Capacitor-Coupled Battery Balancing Circuit for Low-Loss Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery balancing systems face inefficiencies in low-power applications due to inherent losses in balancing circuit componentry, particularly in smaller battery cells, and are affected by aging and environmental influences that alter the resonant frequency, leading to inaccurate voltage monitoring and potential system damage.
Innovation Solution
A low-loss battery balancing system that synchronizes charge balancing circuits with a system clock to minimize losses and adapt to changing resonant frequencies, using capacitor-coupled circuits instead of transformer-coupled ones, and incorporates a phase-locked loop to maintain optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If transformer-coupled balancing circuits are used, then charge balancing can be achieved, but inherent losses (core loss and IR loss) substantially impact system performance in low-power applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the transformer component from the balancing circuit, replacing it with a capacitor-coupled circuit. This elimination of the transformer eliminates the source of core loss and magnetizing current IR loss, directly resolving the technical contradiction by removing the harmful element rather than attempting to mitigate its effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic transformation mechanism (transformer) with a capacitive coupling mechanism. This replacement changes the fundamental operating principle from electromagnetic induction to capacitive energy transfer, thereby eliminating the inherent losses associated with transformer operation while maintaining the charge balancing function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If circuits are driven at a constant drive frequency, then the circuit operates as manufactured, but the resonant frequency evolves due to aging and environmental factors causing performance decline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frequency adjustment mechanism where the drive frequency is continuously adapted to match the evolving resonant frequency of the circuit. Instead of using a fixed constant frequency, the system dynamically tracks and adjusts to the changing resonant conditions caused by aging and environmental factors, maintaining optimal performance throughout the circuit's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism that monitors the actual resonant frequency of the circuit and uses this information to adjust the drive frequency accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the circuit operates at its optimal resonant frequency despite changes due to aging, temperature, or other environmental influences, thereby maintaining reliable performance.
3Power
If transformers are used in balancing circuits, then charge transfer is enabled, but core loss and magnetizing current create substantial negative impact in smaller battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transformer component entirely from the balancing circuit, replacing it with a capacitor-coupled architecture. This extraction eliminates the sources of core loss and magnetizing current, directly addressing the energy loss problem while preserving the essential charge transfer functionality through an alternative mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the balancing circuit by transitioning from electromagnetic transformation to capacitive coupling. This parameter change alters the energy transfer mechanism to one that does not suffer from core loss or magnetizing current, thereby enabling efficient operation in low-power applications with smaller battery cells.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for balancing the charge level of a plurality of electrically coupled battery units. The system configuration may utilize an architecture and/or methodology that is more appropriate for lower power applications. In particular, the present invention, in accordance with at least one embodiment, may provide a battery balancing system that implements low loss charge balancing circuits in a compact configuration suitable for a multitude of applications, such as smaller cell battery balancing. The charge balancing circuits may be incorporated within each battery unit.