Dynamic Charging Current Amplitude Control for Battery Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging systems for rechargeable batteries in portable devices often operate inefficiently and can lead to overheating, as they fail to adapt charging currents and voltages based on the battery's state, resulting in unnecessary power loss and heat generation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the charging state of a rechargeable battery by varying the amplitude of the charging current or voltage and measuring the output, adjusting the current source to provide a lower amplitude than required, thereby reducing voltage drop and power loss, and stopping charging when the battery reaches the constant voltage state to prevent further charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the charging current is increased to charge the battery faster, then the charging speed is improved, but the power loss and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device dynamically adjusts the charging current amplitude based on the detected charging state. During constant current charging, a higher current amplitude is applied to charge faster. When transitioning to constant voltage charging, the current amplitude is automatically reduced. This dynamic adjustment optimizes charging speed while minimizing power loss and heat generation at different charging stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the charging parameters (current amplitude, voltage amplitude) based on the detected charging state. By varying these parameters according to whether the battery is in constant current or constant voltage charging phase, the system achieves efficient charging with reduced energy loss without compromising charging speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If the charging current is increased to reduce charging time, then the charging time is reduced, but the heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device dynamically adjusts the charging current amplitude based on the detected charging state. During constant current charging, a higher current amplitude is applied to charge faster. When transitioning to constant voltage charging, the current amplitude is automatically reduced. This dynamic adjustment optimizes charging speed while minimizing power loss and heat generation at different charging stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the charging voltage is increased to improve charging efficiency, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the risk of overcharging increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidovercharging risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device incorporates a feedback mechanism that detects the charging state by measuring the relationship between charging current and voltage. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the charging parameters and terminates charging when the constant voltage state is reached, preventing overcharging while maintaining high charging efficiency throughout the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging device autonomously monitors its own charging state and self-regulates the charging process. By detecting when the battery reaches the constant voltage charging state, the system automatically reduces current amplitude and terminates charging, ensuring safe operation without external intervention while maintaining optimal charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If a fixed charging current is applied throughout the charging process, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging control complexityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device uses a feedback mechanism to detect the charging state by measuring the relationship between charging current and voltage. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the charging parameters without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple charging devices. This feedback-based approach improves energy efficiency while keeping the device complexity manageable through automated detection and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2164150B1Power supply circuit and method for providing output voltage
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2164150B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2164150B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2164150B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Various embodiments are described herein for a charging device and an associated charging method for charging a rechargeable battery. The charging device generally includes a current source that is coupled to a power source and configured to provide a charging current to the rechargeable battery. The charging device further includes a controller that is configured to control the current source to provide the charging current with an amplitude that is less than the charging current required by the rechargeable battery in a given charging state to bring an output voltage of the current source towards the voltage of the rechargeable battery.