Dynamic Battery Cell Stack Charging via AC Voltage Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging methods for battery cells are inefficient and fail to optimize the charging process, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced lifespan due to uneven state of charge and state of health across cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjust the number of battery cells being charged in response to the alternating current (AC) voltage level, adding or removing cells based on voltage thresholds, and continuously rearranging cell groups to equalize state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) parameters, using a switching unit and controller to manage cell connections in parallel and series configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If battery cells are charged using conventional charging methods, then the charging process is simple, but the charging efficiency is low and energy losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the number of cells connected in series during the charging process based on the instantaneous AC voltage level. The system dynamically reconfigures the cell groups between series and parallel connections to match the varying voltage requirements, transforming a static charging system into a dynamic one that adapts to real-time conditions, thereby reducing energy losses while managing complexity through controlled adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the number of cells in series connection according to the instantaneous voltage level of the AC source. As the voltage parameter changes during the AC cycle, the system adjusts the effective number of cells being charged, allowing optimal utilization of available voltage and current to minimize energy losses while maintaining manageable system complexity through parameter-based control
2Reliability
If battery cells are charged simultaneously in fixed configurations, then the charging process is simple, but the state of charge becomes uneven across cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the battery cells into multiple rechargeable groups that can be independently configured. Instead of charging all cells simultaneously in a fixed configuration, the system segments cells into different groups that can be charged in different series/parallel arrangements, allowing individualized charging paths for each group while maintaining overall system manageability through modular group control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to continuously rearrange cell groups during the charging process based on real-time voltage and current conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which cells are connected in series versus parallel, enabling continuous optimization of charge distribution across all cells while managing complexity through algorithmic control of the rearrangement process
3Productivity
If the number of cells charged is fixed, then the charging system is simple to operate, but the charging process does not optimize for varying voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the number of cells connected in series according to the instantaneous voltage level of the AC source. As the voltage parameter changes during the AC cycle, the system adjusts the effective number of cells being charged, allowing optimal utilization of available voltage and current to maximize charging efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the charging system to automatically adjust its own configuration without external intervention. The system monitors the AC voltage level and autonomously determines the optimal number of cells to charge in series versus parallel, performing self-optimization of the charging process while maintaining simplicity of operation through automated decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Charging methods and systems are provided which charge multiple cells directly from an AC source, by adjusting, momentarily, the number of charged cells to the momentary voltage level provided by the AC source. Cells are rapidly switched in and out to correspond to the provided voltage level, and the charging level of each cell is regulated by the switching order of the cells—determined according to cell characteristics such as state of charge and state of health. Advantageously, charging losses are reduced significantly in the disclosed systems and methods, and an additional level of cell control is provided. The charged assembly of cells may be arranged and re-arranged in various configurations to optimize the charging scheme, e.g., to equalize the charging states of the cells to simplify the use and improve the efficiency of the cell stack.