Controllable Adapter Output for Battery Pack Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging circuits are large, costly, and inefficient due to fixed voltage outputs and unbalanced charging issues, which can lead to over-voltage conditions and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
A power management system with a controllable adapter output that dynamically adjusts power based on individual cell status, using a control circuit integrated in the battery pack to enable multiple charging modes and prevent undesirable conditions, such as over-voltage and over-charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cell balancing is enabled only when battery is nearly fully charged, then heat generation is avoided, but the balancing time is limited and the cell balancing circuit is not effective
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cell balancing as a preliminary action throughout the entire charging process, not just at the end. By continuously monitoring individual cell voltages and adjusting charging current distribution during charging, the system prevents cell unbalancing from occurring in the first place, making balancing effective across the full charging range rather than being limited to a brief period at full charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell balancing mechanism is made dynamic by continuously adjusting charging parameters based on real-time cell status. The battery controller dynamically modifies individual cell charging rates based on their respective states of charge, voltage levels, and temperature conditions, enabling effective balancing throughout the charging process while adapting to changing thermal conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional charging circuits are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but unbalancing issues occur where some cells reach over-voltage condition before others are fully charged
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from a uniform charging approach to a localized, cell-specific charging strategy. Each cell receives individually optimized charging current based on its specific state (voltage, temperature, capacity), allowing different parts of the battery pack to be charged at different rates. This local quality approach ensures that each cell reaches its optimal charge level without causing over-voltage conditions in other cells.
3Measurement precision
If the adapter output is dynamically adjusted according to battery and system needs, then charging precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery management controller and the adapter control functions into a single integrated control system. The battery controller within the battery pack directly manages the adapter's power output by controlling power switches, merging the functions of battery monitoring, cell balancing, and power delivery control into one unified system, thereby achieving precise charging control without proportionally increasing control complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A power management system includes a battery pack (304) having a battery controller (320) and includes an adapter (302) operable for charging the battery pack and powering a system load. The adapter generates a power recognition signal indicative of a maximum adapter power and receives a control signal. The battery controller in the battery pack receives the power recognition signal and generates the control signal to adjust an output power of the adapter according to a status of the battery pack and a status of the system load.