Battery Charging Control via Temperature Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User devices face operational limitations in extreme temperatures due to battery performance degradation, where lithium-ion batteries produce reduced power at low temperatures, leading to voltage dips and potential short-circuits, and excessive heat during charging can prematurely age batteries, causing health issues and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a switching logic controller to manage the charging and discharging of multiple batteries based on temperature, distributing heat and optimizing power delivery by coupling batteries in parallel or individually, preventing charging/discharging outside safe temperature ranges, and using temperature sensors to ensure uniform self-heating and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is charged at low temperatures, then the battery can be recharged, but Li-plating occurs causing short-circuits and battery damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature monitoring during charging with feedback control. The controller continuously monitors battery temperature and adjusts charging parameters or terminates charging when temperature thresholds are exceeded, preventing Li-plating while enabling recharge when conditions are safe
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes charging parameters (current, voltage, power) based on temperature conditions. At low temperatures, charging current is reduced or charging is suspended until the battery reaches safe temperature, preventing Li-plating while still enabling recharge capability
2Productivity
If a battery is charged at high temperatures, then charging speed can be maintained, but the battery ages prematurely and health deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts charging parameters based on temperature. When battery temperature exceeds safe thresholds, the controller reduces charging current or power to minimize heat generation, thereby extending battery lifespan while maintaining reasonable charging speeds within safe temperature ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic temperature monitoring during charging with pulsed or intermittent charging adjustments. The controller periodically checks temperature and adjusts charging intervals or power levels, allowing efficient charging when cool while preventing thermal damage that would reduce battery lifespan
3Power
If a battery is discharged at low temperatures, then power can be delivered, but voltage dips below threshold causing device shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts discharge parameters based on temperature compensation. At low temperatures, the controller modifies voltage thresholds, current limits, or power delivery parameters to account for increased internal resistance, maintaining device operation while preventing voltage dips that would cause shutdown
4Productivity
If multiple batteries are charged simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but heat concentration increases causing thermal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process into individual battery control. The controller monitors each battery's temperature independently and can adjust or terminate charging for specific batteries that exceed thermal thresholds, allowing efficient simultaneous charging while preventing heat concentration and thermal damage through divided control
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
Enables continued operation of user devices in extreme temperatures, minimizes heat generation during charging, and extends battery life by optimizing power delivery and heat distribution, ensuring safe operating conditions and improved thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
A switching logic controller is provided that controls simultaneous charging of the first and second batteries based on a temperature of at least one of the first and second batteries
Implementation Method 2
charging a battery generates heat. Too much heat in any one battery or portion of a battery pack, or cell, prematurely ages the battery and/or cell and decreases its expected life
Data Source
AI summary
A user device can include a first battery to power the user device, a second battery to power the user device, and a switching logic controller. The switching logic controller can be configured to at least one of control simultaneous charging of the first and second batteries based on a temperature of at least one of the first and second batteries and control individual discharging of the first and second batteries based on the temperature of at least one of the first and second batteries.