Battery Conditioning via Information Handling Subsystem Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery conditioning methods for information handling systems require dedicated discharge circuitry that generates heat, wastes power, and reduces battery health, necessitating the development of a more efficient method for maintaining battery health without these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a battery power subsystem with multiple operational modes, including a learning mode where the information handling subsystem discharges the battery, eliminating the need for dedicated discharge resistors and heat sinks, and allowing higher discharge rates, thus improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated discharge circuitry with resistors and heat sinks is used for battery conditioning, then the battery can be discharged during learning cycles, but heat is generated and power is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The information handling subsystem performs the battery discharge function that was previously handled by dedicated discharge circuitry. The subsystem's own operational needs serve the dual purpose of discharging the battery during learning cycles while avoiding the need for separate discharge resistors and heat sinks, thereby eliminating power wastage and heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge function is extracted from the dedicated discharge circuitry and transferred to the information handling subsystem. By removing the discharge resistors and heat sinks from the system and using the subsystem's operational load instead, the harmful effects of heat generation and power wastage are eliminated
2Temperature
If dedicated discharge circuitry with heat sinks is used for battery conditioning, then heat dissipation is managed, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink and dedicated discharge circuitry components are removed from the system. The discharge function is transferred to the information handling subsystem, which naturally dissipates heat through its normal operational processes, thereby reducing device complexity and component count
Solution Approach 2:
The information handling subsystem serves multiple functions: it performs the battery discharge operation during learning cycles while simultaneously utilizing its own operational power needs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated discharge circuitry and heat sinks, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If dedicated discharge circuitry is used for battery conditioning, then the battery can be discharged, but discharge rates are limited by heat dissipation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The information handling subsystem utilizes its own operational power consumption to discharge the battery during learning cycles. This approach removes the heat dissipation bottleneck that limited discharge rates in dedicated circuitry, as the subsystem's operational load can draw power at higher rates without requiring additional heat management infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge rate parameter is changed from being limited by heat dissipation capabilities of dedicated circuitry to being determined by the information handling subsystem's operational power needs. This parameter change enables higher discharge rates since the subsystem can draw power at rates appropriate for its operational requirements without the constraints of dedicated heat sinking
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes an information handling subsystem, a power supply unit operably connected to the information handling subsystem, and a battery power subsystem operably connected to the information handling subsystem and having a controller. The controller configured to enter a learning mode of the battery power subsystem when the information handling subsystem is in a normal power state, enable a regulator output of a regulator of the battery power subsystem to provide power from a battery of the battery power subsystem at a learning mode current limit and at a learning mode voltage level to the information handling subsystem, provide, via the regulator output, power from the battery at a constant learning mode current level and at the learning mode voltage level to the information handling subsystem, and determine that the battery has been discharged to an acceptable discharge level.