Aerosol generating device power system with two battery cells

Abstract

An aerosol generating device power system is provided, comprising a first battery cell (104-1) and a second battery cell (104-2) connectable in series, switching means (501, 502, 503), and a controller (102). The controller controls the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to identifying that one of the battery cells does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate an aerosolization session and the other battery cell does. In the first state, both battery cells are configured to supply power in series to a heater component 108. In the second state, one of the battery cells is connected to the heater component independently of the other such that only one of the battery cells having a sufficient energy level to terminate an aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater component.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a power system for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices, are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices generally include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, an operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electronic heater to vaporize the product's ingredients for inhalation by the operator. In some embodiments, the product is a tobacco product similar to a traditional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices, in that the product is heated to the point of aerosolization without being combusted.

[0004] Problems faced by known aerosol generating devices include providing efficient utilization of energy. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect, an aerosol generating device power system is provided, the power system being connectable to a heater component, the power system comprising: a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series; a switching means configured to control power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the heater component; a controller configured to monitor an energy parameter of each of the first and second battery cells and to control a switching means, the controller being configured to control the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting a trigger condition; The trigger condition includes the controller determining, based on the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and that the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session; In a first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to supply power in series to the heater component; An aerosol generating device power system is provided in which, in a second state, one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, such that only the first battery cell or the second battery cell having an energy level sufficient to terminate or extend the aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater component.

[0006] In this way, the advantages of connecting battery cells in series are utilized while obviating limitations on the performance of the power system that would occur if one of the battery cells in series had insufficient energy to complete an aerosolization session. The advantages of connecting battery cells in series can include a higher output voltage, which eliminates the need to include a DC / DC or step-up converter in the power system to provide the power required for the heater, thereby reducing energy losses, enabling the implementation of heater technologies with higher resistance in the device, allowing the reduction of the maximum current requirements on each battery cell so that higher energy density batteries can be used, and providing a more efficient and easier implementation of fast charging. Thus, improvements are provided in the use of energy resources and the provision of improved device designs.

[0007] Preferably, the controller is configured to monitor an energy parameter of the first battery cell and an energy parameter of the second battery cell during an aerosolization session; In response to identifying a trigger condition during the aerosolization session, the controller is configured to switch the power system from the first state to the second state for the remainder of the aerosolization session.

[0008] In this way, weaker battery cells that do not have sufficient energy levels to complete an aerosolization session do not limit the performance of the entire power system, and an aerosolization session that has already begun can be completed or extended.

[0009] Preferably, the controller is configured to monitor an energy parameter of the first battery cell and an energy parameter of the second battery cell prior to commencing the aerosolization session; In response to identifying a trigger condition prior to initiating an aerosolization session, the controller is configured to set the power system to a second state for the aerosolization session.

[0010] In this way, weaker battery cells that do not have sufficient energy levels to complete an aerosolization session do not limit the performance of the overall power system and can still carry out an aerosolization session.

[0011] Preferably, in response to identifying a trigger condition prior to initiating an aerosolization session, the controller is further configured to increase a pre-heat time in the aerosolization session.

[0012] In this way, strain on battery cells that have sufficient energy for an aerosolization session is reduced and a single battery cell can perform an aerosolization session without weaker battery cells that do not have sufficient energy levels for an aerosolization session limiting the performance of the entire power system.

[0013] Preferably, the energy parameter of the first battery cell is a voltage level of the first battery cell, and the energy parameter of the second battery cell is a voltage level of the second battery cell.

[0014] In this manner, the controller can determine whether an aerosolization session can be completed based on the determination of the battery cell voltage.

[0015] Alternatively, the energy parameter of the first battery cell is a rate of change of a voltage level of the first battery cell as a function of time, and the energy parameter of the second battery cell is a rate of change of a voltage level of the second battery cell as a function of time.

[0016] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and that the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session based on a difference between the voltage level of the first battery cell and the voltage level of the second battery cell and a predetermined threshold voltage.

[0017] Preferably, a battery cell is identified as having sufficient energy to complete or extend an aerosolization session if the voltage of the battery cell exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage. Preferably, a battery cell is identified as not having sufficient energy to complete an aerosolization session if the voltage does not exceed the predetermined threshold voltage.

[0018] Alternatively, the controller determines that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the other battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session if the difference between the monitored energy parameters (e.g., voltage) between the two battery cells exceeds a predetermined threshold difference. If the difference between the monitored energy parameters (e.g., voltage) between the two battery cells exceeds a predetermined threshold difference, the battery cell with the lower voltage can be considered to be the battery cell that does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session.

[0019] Preferably, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are components of a 2s1p battery pack.

[0020] In this way, 2s1p battery packs can be incorporated into aerosol generating devices, which provides the advantage that such battery packs or "pouch cells" can provide power for multiple aerosolization sessions (e.g., 20 sessions) between charges. The series connection between the battery cells in a 2s1p pack also provides a higher output voltage.

[0021] A 2s1p battery pack can provide improved safety. For example, compared to a 1s2p battery, if one cell internally shorts (or goes into a low voltage state), the other cell cannot discharge itself through it, thereby avoiding excessive heat generation. Furthermore, compared to using two independent batteries, a 2s1p battery pack can provide improved efficiency and higher voltage. Two independent batteries can also have more complicated controls that may require different chargers and chips for parallel charging, thereby increasing the cost and design complexity in the device. Using a 2s1p battery pack avoids these issues.

[0022] Preferably, the switching means comprises a first switching means connected in series with a second battery cell, the second battery cell being connected between the first battery cell and the first switching means.

[0023] Preferably, the switching means comprises second switching means connected to a node between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and in parallel with the second battery cell such that when the second switching means is closed the second battery cell is bypassable.

[0024] Preferably, the switching means comprises a third switching means connected to a node between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and in parallel with the first battery cell such that when the third switching means is closed the first battery cell is bypassable.

[0025] Preferably, the first switching means, the second switching means and / or the third switching means are each a transistor controlled by the controller.

[0026] Preferably, the aerosol generating device power system further comprises a pulse width modulation module configured to convert a power flow from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell into a pulse width modulated power flow supplied to the heater component.

[0027] In this manner, a fixed power level can be output from the first and / or second battery cells and then conditioned before being supplied to the heater component.

[0028] In a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising the aerosol generating device power system of the first aspect.

[0029] Preferably, the aerosol generation device is configured to receive a tobacco rod and heat, without burning, the tobacco rod to generate aerosol in an aerosolization session.

[0030] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device power system, the power system comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series and switching means configured to control power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to a heater component connectable to the power system, the method comprising: monitoring an energy parameter of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; detecting a trigger condition, the trigger condition including identifying, based on the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and that the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session; controlling a switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting a trigger condition; In a first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to supply power in series to the heater component; A method is provided that includes: in a second state, one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, such that only one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell having an energy level sufficient to terminate or extend the aerosolization session is configured to power the heater component.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate with an aerosol generating device power system comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series, and switching means configured to control power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to a heater component connectable to the power system, causes the one or more processors to: monitoring an energy parameter of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; detecting a trigger condition, the trigger condition including identifying, based on the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and that the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session; controlling a switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting a trigger condition; In a first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to supply power in series to the heater component; A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions to execute steps including: in a second state, one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, such that only one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell having an energy level sufficient to terminate or extend the aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater component.

[0032] The aerosol generating device of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect, and the non-transitory computer readable medium of the fourth aspect may be combined with preferred features of the first aspect as appropriate.

[0033] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an operating mode of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3A]1 is a plot of heater temperature versus time for an aerosolization session. [Figure 3B] 1 is a plot of power supplied to the heater versus time for an aerosolization session. [Figure 3C] 1 is a plot of energy expenditure versus time for an aerosolization session. [Figure 4] 1 is a plot of pulse width modulated power flow. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a power system in a first state. [Figure 6A] 4 is a diagram of the power system in a second state in which only the first battery cell is configured to power the heater. [Figure 6B] 13 is a diagram of the power system in a second state in which only the second battery cell is configured to power the heater. [Figure 7] 11 is a plot of power delivered to the heater versus time for a power system reconfigured to a second state during a float phase. [Figure 8] 13 is a plot of power supplied to the heater versus time for a power system reconfigured to a second state prior to beginning an aerosolization session. [Figure 9] 1 is a plot of the change in charge capacity of a number of battery cells as the number of charge and discharge cycles increases. [Figure 10] 1 is a plot of the discharge capacity of a number of battery cells. [Figure 11] 1 is a process flow of steps performed by a controller in identifying a switch of a power system from a first state to a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] 1 shows a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device 100, also known as an e-cigarette, or vapor generating device. For purposes of this description, it will be understood that the terms vapor and aerosol are interchangeable.

[0036] The aerosol generating device 100 has a body portion 112 including a controller 102 and a power system with an energy storage module 104. The power system is operable in a number of selectable operating modes. The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the energy storage module 104 based on the selected operating mode, as will be described later. The controller 102 may be at least one microcontroller unit comprising a memory in which instructions for operating the aerosol generating device 100, including instructions for implementing the selectable operating modes and controlling the power flow, are stored, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions.

[0037] In one embodiment, the heater 108 is housed by the body portion 112. In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the heater 108 is disposed within a cavity 110 or chamber within the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is accessed by an opening 110A in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is configured to receive an associated aerosol-generating consumable 114. The aerosol-generating consumable may contain an aerosol-generating material, such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod may be similar to a traditional cigarette. The cavity 110 has a cross-section approximately equal to that of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 and a depth such that when the associated aerosol-generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110, a first end 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 reaches a bottom 110B of the cavity 110 (i.e., the end 110B of the cavity 110 distal from the cavity opening 110A) and a second end 114B of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 distal to the first end 114A extends outwardly from the cavity 110. In this way, a consumer can inhale the aerosol-generating consumable 114 when it is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the heater 108 is positioned within the cavity 110 such that the heater 108 engages the aerosol-generating consumable 114 when it is inserted into the cavity 110. 1, the heater 108 is disposed as a tube within the cavity such that the heater 108 substantially or completely surrounds a portion of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 inside the cavity 110 when a first end 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity. The heater 108 may be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 108 may comprise multiple heating elements disposed consecutively along the axial length of the cavity, which may be independently activated (i.e., powered) in sequence.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be positioned within the cavity as an elongated piercing member (such as in the form of a needle, rod, or blade), and in such an embodiment, the heater may be positioned to penetrate the aerosol-generating consumable and engage the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity.

[0039] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, a heating element (i.e., a susceptor) is provided within the consumable, and the heating element is inductively coupled to an inductive element (i.e., an induction coil) within the cavity when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. The induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0040] It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the heater 108 may be a heater component such as a heating element or an induction coil. Such a heater component will hereinafter be referred to as a heater, although it will be understood that this term can refer to any of the heater components mentioned above, as well as heaters more generally.

[0041] The heater 108 is arranged to heat the aerosol-generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol in an aerosolization session. An aerosolization session can be considered as when the device is operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. In an embodiment in which the aerosol-generating consumable 114 is a tobacco rod, the aerosol-generating consumable 114 comprises tobacco. The heater 108 is arranged to heat the tobacco without burning the tobacco to generate an aerosol. That is, the heater 108 heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco such that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the aerosol-generating consumable 114 does not necessarily comprise tobacco, and in particular any other suitable substance for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without burning the substance can be used instead of tobacco.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol-generating consumable may be a vaporizable liquid, which may be contained in a cartridge that is receivable within the aerosol-generating device, or may be directly contained within the aerosol-generating device.

[0043] The energy storage module 104 may be one or more batteries or battery pack(s). In certain embodiments, the energy storage module may be a 2s1p battery or battery pack that includes two battery cells connected in series.

[0044] The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the energy storage module 104 based on a selected operating mode of the aerosolization session. The operating modes can include a preheat mode and a float mode.

[0045] The progression from preheat mode to float mode can be seen in FIG.

[0046] In the pre-heat mode 202, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating consumable 114. The pre-heat phase can be considered the time during which the pre-heat mode is performed, e.g., the time it takes for the heater 108 to reach the predetermined temperature. The pre-heat mode occurs during a first period of an aerosolization session. In one embodiment, the first period can be a fixed, predetermined period. In other embodiments, the first period can vary corresponding to the amount of time required to heat the heater 108 to the predetermined temperature.

[0047] Upon completion of the pre-heat phase, the controller 102 exits the pre-heat mode 202 and controls the power system to execute a float mode 204. In the float mode 204, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to maintain the heater 108 at substantially a predetermined temperature such that an aerosol is generated for inhalation by the consumer. The float phase can be considered as the time during which the float mode is executed, e.g., the heater 108 is aerosolizing one (or at least a portion of one) aerosol-generating consumable 114 after the pre-heat phase. The controller 102 can control the power system to operate the float mode for a second period of aerosolization operation. The second period can be predetermined and stored in the controller 102.

[0048] 3A, 3B, and 3C show example plots of heater temperature 304, average power supplied to the heater 312, and total energy consumption 314 (respectively) versus time 302 for an aerosolization session. In the preheat phase, the controller 102 controls the power system to apply power to the heater for a first period of time 308 until the heater temperature reaches a predetermined temperature 306. In one embodiment, the predetermined temperature is 230° C. In one embodiment, the first period of time is 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the controller 102 is configured to heat the heater to the predetermined temperature within a fixed predetermined first period of time. In other embodiments, the first period of time varies depending on the amount of time it takes the heater to reach the predetermined temperature.

[0049] Once the heater reaches the predetermined temperature 306, the controller 102 switches the operating mode to a float mode for a second time period 310 and maintains the temperature of the heater substantially at the predetermined temperature 306 for the second time period 310. In one embodiment, the second time period may be 250 seconds.

[0050] Typically, in float mode, where the heater is maintained at a predetermined temperature, a lower power level is applied to the heater than the power level applied to the heater in preheat mode to heat it to a predetermined temperature. This can be seen in Figure 3B where the power supplied to the heater during the second period 310 (float mode) is lower than the power supplied to the heater during the first period 308 (preheat mode). The power level supplied to the heater can be controlled by various means, such as by adjusting the power output from the energy storage module or by adjusting the on / off period of the pulse width modulated power flow (as described below).

[0051] Following the aerosolization session, a user of the aerosol generating device can be notified that the aerosolization session has ended via a visual or audio indicator so that the user is aware that no more consumables are being aerosolized.

[0052] In preheat and float modes, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to the heater such that the power flow is a pulse-width modulated power flow having one or more pulse-width modulated cycles. An exemplary pulse-width modulated power flow is shown in FIG. 4. The pulse-width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse-width modulated (PWM) cycles 402 (also known as pulse-width modulated switching periods). A single PWM cycle, or switching period 402, comprises one PWM cycle "on period" D and one PWM cycle "off period" 1-D. The combination of the PWM cycle on period D and the PWM cycle off periods 1-D form the entire PWM cycle or switching period 402.

[0053] During a PWM on period of a PWM cycle, power is applied to the heater by closing a switch that implements PWM control in the power line to the heater. During a PWM off period, power is not applied to the heater by opening a switch that implements PWM control in the power line to the heater. The switch that implements PWM control can be, for example, a transistor in a PWM module controlled by the controller 102.

[0054] One pulse width modulation cycle 402 includes one switching of power between an on state and an off state, and thus the pulse width modulated power flow includes a continuous supply of power to the heater with the power flow rapidly switched between PWM on and off periods by the duty cycle.

[0055] The pulse width modulation duty cycle corresponds to the on-time (D) as a percentage of the total period (D+(1-D)) of the period 402 (ie, the sum of the "on-time" and "off-time" of the switching period 402).

[0056] A pulse width modulated power flow comprising multiple PWM periods continuously powers the heater with average power for PWM on and PWM off periods based on the duty cycle. Control of the duty cycle controls the amount of power delivered to the heater. A higher duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow delivers a higher average power and a lower duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow delivers a lower average power. That is, a higher duty cycle results in a larger proportion of the period 402 being "on time" D compared to a lower duty cycle. In this manner, careful control of the level of power applied to the heater can be achieved by controlling the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow.

[0057] In the float mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the power system to apply a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater in a first duty cycle regime to maintain the heater substantially at a predetermined aerosol-generating temperature. In the preheat mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the power system to apply a pulse-width modulated power flow to the heater in a second duty cycle regime different from the first duty cycle regime to heat the heater to the aerosol-generating temperature. The second duty cycle regime can have a higher duty cycle than the first duty cycle regime, such that a larger amount of power is applied to the heater to rapidly heat the heater to the predetermined temperature, while a smaller amount of power is used to maintain the heater at the predetermined temperature. The first duty cycle regime includes one or more PWM periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1, and the second duty cycle regime includes one or more PWM periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2, where the relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2=D1×K, where K is a factor that is >>1 and can be selected as an implementation choice. The theoretical maximum duty cycle is 1 with no off-periods, or close to but less than 1 with very short off-periods. In an embodiment, the first duty cycle regime includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio much less than 1, and the second duty cycle regime includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio close to but less than 1. In another embodiment, the first duty cycle regime includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio of <<0.5, and the second duty cycle regime includes one or more duty cycles with a duty cycle ratio of ≧0.5. In a further embodiment, the first duty cycle is configured to apply <3 W in float mode and the second duty cycle is configured to apply approximately 16 W in preheat mode.In other embodiments, the first duty cycle regime can be variable in that the duty cycle is adapted during the float mode to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature, and typically this variable duty cycle in the first duty cycle regime is less than the higher duty cycle used in the second duty cycle regime for the preheat mode.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows a particular implementation of the power system described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] 5, the energy storage module 104 is a battery pack having a first battery cell 104-1 and a second battery cell 104-2 connected in series with each other (a 2s1p battery pack). In the alternative, the 2s1p battery pack may be two separate batteries connected in series with each other.

[0060] The first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 are connected to the heater 108 such that one or both of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 provide power to the heater 108 during an aerosolization session.

[0061] The power system further comprises a PWM module 504 configured to convert the power flow from the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 to a PWM power flow supplied to the heater 108, as described with reference to Figure 4. The PWM module is controlled by the controller 102.

[0062] A heater temperature sensor (not shown for clarity) in communication with the controller 102 may be disposed in the heater 108 to monitor the heater temperature or the temperature within the heated cavity / chamber 110. One or more battery temperature sensors (also not shown for clarity) in communication with the controller 102 may also be disposed in the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 such that the controller can monitor the operating temperatures of the battery cells.

[0063] The power system of FIG. 5 comprises a switching means comprising three switches, a first switching means 501 , a second switching means 502 and a third switching means 503 .

[0064] The first switching means 501 is connected in series with the second battery cell 104-2, and the second battery cell 104-2 is connected between the first battery cell 104-1 and the first switching means 501. The second switching means 502 is connected to a node between the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 and is in parallel with the second battery cell 104-4, such that the second battery cell 104-2 can be bypassed when the second switching means 502 is closed. The third switching means 503 is connected to a node between the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 and is in parallel with the first battery cell 104-1, such that the first battery cell can be bypassed when the third switching means 503 is closed. The first switching means 501 , the second switching means 502 and the third switching means 503 may be transistors connected to be controlled by the controller 102 .

[0065] 5, the power system is in a first state. In the first state, both the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to supply power to the heater. The first switching means 501 is closed, the second switching means 502 is open, and the third switching means 503 is open. In this manner, the power system is configured such that both the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 are connected in series to supply power to the heater 108.

[0066] In response to detecting a trigger condition, the controller can control the switching means such that the power system is reconfigured from a first state to a second state, in which only one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 is configured to power the heater.

[0067] Figure 6A shows the power system of Figure 5 reconfigured to a second state (or first reconfigured state) where only the first battery cell is configured to power the heater. The second battery cell is bypassed / disconnected. This is achieved by switching the switching means such that the first switching means is open, the second switching means is closed, and the third switching means is open.

[0068] Figure 6B shows the power system of Figure 5 reconfigured to a second state (or second reconfigured state) where only the second battery cell is configured to power the heater. The first battery cell is bypassed / disconnected. This is achieved by switching the switching means such that the first switching means is closed, the second switching means is open, and the third switching means is closed.

[0069] The third switching means 503, when closed, allows the first battery cell 104-1 to be bypassed and therefore can be considered as a bypass switch for the first battery cell 104-1. The second switching means 502, when closed, allows the second battery cell 104-2 to be bypassed and therefore can be considered as a bypass switch for the second battery cell 104-2.

[0070] The controller 102 is configured to monitor energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2. For example, the controller 102 can monitor the voltages of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2, respectively. In this manner, the energy parameter of the first battery cell 104-1 can be the voltage level of the first battery cell 104-1, and the energy parameter of the second battery cell 104-2 can be the voltage level of the second battery cell 104-2. Although not shown in Figures 5 and 6 for clarity, this can be effected by a first voltmeter connected across the first battery cell 104-1 and a second voltmeter connected across the second battery cell 104-2, the first voltmeter and the second voltmeter being in communication with the controller 102. In some embodiments, the first voltmeter may be implemented as a voltage sensor or voltage sensing circuit coupled to the first battery cell, and the second voltmeter may be implemented as a voltage sensor or voltage sensing circuit coupled to the second battery cell.

[0071] The trigger condition includes, upon detection of the controller 102 controlling the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state, the controller 102 determining that one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the other of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 has a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session, the determination being based on a monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell 104-1 and a monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell 104-2.

[0072] If the controller 102 determines based on the monitored energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the monitored energy parameters of the second battery cell 104-2 that the second battery cell 104-2 does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the first battery cell 104-1 has a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session, the controller 102 switches the power system from the first state to the second state described with reference to FIG. 6A. In this manner, the first battery cell 104-1 having sufficient energy to terminate the aerosolization session is connected to the heater 108 independently of the second battery cell 104-2. The second battery cell 104-2 having not sufficient energy to terminate the aerosolization session is disconnected from the heater 108. Thus, only the first battery cell 104-1 having a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater 108.

[0073] If the controller 102 determines based on the monitored energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the monitored energy parameters of the second battery cell 104-2 that the first battery cell 104-1 does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the second battery cell 104-2 has a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session, the controller 102 switches the power system from the first state to the second state described with reference to FIG. 6B. In this manner, the second battery cell 1042 having sufficient energy to terminate the aerosolization session is connected to the heater 108 independently of the first battery cell 104-1. The first battery cell 104-1 having insufficient energy to terminate the aerosolization session is disconnected from the heater 108. Thus, only the second battery cell 104-2 having a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater 108.

[0074] In other words, if the controller 102 determines that one of the battery cells does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the other battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session, the controller controls the switching means to reconfigure the power system such that only the battery cell having a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session is connected to the heater. If neither battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session, the aerosolization session continues without reconfiguration.

[0075] Connecting the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 in series is advantageous in that it provides a higher output voltage than, for example, connecting the batteries in parallel. This higher output voltage eliminates the need to include a DC / DC or step-up converter in the power system to provide the power required for the heater 108. As a result, the loss of energy efficiency due to including a DC / DC or step-up converter is avoided and component costs are reduced. Providing a higher output voltage also allows the implementation of heater technologies with higher resistance within the device.

[0076] Furthermore, increasing the voltage to achieve higher power allows for a reduction in the maximum current requirement on each battery cell, which allows for the use of higher energy density batteries (i.e. smaller sized batteries for the same energy content).

[0077] Another advantage is found in providing more efficient and easier implementation of fast charging. The charging power can be increased at the same range of current rates. Normally, higher current rates require an increase in device size for better thermal management. By allowing the charging power to be increased at the same range of current rates, this problem is avoided. Furthermore, the problem of limited selection of shag glowing ICs and electronics for high currents is limited and therefore also avoided.

[0078] However, the use of two battery cells in series (e.g., a 2s1p battery pack) can cause problems when one of the battery cells is weaker than the other. In a first state, the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 are connected in series, so that the weaker battery cell (i.e., the battery cell that does not have enough energy to finish the aerosolization session) limits the performance of the battery pack. The weaker cell "pulls" the cell / system voltage to a very low level. This can prevent the battery pack from providing the power required to complete the aerosolization session even if the stronger battery cell has enough energy available.

[0079] This problem can be caused by non-uniformity among battery cells that becomes more prevalent over time or with the number of charge and discharge cycles.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9, a plot of the change in charge capacity 904 of a number of battery cells is presented as the number of charge and discharge cycles 902 increases. The data is for 48 commercially available 18650 2Ah cells manufactured by PANASONIC (results published in Journal of Power Sources, Volume 247, 1 February 2014, Pages 332-338). The 2s1p battery pack can store charge for approximately 20 aerosolization sessions (i.e., aerosolizing 20 tobacco rods). Based on a consumer performing 20 aerosolization sessions per day, line 906 corresponds to approximately 2 years of use. As can be seen, there is a visible difference between the battery cells with the highest capacity and the battery cells with the lowest capacity. This difference increases with the number of charge and discharge cycles. After approximately 2 years, the spread can be as much as 5%, which corresponds to an entire aerosolization session. This means that after two years of use, an aerosol generating device that was once able to power 20 aerosolization sessions can only power 19 sessions. Line 908 corresponds to approximately three years of use, and the difference between the battery cell with the highest capacity and the battery cell with the lowest capacity is even greater. If a 2s1p battery pack includes a first battery cell at the upper end of this charge capacity range and a second battery cell at the lower end of this charge capacity range, the overall performance of the battery pack will be limited by the weaker second battery cell. As a result, the life of the aerosol generating device will be affected.

[0081] Even new battery cells may have non-uniformity between cells, for example due to manufacturing tolerances. Figure 10 shows a plot of the discharge capacity of twenty 350mAh pouch cells. As can be seen, there is a significant difference (about 4mAh or 1.1%) between the discharge capacity of the battery cell with the highest discharge capacity (number 14) and the battery cell with the lowest discharge capacity (number 8).

[0082] Non-uniformity between the battery cells may also be caused by temperature gradients within the aerosol generating device, which may cause different temperatures and different degradation rates for each of the battery cells. Different temperatures between the battery cells may also cause different self-discharge rates between the two battery cells.

[0083] As explained above, the weaker battery cell in the series arrangement limits the performance of the entire battery pack. The present invention overcomes such problems. By switching to a second state in which one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 is connected to the heater component 108 independently of the other of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2, the weaker battery cell (the battery cell having an insufficient energy level) is disconnected, thus overcoming the problems associated with the weaker battery cell. This removes the performance limitations caused by the weaker cell.

[0084] This makes it possible to take advantage of the benefits of connecting battery cells in series, while avoiding the problems that arise when one of the battery cells in the series has insufficient energy to complete an aerosolization session.

[0085] Monitoring the energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 and detecting the trigger condition can occur during or before the aerosolization session.

[0086] The controller 102 can be configured to monitor an energy parameter of the first battery cell 104-1 and an energy parameter of the second battery cell 104-2 during the aerosolization session. In response to identifying a trigger condition during the aerosolization session, the controller 102 is configured to switch the power system from a first state to a second state for the remainder of the aerosolization session.

[0087] That is, during an aerosolization session, if the controller 102 identifies that the first battery cell 104-1 does not have a sufficient energy level to complete the session (i.e., the first battery cell 104-1 is the weaker cell), but the second battery cell 104-2 has a sufficient energy level to complete the session, the controller 102 switches the power system from a first state (e.g., FIG. 5) to a second state (e.g., FIG. 6B) in which only the second battery cell 104-2 is configured to supply power to the heater 108.

[0088] FIG. 7 shows a plot of power 712 supplied to the heater versus time 702 for an aerosolization session having a preheat phase 708 and a floating phase 710. During the aerosolization session, the controller 102 monitors energy parameters for the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2. At time t1, the controller 102 determines that the first battery cell 104-1 does not have a sufficient energy level to end the aerosolization session. That is, the first battery cell 104-1 becomes flat before the end of the aerosolization session. As can be seen, after time t1, the power required to end the session is relatively low compared to the power required for the entire session. If the controller 102 determines that the second battery cell 104-2 has a sufficient energy level to finish (or at least extend) the aerosolization session, the controller 102 can switch the power system from a first state (e.g., FIG. 5) to a second state (e.g., FIG. 6B) in which only the second battery cell 104-2 is configured to power the heater. In this way, the weaker first battery cell 104-1 does not limit the performance of the overall power system and can complete an aerosolization session that has already started.

[0089] Similarly, during an aerosolization session, if the controller 102 identifies that the second battery cell 104-2 does not have a sufficient energy level to complete the session (i.e., the second battery cell is the weaker cell), but the first battery cell 104-1 has a sufficient energy level to complete the session, the controller 102 switches the power system from a first state (e.g., FIG. 5) to a second state (e.g., FIG. 6A) in which only the first battery cell 104-1 is configured to supply power to the heater 108.

[0090] That is, both battery cells can provide power for the preheat phase and part of the float phase, and one battery cell provides power for the remaining part of the float phase.

[0091] In addition to or instead of being configured to monitor the energy parameters of the first and second battery cells during the aerosolization session, the controller 102 may also be configured to monitor the energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the energy parameters of the second battery cell 104-2 prior to initiating the aerosolization session. In response to identifying a trigger condition prior to initiating the aerosolization session, the controller 102 is configured to set the power system to a second state for the aerosolization session.

[0092] That is, if the controller 102 identifies prior to an aerosolization session that the first battery cell 104-1 does not have a sufficient energy level to complete the session (i.e., the first battery cell is the weaker cell) but the second battery cell 104-2 has a sufficient energy level to complete the session (or partially complete / extend relative to the first battery cell 104-1), the controller 102 switches the power system to a second state (e.g., FIG. 6B) in which only the second battery cell 104-2 is configured to supply power to the heater 108 when the aerosolization session begins.

[0093] FIG. 8 shows a plot of power 812 supplied to the heater 108 versus time 802 for an aerosolization session having a preheat phase 808 and a floating phase 810. Before the aerosolization session, the controller 102 monitors energy parameters for the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2. If the controller 102 determines before the aerosolization session begins that the first battery cell 104-1 does not have a sufficient energy level to complete the aerosolization session, the controller 102 can switch the power system to a second state (e.g., FIG. 6B) in which only the second battery cell 104-2 is configured to supply power to the heater 108 for the aerosolization session. In this way, the weaker first battery cell 104-1 does not limit the performance of the overall power system and the aerosolization session can be performed.

[0094] Similarly, if the controller 102 identifies, prior to an aerosolization session, that the second battery cell 104-2 does not have a sufficient energy level to complete the session (i.e., the second battery cell is the weaker cell), but that the first battery cell 104-1 has a sufficient energy level to complete the session (or partially complete / extend it relative to the second battery cell 104-2), the controller 102 switches the power system to a second state (e.g., FIG. 6A) in which only the first battery cell 104-1 is configured to supply power to the heater 108 when the aerosolization session begins.

[0095] If the controller 102 determines before an aerosolization session begins that one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 does not have a sufficient energy level to complete the session, but the other battery cell does have a sufficient energy level to complete the session, the controller 102 can adjust the parameters of the pre-heat mode to correspond to an aerosolization session powered by a single cell in the battery pack, such that only one of the battery cells is used to power the aerosolization session (as described above). For example, the power level applied in the pre-heat phase can be reduced to reduce strain on the single battery cell. The pre-heat time 808 can then be increased to adequately pre-heat the heater 108. This can be seen in FIG. 8, where the applied power level (P2) in the pre-heat phase 808 is relatively lower than the applied power level in the pre-heat phase (P1) of FIG. 7, which uses both battery cells for pre-heating, and the pre-heat phase 808 of FIG. 8 is relatively longer in time than the pre-heat phase 708 of FIG. 7.

[0096] In this way, a weaker battery cell does not limit the performance of the overall power system and does not reduce or inhibit the aerosol generating device from being able to perform an aerosolization session.

[0097] In the above example, identifying before an aerosolization session begins that one of the battery cells does not have a sufficient charge level to complete the aerosolization session may indicate that the battery pack has reached the end of its operational life. Thus, if the controller 102 identifies a trigger condition before initiating an aerosolization session, the controller 102 may be configured to inform the operator via an indicator or interface that the device and / or battery should be replaced soon.

[0098] Based on the monitored energy parameters, the controller 102 can determine whether the aerosolization session can be completed without reconfiguring the power system from the first state to the second state, with reconfiguration from the first state to the second state, or whether it is not achievable to terminate the aerosolization session with or without reconfiguration. If it is not achievable to terminate the aerosolization session with or without reconfiguration, the controller can determine to indicate to the user that the battery pack is empty.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the controller 102 monitors energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2, and the trigger condition includes the controller 102 determining, based on the monitored energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the monitored energy parameters of the second battery cell 104-2, that one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session, and that the other of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session.

[0100] In one embodiment, the monitored energy parameters are the voltage of the first battery cell 104-1 and the voltage of the second battery cell 104-2. If the voltage of the battery cell exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, the battery cell is identified as having sufficient energy to complete (or extend) the aerosolization session. If the voltage does not exceed the predetermined threshold voltage, the battery cell is identified as not having sufficient energy to complete the aerosolization session. In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold voltage can be a fixed voltage level. In other embodiments, the predetermined threshold voltage can change over time with the time remaining in the aerosolization session. The predetermined threshold voltage can be stored in a memory associated with the controller 102.

[0101] In a related embodiment, the rate of change of the voltage of the first battery cell 104-1 and the rate of change of the voltage of the second battery cell 104-2 are monitored as a function of time during an aerosolization session (i.e., the rate of voltage decrease as a function of time during an aerosolization session). If the rate of change does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the battery cells are identified as having sufficient energy to complete (or extend) the aerosolization session. If the rate of change exceeds a predetermined threshold, the battery cells are identified as not having sufficient energy to complete an aerosolization session because cells that are about to be fully discharged exhibit a significantly higher voltage gradient than cells that are not being fully discharged. The predetermined threshold rate of change can be stored in a memory associated with the controller 102.

[0102] In another embodiment, the controller determines that one of the battery cells does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the other battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session if the difference between the monitored energy parameters (e.g., voltage) between the two battery cells exceeds a predetermined tolerance (or threshold difference). If the difference between the monitored energy parameters (e.g., voltage) between the two battery cells exceeds a predetermined threshold difference, the battery cell with the lower voltage can be considered the battery cell that does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session. A voltage difference between the two battery cells that exceeds the tolerance can indicate that one cell is weaker than the other.

[0103] In another embodiment, the controller can determine that one of the battery cells does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the other battery cell has a sufficient energy level to terminate (or extend) the aerosolization session by using a continuous determination of the available energy in both cells to determine whether a complete aerosolization session is achievable with two cells, with reconfiguration to one cell, or whether it is not achievable with or without reconfiguration of the power system. Such continuous determination can be made by a state of charge estimation algorithm, a state of health and available power estimation algorithm.

[0104] 11 presents an example process flow of steps performed by the controller 102 in identifying switching the power system from a first state to a second state in accordance with the foregoing description. It will be understood that any of the features previously described may be included in this process flow.

[0105] In step S1101, the controller 102 monitors the energy parameters of each of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2.

[0106] In step S1102, the controller 102 detects a trigger condition, which includes determining, based on the monitored energy parameters of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2, that one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 does not have a sufficient energy level to terminate the aerosolization session and the other of the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 has a sufficient energy level to terminate or extend the aerosolization session.

[0107] In step S1103, the controller 102 controls the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting a trigger condition. In the first state, the first battery cell 104-1 and the second battery cell 104-2 are configured to supply power in series to the heater component 108. In the second state, one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 is connected to the heater component independent of the other of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 such that only one of the first battery cell 104-1 or the second battery cell 104-2 having a sufficient energy level to terminate an aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater 108.

[0108] In the above description, the controller 102 can store instructions for controlling the aerosol generating device and the power system in the described manner. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the controller 102 can be configured to perform any of the above methods in combination with each other as needed. The process steps described herein performed by the controller 102 may be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium or storage associated with the controller 102. Computer readable media can include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media can include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory, among others. Non-volatile media can include optical and magnetic disks, among others.

[0109] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments in the above description are not limiting, and the features of each embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device power system, wherein the power system is connectable to a heater component, and the power system comprises: a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series; switching means configured to control the power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the heater component; a controller configured to monitor respective energy parameters of the first battery cell and the second battery cell and to control the switching means, the controller being configured to control the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting a trigger condition; the trigger condition including the controller identifying that based on the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have an energy level sufficient to end an aerosolization session, and the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has an energy level sufficient to end or extend the aerosolization session; in the first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to supply power to the heater component in series; in the second state, only one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell having an energy level sufficient to end or extend the aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater component, such that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell; An aerosol generating device power system.

2. The controller is configured to monitor the energy parameter of the first battery cell and the energy parameter of the second battery cell during an aerosolization session. In response to identifying the trigger condition during the aerosolization session, the controller is configured to switch the power system from the first state to the second state for the remainder of the aerosolization session. The aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

3. Before starting the aerosolization session, the controller is configured to monitor the energy parameter of the first battery cell and the energy parameter of the second battery cell. In response to identifying the trigger condition before starting the aerosolization session, the controller is configured to set the power system to the second state for the aerosolization session. The aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

4. In response to identifying the trigger condition before starting the aerosolization session, the controller is further configured to increase the preheating time in the aerosolization session, the aerosol generating device power system according to claim 3.

5. The energy parameter of the first battery cell is the voltage level of the first battery cell, and the energy parameter of the second battery cell is the voltage level of the second battery cell, the aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

6. Based on the difference between the voltage level of the first battery cell and the voltage level of the second battery cell and a predetermined threshold voltage, the controller determines that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have sufficient energy level to end the aerosolization session, and the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has sufficient energy level to end or extend the aerosolization session, the aerosol generating device power system according to claim 5.

7. The first battery cell and the second battery cell are components of a 2s1p battery pack, the aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

8. The switching means includes first switching means connected in series with the second battery cell, and the second battery cell is connected between the first battery cell and the first switching means. The aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

9. The switching means is connected to a node between the first battery cell and the second battery cell so that the second battery cell can be bypassed when the second switching means is closed, and includes the second switching means that is in parallel with the second battery cell. The aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

10. The switching means is connected to a node between the first battery cell and the second battery cell so that the first battery cell can be bypassed when the third switching means is closed, and includes the third switching means that is in parallel with the first battery cell. The aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

11. Furthermore, it includes a pulse width modulation module configured to convert the power flow from the first battery cell and / or the second battery cell into a pulse width modulated power flow supplied to the heater component. The aerosol generating device power system according to claim 1.

12. An aerosol generating device comprising the aerosol generating device power system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive a tobacco rod, heat the tobacco rod without burning it, and generate an aerosol in an aerosolization session. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. A method of operating an aerosol generating device power system, the power system comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell that can be connected in series, and switching means configured to control the power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to a heater component connectable to the power system. The method includes: monitoring the respective energy parameters of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; Detecting a trigger condition, wherein the trigger condition is based on the monitored energy parameters of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameters of the second battery cell, and one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have an energy level sufficient to end the aerosolization session, and the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has an energy level sufficient to end or extend the aerosolization session, including identifying this, Controlling the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting the trigger condition, In the first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to supply power to the heater component in series, In the second state, only one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell having an energy level sufficient to end or extend the aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater component, and one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, including this, Method.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate with an aerosol generation device power system comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series and switching means configured to control the power flow to a heater component connectable to the power system from the first battery cell and the second battery cell, cause the one or more processors to, Monitor the respective energy parameters of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, Detecting a trigger condition, the trigger condition being based on the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, wherein one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have an energy level sufficient to end the aerosolization session, and the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell has an energy level sufficient to end or extend the aerosolization session, and including identifying this, Controlling the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting the trigger condition, In the first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to supply power to the heater component in series, In the second state, only one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell having an energy level sufficient to end or extend the aerosolization session is configured to supply power to the heater component, such that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, and storing an instruction to execute steps including this, A non - transitory computer - readable medium.

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