Dual-Battery Load Switching for Voltage Imbalance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load control systems connected to multiple battery packs in parallel face issues with unbalanced voltages, leading to unnecessary power consumption, reduced battery lifespan, and frequent replacements due to inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

A load control system with a power switching device and control device that alternates power usage between two battery packs, switching between modes to optimize power distribution and extend battery life, reducing the frequency of battery replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multiple battery packs are connected in parallel to increase electric quantity, then the operating time of the load controller is extended, but the voltage imbalance between battery packs causes unnecessary power consumption and reduces battery lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating timeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power supply function by introducing a power switching device that separates the connection paths of multiple battery packs. Instead of direct parallel connection, each battery pack connects to the load controller through independent switching channels, allowing selective activation of individual battery packs based on voltage balance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power switching device dynamically adjusts the connection configuration between battery packs and the load controller based on real-time voltage status. The control device monitors battery voltages and dynamically switches between different battery packs to maintain optimal operating conditions, transforming the static parallel connection into a dynamic, adaptive power supply system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple battery packs are connected in parallel to increase electric quantity, then the replacement frequency of batteries is reduced, but the unbalanced voltage shortens battery lifetime and decreases efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifetimeVSAvoidbattery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power switching device segments the battery pack connections, allowing each battery pack to be independently managed and monitored. This segmentation enables the control device to track the state of charge and voltage of each individual battery pack, facilitating optimized usage patterns that extend overall system lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the voltage of each battery pack and using this information to make intelligent switching decisions. The feedback loop ensures that battery packs are activated in an order that maintains voltage balance, preventing the harmful effects of unbalanced charging and discharging cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If battery packs with unbalanced voltages are connected in parallel, then electric quantity is increased, but the higher voltage battery pack recharges the lower voltage battery pack causing unnecessary power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric quantityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls the connection between battery packs through the power switching device, which responds to real-time voltage conditions. When voltage imbalance is detected, the switching device dynamically reconfigures the circuit to prevent reverse current flow from higher to lower voltage packs, eliminating the energy waste associated with involuntary recharging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power switching device acts as an intermediary between the battery packs and the load controller, controlling the flow of electrical current. This intermediary component prevents direct interaction between battery packs with unbalanced voltages, thereby preventing the harmful recharging effect while still allowing both packs to contribute to the overall electric quantity available to the load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3537561B1Load control system
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 GRAND MATE

AI summary

A load control system (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a power switching device (30, 31, 44) and a control device (40), wherein the power switching device (30, 31, 44) includes a first power input port (32), a second power input port (34) and a power output port (36). The first power input port (32) and the second power input port (34) are electrically connected to a first battery (102) and a second battery (122) respectively, and the power output port (36) is electrically connected to the control device (40). The power output port (36) receives the power which is input to the first power input port (32) or the second power input port (34) so as to supply the power to the control device (40). The control device (40) is adapted to control a load (20, 20°) to switch and to control the power switching device (30, 31, 44) to utilize the power from the first power input port (32) and the second power input port (34) alternatively, thereby extending the respective usage time of the first battery (102) and the second battery (122).