Battery Charge Management System for Voltage Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems fail to efficiently balance and maintain the charge of multiple batteries in a battery bank, leading to unbalanced voltage levels and potential failure of starter systems in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery charge management system comprising a controller with selection and charge components that selectively charges batteries based on charge levels, time, and balance requirements, ensuring that only necessary batteries are charged and maintaining optimal voltage balance within a tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all batteries in the battery bank are charged simultaneously, then the charging process is simple, but the voltage levels become unbalanced and some batteries may be overcharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating each battery individually with unique identification and separate charging control. The controller monitors each battery's voltage level independently and adjusts charging parameters for each battery based on its specific state, ensuring optimal charging while preventing overcharge and maintaining voltage balance across the battery bank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the charging system adaptive and responsive to real-time battery conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts charging current and voltage based on each battery's state of charge, and can switch between different charging modes (normal charging, equalization charging, maintenance charging) to maintain optimal voltage balance while preventing overcharging.
2Reliability
If battery charging is continuously monitored and selectively controlled, then voltage balance is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional controller that integrates multiple capabilities: battery identification, voltage monitoring, charging control, equalization management, and maintenance charging. This single controller performs all these functions to maintain voltage balance without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic battery identification and charging management. The controller automatically detects battery presence, determines charging needs based on voltage levels, and adjusts charging parameters without manual intervention. The system autonomously manages the charging process to maintain voltage balance, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If batteries are charged based on individual voltage levels, then overcharging is prevented, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the implementation of maintenance charging cycles. After batteries reach full charge, the controller periodically applies small charging currents to compensate for self-discharge and maintain optimal voltage levels. This periodic top-up charging prevents overcharge while minimizing total charging time compared to continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing equalization charging before batteries are fully discharged. The controller monitors voltage levels and applies equalization charging to batteries that are falling behind, preventing large voltage imbalances from developing. This proactive approach reduces the total charging time needed to bring all batteries to optimal levels.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are described that relate to charging a battery set. The battery set can comprise a first battery and a second battery. The batteries can be alternately charged so they are balanced. In one example, when the first battery is charged, then the second battery is not charged and vice versa. The alternation of charging can be managed based on different criteria, such as timing or charge level.