Battery Pack Charge Current Waveform Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems face limitations in increasing the number of charging cycles and the length of discharging cycles, leading to reduced battery lifespan and efficiency, particularly in applications like electric vehicles and portable devices.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack with an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) that regulates charge and discharge currents through a complex waveform control, including periods of increasing, decreasing, and maintaining current, to optimize battery health and extend cycle life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional charging methods are used, then charging speed is maintained, but the number of charging cycles and battery lifespan are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifespanVSAvoidcharging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a multi-stage charging waveform that alternates between different current levels. The charging current follows a periodic pattern with first, second, and third time periods having different current characteristics, allowing the battery to charge efficiently while preventing overheating and extending cycle life through rhythmic current variation rather than continuous constant current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static constant current charging to dynamic current regulation. The charging current is continuously adjusted through multiple stages with varying current magnitudes and durations, optimizing the charging process at different stages of battery saturation while maintaining battery health and extending operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If high current charging is applied, then charging speed increases, but battery temperature rises excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The periodic charging waveform includes intentional current reduction phases where the charging current is lowered or paused, allowing the battery temperature to stabilize and preventing thermal runaway. This rhythmic variation in current application ensures efficient charging while maintaining safe operating temperatures throughout the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the charging current magnitude across different time periods. The current is modified from high initial values to lower sustained values, and finally to maintenance-level values, optimizing both charging speed and thermal management by adapting current parameters to the battery's real-time state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If simple charging control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency and cycle life are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charging process into distinct time periods (first, second, and third time periods) with specific current characteristics for each stage. This segmentation allows complex charging logic to be broken down into manageable, sequential stages, each optimized for specific battery states, thereby achieving high charging efficiency through structured control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying charging current magnitude and duration across different stages. This structured parameter variation enables sophisticated charging optimization without requiring overly complex control systems, as the parameter changes follow a predetermined, repeatable pattern that balances efficiency with battery health.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly increases the number of charging and discharging cycles by up to 4.3 times and reduces maximum battery temperature by over 40%, enhancing battery lifespan and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a battery cell 100 and a protection circuit 200. The battery cell 100 may store electric power and supply the stored electric power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP2685589B1Battery pack, method of charging the same, and vehicle including the same
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP2685589B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2685589B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2685589B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4

AI summary

A battery pack, a method of charging the same and a vehicle including the same. The battery pack includes: a battery cell (100) for storing electric power and a battery management system (BMS) (210) for controlling charging or discharging the battery cell (100), wherein, in order to charge the battery cell (100), the BMS (210) increases a charge current in a first period of time, decreases the charge current in a second period of time, and increases the charge current again in a third period of time.