Battery Charging Control Circuit With Digital Potentiometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to predict and manage the output of electric generators used for battery charging, such as photovoltaic, hydroelectric, and wind turbines, due to varying environmental conditions, making it difficult to maintain consistent battery charging rates.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit that determines the type of power source and battery voltage, adjusts the charging voltage using a digital potentiometer to dynamically alter the charging rate, ensuring the charging rate is optimized without exceeding the power source's maximum output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a generator is used to charge a battery, then the battery can be charged using renewable energy sources, but the charging rate becomes unpredictable due to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the charging voltage by the control circuit based on real-time monitoring of power source output and battery charge level. The system continuously adapts the charging parameters to match the variable output from renewable energy sources, transforming the unpredictable generator output into a controlled charging process that maintains reliability while preserving adaptability to different power sources.
2Productivity
If the charging voltage is increased to speed up battery charging, then the charging rate increases, but the power source may exceed its maximum power output
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the output of the power source and the charge level of the battery, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust the charging voltage. When the power source approaches its maximum output capacity, the control circuit reduces the charging voltage to prevent overload, while still maintaining an optimized charging rate. This closed-loop control ensures that productivity is maximized without compromising the reliability of the power source.
3Productivity
If the charging voltage is dynamically adjusted to optimize charging rate, then charging efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes charging efficiency by dynamically changing the charging voltage parameter based on power source output and battery charge level. The control circuit monitors key parameters (power source voltage, battery voltage, charge current) and adjusts the charging voltage accordingly to maintain optimal charging conditions. This parameter-based control approach achieves high charging efficiency without requiring overly complex control mechanisms, as it focuses on adjusting a single critical parameter (charging voltage) based on straightforward measurements.
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
The solution allows for flexible and efficient battery charging at multiple rates, ensuring the battery is charged optimally while preventing the power source from exceeding its maximum output, thereby maintaining a stable and efficient charging process.
Implementation Method 1
A digital potentiometer provides a feedback voltage to the voltage regulator such that the digital potentiometer is operable to dynamically adjust the charging voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging a battery at multiple charges rates includes determining a type of power source connected to a charging circuit and determining a voltage of a battery to be charged by the power source. A desired charging voltage is determined in response to the power source type and the battery voltage. A difference between the desired charging voltage and the battery voltage is determined. A digital potentiometer is selectively commanded to adjust the desired charging voltage to vary the difference and alter a charging rate of the battery, such that the difference is increased to increase the charging rate or is decreased to decrease the charging rate.