Battery Charging Triangular Waveform Desulphation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging circuits do not efficiently remove sulphate deposits during recharging, which can damage batteries and reduce their ability to hold charge.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging method that measures voltage and current, switching between charging and maintenance modes using a pulse charging signal with a triangular waveform superimposed on a DC bias, to apply desulphating voltage and current to the battery, characterized by a short rise time and long fall time, effectively removing sulphate deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional charging circuits are used to recharge batteries, then the battery voltage can be maintained, but sulphate deposits accumulate on battery plates reducing charging efficiency and battery performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic triangular waveform pulses superimposed on the DC charging voltage. These periodic voltage variations create oscillating current flow that periodically reverses direction, preventing sulphate crystals from forming stable deposits on the battery plates. The continuous cycling of the triangular waveform ensures that sulphates are constantly disturbed and removed rather than accumulating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter by superimposing an AC triangular waveform on the DC charging voltage. This creates a time-varying voltage signal with specific amplitude and frequency characteristics that differ from conventional constant DC charging. The parameter modification transforms the charging process to include voltage oscillations that actively prevent sulphate deposition while maintaining effective charging.
2Reliability
If charging voltage is continuously applied to maintain battery charge, then battery voltage is maintained, but excessive charging can damage the battery and sulphate removal is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates voltage detection circuitry that continuously monitors the battery voltage and provides feedback to the control logic. When the battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold indicating full charge, the feedback signal triggers the charging circuit to stop applying voltage or switch to a maintenance mode. This feedback mechanism prevents overcharging by automatically responding to the battery's actual charge state.
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular waveform charging method inherently limits excessive charging through its periodic nature. The oscillating voltage pattern with defined peak and valley levels prevents sustained overvoltage conditions. The periodic cycling ensures that even when charging, the voltage never remains at maximum levels continuously, reducing the risk of overcharging damage while still effectively removing sulphates during the voltage transitions.
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 method improves battery condition by removing sulphate deposits, enhancing battery performance and life by maintaining optimal charging and desulphating capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
sulphates build-up on battery plates. These sulphate deposits can damage the battery's ability to hold charge and/or be recharged
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging a battery includes measuring the battery's voltage and comparing the battery voltage to a first threshold voltage. The method includes operating the battery in a charging mode if the measured battery voltage is less than the first threshold voltage, wherein operating in the charging mode comprises applying a charging signal to the battery. The charging signal has an oscillating triangular waveform superimposed on a DC bias signal. The method includes measuring the battery's current consumption and comparing the current consumption to a first threshold current. The method includes operating in a maintenance mode if the battery's current consumption is less than the first threshold current, wherein operating in the maintenance mode comprises terminating application of the charging signal to the battery. The method includes measuring, during operation in the maintenance mode, the battery's voltage and comparing the measured voltage to a second threshold voltage. The method includes applying the oscillating triangular waveform superimposed on the DC bias signal until the battery's voltage is equal to or greater than the second threshold voltage.