Alternating DC Charging Current for Battery Chargers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers have long charging times and are typically rated at low values, limiting their effectiveness in high-current applications.
Innovation Solution
The battery charger alternates the DC charging current between two non-zero levels, allowing for faster charging and increased capacity, applicable to both linear- and switched-mode chargers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional constant current or constant voltage charging is used, then the battery charging process is simple and reliable, but the charging time is long and the charger capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating the DC charging current between two non-zero average levels. The charger switches between a first non-zero average DC charging current level and a second non-zero average DC charging current level in an alternating sequence. This periodic alternation of charging current levels enables faster charging while maintaining battery safety, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and control complexity.
2Reliability
If the charger is rated at low current values for safety, then the battery is protected from damage, but the charging capacity and effectiveness in high-current applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging current adaptive and variable rather than fixed. The charger dynamically alternates between two non-zero average current levels, adjusting the charging profile in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve higher effective charging capacity while maintaining battery safety through controlled alternation, resolving the contradiction between safety and charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the average DC charging current between two distinct non-zero levels. By changing the charging current parameter in an alternating pattern between a first level and a second level, the system achieves higher effective charging capacity while preventing battery damage, thus resolving the contradiction between battery safety and charging capacity.
3Speed
If high charging current is applied continuously, then the charging speed is fast, but the battery may be damaged due to exceeding voltage, current, or temperature limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action to mitigate battery damage risk while maintaining fast charging. By alternating between two non-zero average current levels, the system prevents continuous high current stress on the battery. This periodic variation in charging current reduces the risk of exceeding voltage, current, or temperature limits while still achieving faster charging overall, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and battery safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive- and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear- and switched-mode battery chargers.