Battery Charge Control via Partial and Saturation Recharging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for powering electronic devices in areas without reliable electrical networks, such as hybrid genset battery systems, face issues with battery lifespan, cost, and efficiency due to limitations in lead-acid and lithium batteries, as well as the need for continuous charging and discharging cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling battery charging and discharging that includes partial recharging by a main power source to a determined level, saturation recharging by a secondary source, and diode function to prevent inter-battery circulating currents, allowing for continuous power supply and extended battery life through alternating charging and discharging phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a battery is recharged from high charge level (95%) to maximum charge level (105%), then the battery reaches full capacity, but the charging time is relatively long (5.5 hours) and the generator operates at low charge rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by dividing the recharging process into two distinct phases: partial recharging from 95% to a predetermined level (e.g., 100-105%) at high charge rate, and saturation recharging from that level to maximum capacity (105-110%) at lower charge rate. This allows the battery to reach functional full capacity quickly for most applications, while completing the saturation charge only when needed, thereby reducing overall recharging time and generator operating time at low charge rates.
2Reliability
If the generator operates continuously to recharge the battery from high charge level to maximum charge level, then the battery is fully charged, but the generator operates at low efficiency and experiences premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial recharging to a predetermined charge level that is sufficient for most operational needs, avoiding the need for continuous generator operation to achieve maximum saturation charge. The generator only operates when the battery charge level falls below a threshold, and even then, only until the predetermined level is reached, unless saturation charging conditions are met. This significantly reduces generator operating time and extends its lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from always charging to maximum capacity (105-110%) to charging to a predetermined level (100-105%) based on system conditions. By adjusting the charge level parameter dynamically based on battery state, load requirements, and generator availability, the system optimizes generator usage and reduces unnecessary operating time while maintaining adequate battery charge status.
3Productivity
If lead-acid batteries are used in hybrid generator battery systems, then the system can power electronic devices, but the battery lifespan is limited (2-4 years) particularly at high ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the charge/discharge operational parameters by implementing partial cycling (charging from 95% to predetermined level rather than always to maximum) and reducing the frequency and duration of deep discharge cycles. By maintaining the battery in a higher state of charge more often and avoiding repeated deep cycles, the system reduces electrochemical stress on the lead-acid battery, thereby extending its lifespan from 2-4 years to potentially 5-10 years or more, while still providing adequate power supply capability.
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
This approach reduces the total cost of ownership and operating expenses by minimizing the use of non-renewable energy, extends battery life, and ensures continuous power supply to electronic devices by optimizing battery charging and discharging cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a battery to a determined charge level lower than a maximum charge level of the battery; a saturation recharge of the battery by the secondary source to the maximum charge level
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Each of the batteries in the set is connected to an electrical circuit linking a power source, called the main source, to a consumer device to form a controllable electrical circuit called a partial charge circuit, linking the battery to the main power source, and a controllable electrical circuit called a main discharge circuit, linking the battery to a consumer device, the main source being able to produce electrical energy intermittently; at least one first battery in the set being connected to another power source, called a secondary source, by a controllable electrical circuit called a "saturation charge" circuit; the consumer device being powered by the main source, by the secondary source and/or by a main discharge of said battery;The main discharge of a battery includes opening the partial charging electrical circuit and closing the main discharge electrical circuit of that battery, the process comprising: - a partial charging of the first battery by the main source to a determined charge level lower than a maximum charge level of the first battery, the partial charging including a closing of the partial charging electrical circuit of the first battery; and - a saturation charging of the first battery by the secondary source to said maximum charge level, the saturation charging including a closing of the saturation charging electrical circuit and an opening of the partial charging and main discharge electrical circuits of the first battery.