Battery Controller Buffering High Voltage for Low-Voltage Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery-powered nodes in wireless mesh networks face issues with lithium thionyl chloride (LTC) batteries, as they deliver voltages higher than the nodes' maximum operating voltage, potentially damaging the integrated circuitry and cannot provide the necessary current quickly during reactivation periods.
Innovation Solution
A battery controller that buffers the higher voltage from a primary cell, such as an LTC battery, to charge a secondary cell like a Lithium Ion battery, ensuring the secondary cell provides a safe, low voltage and sufficient current for powering the node, thereby extending its operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a lithium thionyl chloride (LTC) battery is used to power a battery-powered node, then the operational lifetime is extended, but the integrated circuitry may be damaged due to excessive voltage
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage regulator circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the LTC battery and the integrated circuitry. This regulator steps down the high voltage from the LTC battery (typically 3V-5.5V) to a safe operating voltage level for the integrated circuitry (typically 3.3V or lower), thereby preventing voltage damage while preserving the extended battery lifetime benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator dynamically adjusts the output voltage parameter to match the requirements of the integrated circuitry. By changing the voltage parameter from the high LTC battery voltage to a lower safe operating voltage, the system resolves the contradiction between using high-voltage long-life batteries and protecting low-voltage sensitive electronics.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a lithium thionyl chloride (LTC) battery is used to power a battery-powered node, then the operational lifetime is extended, but the node cannot perform network communications during short reactivation periods due to insufficient current delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two battery technologies into a hybrid power architecture: an LTC battery provides long-term energy storage for extended operational lifetime, while a supplemental high-current battery (such as a lithium-ion or NiMH battery) provides burst current capability during reactivation periods. This combination resolves the contradiction by having each battery type fulfill its strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery function is segmented into two distinct roles: the LTC battery handles baseline power consumption during dormant periods, while a secondary high-current battery handles peak power demands during reactivation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both extended lifetime and sufficient communication power.
3Reliability
If the battery voltage is reduced to match the maximum operating voltage of the integrated circuitry, then the integrated circuitry is protected from damage, but the operational lifetime of the battery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage regulator serves as an intermediary that allows the battery to operate at its optimal high voltage for maximum lifetime while simultaneously providing the lowered voltage required by the integrated circuitry for safe operation. This mediator enables both high battery voltage (for lifetime) and low circuit voltage (for protection) to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator dynamically adapts the output voltage based on the requirements of the connected circuitry, allowing the battery to maintain its high voltage state for extended lifetime while the regulated output dynamically adjusts to safe levels for circuit protection. This dynamic voltage transformation resolves the contradiction between battery voltage and circuit safety.
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
This solution allows higher voltage batteries to safely power nodes with lower maximum operating voltages, extending their operational life and enabling brief, power-conserving reactivations for network communications, thus overcoming previous limitations.
Implementation Method 1
storing first electrical energy in a storage element, wherein a primary cell transmits the first electrical energy to the storage element at a first voltage level
Implementation Method 2
storing second electrical energy that is derived from the first electrical energy in the secondary cell
Data Source
AI summary
A battery controller buffers a higher voltage provided by a primary cell in order to charge a secondary cell that operates at a lower voltage. The battery controller includes a storage device that is charged by the primary cell. When the voltage of the storage device reaches a threshold, the battery controller conducts the stored charge into the secondary cell while isolating the secondary cell from the primary cell. The secondary cell, when charged, powers a node that operates with a low voltage.