Battery Pack Pulse Charging for Low-Temperature Fast Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Advancements in battery technology have not kept pace with market demand, particularly in improving the speed of charging and lifespan of battery systems, including charge/discharge cycles and calendar life.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for temperature-based battery charging that involves determining the battery pack's temperature and applying either heating-optimized or charging-optimized pulses, with specific frequencies and amplitudes, to manage charging efficiently, using a controller that adjusts pulse parameters based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurements and state of charge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional charging methods are used, then charging speed is limited, but battery lifespan is preserved; if charging speed is increased, then charging time is reduced, but battery lifespan deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting pulse parameters (amplitude, width, frequency) based on real-time battery temperature and state of charge measurements. The charging system transitions from static conventional charging to dynamic adaptive charging, where parameters are modified during the charging process to optimize both speed and battery health. This is achieved through a control unit that receives temperature sensors data and adjusts pulse characteristics accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying pulse amplitude, pulse width, and frequency based on battery temperature and charge state. Different parameter sets are applied at different charging stages and temperature conditions. For example, higher amplitude pulses may be used when battery temperature is within optimal range, while lower amplitude pulses are applied when temperature exceeds thresholds, thereby enabling faster charging without compromising battery lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If heating pulses are applied to increase battery temperature, then charging efficiency is improved, but temperature control complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the pulse generation circuit to serve multiple functions: it can deliver both heating pulses (to raise battery temperature) and charging pulses (to transfer energy to battery). The same hardware infrastructure generates different pulse patterns based on control signals, eliminating the need for separate heating and charging systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through alternating sequences of heating pulses and charging pulses. The system applies heating pulses periodically to raise battery temperature to optimal levels, then switches to charging pulses for energy transfer. This periodic alternation is controlled based on temperature thresholds and charge state, enabling efficient temperature management without requiring continuous complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances battery charging speed and lifespan by optimizing temperature management and pulse parameters, allowing for faster charging without detrimental effects on battery health.

Implementation Method 1

applying heating-optimized pulses, having a first frequency, to the battery pack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

applying charging current to the battery pack... applying charging-optimized pulses, having a second frequency, to the battery pack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20240006673A1Methods and systems for temperature-based battery charging
Publication Date: 2024.01.04 GBATTERIES ENERGY CANADA INC
  • US20240006673A1 patent drawing
  • US20240006673A1 patent drawing
  • US20240006673A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for charging a battery pack based on a temperature of the battery pack. The temperature of the battery pack is determined and compared with a reference temperature value. In response to determining that the temperature of the battery pack is less than the reference temperature value, heating-optimized pulses, having a first frequency, are applied to the battery pack. The heating-optimized pulses comprise a sequence of alternating positive and negative pulses, and carry a net positive charge. Concurrent to applying the heating-optimized pulses to the battery pack, the temperature of the battery pack is determined. In response to determining that the temperature of the battery pack is more than the reference temperature value, charging current is applied to the battery pack.