Battery Pack Charging Control via Segmented Current Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs require extended charging times due to a single, constant charging current approach, which can be inefficient and potentially damaging to batteries, especially when fully discharged.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack with a controller that divides the charging process into multiple sections, using different switching units and current paths to apply varying charging currents, including a pre-charge phase, constant current, and constant voltage modes, to optimize charging efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single constant charging current is applied to the battery, then the charging circuit is simple, but the charging time is extended and the battery may be damaged when fully discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is divided into multiple sections (first charging section, second charging section, third charging section) with different current characteristics. The controller selectively activates different switching units (first switching unit, second switching unit, third switching unit) to apply appropriate charging current in each section, thereby reducing overall charging time while protecting the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging current is made dynamic rather than constant. The controller adjusts the charging current based on the battery's state of charge by selectively turning on/off different switching units at different charging sections, enabling the system to adapt the current level to battery needs and reduce charging time.
2Productivity
If a high charging current is applied to reduce charging time, then the charging speed increases, but the battery may be damaged when fully discharged
Solution Approach 1:
Before applying high charging current, the controller first determines whether the battery is fully discharged. If the battery is fully discharged, the controller activates the pre-charge switching unit to apply a limited current through the current restrictive resistor first, preventing damage. Only after the pre-charge phase does the controller proceed to apply higher charging currents in subsequent sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging current parameter is dynamically changed based on battery state. The controller adjusts current levels across different charging sections (first, second, third sections) and uses the pre-charge switching unit to limit current when the battery is fully discharged, thereby protecting the battery while enabling fast charging when safe.
3Productivity
If multiple switching units and current paths are used to reduce charging time, then the charging efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it determines battery discharge state, divides charging into sections, controls multiple switching units (first, second, third switching units), and manages pre-charge operations. This multi-functional approach enables complex charging control without adding separate control devices, balancing efficiency improvement with acceptable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack including a battery including a battery cell, a first switching unit at a main current path between the battery and a terminal, a second switching unit at the main current path between the battery and the terminal, and serially coupled to the first switching unit, a third switching unit at a bypass current path coupled in parallel to at least a part of the main current path, and configured to block or to allow an electric current on the bypass current path, and a controller for dividing a charging section of the battery, and for controlling at least one of the first switching unit, the second switching unit, or the third switching unit according to divided charging sections to charge the battery.