Charging Controller Using Power Usage Patterns to Prevent Overcharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery charging systems charge batteries to full capacity, which can lead to increased wear and reduced lifespan due to over-charging, as some batteries degrade faster when fully charged and benefit from partial charging to maintain longevity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that includes a power usage pattern collector and charging controller to monitor and control charging based on specific usage patterns and battery characteristics, avoiding over-charging by optimizing charging times and levels to match the device's power needs and battery health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are charged to full capacity, then the power source is fully recharged and ready for use, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to over-charging and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The charging controller intentionally limits charging to a partial capacity (e.g., 80% state of charge) rather than charging to full capacity. This partial action prevents over-charging damage and extends battery lifespan while still providing sufficient power for typical usage cycles, resolving the contradiction between full recharging and battery longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery state of charge, charging current, temperature, and usage patterns, using this feedback to dynamically adjust charging parameters. The controller learns from historical data to optimize charging cycles, preventing conditions that lead to over-charging and heat generation, thus protecting battery lifespan while maintaining adequate charge levels
2Loss of time
If fast charging is implemented, then the charging time is reduced and user convenience is improved, but the battery degrades faster due to increased stress and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The charging rate is dynamically adjusted based on real-time battery conditions including state of charge, temperature, and age. The system transitions between different charging phases (constant current, constant voltage, tapering) and can pause or reduce rate when thresholds are approached, optimizing the balance between charging speed and battery health preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process incorporates periodic pauses and rate adjustments rather than continuous high-rate charging. The system uses learned usage patterns to schedule charging intervals that allow thermal management and chemical stabilization, reducing cumulative stress on the battery while still achieving adequate charge levels in practical timeframes
3Reliability
If the charging system monitors and controls charging based on usage patterns, then battery health is optimized and lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The charging controller autonomously manages the charging process using built-in monitoring capabilities and learned patterns from historical data. The system self-adjusts charging parameters without requiring complex external intervention or user input, achieving intelligent battery management through embedded intelligence rather than additional external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging controller integrates multiple functions including monitoring, control, learning, and communication into a single component. It handles state estimation, charging rate control, temperature management, and pattern recognition simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity by consolidating functions rather than adding separate dedicated systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Present invention concerns charging of a power source of a device. A power usage pattern collector is configured to: collect data on power usage in a device, power source of which is chargeable, with regard to at least one particular criterion having influence on power usage in the device; and determine at least one power usage pattern by use of the collected data, said power usage pattern specifying power usage in the device with regard to at least one particular reoccurring criterion. A charging controller is configured to: acquire at least one power usage pattern; and control charging of a power source of a device by use of the at least one acquired power usage pattern. Present invention relates also to corresponding methods, correspondingly arranged computer program products, correspondingly arranged computer-readable recording media, and a system comprising the power usage pattern collector and the charging controller.