Battery Cycling Management for Multi-Pack Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information handling devices with multiple battery packs lack intelligent management schemes for extending battery life, leading to reduced operational and overall battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where one battery pack is prioritized for use and charging, while others are maintained in an idle state, with conditions triggering a switch to alternate packs to balance load and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are used to extend operational battery life, then operational battery life is improved, but overall battery life deteriorates due to increased cycling of all packs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the battery cycling workload by designating one battery pack as the 'priority battery pack' that undergoes charging cycles while other battery packs remain in an idle state. This segmentation allows the device to extend operational battery life using multiple packs without subjecting all packs to equivalent cycling wear, thereby preserving overall battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping alternate battery packs in an idle state (maintained at a charge level between 40-80%) rather than completely discharged. This continuous maintenance of charge capacity in idle packs ensures they remain ready for use while avoiding the degradation that would result from complete discharge and recharge cycles.
2Productivity
If all battery packs are cycled equally to maximize capacity utilization, then operational battery life is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to accelerated battery degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cycling workload to fall disproportionately on one priority battery pack while other packs remain idle. This segmentation reduces the total number of charge/discharge cycles experienced by the battery system as a whole, thereby slowing degradation and extending the replacement interval, which reduces manufacturing costs over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of idle battery packs by maintaining them at a specific charge state (40-80%) rather than fully charged or discharged. This parameter change optimizes the balance between capacity utilization and degradation rate, extending battery life and reducing replacement costs.
3Reliability
If battery packs are frequently cycled to maintain optimal charge levels, then battery health is improved, but operational complexity increases due to management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging alternate battery packs to an optimal state (40-80% charge) before they are needed. This preliminary charging maintains battery health without requiring complex real-time management during operation, as the idle packs are already prepared in an optimal state for future use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically designating a priority battery pack and managing the cycling of alternate packs without user intervention. The controller autonomously monitors charge states and switches between packs based on predefined criteria, reducing operational complexity while maintaining battery health.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect provides a method, including: setting a battery pack, in an information handling device having two or more battery packs, as a priority battery pack; discharging the priority battery pack and maintaining one or more other battery packs in an idle state; ascertaining if the priority battery pack satisfies one or more conditions; and in response to the priority battery pack satisfying the one or more conditions, setting one of the one or more other battery packs to be the priority battery pack and maintaining the remaining battery packs in an idle state; wherein the priority battery pack is prioritized in terms of charging. Other aspects are described and claimed.