Battery Charging Method with Idle Stabilization Phases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging methods, such as constant current and constant voltage modes, often result in battery deterioration and prolonged charging times, especially when lithium-ion batteries are charged without adequate stabilization periods.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that incorporate multiple phases of constant current and constant voltage charging with idle periods, where the idle period is adjusted based on the battery's charge capacity and temperature to optimize lithium ion intercalation states, reducing deterioration while enabling rapid charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If constant current or constant voltage charging mode is used, then charging speed is improved, but battery deterioration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging process is segmented into multiple phases: first constant current charging, then first constant voltage charging, followed by an idle period, then second constant current charging, and finally second constant voltage charging. This segmentation allows the battery to undergo stabilization periods between charging phases, reducing deterioration while maintaining overall charging speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging method employs periodic action by alternating between charging phases and idle stabilization periods. The idle period serves as a periodic interruption that allows voltage stabilization and reduces battery stress, preventing continuous high-rate charging from causing excessive deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of time

If charging continues without idle periods, then charging time is reduced, but voltage stabilization is insufficient leading to battery damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidvoltage stabilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The idle period is introduced as a preliminary stabilization action between charging phases. During this idle period, the battery voltage is allowed to stabilize before the next charging phase begins, preventing voltage fluctuations from causing battery damage while keeping the stabilization time relatively short.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple charging phases with idle periods are implemented, then battery deterioration is reduced, but charging system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery deteriorationVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging controller monitors battery voltage and current throughout the charging process, using feedback to determine when to transition between charging phases and idle periods. This feedback mechanism automates the complex multi-phase charging process, reducing the need for complex manual control while maintaining battery protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2869392B1Charging method of battery and battery charging system
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP2869392B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2869392B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2869392B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2

AI summary

A method of charging a battery and a battery charging system, which has a relatively high charging speed while having a relatively low level of battery deterioration. The charging method includes charging a battery cell with a first current in a first constant current mode; charging the battery cell with a first voltage in a first constant voltage mode; idling the charging of the battery cell for a first idle period (t); charging the battery cell with a second current different from the first current in a second constant current mode; and charging the battery cell with a second voltage different from the first voltage in a second constant voltage mode.