Battery Charger Controller MPPT Voltage Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar battery chargers face inefficiencies due to the nonlinear Power-Voltage characteristics of solar panels, which reduce power delivery when directly connected to batteries, and existing MPP trackers require input current sensors, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger controller dynamically selects between duty cycle control signals based on sensed parameters, using a combination of MPPT and battery current regulation algorithms to maximize power delivery without an input current sensor, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple batteries with a single power converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solar panel is directly connected to a battery, then the connection is simple, but the output power decreases due to voltage collapse below the maximum power point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DC-DC power converter as an intermediary device between the solar panel and battery. This converter acts as a mediator that allows the solar panel to operate at its maximum power point voltage while simultaneously providing the appropriate voltage to the battery, thus resolving the contradiction between connection simplicity and power output efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology that dynamically adjusts the operating voltage and current parameters of the solar panel to maintain operation at the maximum power point. This parameter adjustment capability allows the system to overcome the voltage collapse issue while maintaining efficient power transfer
2Power
If a DC-DC converter with MPPT is used to maximize power delivery, then power efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC power converter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it conducts Maximum Power Point Tracking to maximize solar panel output, regulates battery charging voltage and current, and provides system protection. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high power delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the MPPT control function and battery charging regulation function into a single integrated control system within the DC-DC converter. This merging of control functions eliminates the need for separate control circuits, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving the power efficiency benefits of MPPT
3Power
If traditional MPP trackers are implemented, then maximum power point tracking is achieved, but input current sensors are required which increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the input current sensor requirement from the traditional MPPT implementation. By using an alternative control approach that relies on voltage measurements and power converter parameters, the system achieves maximum power point tracking without needing to directly measure input current, thereby reducing component count and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical current sensing mechanism with an electronic control approach that infers power converter operating conditions through voltage measurements and control parameter analysis. This substitution of direct current measurement with indirect electronic monitoring eliminates the need for current sensors while maintaining MPPT functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances power delivery efficiency by avoiding input voltage collapse and eliminating the need for input current sensors, reducing system complexity and cost while enabling efficient charging of multiple batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter that receives a duty cycle control signal and provides power to at least one battery for charging
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a battery charger that includes a power converter has parametric sensors for providing a sensed Vin signal, a sensed Vout signal and a sensed Iout signal. A battery current regulator (BCR) is coupled to receive the sensed Iout signal and an Iout reference, and outputs a first duty cycle control signal. An input voltage regulator (IVR) receives the sensed Vin signal and a Vin reference. The IVR provides a second duty cycle control signal. A processor receives the sensed Iout signal and utilizes a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm, and provides the Vin reference to the IVR. A selection block forwards one of the first and second duty cycle control signals as a duty cycle control signal to the power converter. Dynamic switching between the first and second duty cycle control signals maximizes the power delivered to the battery.