Battery Charging Control via Temperature-Based Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging methods for high voltage battery packs in electric vehicles lead to increased degradation due to prolonged high State of Charge (SOC) and temperature, resulting in shorter battery life and higher operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a temperature-based charging suspension process that temporarily halts charging when the battery temperature exceeds a certain threshold, resuming when it drops below another threshold, to manage battery pack temperature and extend its usable life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional recharging methods are used with high charging currents (10 to 30 amps or higher), then the battery pack can be recharged efficiently, but the temperature of the battery pack becomes very high, leading to increased degradation and shorter battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic charging suspension by temporarily halting the charging process when the battery pack temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. The controller monitors temperature continuously and interrupts charging periodically when necessary, allowing the battery to cool down before resuming charging. This periodic action prevents sustained high temperatures while still achieving recharging over time.
2Quantity of substance
If the battery pack remains at high SOC values and high temperatures for extended periods, then the battery can maintain high energy capacity, but the degradation rate increases significantly, reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the battery pack temperature and adjusting the charging process accordingly. The controller receives temperature feedback and automatically suspends or resumes charging based on whether the temperature exceeds or remains below the threshold. This closed-loop feedback prevents the battery from remaining in harmful high-temperature, high-SOC conditions that accelerate degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging parameter (charging current) based on temperature conditions. When temperature is below the threshold, normal charging current is applied. When temperature exceeds the threshold, the charging current is reduced to zero during suspension periods. This dynamic parameter adjustment balances energy capacity maintenance with battery life preservation.
3Reliability
If charging is suspended temporarily when temperature exceeds threshold, then battery temperature is controlled and battery life is extended, but the recharging process takes longer time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial charging action by temporarily suspending charging only when necessary (when temperature exceeds threshold) rather than continuously charging at full rate. The charging process is resumed when temperature drops below the threshold, achieving partial charging cycles. This approach prioritizes battery life extension over minimum recharging time, accepting some time loss as a trade-off for reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for charging a battery of an electrical system. The electrical system includes the battery, a battery charger, and a controller. The battery charger is adapted to produce an output power in response to a control signal from the controller. The controller is adapted to control a battery charging process by determining a temperature of the battery pack, determining a voltage setpoint for the battery charger based on the temperature, and providing the control signal to the battery charger. According to an embodiment, when the temperature of the battery exceeds a first temperature value, the battery charging process is temporarily suspended prior to satisfying a charging termination criterion. Determining the temperature of the battery is repeated, and when the temperature of the battery is less than a second temperature value, the battery charging process is resumed.