Battery Module Thermal Throttling via Clock Frequency Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computer systems face system failures and data loss due to rapid battery temperature increases when exceeding maximum consumable power, leading to activation of thermal protection mechanisms that abruptly shut down the system.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a temperature sensor and controller that adjusts the clock frequency based on sensed temperature and current levels, using comparators and a thermal throttling circuit to manage power consumption and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power discharged from the battery exceeds maximum consumable power, then the battery can supply higher power for demanding operations, but the internal temperature of the battery rapidly increases leading to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the battery's internal temperature before critical overheating occurs and proactively adjusting the clock frequency of the CPU or graphics chip to reduce power consumption. This prevents the temperature from reaching critical levels that would trigger thermal protection mechanisms and system shutdown, thereby maintaining stable power supply while avoiding thermal runaway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the battery's internal temperature through a temperature sensor and using this information to dynamically adjust the clock frequency of power-consuming components. The controller receives temperature data and automatically modifies system performance parameters to maintain temperature within safe operating ranges, creating a closed-loop control system that balances power output and thermal management.
2Reliability
If the battery temperature reaches critical point, then thermal protection mechanisms activate, but the system suddenly stops causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring and takes preventive action by reducing clock frequency before the battery temperature reaches the critical point that would trigger thermal protection shutdown. This proactive approach ensures continuous system operation without abrupt interruptions, preventing data loss while maintaining reliable thermal protection through gradual power management adjustments.
3Temperature
If clock frequency is reduced to lower power consumption, then battery temperature stabilizes, but system performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock frequency adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically modifies the clock frequency of the CPU or graphics chip based on real-time battery temperature conditions, allowing the system to optimize between performance and thermal management. When temperature is acceptable, higher frequencies maintain productivity; when temperature rises, frequency reduction stabilizes temperature, creating a flexible balance between both requirements.
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
Stably supplies power, prevents system errors and data loss by dynamically reducing clock frequency and power consumption when temperature or current exceeds critical thresholds, thereby maintaining system operation and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor to sense a temperature of the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
If power discharged from the battery is more than the maximum consumable power, an internal temperature of the battery rapidly increases
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system is provided. The computer system includes a device which operates according to a clock frequency, a battery unit, which comprises a plurality of battery cells, for supplying power to the device, a temperature sensor provided at a location outside of the battery unit for detecting a temperature of the battery cells, a current sensor coupled to the battery unit for detecting a value of a current supplied from the battery unit to the device, and a controller, which is coupled to the temperature sensor and the current sensor, configured to control the clock frequency of the device according to the detected temperature and the detected current value, wherein the controller is configured to decrease the clock frequency if the detected temperature is greater than a first reference value or if the detected current value is greater than a second reference value.