Cycled Current Transfer for Battery Cell Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face inefficiencies in battery power management, particularly in lithium ion batteries, where discharge efficiency decreases over time due to increased resistance at the cathode, leading to reduced voltage output and shorter battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where plural battery cells are selectively disconnected at predetermined intervals for a predetermined time to reduce resistance and improve discharge efficiency, allowing each cell to rest and recover, thereby maintaining voltage output and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery cells are continuously discharged to power the information handling system, then the system can operate without interruption, but discharge efficiency decreases over time due to increased resistance at the cathode, leading to reduced voltage output and shorter battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic disconnection of battery cells from the discharge circuit at predetermined intervals for predetermined time periods. This periodic action allows the battery cells to rest and recover, reducing cathode resistance and improving discharge efficiency. The controller selectively connects and disconnects battery cells in a cycling pattern, ensuring that while some cells are discharging, others are resting and recovering, thereby maintaining overall system operation while improving individual cell efficiency and extending battery life.
2Reliability
If battery cells are disconnected for rest periods to improve discharge efficiency, then voltage output and battery life are enhanced, but the system may experience power interruption or reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple independently controllable battery cells. The controller can selectively connect and disconnect individual cells or groups of cells from the discharge circuit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain power delivery through remaining connected cells while specific cells undergo rest periods, thereby improving discharge efficiency without causing complete system power interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a strategy where battery cells are temporarily discarded from the active discharge circuit during rest periods to recover and improve efficiency. The controller selectively disconnects cells that have been discharging for extended periods, allowing them to rest and recover their discharge efficiency. After the predetermined rest period, the cells are reconnected to the discharge circuit, continuing the cycle of use and recovery, which extends overall battery life while maintaining system operation.
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 enhances battery efficiency by up to 10% in terms of output voltage during heavy system loads while prolonging battery life without impacting service, as demonstrated by disconnect times between 15 and 60 seconds.
Implementation Method 1
batteries store and discharge current with a common structure that conducts electrons between an anode and cathode through an electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyte promotes movement of ions from the cathode to the anode on charge and from the anode to the cathode on discharge
Implementation Method 3
lithium ion based batteries include battery management systems that monitor battery voltage and current to manage battery charge, discharge and operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A battery includes plural battery cells that output a source voltage to power a device, such as an information handling system. A controller of the battery disconnects each battery cell at a predetermined interval for a predetermined time period, such as from a range of between 15 and 60 seconds, while maintaining the source voltage. The predetermined time and interval are selected based upon the load supplied by the battery and an estimated increase in battery output efficiency.