Battery Charging Controller Storage Mode Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging systems do not consider the previous charging history and current state of the battery when determining charge cycles, which can impact battery life and health.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that use a controller to compare charging parameters to limits, determine the battery's current state, and adjust the charging cycle based on whether the battery is in short-term or long-term storage, with different charge reduction thresholds for each storage type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the battery is charged frequently to maintain full charge, then the battery remains ready for regular use, but the battery life is reduced due to excessive charging cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery readiness for useVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system dynamically adjusts charging behavior based on detected usage patterns. The controller monitors whether the vehicle is in short-term storage (frequent use) or long-term storage (infrequent use) mode, and automatically modifies charging thresholds accordingly. In long-term storage mode, the system raises the charge reduction threshold from 10% to 30%, reducing charging frequency while maintaining battery readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the charge reduction parameter threshold based on storage mode. For short-term storage, the threshold is set at 10% charge reduction, while for long-term storage, it is increased to 30%. This parameter adjustment optimizes battery health by reducing unnecessary charging cycles during extended periods of inactivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the battery is allowed to discharge more in long-term storage to reduce charging frequency, then battery life is extended, but the battery may not be ready for immediate use after storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidbattery readiness for use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging action when transitioning from long-term storage to short-term storage mode. Upon detecting that the vehicle has been in long-term storage and is now being used again, the controller initiates a charging cycle to restore the battery to full charge, ensuring readiness for regular use while having previously allowed greater discharge during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system dynamically switches between storage modes based on vehicle usage patterns. The controller monitors vehicle operation status and automatically transitions between short-term and long-term storage modes, adjusting charging thresholds accordingly to balance battery life extension with operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the charging system uses fixed charging thresholds, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot optimize for different storage scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging system simplicityVSAvoidcharging optimization for storage scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system employs dynamic threshold adjustment based on detected storage modes. The controller monitors vehicle usage patterns and automatically selects between short-term storage (10% threshold) and long-term storage (30% threshold) modes, providing adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration or user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10110053B2Battery powered system and method for charging
Publication Date: 2018.10.23 CLUB CAR INC
  • US10110053B2 patent drawing
  • US10110053B2 patent drawing
  • US10110053B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A unique method for charging a battery includes comparing a parameter to a limit, wherein the parameter relates to previous charging of the battery; determining a current state of the battery; and performing a next charging cycle based on the comparison and/or the current state of the battery. A unique system includes a vehicle, a battery, and a charging system for charging the battery. The charging system includes a controller for determining whether the battery is in short term storage or long term storage; starting a new charge cycle after a first amount of reduction in the charge of the battery if the battery is in short term storage; and starting the new charge cycle after a second amount of reduction in the charge of the battery if the battery is in long term storage.