at least one port (110) for connecting the configurable battery system (100) to a power source (200) and/or a power consumer (300); and a set of battery modules (120) connected to each other via a set of conductive interfaces to form a set of interconnected battery modules, wherein a battery module (122) in the set of battery modules (120) comprises: a battery (170) connected between an input (132) and an output (134) of a conductive interface, a communication interface comprising an input (142) configured to receive one or more data bits (D1, D2) at a clock signal (C1 ) and an output (144) configured to output the one or more data bits (D1, D2) at a subsequent clock signal (C2); and wherein the battery module (122) is configured to operate in a first mode (M1 ) in which the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in series with a battery (170') of a neighbouring battery module (122') or in a second mode (M2) in which the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in a bypass state with the battery (170') of the neighbouring battery module (122') based on a value of the one or more data bits (D1, D2).

Description

CONFIGURABLE BATTERY SYSTEM

Technical Field

Embodiments of invention relate to a configurable battery system.

Background

A configurable battery system (CBS) may be considered as an electrical subsystem that can receive electrical power from an electrical power source and deliver electrical power to an electrical power consumer. In this respect the configurable battery system may comprise one or more electrical input ports and one or more electrical output ports for electrically connecting to the electrical power source and the electrical power consumer.

The configurability of the configurable battery system may relate to how the voltage and/or the current of the configurable battery system can be dynamically configured. Also, the electrical characteristic(s) of the configurable battery system may be dynamically configured.

Summary

An objective of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

Another objective of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution for controlling configurable battery system more efficiently compared to conventional solutions.

The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a configurable battery system, CBS, comprising: at least one port for connecting the configurable battery system to a power source and/or a power consumer; and a set of battery modules connected to each other via a set of conductive interfaces to form a set of interconnected battery modules, wherein a battery module in the set of battery modules comprises: a battery connected between an input and an output of a conductive interface, a communication interface comprising an input configured to receive one or more data bits at a clock signal and an output configured to output the one or more data bits at a subsequent clock signal; and wherein the battery module is configured to operate in a first mode in which the battery of the battery module is connected in series with a battery of a neighbouring battery module or in a second mode in which the battery of the battery module is connected in a bypass state with the battery of the neighbouring battery module based on a value of the one or more data bits.

A battery module herein may also be understood as a module comprising a battery, a capacitor, or a capacitor and a battery. Therefore, the battery module may also be denoted an electrical energy unit and the battery may be denoted an electrical storage unit.

An advantage of the present CBS is that the battery modules in the CBS may be controlled in a simple and efficient way compared to conventional solutions. Different configurations of the CBS may be set so as to obtain a number of different functions including different DC level configurations, AC configurations and measuring configurations.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the battery module is configured to operate in a third mode in which the battery of the battery module is not connected with the battery of the neighbouring battery module based on the value of the one or more data bits.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the battery module is configured to: operate in the first mode or in the second mode based on a value of a first data bit, and operate in the third mode based on a value of a second data bit.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the battery module comprises a first switch connected between a first pole of the battery and the output of the conductive interface and a second switch connected between a second pole of the battery and the output of the conductive interface. Thereby, only two switches are needed for controlling the main functions of the battery module.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the first switch is in its conductive state and the second switch is in its non-conductive state when the battery module operates in the first mode, and the first switch is in its non-conductive state and the second switch is in its conductive state when the battery module operates in the second mode.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the battery module comprises a resistance connected in parallel to the second switch between the second pole of the battery and the output of the conductive interface.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the first switch is in its non-conductive state and the second switch is in its non-conductive state when the battery module operates in the third mode.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the battery module comprises a control logic connected between the input and the output of the communication interface, and wherein the control logic is configured to: receive the one or more data bits at the clock signal; control the first switch and the second switch based on the one or more data bits; and output the one or more data bits to the output of the communication interface at the subsequent clock signal.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the control logic and the battery have a common reference ground.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the battery module comprises a voltage adapter connected between the control logic and the output of the communication interface, wherein the voltage adapter is configured to: provide a first voltage when the battery module operates in the first mode; and provide a second voltage when the battery module operates in the second mode. Thereby, the one or more data bits may be propagated in the set of battery modules and detected by all battery modules.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the first voltage is equal to the voltage of the battery and the second voltage is equal to the voltage at the input of the conductive interface.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the voltage adapter is configured to: provide a third voltage when the battery module operates in the third mode, the third voltage having a value which is the same as the first voltage or the second voltage or a value which is between the first voltage and the second voltage.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the voltage adapter comprises at least one current generator.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the current generator is connected to: the first pole of the battery and the second pole of the battery; and/or a voltage charge pump and the second pole of the battery.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the battery module comprises a trigger signal input, and wherein the battery module is configured to: operate in the third mode at a reception of a trigger signal at the trigger signal input.

Thereby, the battery modules of the CBS can immediately be set in the third mode.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the trigger signal input is connected to the control logic. In an implementation form of the CBS, the input and the output of the communication interface comprise of one or more conductive elements.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the one or more conductive elements have flat shape.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the communication interface comprises a solid dielectric layer arranged between the one or more conductive elements.

Thereby, a very robust communication interface is provided.

In an implementation form of the CBS, the conductive interface comprises a contact pin and a corresponding conductive pin receiver.

Thereby, the battery modules may easily be attached to each other.

In an implementation form of the CBS, comprising a control arrangement connected to the set of battery modules, and wherein the control arrangement is configured to: provide a Word comprising a set of bits and corresponding clock signals, wherein the Word represents a configuration for the set of battery modules.

Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the invention, in which:

- Fig. 1 shows a configurable battery system according to embodiments of the invention;

- Figs. 2 to 5 show battery modules according to embodiments of the invention;

- Figs. 6 to 9 show battery modules with voltage adapter(s) according to embodiments of the invention;

- Fig. 10 shows a voltage adapter according to embodiments of the invention; - Fig. 1 1 shows a battery module with a trigger input; and

- Fig. 12 shows different system architectures of a configurable battery system according to embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a configurable battery system (CBS) according to embodiments of the invention. The herein disclosed CBS 100 comprises at least one electrical port 1 10 for connecting the configurable battery system 100 to a power source 200 and/or a power consumer 300. The electrical port 1 10 may be any type of suitable electrical port for electrical connecting the CBS 100 to the power source 200 and the power consumer 300. Thus, a single electrical port with a switching mechanism or switching network may be employed such that the CBS 100 is either connected to the power source 200 or the power consumer 300 at a certain time instance. Also, a port arrangement with two or more separate electrical ports or independent electrical ports works well for connecting the CBS 100 to one or more power sources 200 or one or more power consumers 300.

The electrical power from and to the power source 200 and power consumer 300, respectively, may be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). The power source 200 may be a power source that feeds an electrical system with electrical power, such as battery packs, wind power plants, solar power plants, grid power system or any other suitable power source. The power consumer 300 may be any electrical load or system consuming power directly or indirectly for its functioning. The power consumer 300 does not have to consume power immediately and may therefore store the power before consumption. It may be noted that the power source 200 may switch between acting as a power source and a power consumer at different time instances. The same correspondingly applies for the power consumer 300 which may switch between acting as a power consumer and a power source at different time instances. The disclosed CBS 100 comprises a set of battery modules 120 where the battery modules 122 in the set of battery modules 120 are connected to each other via a set of conductive interfaces to form a set of electrically interconnected battery modules. The set of battery modules 120 may comprise two or more battery modules 122. Figs. 2 to 5 show a battery module 122 in the set of battery modules 120 according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Fig. 2 and 3, a battery module 122 in the set of battery modules 120 comprises a battery 170 connected between an input 132 and an output 134 of a conductive interface, where the conductive interface is configured to conductively interconnecting separate battery modules 122 of the CBS 100. Thus, electrical current can be transferred between the battery module 122 and a neighbouring battery module 122' via the conductive interface. The 132 input and output 134 of the conductive interface may comprise conductive contact pin(s) and corresponding conductive contact receiver(s) for receiving and forwarding electrical power from one battery module 122 to another battery module 122' of the CBS 100.

The battery module 122 further comprises a communication interface comprising an input 142 configured to receive one or more data bits D1 , D2 at a clock signal C1 and an output 144 configured to output the one or more data bits D1 , D2 at a subsequent clock signal C2 following the clock signal C1. Therefore, data bits can propagate through the battery modules in the CBS 100 for each clock signal of the system. The signal path for data bits and clock are illustrated with dashed lines in the appended Figs. It may be noted that the clock signal has a clock frequency which is dependent on the application e.g., up to kHz or MHz ranges.

The herein disclosed battery module 122 is configured to operate in a first mode M1 in which the battery 170 of the battery module 122 is connected in series with a battery 170' of a neighbouring battery module 122' or in a second mode M2 in which the battery 170 of the battery module 122 is connected in a bypass state with the battery 170' of the neighbouring battery module 122' based on a value of the one or more data bits D1 , D2. Hence, depending on the value of the one or more input data bits D1 , D2 the battery module 122 will operate in the first mode M1 or in the second mode M2.

Figs. 2 to 5 also show embodiments of the invention when the battery module 122 comprises a switching circuit having a first switch 182 which is connected between a first pole 172 of the battery 170 and the output 134 of the conductive interface and a second switch 184 connected between a second pole 174 of the battery 170 and the output 134 of the conductive interface. A node 188 is formed between the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 and mentioned node 188 is connected to the output 134 of the conductive interface.

The first pole 172 of the battery 170 may be denoted a “+” (positive) pole while the second pole 174 of the battery 170 may be denoted a (negative) pole, or vice versa, depending on the polarity of the battery 170. Further, mentioned first 182 and second 184 switches may be any suitable switches, such as field effect transistors (FETs), configured to either be in a conductive state or in a non-conductive state such that a current can pass (i.e., conductive state) or not pass (i.e., non-conductive state) through the switch, respectively. In the appended Figs, a black arrow pointing at a switch indicates that this particular switch is in its conductive state. Hence, a switch without a pointing black arrow is in its non-conductive state. In examples of the invention, the switches are low voltage FETs which are cheaper to produce compared to high voltage FETs.

In further embodiments of the invention, the first switch 182 is in its conductive state and the second switch 184 is in its non-conductive state when the battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1 , and the first switch 182 is in its non-conductive state and the second switch 184 is in its conductive state when the battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2. This implies that a current may pass in two different current paths though the battery module 122 depending on the state of the first 182 and second 184 switches.

For controlling the first 182 and second 184 switches the battery module 122 may comprise an internal control logic 150 which is connected between the input 142 and the output 144 of the communication interface. The control logic 150 is configured to receive the one or more bits D1 , D2 and to control the states of first switch 182 and the second switch 184 based on the values of the one or more bits D1 , D2 at a first clock signal C1 , see Fig. 2. The control logic 150 is also configured to output the one or more bits D1 , D2 to the output 144 of the communication interface so that the one or more bits D1 , D2 are passed to the next battery module 122' at a second clock signal C2 following the first clock signal C1 , see Fig. 3. In this way the one or more information bits D1 , D2 can propagate though the battery modules of the CBS 100 for controlling the battery modules of the set of battery modules 120. The control lines between the control logic 150 and the first 182 and second 184 switch are not shown.

Fig. 2 and 3 illustrate the case when the battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1. It is therefore illustrated with bold black lines how a current may pass from the input 132 of the conductive interface through the battery 170 to the output 134 of the conductive interface via the first switch 182 which is conductive - indicated with the black arrow. In the first mode M1 the voltage of the battery 170 will be added to the next neighbouring battery module 122'. The first mode M1 may therefore be denoted a serial mode of the battery module 122 since the voltage of the battery 170 will be added to the neighbouring battery module 122'. This is contrary to the case when the battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2 which may be denoted a bypass mode/state of the battery module 122 as illustrated in Fig. 4. In the second mode M2 the current may pass from the input 132 to the output 134 of the conductive interface via the second switch 184 which is conductive, indicated with the black arrow, without passing through the battery 170 of the battery module 122 which means that the voltage of the battery module 122 will not be added to the neighbouring battery module 122' but instead bypassed.

Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention, the battery module 122 may also be configured to operate in a third mode M3 which may denoted as a passive mode or a resistive mode or a measuring mode of the battery module 122. Thus, the battery module 122 may be configured to operate in a third mode M3 in which the battery 170 of the battery module 122 is not connected with the battery 170' of the neighbouring battery module 122' based on the value of the one or more data bits D1 , D2. In such embodiments of the invention the battery module 122 may comprise a circuit including the mentioned first 182 and second 184 switches and further a resistance 186 connected in parallel to the second switch 184 between the second pole of the battery 170 and the output 134 of the conductive interface. For proper functioning using such circuits the first switch 182 should be in its non-conductive state and the second switch 184 should be in its non-conductive state when the battery module 122 operates in the third mode M3. The third mode M3 is illustrated in Fig. 5 where a current may pass from the input 132 of the conductive interface through a resistance 186 to the output 134 of the conductive interface illustrated with the bold lines, which hence implies that the first 182 and second 184 switches are in their non-conductive states in the third mode M3.

The third mode M3 makes it possible to measure the total voltage of the set of battery modules 120. This may e.g., be achieved when all battery modules of the set of battery modules 120 are set in the third mode M3 and the voltage of at least one battery module 122 is measured. The measured voltage is thereafter used for computing the total voltage of the set of battery modules 120. Therefore, in embodiments of the invention, all battery modules of the set of battery modules 120 are set in the third mode M3 and the voltage of one battery module 122 is measured and processed to compute the total voltage of the set of battery modules 120. This information may e.g., be used for adapting the input voltage or output voltage of the CBS 100 to a power source 200 and/or a power consumer 300.

Since a data bit or information bit may take any of two values, such as “1 ” and “0” digital value or “high” and “low” analogue signal, at least two data bits may be needed for controlling the operating mode of the battery module 122. Therefore, in further embodiments of the invention the battery module 122 is configured to operate in the first mode M1 or in the second mode M2 based on a value of a first data bit D1 and configured to operate in the third mode M3 based on a value of a second data bit D2. More data bits may be used for controlling the battery module 122 if further operating modes or electrical functions are added to the CBS 100.

It may be noted that the control logic 150 and the battery 170 may have the same common reference ground (denoted “RF”) as shown in the appended Figs. The common reference ground is used as a common voltage reference in the battery module 122. When the control logic 150 and the battery 170 have a common reference voltage the data signals/pulses corresponding to data bits may have to be adapted to the operating mode of the battery module 122 so that data bits and clock signals transferred to the neighbouring battery module 122' can be detected by the neighbouring battery module 122'. Therefore, Figs. 6 to 9 show the battery module 122 with two voltage adapters 160 according to embodiments of the invention. The voltage adapter 160 is connected between the control logic 150 and the output 144 of the communication interface as shown in the appended Figs., where one voltage adapter 160 is connected in the data bit path and the other voltage adapter 160 is connected in the clock signal path of the battery module 122.

The present voltage adapter 160 is configured to provide a first voltage V1 when the battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1 , see Fig. 6, and provide a second voltage V2 when the battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2, see Fig. 7, where the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 have different voltage values. In embodiments of the invention, the first voltage V1 may be set to be equal to the voltage of the battery 170. The second voltage V2 may on the other hand be set to be equal to the voltage at the input 132 of the conductive interface. Thereby, the amplitude of signals/pulses corresponding to the data bits and clock signals can be adapted and therefore detected by the neighbouring battery module 122' regardless of whether the battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1 or the second mode M2. In the third mode M3, the voltage adapter 160 may be configured to provide the first voltage V1 , the second voltage V2 or any voltage between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2. The voltage of the voltage adapter 160 in the third mode M3 will be the same as the voltage at the output 134 of the conductive interface plus the logical level needed by the neighbouring battery module 122'.

In this regard reference is also made to Fig. 8 and 9 which show a first reference ground RF1 and a second reference ground RF2. The first reference ground RF1 is common to the control logic 150 and the battery 170 of the battery module 122 while the second reference ground RF2 is common to the voltage adapter 160, the battery module 122 and the control logic 150'of the neighbouring battery module 122'. When the battery module 122 operates in the first mode M1 , the first reference ground RF1 is not the same as the second reference ground RF2 which means that the signal level of data bits and clock signal have to be adapted. The voltage adapter 160 will in this case adapt the potential such that the data bit signal and the clock signal are so to speak raised over the potential of the battery 170 and thereby possible to be detected by the neighbouring battery module 122'. On the other hand, when the battery module 122 operates in the second mode M2, the first reference ground RF1 is the same as the second reference ground RF2 which implies that no voltage has to be added or just slightly tuned/adapted since the neighbouring battery module 122' will still detect the data bits and clock signal at its input 142' communication interface received from the battery module 122.

By using the voltage adapter 160 the transfer of data bits and clock signal(s) between the battery modules of the CBS 100 can be made with both conductive interfaces and capacitive interfaces. Thereby, a solid dielectric layer(s) 148 may be arranged between the inputs and the outputs of the communication interfaces of neighbouring battery modules of the CBS 100. The communication interface may comprise one or more conductive elements illustrated with the block boxes in the appended Figs. The solid dielectric layer 148 can act as a protective layer and at the same time provide galvanic isolation thereby providing improved personal safety for staff handling the battery modules of the CBS 100.

Fig. 10 shows a voltage adapter 160 according to embodiments of the invention where the right voltage adapter 160 is illustrated with a dashed box. The example in Fig. 10 is described for data bits but it is realized that the following described circuit of a voltage adapter 160, its functionally and operation is also applicable for clock signals.

The voltage adapter 160 comprises at least one current generator according to embodiments of the invention. The at least one current generator is connected to: the first pole of the battery and the second pole of the battery; and/or a voltage charge pump and the second pole of the battery. Fig. 10 however shows the example with two separate current generators 162, 164.

With reference to Fig. 10, the voltage adapter 160 comprises a first current generator 162 coupled between a reference ground and a first terminal of a first resistor R1 of the voltage adapter 160. The reference ground is common to the negative pole of the battery 170. The first current generator 162 has a data input configured to receive a data bit D1 from the control logic 150. Thus, the data input of the first current generator 162 is connected to an output of the control logic 150. The first terminal of the first resistor R1 is also coupled to a data input of a second current generator 164 of the voltage adapter 160. A second terminal of the first resistor R1 is coupled to a second terminal of the second current generator 164 while a first terminal of the second current generator 164 is coupled to a data output 144 of the communication interface and to a second terminal of a second resistor R2 of the voltage adapter 160. Thus, the data output 144 of the communication interface is coupled to the first terminal of the second current generator 164 and the second terminal of the second resistor R2. The data output 144 of the communication interface of the battery module 122 is as previously explained configured to output a data bit D1 to the input 142' of a communication interface of a neighbouring battery module 122'. A node 188 between the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 is coupled to the first terminal of the second resistor R2 and a first terminal of the second switch 184 is coupled to the common reference ground.

A voltage V++ is generated by a voltage charge pump (also denoted V++ which is not shown in Fig. 10) which will enable/provide a voltage high enough to generate a data output at the output 144 of the communication interface that will have a suitable potential for the input 142’ of neighbouring battery module 122'. The voltage level at the output 144 of the communication interface will be equal to the potential at the output 134 of the conductive interface plus a current C_GG1 from the second current generator 164 times the second resistor R2, i.e., C_GG1 * R2 = a voltage will be added. The first current generator 162 is triggered by reception of a data bit D1 at a first clock signal and therefore generates a first current which result in that the data bit D1 triggers the data input of the second current generator 164. The second current generator 164 will therefore generate a second current C_GG2 times the second resistor R2, i.e., C_GG2 * R2 a voltage, at the output 144 of the communication interface. Depending on the states of the first switch 182 and the second switch 184, the voltage adapter 160 will provide a first voltage V1 or a second voltage V2, or if none of the first 182 and second 184 switches are conductive, i.e., the third mode M3, the voltage at the output 144 of the communication interface will be equal to the potential at the output 134 of the conductive interface plus “0” or “1 ” logic levels for the neighbouring battery module 122'.

Fig. 1 1 shows an embodiment of the invention when a battery module 122 has a safety signal trigger input 152, i.e., when a battery module 122 is immediately set in the third mode M3. To set the battery module 122 immediately in the third mode M3 a separate trigger input is provided directly connected to the control logic 150 with a trigger signal denoted “safety” in Fig. 1 1 . Thus, the first switch 182 and the second switch 184 are immediately set in their non-conductive states by the control logic 150 when receiving the safety trigger signal. In the example in Fig. 1 1 the battery module 122 is in the first mode M1 at the reception of the trigger signal. When receiving the trigger signal the battery module 122 will switch to the third mode M3, i.e., from the first mode M1 to the third mode M3. The third mode M3 is however not shown in Fig. 1 1 but the transition is indicated as M1 -> M3. Naturally, the battery module 122 may in other examples be in the second mode M2 when receiving the trigger signal and switch to the third mode M3, i.e., the transition from the second mode to the third mode, i.e., M2 -> M3.

After the safety function has been triggered, the characteristics of the battery 170 can be measured over the resistance 186. The safety trigger means that a battery module 122 in the CBS 100 can immediately be set in the third mode M3 without have to wait for a bit or a word propagating through the CBS system to the specific battery module 122. By letting all battery modules 122 of a set of battery modules comprise safety triggers all battery modules 122 can immediately be set in the third mode M3 and at the same time. Thereby, the battery modules 122 can be set in a safety mode.

Fig. 12 shows a CBS 100 according to yet further embodiments of the invention having a control arrangement 190 that may be connected to one or more set of battery modules 120 via suitable data lines, data buses and clock lines (not shown). In the disclosed non-limiting example, the CBS 100 comprises three independent sets of battery modules 120a, 120b, 120c interconnected to the control arrangement 190 via an intermediate shift register and/or computing logic 192. The control arrangement 190 is configured to provide one or more data Words comprising a set of bits to the sets of battery modules for controlling the sets of battery modules. A Word may represent a voltage configuration or a functional configuration for the set of battery modules 120. Therefore, the CBS 100 can provide different voltage settings and functional configurations based on which Word that is applied.

Generally, the bits propagating in the CBS 100 may form logic Words corresponding to different voltage settings or to functional configurations such as measurement settings so as to control the sets of battery modules of the system. In the disclosed example, Word 1 , Word 2 and Word 3 are sent to three different sets of battery modules for controlling the sets of battery modules 120a, 120b, 120c. For example, Word 1 and Word 2 could mean that first and second sets of battery modules 120a, 120b are configured to together generate an AC current to a power consumer 300 or receive an AC current from a power source 200. Hence, by controlling two sets of battery modules, with the same reference ground, an alternating current (AC) may be generated and the first set of battery modules 120a provides the positive voltage and the second set of battery modules 120b provides the negative voltage of an output AC signal wave. The corresponding method also applies when the battery modules are to be loaded with electrical power, i.e., the first set of battery modules 120a receives the positive voltage and the second set of battery modules 120b receives the negative voltage of an AC input signal wave.

Word 3 could instead configure the third set of battery modules 120c in a measuring mode in which all battery modules of the third set of battery modules 120c are in the third mode M3 so that the voltage of the third set of battery modules can be derived for later adaptation to the power source 200 or power consumer 300. Thereby, the configurability of the CBS 100 may be implemented in a non-complex and efficient manner.

Fig. 12 also illustrates a separate safety control line from the control arrangement 190 to one of the set of battery modules 120a. Thus, the control arrangement 190 may set all battery modules of the set of battery modules 120a in the third mode M3. The other sets of battery modules 120b and 120c may also have safety control lines coupled to the control arrangement 190. This is however not shown in Fig. 12.

Finally, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1 . A configurable battery system, CBS, (100) comprising: at least one port (1 10) for connecting the configurable battery system (100) to a power source (200) and/or a power consumer (300); and a set of battery modules (120) connected to each other via a set of conductive interfaces to form a set of interconnected battery modules, wherein a battery module (122) in the set of battery modules (120) comprises: a battery (170) connected between an input (132) and an output (134) of a conductive interface, a communication interface comprising an input (142) configured to receive one or more data bits (D1 , D2) at a clock signal (C1 ) and an output (144) configured to output the one or more data bits (D1 , D2) at a subsequent clock signal (C2); and wherein the battery module (122) is configured to operate in a first mode (M1 ) in which the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in series with a battery (170') of a neighbouring battery module (122') or in a second mode (M2) in which the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is connected in a bypass state with the battery (170') of the neighbouring battery module (122') based on a value of the one or more data bits (D1 , D2).

2. The CBS (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the battery module (122) is configured to operate in a third mode (M3) in which the battery (170) of the battery module (122) is not connected with the battery (170') of the neighbouring battery module (122') based on the value of the one or more data bits (D1 , D2).

3. The CBS (100) according to claim 2, wherein the battery module (122) is configured to: operate in the first mode (M1 ) or in the second mode (M2) based on a value of a first data bit (D1 ), and operate in the third mode (M3) based on a value of a second data bit (D2).

4. The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery module (122) comprises a first switch (182) connected between a first pole (172) of the battery (170) and the output (134) of the conductive interface and a second switch (184) connected between a second pole (174) of the battery (170) and the output (134) of the conductive interface.

5. The CBS (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first switch (182) is in its conductive state and the second switch (184) is in its non-conductive state when the battery module (122) operates in the first mode (M1 ), and the first switch (182) is in its non- conductive state and the second switch (184) is in its conductive state when the battery module (122) operates in the second mode (M2).

6. The CBS (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first switch (182) is in its non- conductive state and the second switch (184) is in its non-conductive state when the battery module (122) operates in the third mode (M3).

7. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the battery module (122) comprises a resistance (186) connected in parallel to the second switch (184) between the second pole (174) of the battery (170) and the output (134) of the conductive interface.

8. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the battery module (122) comprises a control logic (150) connected between the input (142) and the output (144) of the communication interface, and wherein the control logic (150) is configured to: receive the one or more data bits (D1 , D2) at the clock signal (C1 ); control the first switch (182) and the second switch (184) based on the one or more data bits (D1 , D2); and output the one or more data bits (D1 , D2) to the output (144) of the communication interface at the subsequent clock signal (C2).

9. The CBS (100) according to claim 8, wherein the control logic (150) and the battery (170) have a common reference ground (RF).

10. The CBS (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the battery module (122) comprises a voltage adapter (160) connected between the control logic (150) and the output (144) of the communication interface, wherein the voltage adapter (160) is configured to: provide a first voltage (V1 ) when the battery module (122) operates in the first mode (M1 ); and provide a second voltage (V2) when the battery module (122) operates in the second mode (M2).

1 1 . The CBS (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first voltage (V1 ) is equal to the voltage of the battery (170) and the second voltage (V2) is equal to the voltage at the input (132) of the conductive interface.

12. The CBS (100) according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the voltage adapter (160) is configured to: provide a third voltage (V3) when the battery module (122) operates in the third mode (M3), the third voltage (V3) having a value which is the same as the first voltage (V1 ) or the second voltage (V2) or a value which is between the first voltage (V1 ) and the second voltage (V2).

13. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the voltage adapter (160) comprises at least one current generator (162, 164).

14. The CBS (100) according to claim 13, wherein the current generator (162, 164) is connected to: the first pole (172) of the battery (170) and the second pole (174) of the battery (170); and/or a voltage charge pump (V++) and the second pole (174) of the battery (170).

15. The CBS (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the battery module (122) comprises a trigger signal input (152), and wherein the battery module (122) is configured to: operate in the third mode (M3) at a reception of a trigger signal at the trigger signal input (152).

16. The CBS (100) according to claim 15 when dependent on any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the trigger signal input (152) is connected to the control logic (150).

17. The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input (142) and the output (144) of the communication interface comprise of one or more conductive elements.

18. The CBS (100) according to claim 17, wherein the one or more conductive elements have flat shape.

19. The CBS (100) according to claim 15 or 18, wherein the communication interface comprises a solid dielectric layer (148) arranged between the one or more conductive elements.

20. The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive interface comprises a contact pin and a corresponding conductive pin receiver.

21 . The CBS (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control arrangement (190) connected to the set of battery modules (120), and wherein the control arrangement (190) is configured to: provide a Word comprising a set of bits and corresponding clock signals, wherein the Word represents a configuration for the set of battery modules (120).