Dynamic Battery Charging Controller with Adaptive Current Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging systems for electrified vehicles are limited by the rate of charge from standard outlets and internal combustion engines, leading to inefficient energy utilization and potential battery damage near peak charge, as they fail to dynamically adjust charging rates based on real-time conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a controller that adjusts the charging current and predicts remaining charge time using non-linear recharge functions, incrementing or decrementing the charge time based on the difference between estimated and actual state of charge, thereby optimizing energy transfer and preventing battery damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard charging rates are used from outlets and internal combustion engines, then the charging system is simple and reliable, but the charging speed is slow and energy utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging rate based on real-time battery state of charge (SOC) measurements. The controller monitors battery SOC and modifies charging current accordingly, transitioning from static standard charging rates to dynamic adaptive charging that optimizes both speed and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter (current rate) as a function of battery SOC. Different charging rates are applied at different SOC levels, with higher rates used when SOC is lower and reduced rates applied as SOC approaches maximum, preventing battery damage while maximizing charging efficiency.
2Loss of time
If high charging rates are applied continuously, then charging time is reduced, but battery damage may occur near peak charge
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current parameter is dynamically changed based on battery SOC levels. High charging rates are applied when SOC is below threshold levels to minimize charging time, while the controller reduces or terminates charging current when SOC approaches maximum to prevent battery damage, thus balancing speed and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously measuring battery SOC and using this information to adjust charging rates. The controller receives real-time SOC data and modifies charging parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents battery damage while optimizing charging speed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If static charging rates are used, then the control system is simple, but energy utilization is inefficient and charging cannot adapt to real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from real-time battery SOC measurements to dynamically adjust charging rates. This closed-loop control optimizes energy utilization by applying appropriate charging power based on actual battery needs, preventing energy waste from overcharging or inefficient charging protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The static charging system is replaced with a dynamic control system that adapts charging parameters in real-time based on battery SOC. This dynamic approach maximizes energy utilization efficiency by matching charging power to actual battery requirements throughout the charging process.
4Measurement precision
If remaining charge time is not dynamically updated, then the display system is simple, but users lack accurate charging time predictions
Solution Approach 1:
The remaining charge time display is dynamically updated based on feedback from actual battery charging progress. The system compares expected charge time with actual charging rate and adjusts the remaining time prediction accordingly, providing users with accurate real-time estimates rather than static predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and updates remaining charge time based on real-time charging data without requiring user input or manual adjustment. The controller monitors charging progress and self-adjusts the displayed time prediction, making the system user-friendly while maintaining high accuracy.
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 solution enables faster and more efficient battery charging by dynamically adjusting the charging rate according to real-time conditions, maximizing energy utilization and preventing battery damage, while providing accurate remaining charge time predictions to the user.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle includes a traction battery and a power interface configured to receive current from an off-board power source
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a traction battery and a power interface configured to receive power from an off-board source. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to charge the traction battery with the power until expiration of an estimated remaining charge time, and to periodically reduce the remaining charge time by an update decrement amount that increases as an amount that an estimated state of charge (SOC) is less than a measured SOC increases.