Battery Charging Current Steps to Prevent Anode Plating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging methods can degrade battery life due to metal plating and overcharging, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, as they do not effectively manage anode potential and voltage thresholds during charging.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging method and apparatus that adjust the charging current based on threshold voltages, referenced from stored tables, to maintain anode potential above a reference value and prevent overcharging, using a step charging mode that reduces current when a threshold voltage is reached and transitions to constant voltage charging when maximum voltage is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fast charging method is used to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but battery life is degraded due to metal plating
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current is dynamically adjusted based on the battery's state of charge and voltage thresholds. The method transitions from constant current charging to variable current charging, reducing the current when the voltage reaches a threshold to prevent metal plating while maintaining fast charging benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging parameters (current and voltage) are changed based on the battery's charging state. The method monitors voltage thresholds and adjusts charging current accordingly, switching between different charging rates to balance speed and battery health.
2Device complexity
If constant current-constant voltage (CCCV) charging is used to charge battery, then charging process is simplified, but anode potential is not effectively managed leading to metal plating
Solution Approach 1:
The charging method incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring voltage thresholds and adjusting charging current based on real-time battery state. This feedback loop prevents metal plating by reducing current when voltage reaches critical levels, while maintaining relatively simple charging process control.
3Reliability
If varying current decay (VCD) charging is used to charge battery, then battery life is improved, but charging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The charging method uses periodic action by alternating between high current charging phases and reduced current phases. This periodic current adjustment maintains fast charging overall while preventing metal plating during critical voltage thresholds, balancing speed and battery health.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charging method includes: charging a battery with a charging current; and changing the charging current in response to a current change event occurring during the charging of the battery, wherein the current change event occurs when the battery reaches a threshold voltage at which an anode potential of the battery reaches a reference value.