Battery Pack Power Converter for ISG System Life Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lead storage batteries used in idle stop & go (ISG) systems experience rapid deterioration due to frequent charging and discharging, leading to reduced service life and inefficient fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a power converter and current limiters to control charging and discharging processes, preventing overcharging and maintaining optimal voltage levels, coupled with a battery unit comprising lithium ion or nickel metal hydride cells arranged in series and parallel configurations to ensure stable performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a lead storage battery is used in an ISG system with frequent starting and stopping, then the engine can be restarted quickly, but the charge and discharge properties of the battery deteriorate rapidly, reducing its service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power converter as an intermediary device between the generator and the battery unit. This power converter controls the charging process by converting the generator output to appropriate voltage levels for the battery, preventing overcharging and reducing stress on the battery during frequent charge-discharge cycles in ISG systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of charging parameters through the power converter, which adjusts voltage and current levels based on battery state. The converter monitors battery charge levels and modifies charging parameters in real-time, preventing excessive voltage and current that would otherwise accelerate battery deterioration during frequent ISG operations.
2Device complexity
If the battery unit is charged directly from the generator without voltage conversion, then the charging process is simple, but over-charging occurs, causing excessive deterioration of the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter serves as a necessary intermediary between the generator and battery unit, providing voltage conversion and charging control functions that prevent over-charging while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor battery voltage and current, adjusting the charging output accordingly. This feedback system prevents over-charging by detecting when the battery reaches optimal charge levels and automatically reducing or stopping the charging current.
3Reliability
If a power converter is added to control charging voltage and prevent over-charging, then battery reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage conversion, current regulation, and charging control. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining improved battery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current) based on battery state, providing intelligent charging control that extends battery life without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
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 battery pack maintains stable charging and discharging properties, extending its lifespan and improving fuel efficiency by reducing weight and volume, thus effectively replacing conventional lead storage batteries in ISG systems.
Implementation Method 1
The generator may be configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy during operation of the engine, and may be configured to supply the charging power to the first and second terminals
Implementation Method 2
The power converter may be a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter that is configured to convert the charging power to have a charging voltage corresponding to the battery unit
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes first and second terminals, a battery unit electrically connected between the first and second terminals, the battery unit being configured to receive charging power, and being configured to output discharging power, and a power converter electrically coupled between the first terminal and the battery unit, the power converter being configured to convert the charging power to have a charging voltage corresponding to the battery unit, wherein the first and second terminals are configured to be electrically coupled to a generator and a starter motor.