Battery Discharge Control via Internal Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery discharge systems stop discharging prematurely due to degradation, leading to unutilized energy and potential battery damage, as they rely on costly voltage sensors and struggle with increased complexity in multi-lamination configurations.
Innovation Solution
A discharging control system that utilizes temperature, voltage, and pressure sensing means, with a controller determining threshold pressure changes to allow or prohibit discharge based on voltage and pressure conditions, incorporating map data for optimal energy extraction while preventing over-discharge and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage sensors are placed between each laminated portion to monitor voltage, then voltage measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage measurement function from multiple distributed sensors and consolidates it into a single voltage sensor that measures the total voltage of the battery pack. This eliminates the need to place sensors between each laminated portion, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement capability for discharge control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pressure sensor serve multiple functions: it not only monitors internal pressure for safety but also indirectly indicates battery discharge state and degradation level. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate voltage sensors at each lamination, simplifying the overall sensor system
2Reliability
If discharging stops at the lower limit voltage to prevent over-discharging, then battery reliability is improved, but energy availability decreases due to premature discharge termination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the discharge termination voltage threshold based on real-time pressure sensor readings. When pressure indicates healthy battery condition, the system allows discharge to continue below the conventional lower limit voltage. When pressure indicates degradation or risk, the system proactively stops discharge at a higher voltage threshold, optimizing energy utilization while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of internal pressure during discharge and uses this information to adjust discharge control decisions. The pressure feedback loop enables the system to distinguish between temporary voltage drops and actual over-discharge risks, allowing safer extension of discharge limits and reducing premature termination
3Loss of energy
If the lower limit voltage is reduced to extract more energy, then energy availability increases, but the risk of battery damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery condition using pressure sensor readings before allowing discharge to proceed to lower voltage levels. By evaluating pressure indicators in advance, the system determines whether the battery is suitable for extended discharge, preventing damage before it occurs while enabling energy extraction when safe
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 system enables more complete battery charging, increasing energy availability while reducing the risk of damage by dynamically adjusting discharge limits based on internal pressure and voltage conditions, thus optimizing energy extraction and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensing means configured to provide a pressure value associated with an internal portion of the battery
Implementation Method 2
voltage sensing means configured to provide a voltage value associated with the battery
Implementation Method 3
temperature sensing means configured to provide a temperature value associated with the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A discharging control system for a battery includes temperature sensing means configured to provide a temperature value associated with the battery, voltage sensing means configured to provide a voltage value associated with the battery, pressure sensing means configured to provide a pressure value associated with an internal portion of the battery, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine, before a discharging process is started, a threshold pressure change associated with a discharge of the battery based on map data selected from a predetermined data map associated with the battery, monitor, during the discharging process, a present voltage value obtained by the voltage sensing means, a current pressure value, and a total pressure change based on the current pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing means, permit continuation of the discharging process when the present voltage value falls below a first lower limit voltage value if the total pressure change is less than the threshold pressure change and the current pressure value is greater than a predetermined minimum threshold pressure, and prohibit continuation of the discharging process when any one of the following conditions is true: (i) the present voltage value falls below a second lower limit voltage value that is lower than the first lower limit voltage value; (ii) the total pressure change is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure change; or (iii) the current pressure value is lower than the predetermined minimum threshold pressure.