Adaptive Battery Charging Through Discharge-Pulse Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies have not kept up with market demand for improved charging speed and battery life, particularly in terms of charge/discharge cycles and years of service.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adaptive battery charging that involves applying charging current, followed by a discharging pulse, measuring battery parameters during the discharging pulse, and adapting charging parameters based on these measurements, including adjusting discharging current, ON period, and other pulse characteristics to optimize charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional battery charging is used, then charging process is simple, but charging speed is slow and battery life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulse charging instead of continuous charging. A pulse train with specific duty cycle (e.g., 10% ON, 90% OFF) is used to charge the battery, allowing periodic relaxation that reduces stress on battery materials while maintaining high average charging current, thus improving both charging speed and battery longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes charging parameters (current amplitude, pulse width, duty cycle) based on real-time battery state measurements. By adjusting these parameters according to battery temperature, voltage, and impedance, the system optimizes charging speed while preventing conditions that would degrade battery life
2Productivity
If higher charging current is applied, then charging speed increases, but battery degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
By using pulsed current with high peak amplitude during ON periods and zero current during OFF periods, the system achieves high charging speed during active phases while the relaxation periods allow thermal and electrochemical recovery, reducing cumulative degradation from high current stress
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery parameters and uses this feedback to adjust charging current levels. When degradation risk is detected (through voltage slope analysis or temperature monitoring), the controller reduces current or extends OFF periods, dynamically balancing charging speed against battery protection
3Productivity
If pulse charging is used, then charging efficiency improves, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the battery's own voltage response during pulse transitions as a built-in diagnostic signal. By measuring the voltage slope during ON and OFF transitions, the system automatically characterizes battery state without requiring external test equipment, simplifying the measurement apparatus while maintaining high charging efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices to adaptively charge a battery. Charging current is applied to charge the battery. After application of the charging current, at least one discharging pulse is applied to the battery. During an ON period of the discharging pulse, at least one battery parameter is measured. One or more charging parameters are adapted based on the at least one battery parameter as measured during the ON period of the discharging pulse. The battery is charged based on the adapted one or more charging parameters.