Buck-Boost Charger Equalizer for Battery Banks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicle and naval battery banks face issues with charge imbalance, voltage drop, and excessive cable length, leading to reduced battery life and inefficient power distribution due to the need for separate devices for battery equalization and charging.
Innovation Solution
A combined battery charger and equalizer system utilizing a buck-boost power converting circuit to provide either battery equalization or charging voltage, connected to either the starter or service battery bank, reducing the need for separate devices and minimizing voltage drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate battery equalizer and charger devices are used, then battery equalization and charging functions are provided, but device complexity increases and voltage drop occurs due to excessive cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery equalizer and charger into a single integrated device. The power converting circuit is configured to output either equalization voltage or charging voltage based on control signals, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing system complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converting circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can output equalization voltage for battery equalization or charging voltage for battery charging by receiving different control signals. This multi-functionality reduces the number of devices needed in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate battery equalizer and charger devices are used, then battery equalization and charging functions are provided, but voltage drop increases due to excessive cable length
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the equalizer and charger into one device located near the battery bank, the patent eliminates long cable runs between separate devices. The power converting circuit directly connects to the battery bank terminals, minimizing cable length and reducing voltage drop and energy loss.
3Ease of operation
If single current is imposed on all cells in series, then charging is simplified, but charge imbalance occurs leading to reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements individual current control for each battery cell through the power converting circuit. The control circuit receives voltage signals from each cell and adjusts the current supplied to each cell independently, ensuring uniform charging across all cells while maintaining simplified operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the voltage of each battery cell and uses this feedback information to adjust the current supplied to each cell. This feedback mechanism ensures that charge imbalance is prevented while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adjustment.
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 solution enables effective battery equalization and charging without separate devices, reduces voltage drop, and extends battery life by maintaining balanced charging across all cells, thus improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the battery bank.
Implementation Method 1
a buck-boost power converting circuit which is configured to convert a received electrical voltage into either a battery equalization voltage, or a battery charging voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a combined battery charger and battery equalizer (230) for equalizing a first battery bank (200) and charging a second battery bank (210), respectively. The combined battery charger and battery equalizer (230) includes a buck-boost power converting circuit (232) that is configured to convert a received electrical voltage into, either a battery equalization voltage, or a battery charging voltage. The buck-boost power converting circuit (232) is connected to an output switch (233) which is configured to enable output of either the equalization voltage level to a battery equalizer output connector (235), or the battery charging voltage to a battery charging output connector (234). Also provided is a combined battery charging and battery equalization system wherein a voltage source (221) is connected to a combined battery equalizer and battery charger (230). The combined battery equalizer and battery charger (230) is configured to convert an electrical voltage received from the voltage source (221) into either a battery equalization voltage or a battery charging voltage. The combined battery equalizer and battery charger (230) is further connected to either a positive pole (+) of a starter battery bank (210) for enabling controlled battery charging of the starter battery bank (210) or it is connected to a voltage reference point (203, n) of a service battery bank (200) for enabling controlled battery equalization of the service battery bank (200).