Dynamic Battery Series-Parallel Reconfiguration for Voltage Regulation Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management techniques in battery-powered devices suffer from sub-optimal voltage regulator efficiency due to large voltage differences between input and output, leading to increased heating and conduction losses, especially at low battery voltages and high load currents.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that dynamically configures multiple batteries in series or parallel based on the power requirements of the device, using switching circuitry and a battery manager to optimize output voltage for improved efficiency by monitoring current and energy utilization across various subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple batteries are connected in series to provide higher voltage, then the voltage output is increased, but the power efficiency decreases due to larger voltage difference between input and output of the regulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of battery connections between series and parallel arrangements based on real-time power requirements. The system monitors power demands and automatically switches battery configurations to optimize the balance between voltage output and power efficiency, preventing energy loss while meeting power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current distribution) by reconfiguring battery connections. By switching between series (higher voltage) and parallel (lower voltage, higher current) configurations, the system adapts the battery output parameters to match the regulator's optimal input range, thereby improving power efficiency.
2Power
If multiple batteries are connected in series, then the voltage is increased, but conduction losses increase especially at low battery voltages and high load currents
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts battery configuration based on load conditions. During high current demands, it switches to parallel configuration to reduce conduction losses by distributing current across multiple battery paths, while maintaining sufficient voltage through the parallel arrangement.
3Power
If a voltage regulator is used to reduce battery voltage to regulator output voltage, then the voltage is stepped down, but efficiency decreases due to large voltage difference
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the input voltage parameter to the regulator by reconfiguring battery connections. By switching to parallel configuration, the input voltage is reduced to be closer to the output voltage, minimizing the voltage differential and improving regulator efficiency.
4Loss of energy
If batteries are configured in parallel, then power efficiency is improved, but the voltage output is insufficient for certain power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between parallel configuration (for efficiency) and series configuration (for voltage). When power requirements demand higher voltage, the system transitions to series connection, and when efficiency is the priority, it uses parallel connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described in which electronic circuitry of a mobile device is powered by a plurality of battery cells that are selectably connectable in series and in parallel. The energy utilization of the circuitry is measured during operation. The power efficiency for series and parallel configurations of the battery cells is determined based on the measured energy utilization. The battery cells are configured in series or in parallel based on which of the series and parallel configurations is determined to provide a higher efficiency of energy utilization during operation.