Adaptive Low Voltage Disconnect Controller for Battery Reserve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional low voltage disconnect (LVD) schemes are not optimal for Very High Rate (VHR) discharge applications, as they are designed for longer reserve times and can lead to reduced battery life and inadequate system reserve times in systems experiencing rapid discharges.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive LVD controller determines a variable threshold voltage based on the current battery discharge, using a linear equation to dynamically calculate the disconnect threshold, allowing for real-time optimization of battery reserve management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed voltage threshold LVD schemes are used, then battery protection is provided for sustained discharge applications, but battery life and system reserve time are reduced in VHR discharge applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed voltage threshold to a dynamic adaptive threshold that changes based on real-time discharge conditions. The LVD controller continuously monitors discharge current and adjusts the voltage threshold accordingly, allowing the disconnect point to move adaptively rather than remaining fixed. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to provide appropriate protection while maintaining optimal reserve time for VHR applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the LVD threshold voltage based on discharge current magnitude. The controller adjusts the voltage threshold parameter dynamically according to the actual load conditions, using different threshold values for different discharge rates. This allows the system to optimize both battery protection and reserve time performance for VHR discharge scenarios.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional LVD schemes designed for longer reserve times are used, then disconnect algorithms are optimized for sustained discharges, but battery life expectancy is reduced in VHR discharge applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage threshold parameter based on discharge current parameters. For high discharge currents typical of VHR applications, the controller applies a different voltage threshold compared to sustained discharge scenarios. This parameter adaptation allows the system to extend battery life expectancy by preventing disconnect at inappropriate voltage levels during high-rate discharge, while still maintaining adequate reserve time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the disconnect threshold based on real-time monitoring of discharge conditions. Rather than using a fixed algorithm optimized for sustained discharge, the controller continuously adapts the threshold to match the actual discharge rate, thereby protecting battery life expectancy while maintaining appropriate reserve time for the specific application.
3Device complexity
If fixed disconnect thresholds are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different discharge rates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The LVD controller performs self-service by automatically monitoring discharge current and adjusting the voltage threshold without external intervention. The system uses its own measurements of discharge conditions to dynamically determine the appropriate disconnect point, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while achieving high adaptability to different discharge rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the discharge current and using this information to adjust the voltage threshold in real-time. The controller receives feedback about the actual discharge conditions and adapts the disconnect threshold accordingly, providing automatic adaptability to different discharge rates while maintaining relatively simple control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a controller for a low voltage disconnect (LVD), a method of protecting and providing a maximum or substantially maximum battery reserve coupled to a DC load bus and a power system manager. In one embodiment, the LVD controller includes an adaptive disconnect system configured to determine a variable LVD threshold voltage value and instruct the LVD to disconnect a battery reserve from a DC load bus based thereon. The variable LVD threshold voltage is determined based on a current of the battery reserve during a battery-discharge event.