Alternating Battery Switching for Constant Current and Lower Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges with energy loss due to heat buildup and reduced usable output over time, leading to inefficient power delivery and battery degradation.
Innovation Solution
The system alternates between two direct current batteries switched on and off at a controlled frequency and rest rate, using solid-state relays and a microprocessor to manage the switching, thereby reducing heat buildup and maintaining a constant current supply to the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery continuously supplies direct current to a load, then the load receives stable power, but the battery generates excessive heat and loses energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching between two batteries in alternating cycles. Each battery is activated for a specific duration (e.g., 5 milliseconds on, 5 milliseconds off) to provide continuous power to the load while allowing the other battery to rest and cool down. This periodic switching reduces cumulative heat generation and energy loss compared to continuous operation of a single battery.
2Productivity
If a battery operates continuously without rest, then power delivery is maintained, but the battery degrades faster and has reduced usable output over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action through alternating battery operation with defined duty cycles. Each battery operates intermittently rather than continuously, with switching frequencies such as 144 Hz or 500 Hz. This periodic operation allows batteries to rest between cycles, reducing thermal stress and chemical degradation, thereby extending overall system lifespan while maintaining continuous power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous power supply function into discrete alternating intervals between two batteries. Instead of one battery working continuously, the system segments the operation into alternating phases where each battery contributes during its designated time window. This segmentation distributes the operational stress and extends the effective service life of the battery system.
3Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are drained down and charged repeatedly, then continuous operation is possible, but less total energy is available with each cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating battery system uses periodic action to switch between two batteries at controlled frequencies, allowing each battery to be recharged during the other's operational cycle. This periodic switching enables more efficient energy utilization by preventing complete drainage of either battery, thereby maintaining higher usable energy levels across multiple cycles compared to single-battery operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the battery switching frequency is increased, then smoother constant current is provided to the load, but more complex control circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action with specific switching frequencies (e.g., 144 Hz, 500 Hz) to achieve smooth constant current output. The microprocessor controls solid-state relays to switch batteries at these predetermined frequencies, creating a stable alternating pattern that delivers consistent current to the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including a microprocessor and solid-state relays that mediate the switching between batteries. These intermediaries simplify the control logic by automating the switching decisions based on predetermined frequencies and duty cycles, reducing the overall system complexity despite the high switching frequencies required for smooth current delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system for providing alternating direct current can include a first battery; a second battery; a load; a first solid state relay configured to switch the first battery on and off; a second solid state relay configured to switch the second battery on and off; and a microprocessor configured to control the first and second solid state relays, wherein the microprocessor is configured to cause the first and second solid state relays to switch the first and second batteries on and off in an alternating manner such that a constant current it supplied to the load.