Battery Monitoring Circuit Using Switched Loops and Low-Rated Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery monitoring circuits are complex and costly due to the need for high-rated voltage sensors and processing units to determine battery impedance, which increases the overall circuit complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A battery monitoring circuit utilizing a simple combination of current loops and switches to reduce the voltage experienced at a low-rated voltage sensor, eliminating the need for high-rated sensors and complex processing units by using semiconductor-based power switches to manage voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-rated voltage sensors and processing units are used to determine battery impedance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery monitoring function into two distinct operational modes: a first current loop for normal operation and a second current loop specifically for impedance measurement. This segmentation allows each loop to be optimized for its specific function, with the second loop using simplified components only when needed for measurement, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a current loop as an intermediary element that facilitates impedance measurement without requiring direct high-voltage sensing. By injecting a known test current through the battery and measuring the resulting voltage drop, the system can calculate impedance using Ohm's law, thereby avoiding the need for high-rated voltage sensors while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If high-rated voltage sensors are used to measure battery voltage, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching between different current loops based on operational requirements. During normal operation, the first current loop handles power delivery. When impedance measurement is needed, the system dynamically switches to the second current loop with a lower-rated sensor, allowing the use of cost-effective components while maintaining measurement precision when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the monitoring system by using different current levels for different functions. The second current loop uses a reduced current level specifically for impedance measurement, which allows the use of lower-rated, more cost-effective voltage sensors while still achieving accurate measurements through the controlled test conditions.
3Measurement precision
If complex processing units are used to analyze battery data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the impedance measurement function from the main power management processing unit and implements it through dedicated hardware circuitry (the second current loop with voltage sensor). This extraction allows the main processor to remain simple while the measurement function is handled by dedicated, simplified hardware that performs the measurement and provides results to the processor, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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
The proposed circuit reduces manufacturing costs and complexity by using a less expensive and simpler design, allowing for the use of low-rated voltage sensors while effectively determining battery health through impedance measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The battery impedance is then estimated through use of the sinusoidal current and the measured battery voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining the health of a set of batteries through the use of a battery monitoring circuit. The battery monitoring circuit including a first current loop and a second current loop. The first current loop being enabled by a first switch, a first resistor and a second switch. The second current loop being enabled by the first switch, a third switch, a voltage sensor, and the second switch.