Battery Charge Management Using Discrete Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing electrical current supply in motor vehicles with combustion engines do not effectively detect and correct low battery charge states, leading to inefficiencies in fuel consumption and increased CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method that periodically compares the battery charge state with a predetermined value, using a discrete binary flag to indicate low charge states, and implements a compensating charge strategy with high voltage to ensure all battery cells are charged to 100% capacity, thereby improving electrical robustness and reducing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the battery charge state is continuously monitored and corrected using prior art methods, then the charge state estimation is improved, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge state monitoring into discrete binary flags (LowSOCFlag) rather than continuous monitoring. The charge state is divided into distinct regions (above/below threshold) and monitored at specific intervals rather than continuously, reducing computational complexity while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple binary flags and discrete voltage comparisons instead of complex continuous estimation algorithms. These simple computational objects are easily created and updated, requiring minimal processing resources compared to sophisticated charge state estimation systems.
2Reliability
If the battery charge state is frequently monitored and corrected, then the electrical robustness is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of the battery charge state at defined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The LowSOCFlag is updated at specific periods, and compensating charge is applied periodically when the flag indicates low charge state, reducing the frequency of system interventions and associated fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the battery to self-charge during normal operation when charge state is sufficient, and only intervenes with compensating charge when the discrete monitoring detects a low charge state. This self-service approach minimizes active management interventions and associated energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the battery charge state is allowed to drop below minimum levels, then the fuel consumption decreases, but the battery aging accelerates and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compensating charge in advance when the discrete monitoring detects that the charge state is approaching or has reached the low threshold, before the battery is fully depleted. This preliminary action prevents the battery from operating in a deeply discharged state that would accelerate aging and reduce reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the discrete LowSOCFlag monitoring to trigger compensating charge actions. When the flag indicates low charge state, the control unit responds by applying compensating charge, creating a feedback loop that maintains the battery within safe operating parameters and prevents excessive discharge.
4Measurement precision
If a continuous charge state estimation system is used, then the charge state accuracy is improved, but the computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge state into discrete regions defined by voltage thresholds, creating binary states (above/below threshold) rather than requiring continuous estimation. This segmentation allows for rapid determination of charge state status without complex calculations, significantly reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple binary flags and basic voltage comparisons instead of computationally intensive continuous estimation algorithms. These lightweight computational objects can be updated rapidly with minimal processing time, enabling frequent monitoring without significant computational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method for the management of the electrical current supply in a motor vehicle having a combustion engine, wherein the charge state of a battery is detected and characterized as a discrete variable that indicates whether the prevailing charge state is below or above a calibrated threshold value. If the discrete variable indicates that the prevailing charge state is below the calibrated threshold value, the battery is charged using a relatively high voltage over a predetermined time period in such a manner that all cells of the battery are charged. If the discrete variable indicates that the prevailing charge state is above the calibrated threshold value, different temperature-dependent voltage set points of an electric generator in the vehicle are set in dependence upon a prevailing energy conversion efficiency level of the drivetrain that is detected and characterized as a further discrete variable.