Battery Control Circuit for Emergency Power Readiness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-Ion batteries require specific charge management to avoid overcharging, which causes premature aging, and there is a need for a battery system that can be permanently charged without overcharging and provide reliable, uninterrupted power when needed, especially for emergency applications like aircraft.

Innovation Solution

An electronic system for a battery that includes a charging circuit with a charging switch and diode, a discharge circuit with diodes to manage current flow, and a control unit that regulates charge and discharge to prevent overcharging and ensure continuous power availability, featuring multiple discharge circuits for varying current demands and a safety switch for redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Li-Ion batteries are permanently connected to main power supply for charging, then the battery remains ready for emergency use, but overcharging occurs causing premature aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery readiness for emergency useVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors battery charge state and uses feedback signals to regulate the charging circuit, stopping charging when the battery reaches full capacity to prevent overcharging while maintaining readiness for emergency use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the main power supply and the Li-Ion battery, managing the charging process to prevent direct uncontrolled connection that would cause overcharging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the battery is required to deliver power instantly in emergency situations, then power availability is ensured, but interruption or delay in power delivery may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availability in emergencyVSAvoidpower delivery delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is pre-charged to full capacity during normal operation through the controlled charging system, so that when emergency occurs, power is immediately available without delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging circuit remains connected and active during normal operation, maintaining continuous charging readiness so the battery can immediately transition to discharge mode without interruption when emergency power is needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Power

If multiple discharge circuits are provided for varying current demands, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge system is segmented into multiple independent discharge circuits, each capable of handling different current levels, allowing the battery to deliver appropriate power for different emergency scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge circuits are designed to handle multiple functions - from low current standby operations to high current emergency power delivery, reducing the need for separate specialized circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively maintains optimal battery charge without overcharging, ensures reliable discharge without interruption, and manages high currents during emergency power demands, extending battery lifespan and ensuring immediate power availability.

Implementation Method 1

a discharge diode disposed in the charging circuit in parallel with the charger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode: Diode

Implementation Method 2

Electrical energy is produced by electrochemical reactions during discharge of the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP2085268B1Electronic system for battery
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 SAFT GRP SA
  • EP2085268B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2085268B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2085268B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The system has a discharging circuit (20) placed in parallel with a charging circuit (30) and comprising a discharge switch (K2). An electronic control unit controls opening and closing of the switch and controls a charger (K3C) of the circuit (30). The control unit ensures trickle charging of the battery as long as the battery is not called for discharge. The control circuit interrupts battery charging and sets the switch in a closed position, when a call for power is detected. A discharge diode (D3) allows passage of discharge current during a transitional phase of closing of the switch.