Distributed Battery Charging for Unequal Cell Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in managing batteries with disparate charge characteristics, leading to inefficiencies in charging and discharging, increased source impedance, and potential system brownouts due to unequal states of charge, which are exacerbated by physical layout and load placement.
Innovation Solution
A distributed battery architecture that connects multiple batteries with disparate charge characteristics in parallel through a shared charging node, utilizing adjustable constant current limiters and bypass discharge switches to control charging and discharging rates independently, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple batteries with disparate charge characteristics are connected in parallel to increase capacity and reduce source impedance, then run-time capacity and power delivery capability are improved, but charge balancing becomes complex and requires active management to prevent overcharging or undercharging individual batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The charge control circuitry continuously monitors the charge state of each battery through voltage sensing and dynamically adjusts the charging current distribution based on real-time feedback. When one battery reaches a higher charge level, the controller reduces its charging current while maintaining current to other batteries, preventing overcharging and balancing the charge states automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic charge current allocation where the charging current distributed to each battery is not fixed but varies based on the instantaneous charge states of all batteries. The controller modulates the charging current in real-time to adapt to changing battery conditions, enabling effective management of batteries with disparate charge characteristics.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If batteries are allowed to discharge at different rates to preserve battery life, then battery longevity is improved, but achieving target peak loading becomes difficult and may limit power output below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge control circuitry dynamically adjusts the discharge current from each battery based on real-time monitoring of battery states and system power demands. During peak loading conditions, the controller can temporarily increase discharge rates beyond normal operating levels to meet power requirements, then reduce rates during lower demand periods to preserve battery life, achieving both objectives through time-varying control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring and adjustment of discharge rates, cycling between higher discharge rates during peak demand periods and lower rates during normal operation. This periodic modulation allows the system to meet intermittent peak loading requirements while maintaining average discharge rates that preserve battery longevity.
3Reliability
If bulk capacitors are added near loads to reduce transient current draw from the battery, then voltage drop and source impedance effects are reduced, but circuit board surface area and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces charge control circuitry as an intermediary between the batteries and the load, which actively manages current distribution and prevents transient current spikes before they reach the load. This electronic control mechanism replaces the need for large bulk capacitors, achieving voltage stability through intelligent current management rather than passive energy storage elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/electrical solution of bulk capacitors with an electronic control solution. Instead of using passive capacitive elements to smooth current variations, the patent employs active charge control circuitry that senses and responds to load demands in real-time, substituting electronic intelligence for passive electrical components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are placed at greater distances from the load due to physical layout constraints, then system design flexibility is improved, but source impedance increases leading to inadequate power delivery during heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The charge control circuitry continuously monitors voltage levels and load demands, using this feedback to dynamically adjust charging currents. When the system detects heavy load conditions or voltage drops, it automatically increases charging current to compensate for the increased source impedance, ensuring adequate power delivery regardless of battery placement distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on system conditions. The charge control circuitry adjusts charging voltages and currents in real-time, modifying electrical parameters to compensate for the effects of increased source impedance caused by longer cable runs, thereby maintaining power delivery capability despite greater physical separation between batteries and load.
Data Source
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AI summary
The herein described technology provides a system with multiple batteries connected in parallel and having disparate charge and/or discharge characteristics. When a voltage source is coupled to a shared charging node, the multiple batteries are simultaneously charged through the shared charging node.