Battery Module Charge Control by Connected Power Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy-storage-device systems require specialized knowledge to maintain appropriate charge levels, leading to inefficiencies and opportunities for human error, especially in environments like shipping facilities, where workers need to manage state-of-charge limits to prevent overcharging and ensure device health.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a battery-management system that dynamically determines a maximum state-of-charge limit based on the type of power device it is connected to, allowing it to automatically adjust charging levels to maintain optimal charge states, such as 100% for operational use and 30% for storage, thereby reducing the need for specialized knowledge and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual charge level management is implemented, then workers can control charging processes, but specialized knowledge is required and human errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module autonomously determines its own charge level limits by detecting power device type and communicating with the power device. The system self-regulates charging without human intervention, eliminating the need for workers to have specialized knowledge and preventing human errors in charge level management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors charging status, detects power device type, and adjusts charge level limits dynamically. The battery management system receives feedback from the power device about operational status and uses this feedback to automatically adjust charging parameters, ensuring reliable and accurate charge level control.
2Ease of operation
If automated charge level adjustment is implemented, then specialized knowledge requirements are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing battery management system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues its traditional battery monitoring roles while adding automated charge level adjustment capabilities. The system universally handles different power device types and charging scenarios through a single integrated approach, avoiding the need for separate manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface between the battery module and power device serves as an intermediary that enables automated charge level adjustment. Through this intermediary communication channel, the system exchanges information about power device type and operational status, allowing automated control without requiring complex external management systems.
3Reliability
If dynamic state-of-charge limits are applied, then battery health is optimized, but charging time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charge level limit is dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the maximum charge level in real-time based on detected power device type and operational context. For example, it may charge to 100% when connected to a UPS but only to 30% when connected to storage equipment, optimizing battery health for each scenario while minimizing unnecessary charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter (maximum state of charge limit) based on operating conditions. By modifying this critical charging parameter dynamically, the system achieves optimized battery health outcomes without always requiring full charging cycles, thereby reducing overall charging time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include a battery module is provided comprising battery terminals configured to be coupled to at least one power device, one or more battery cells configured to store energy, and a battery-management system configured to determine whether a command to operate with the at least one power device has been received, charge, responsive to determining that a command to operate with a first power device has not been received, the one or more battery cells to a first state of charge with power derived from the first power device, and charge, responsive to determining that a command to operate with a second power device has been received, the one or more battery cells to a second state of charge with power derived from the second power device, the second state of charge being greater than the first state of charge.