Battery Saving System for Electric Mobility Idle Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered mobility devices, especially those with high idle current draw relative to battery capacity, face significant battery drain when not in use, leading to sulfation and reduced capacity, particularly in lead acid batteries which lack internal electronics.
Innovation Solution
A battery saving system comprising a current monitoring circuit, timer circuit, and disconnecting switch that automatically disconnects the battery from the drive control system when idle, preventing drain and protecting against sulfation, while allowing charging to continue when conditions are met, and preventing overcharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive control system remains connected to the battery during idle periods, then the system is ready for immediate use, but the battery will be drained due to high idle current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnecting switch is configured to automatically disconnect the battery from the drive control system after a predetermined idle period, preventing energy loss before it occurs. The timer circuit monitors idle time and triggers disconnection proactively, rather than waiting for battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnecting switch acts as an intermediary component between the battery and drive control system, enabling automatic isolation when idle conditions are detected. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by physically separating the power source from the load during idle periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is deeply discharged below the lowest recommended voltage, then the immediate energy need is met, but sulfation occurs and battery capacity is permanently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitoring circuit continuously monitors battery voltage and provides feedback to the timer circuit. When voltage drops below a threshold during idle periods, the system triggers disconnection before deep discharge and sulfation can occur, preventing harmful effects while managing energy availability.
3Loss of energy
If the disconnecting switch isolates the battery during idle periods, then battery drain is prevented, but the system cannot be activated immediately when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial disconnection - isolating the battery during idle periods to conserve energy, but maintaining the capability for rapid reconnection when needed. The predetermined idle period threshold allows the system to balance energy conservation with operational responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery saving system (1) for an electrically powered mobility device (13) comprising a battery (15) and a drive control system (16) configured to be powered by the battery, wherein the battery saving system (1) comprises: a current monitoring circuit (3) configured to monitor a load current provided by the battery (15), wherein the current monitoring circuit (3) is configured to determine whether a load current magnitude is below a load current threshold level, a timer circuit (7) having a counter configured to successively count as long as the load current magnitude level is below the load current threshold level, and to reset the counter in the event that the load current level magnitude exceeds the current threshold level, and a disconnecting switch (9) configured to be operated between an open state and a closed state, wherein the timer circuit (7) is configured to trigger the disconnecting switch (9) to obtain the open state when the counter has reached a predetermined number to thereby disconnect the battery (15) from the drive control system (16).