Battery Current Balancing Control for Equal Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems with multiple independent batteries powering interconnected loads, parasitic resistances and load current variations can cause an imbalance, leading to premature shutdown and uneven battery aging.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second sense circuits to monitor current from each battery, and an input current controller to adjust the current provided by the second battery, ensuring equal current sourcing from both batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple independent batteries are used to power interconnected loads, then the system power capacity is increased, but current imbalance occurs causing premature shutdown and uneven battery aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sense circuits continuously monitor the current output of each battery, and a controller adjusts the current distribution based on real-time measurements. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that batteries discharge at equal rates, preventing current imbalance and extending system runtime by ensuring all batteries reach their cutoff voltage simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operating parameters (current distribution) of the battery system based on real-time conditions. By adjusting the current drawn from each battery through controlled switching or variable resistance elements, the system maintains equal discharge rates despite variations in battery characteristics, load requirements, or parasitic resistances.
2Power
If multiple independent batteries are used to power interconnected loads, then the system power capacity is increased, but battery aging becomes uneven reducing overall system lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors battery parameters and adjusts current distribution to ensure uniform discharge rates. This prevents any single battery from being over-discharged or under-utilized, thereby equalizing the wear and extending the overall system lifespan by ensuring all batteries age at similar rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically balances the discharge current among batteries without external intervention. The control circuitry self-regulates the current distribution based on real-time battery states, ensuring that each battery serves itself equitably in terms of discharge burden, which prevents premature aging and extends operational life.
3Duration of action of moving object
If current balancing control is implemented, then battery discharge is equalized extending system runtime, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into independently controllable segments, with each battery having its own sense circuit and control pathway. This modular segmentation allows for decentralized current management, where each battery's discharge is independently regulated, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining effective current balancing and extending system runtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first sense circuit configured to provide a first output representative of sensed current provided by a first battery coupled to a first load. A second sense circuit is configured to provide a second output representative of sensed current provided by a second battery coupled to the first load. An input current controller is coupled to receive the respective first and second outputs and to couple between the second battery and the first load to control the current provided by the second battery.