Battery Module With DC-DC Converter For Dynamic Charge Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries are vulnerable to high charge currents and temperatures during charging, which can cause chemical reactions that damage the battery and lead to performance degradation, and there is a need to monitor and control charge current distribution among multiple cells to prevent imbalance and ensure safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a DC-to-DC converter that limits charge current and a switch arrangement to bypass the converter when safe, allowing efficient charging while protecting the battery, and a controller to manage switching based on voltage and temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high charge current is used during charging, then charging speed is improved, but battery damage and performance degradation occur due to unwanted chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charge current control by switching between two charging modes: a first charging mode that allows higher charge current for faster charging, and a second charging mode that limits charge current to prevent battery damage. The controller dynamically selects between these modes based on real-time battery conditions such as temperature and charge state, enabling the system to optimize charging speed while maintaining battery safety throughout the charging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charge current parameter dynamically during charging by transitioning between different charging modes. The controller monitors battery parameters (temperature, charge state) and adjusts the charge current accordingly - allowing high current when safe and limiting current when risk of damage exists. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between charging speed and battery safety
2Productivity
If high charge current is used during charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but temperature increases causing unwanted chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charge current control by switching between two charging modes: a first charging mode that allows higher charge current for faster charging, and a second charging mode that limits charge current to prevent battery damage. The controller dynamically selects between these modes based on real-time battery conditions such as temperature and charge state, enabling the system to optimize charging speed while maintaining battery safety throughout the charging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature and charge state, then using this information to determine the appropriate charging mode. The controller receives feedback about battery conditions and adjusts the charge current accordingly - allowing high current when temperature is safe and limiting current when temperature rises to prevent unwanted chemical reactions, thus resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and temperature control
3Device complexity
If charge current is not monitored and controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but cell imbalance occurs causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charge current control by switching between two charging modes: a first charging mode that allows higher charge current for faster charging, and a second charging mode that limits charge current to prevent battery damage. The controller dynamically selects between these modes based on real-time battery conditions such as temperature and charge state, enabling the system to optimize charging speed while maintaining battery safety throughout the charging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature and charge state, then using this information to determine the appropriate charging mode. The controller receives feedback about battery conditions and adjusts the charge current accordingly - allowing high current when temperature is safe and limiting current when temperature rises to prevent unwanted chemical reactions, thus resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and temperature control
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 solution effectively limits charge currents to extend battery life, maintain performance, and ensure safe operation by adapting to changing voltage and temperature conditions, improving charging efficiency and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
The converter is adapted to convert an input voltage received at the input terminals of the converter to an output voltage at the output terminal of the converter. The output voltage is higher than the input voltage.
Implementation Method 2
The converter may be adapted to limit a charge current of the battery cell arrangement when a voltage is applied at the charging terminals. A current passing between the second terminal of the battery cell arrangement and the second charging terminal may be restricted by the current allowed to pass through the input terminals of the converter.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module (140, 700, 900) comprises charging terminals (503, 504, 703, 704) for connecting the battery module to a power source (505), a battery cell arrangement (210), and a DC-to-DC converter (510, 710, 910). A first terminal (501, 701) of the battery cell arrangement is connected to a first charging terminal (503, 703). An input terminal (511, 711, 911) of the converter is connected to the second terminal (502, 702) of the battery cell arrangement and another input terminal (512, 712, 912) of the converter is connected to the second charging terminal (504, 704). An output terminal (513, 713, 913) of the converter is connected to the first terminal of the battery cell arrangement. The converter converts an input voltage (U3) received at its input terminals to an output voltage (U2) at the output terminal of the converter. The output voltage is higher than the input voltage. The battery module may for example be employed as a backup power source in a mobile communication base station (100). A switch arrangement (520, 521, 522, 720) may for example allow the converter to be bypassed.