Adaptive Offset Battery Run Time Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating battery run time in electronic devices are either inaccurate due to varying load conditions or costly due to the need for charge-tracking circuits implemented in batteries rather than the devices themselves, and suffer from inaccuracies when batteries are not deeply discharged and then fully charged.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing adaptive offset values, including lookup tables and battery profiles, that estimates battery run time by monitoring voltage, current, and temperature, and calibrating these values based on specific battery characteristics, allowing for accurate estimation without the need for expensive charge-tracking circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voltage-based method is used to estimate battery run time, then the estimation is simple to implement, but the accuracy is poor due to varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static voltage-based estimation into a dynamic model by introducing time-varying parameters including adaptive offset values that adjust based on battery age, temperature, and usage patterns. The state of charge is calculated using differential equations that account for changing load conditions, converting a simple but inaccurate method into an accurate yet computationally efficient solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the estimated run time is continuously refined based on actual battery behavior observations. The adaptive offset values are updated over time based on the difference between predicted and actual battery performance, allowing the model to learn and improve accuracy while maintaining computational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If charge-tracking circuits are implemented in batteries to improve run time estimation accuracy, then the estimation accuracy improves, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mathematical models and lookup tables as intermediaries between the simple voltage measurement and the accurate run time estimation. Instead of expensive charge-tracking circuits, the system uses software-based state of charge calculation with adaptive correction factors that emulate the functionality of hardware charge tracking at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical charge-tracking circuitry with a computational model running on the device's processor. The electrochemical battery model with adaptive offset values substitutes for the mechanical/electrical charge tracking hardware, achieving similar or better accuracy through software rather than expensive hardware components.
3Measurement precision
If charge-tracking circuits are used, then run time estimation accuracy improves, but inaccuracies occur when batteries are not deeply discharged and then fully charged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic battery model where the state of charge calculation adapts to any charging pattern rather than requiring complete discharge-charge cycles. The adaptive offset values continuously adjust based on current usage patterns, temperature, and battery age, making the system reliable whether the battery is partially charged, fully charged, or undergoing any arbitrary charge/discharge sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for state of charge estimation based on operating conditions. Instead of relying on fixed calibration from complete charge cycles, the model uses variable parameters including adaptive offset values that adjust to partial charge conditions, temperature variations, and battery aging, ensuring accuracy regardless of charging pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method comprises calibrating adaptive offset values in an open-circuit voltage lookup table, a temperature lookup table, and an age lookup table, and then determining a present charge of the battery utilizing an open-circuit voltage of the battery and a temperature of the battery, determining a low-voltage-alarm charge of the battery utilizing a discharge current of the battery and an age of the battery, and utilizing the present charge and the low-voltage-alarm charge to estimate the run time of the battery. Utilizing the open-circuit voltage, temperature, and age comprises looking up a present battery capacity, temperature coefficient, and ageing coefficient in lookup tables, and adjusting the present battery capacity, temperature coefficient, and ageing coefficient by the respective offset values adaptive to the battery.