Dynamic Battery Charge Control for Temperature and Power Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous systems with battery-powered electric or electromechanical systems face challenges in extending battery life and operational autonomy due to inefficient charging methods, particularly when batteries are exposed to varying temperatures and power supply fluctuations, leading to accelerated aging and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically adjusts the maximum state of charge of the battery based on temperature and power availability, switching between different operating modes to optimize charging and prevent overheating, using a control unit to manage the charge circuit and set points for the battery, ensuring the battery is charged to appropriate levels based on power supply and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery is charged to maximum state of charge as soon as the generator can supply electric power, then the battery life is maximized in cases where the generator supplies little electric power for a long period, but the battery aging accelerates when the battery temperature is too high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the maximum state of charge based on real-time temperature conditions and generator power availability. The system transitions between different operating modes (first operating mode with higher maximum state of charge when generator power is abundant and temperature is acceptable, second operating mode with lower maximum state of charge when temperature is high) to optimize both battery life and prevent accelerated aging. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the charging strategy to current environmental conditions rather than using a fixed maximum charge level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of maximum state of charge based on temperature and power availability conditions. When the generator can supply sufficient power and temperature is within acceptable ranges, the maximum state of charge is set higher to extend battery life. When temperature rises above thresholds, the maximum state of charge is reduced to prevent accelerated battery aging. This parameter adjustment strategy directly addresses the contradiction between maximizing battery life and preventing temperature-related degradation.
2Reliability
If the maximum state of charge is limited when battery temperature is high, then battery aging is reduced, but the operational autonomy of the autonomous system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum state of charge based on real-time assessment of generator power availability and temperature conditions. When the generator is reliably producing sufficient power, the system allows higher state of charge levels to maintain operational autonomy. When temperature rises or generator power becomes insufficient, the system reduces the maximum state of charge to prevent battery aging. This dynamic balancing act resolves the contradiction by optimizing both battery longevity and system autonomy based on current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of generator power availability and temperature trends before making charging decisions. By evaluating the ratio of generator power output to system power consumption and anticipating temperature changes, the system proactively adjusts the maximum state of charge to prevent both battery degradation and autonomy loss. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare optimal charging strategies in advance rather than reactively responding to extreme conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging a battery of electric accumulators from the electric power supplied by an electric generator, wherein the battery is charged to a first maximum state of charge in a first operating mode and to a second maximum state of charge, lower than the first maximum state of charge, in a second operating mode, the method including switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when a criterion using the battery temperature or the ratio of a first quantity representative of the available power which may be supplied by the electric generator to a second quantity representative of the power consumed from the battery is fulfilled.