Context-Aware Battery Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging methods, such as CC-CV, can shorten the lifespan of lithium-based rechargeable batteries due to fast charging causing increased Joule heating and stress, and are independent of external parameters like temperature and user context, leading to inefficient and potentially damaging charging processes.
Innovation Solution
A context-aware charging system that monitors various data sources to dynamically adjust charging voltage and current based on the device's context, including battery health, ambient temperature, and user behavior, employing pre-charging with low currents and lenient charging to reduce stress and prolong battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fast charging is used with high current, then charging speed is improved, but battery lifespan deteriorates due to increased Joule heating and chemical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging current adjustment based on real-time monitoring of battery temperature, charge state, and age. The charging control unit varies the charging current during different charging stages and conditions, transitioning from constant current to tapered current profiles, thereby optimizing both charging speed and battery longevity through adaptive control rather than fixed high current charging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple charging parameters including current magnitude, voltage levels, and charging profile shape based on battery state. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to temperature, SOC, and battery age, the system achieves optimal balance between fast charging performance and battery health preservation
2Device complexity
If conventional CC-CV charging is used, then charging process is simple, but charging behavior is independent of external parameters like temperature and user context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor battery temperature, voltage, current, and device context (such as usage patterns and environmental conditions). This feedback is processed by the charging control unit to dynamically adjust charging parameters, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining a relatively simple user interface and charging process
3Loss of time
If high charging current is applied, then charging time is reduced, but Joule heating increases causing battery stress and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic charging intervals with rest periods, particularly in later charging stages. The charging current is applied in controlled pulses or intervals rather than continuously, allowing heat dissipation during rest periods while still achieving acceptable charging speeds. This periodic approach reduces cumulative thermal stress on the battery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preventive thermal management by monitoring battery temperature and reducing charging current before excessive heating occurs. The system anticipates thermal buildup and adjusts charging parameters proactively, applying lower currents when temperature thresholds are approached, thereby cushioning against thermal stress and potential thermal runaway
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 approach extends battery lifespan by reducing chemical stress, lowering ohmic losses, and ensuring batteries are fully charged when needed, while maintaining user experience and reducing the frequency of battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The monitoring unit is configured to monitor battery voltage, battery current and battery temperature
Implementation Method 2
The charging control unit is configured to control charging voltage and charging current to the battery based on the information acquired from the monitoring unit
Implementation Method 3
Fast charging causes increased Joule heating of the cell because of the higher currents involved
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including monitoring unit and a charging control unit. The monitoring unit is configured to monitor at least one data acquisition source of a device operated by a rechargeable battery and to estimate a context of the device based on data acquired from the at least one data acquisition source. The charging control unit is configured to dynamically adjust charging voltage and charging current applied to the rechargeable battery based on the estimated context of the device acquired from the monitoring unit. The battery includes at least one battery cell.