Dynamic Battery Charging Control via Voltage Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for charging secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, cannot adjust the charging rate in response to changes in power supply, particularly due to variations in weather conditions like those affecting photovoltaic power generation.

Innovation Solution

A control system and method that include a first device to convert varying input voltage into a second voltage, which is then used by a second device to adjust the charging rate of an energy storage device accordingly, allowing dynamic adjustment of charging based on the voltage variation from power generation sources like photovoltaic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed charging rate system is used for secondary batteries, then the charging process is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to changes in power supply conditions such as weather variations in photovoltaic generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to power supply changesVSAvoidcharging control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging rate is made dynamic by linking it to the output voltage of the power generating section. The charging control device continuously monitors voltage variations and adjusts the charging rate accordingly, transforming a static charging system into one that dynamically adapts to changing power supply conditions without requiring complex predictive algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is established where the charging control device receives voltage information from the power generating section and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the charging rate. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to power supply changes in real-time while maintaining manageable complexity through direct voltage-based control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the charging rate is increased to utilize more power from photovoltaic systems, then energy utilization improves, but battery safety and lifespan may be compromised due to excessive charging current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging rate is adjusted by changing the charging current parameter in direct response to voltage variations. When voltage increases (indicating abundant power supply), the charging current is increased to improve productivity. When voltage decreases, the charging current is reduced to protect battery safety, creating a proportional relationship that balances both objectives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the charging rate of batteries to be adjusted in real-time according to variations in voltage supplied from power generation sources, optimizing energy storage and utilization.

Implementation Method 1

a first device configured to receive a first voltage, and convert the first voltage to a second voltage that varies according to a variation of the received first voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a second device configured to receive the second voltage and to change a charging rate of an energy storage device according to a variation of the received second voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharging: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS9561727B2Control system including a device configured to change a charging rate of a battery, control device, and control method of the same
Publication Date: 2017.02.07 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US9561727B2 patent drawing
  • US9561727B2 patent drawing
  • US9561727B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system includes a first device configured to receive a first voltage, and convert the first voltage to a second voltage that varies according to a variation of the received first voltage. The control system also includes a second device configured to receive the second voltage and to change a charging rate of an energy storage device according to a variation of the received second voltage.