Lead-Acid Battery Desulfation via Time-Counter Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lead-acid batteries in vehicles experience performance degradation due to reversible sulfation, which cannot be effectively addressed through existing desulfation methods that require high voltage charging, as this can damage electrical consumers and is not feasible while the battery is installed in the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects early signs of reversible sulfation by tracking the vehicle's usage and parking periods, applying a desulfation charge when a threshold is met, using a controlled alternator and sensor system to apply a desulfation voltage for a predefined duration, thereby preventing battery degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high charging voltage of approximately 16 volts is applied to the battery terminals for a prolonged period of about 24 hours to eliminate sulfation, then the battery's sulfation is reduced and performance is improved, but the vehicle's electrical components may be damaged and the method cannot be implemented while the battery remains installed in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sulfation levels using the time counter and state of charge measurements before applying high voltage. This allows the high voltage desulfation charge to be applied only when necessary and for a controlled duration, eliminating sulfation before it causes permanent damage while avoiding unnecessary exposure of electrical components to high voltage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the time counter and state of charge measurements to control the desulfation process. The processing unit monitors the weighted duration of parking periods and state of charge levels, and only triggers high voltage application when the time counter value meets or exceeds the threshold, creating a closed-loop control that prevents excessive high voltage exposure
2Reliability
If the battery is removed from the vehicle and placed on a load bank for desulfation, then high voltage can be applied safely, but the process becomes complex and requires battery removal
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator is designed to perform multiple functions: normal vehicle operation during driving and desulfation charging when the time counter threshold is reached. The controlled alternator can operate in different modes (normal charging vs. desulfation mode) without requiring separate equipment, eliminating the need for battery removal or external load banks
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own alternator and electrical system are used to perform the desulfation process. The system leverages existing components (alternator, battery, processing unit, time counter) to provide self-service desulfation capability, eliminating the need for external equipment or battery removal
3Reliability
If a full charge is performed periodically to address sulfation, then battery capacity is maintained, but fuel consumption increases and the process is not timely enough to prevent sulfation
Solution Approach 1:
The time counter continuously tracks weighted parking durations and state of charge levels in advance, detecting early signs of sulfation before significant capacity loss occurs. This preliminary detection enables timely intervention with targeted desulfation charges rather than waiting for full discharge cycles, preventing sulfation at an earlier stage with less energy input
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full charge cycles periodically, the system applies high voltage desulfation charging only when the time counter value meets or exceeds the threshold, providing just enough charging action to address sulfation. This partial action approach avoids unnecessary full charges and associated fuel consumption while still effectively preventing sulfation
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 approach allows for timely desulfation without risking electrical consumer degradation, maintaining battery performance and reducing aging, while minimizing high voltage exposure and fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a controlled alternator... applying a desulfation voltage to the battery terminals
Implementation Method 2
lead-acid batteries... as a supplementary electrical power source
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a charging system for a battery of accumulators in particular lead arranged in a vehicle (Vh), the method comprising a step of detection (8) of a level of sulfation in particular a reversible level of sulfation of the battery, said step comprising a substep of incrementing (9) a value (Ct) of a time counter (Cpt) relating to periods of use and parking of the vehicle (Vh), the method comprising a step of triggering (23) a desulfation charge of the battery when said incremented value (Ct) is greater than or equal to a threshold value (Cs).