Battery Charge Termination Voltage for Peak Load and Longer Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging lithium-ion batteries in stationary computing systems, such as servers, to full capacity accelerates battery degradation and increases the total cost of ownership due to frequent replacements, as it leads to premature aging and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the battery charge termination voltage to a level that supports peak load without reaching full capacity, and incrementally increasing this voltage as the battery ages to maintain capacity while avoiding system shutdown voltage, thereby extending battery longevity and reducing replacement frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the battery is charged to full capacity (100% charge), then the battery has maximum capacity to support peak load, but the battery life is limited and degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the charge termination voltage parameter from the standard full charge level (e.g., 4.2V for lithium-ion) to a lower voltage level (e.g., 3.8V-4.0V). This parameter change reduces the electrochemical stress on battery cells during charging, thereby extending battery cycle life and reducing degradation while maintaining sufficient capacity for peak load support. The system dynamically adjusts this voltage parameter based on battery age and usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the charge termination voltage based on battery age, usage patterns, and peak load requirements. As the battery ages, the system adaptively modifies the charge voltage to optimize the balance between maintaining sufficient capacity and minimizing degradation. This dynamic approach allows the battery to provide peak power support while extending its operational lifespan through continuous optimization of charging parameters.
2Reliability
If the battery charge termination voltage is lowered to extend battery life, then battery longevity is improved, but the battery may not have enough capacity to support peak load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor battery performance, age, and peak load support capability. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the charge termination voltage to maintain the optimal balance between extending battery life and ensuring sufficient peak load capacity. The feedback loop allows the system to learn from usage patterns and optimize charging parameters in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of battery age, health status, and peak load requirements before determining the appropriate charge termination voltage. By evaluating these factors in advance, the system pre-configures optimal charging parameters that will extend battery life while ensuring the battery maintains sufficient capacity for anticipated peak load events. This preliminary action prevents capacity deficiencies before they occur.
3Productivity
If the battery is used to support peak load frequently, then system performance under peak load is improved, but the battery degrades faster and requires more frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes charging parameters (termination voltage, charge current profiles) based on battery usage patterns and age. By adjusting these parameters after each charge-discharge cycle, the system reduces the cumulative stress on battery cells from frequent peak load events. This parameter adaptation allows the battery to continue supporting peak load effectively while significantly reducing degradation rates and extending the interval between replacements.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an apparatus is to adjust charge termination voltage. The apparatus includes a controller to adjust a charge termination voltage of a charger of a rechargeable energy storage device based on a comparison of a first threshold level with the voltage of the rechargeable energy storage device during peak load. The charge termination voltage is a voltage at which the rechargeable energy storage device has capacity to support peak load of a system. The controller is to adjust the charge termination voltage based on a comparison of a second threshold level with an end voltage of the rechargeable energy storage device after peak load.