Alkaline Battery Charge Control for Low-Temperature Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alkaline storage batteries face risks of electrolyte leakage and reduced lifespan when charged in low-temperature environments due to increased gas pressure, which activates the gas emission valve and ejects the electrolyte, leading to corrosion and shorter battery life.
Innovation Solution
A charge control method that determines the battery temperature and adjusts the charging process, supplying a constant current if the temperature is above 0°C and stopping at a specified voltage value if the temperature is below 0°C to prevent full charge and subsequent gas emission valve activation, thereby avoiding electrolyte leakage and maintaining battery integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If constant current charging is applied to alkaline storage battery in low-temperature environment (below 0°C), then charging efficiency is maintained, but gas pressure increases significantly causing electrolyte leakage and reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The charging method dynamically adjusts the charging termination criterion based on temperature conditions. For temperatures below 0°C, the method uses voltage threshold detection (stopping when voltage reaches a predetermined value) rather than traditional full charge detection (local maximum voltage). This dynamic adaptation of the charging control strategy resolves the contradiction by maintaining acceptable charging efficiency while preventing the gas pressure buildup that would otherwise occur during full charging in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the charging termination parameter based on temperature. In low-temperature environments, it switches from detecting local maximum voltage (full charge indicator) to detecting a predetermined voltage threshold. This parameter change allows the system to achieve sufficient charging without reaching the full charge state that would trigger gas emission valve activation, thereby preventing electrolyte leakage and extending battery life.
2Quantity of substance
If charging continues to full capacity in low-temperature environment, then maximum energy storage is achieved, but gas emission valve activates and ejects electrolyte causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial charging action in low-temperature environments by terminating charging when voltage reaches a predetermined threshold, which is lower than the voltage at full charge. This partial charging approach provides sufficient energy storage for practical use while avoiding the excessive charging that would cause gas pressure buildup and electrolyte ejection through the gas emission valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The method takes preliminary anti-action by detecting the voltage threshold before the gas emission valve is activated. By monitoring voltage and stopping charging when it reaches the predetermined value, the system prevents the subsequent harmful effect of gas pressure increase and electrolyte ejection, rather than dealing with the problem after it occurs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for safe and efficient charging across a wider temperature range, preventing electrolyte leakage and extending battery life by stopping the charge before significant gas pressure increases, thus accommodating low-temperature charging conditions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
charging in such a low-temperature environment where the battery temperature becomes less than 0° C. significantly increases gas pressure within the battery as the battery approaches the fully charged state
Implementation Method 2
the increase in the gas pressure within the battery actuates the gas emission valve to emit gas so as to avoid a burst of the battery
Implementation Method 3
A constant current charging method is used as a charging method for the alkaline storage battery. This charging method continuously supplies a constant current to charge the alkaline storage battery
Data Source
AI summary
A charge control method for an alkaline storage battery includes determining whether or not a temperature T of a battery is less than 0° C.; if the temperature T is equal to or higher than 0° C., determining whether or not the battery has been considered to be charged to a maximum capacity that can be stored in the battery; if the battery has not been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, determining the temperature T of the battery again; if the battery has been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, finishing the charging; if it is determined that the temperature T is less than 0° C., determining whether or not a specified voltage value has been reached, the specified voltage value having been preset in a range lower than a voltage value when the battery has been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity that can be stored in the battery; if the voltage value of the battery has not reached the specified voltage value, determining the temperature T of the battery again; and if the voltage value of the battery has reached the specified voltage value, finishing the charging.