Adaptive Step Charging for Battery Capacity Fade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional step charging methods for batteries result in loss of charging momentum due to voltage drops and cause damage over the life of the battery, leading to capacity fade, as they maintain a fixed lower current level after an initial burst charge.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive step charging approach that initially uses a constant current mode followed by a constant voltage mode, with the charge current diminishing over time and adjusting based on the battery's full-charge capacity to maintain a constant C-rate, thereby reducing charge time and mitigating capacity fade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed lower current level is maintained after initial burst charge, then battery damage is prevented, but charging momentum is lost due to voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed current level to a dynamic adaptive current level that automatically adjusts based on real-time battery voltage and capacity feedback. The charge current evolves from an initial high level through multiple stepped reductions, with each level adaptively determined by monitoring battery response, thereby maintaining charging momentum while preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring battery voltage, current, and capacity during charging. This feedback drives adaptive adjustments of the charge current level, allowing the system to respond to battery conditions and maintain optimal charging momentum without causing damage. The full-charge capacity measurement feeds back into subsequent charging cycle adjustments.
2Device complexity
If the same CC current level is used throughout battery life, then charging simplicity is maintained, but battery capacity fades due to electrode damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static charging current approach into a dynamic adaptive system that automatically adjusts current levels based on battery age and capacity. The charge current evolves through multiple stepped levels, with each level adaptively determined by monitoring battery response and full-charge capacity measurements, thereby protecting battery capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the charge current level based on battery full-charge capacity measurements taken at different cycle intervals. The current level is adjusted as a function of measured capacity, creating a protective adaptation mechanism that responds to battery degradation without requiring complex external control systems.
3Reliability
If charge current is reduced to prevent battery damage, then battery safety is improved, but charge time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process into multiple distinct phases with different current levels. The charge current is divided into an initial high-level burst charge phase followed by multiple stepped reduction phases, each with specific protective functions. This segmentation allows aggressive charging when safe and gentler charging when needed, optimizing both speed and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic charging protocols that alternate between constant current and constant voltage phases, with periodic measurements of full-charge capacity at defined cycle intervals (e.g., every 50 cycles). These periodic assessments trigger adaptive adjustments to the charging regimen, balancing speed and protection through rhythmically structured charging patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may place a battery in a first constant voltage charging mode and monitoring a diminishing current of the battery while the battery is in the first constant voltage charging mode. Additionally, the battery may be placed in a constant current charging mode when the diminishing current falls to a first predetermined threshold. In one example, a rising voltage of the battery is monitored while the battery is in the constant current charging mode and the battery is placed in a second constant voltage charging mode at an end of the charge cycle in response to the rising voltage reaching a second predetermined threshold. Moreover, a charge current corresponding to the constant current charging mode may be adjusted based on a charge capacity of the battery.