Dynamic Current Charging for Secondary Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary battery charging methods, such as those for lithium-ion batteries, face challenges in balancing speed and safety, as charging at constant current can lead to dangerous material deposition at high temperatures, while constant current charging is inefficient at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus with a charge control unit that adjusts the current value during charging, starting with a higher current until a predetermined voltage is reached, then switching to a lower current to prevent dangerous material deposition, thereby ensuring both safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If constant current charging is performed at high current value, then charging speed is improved, but dangerous material deposition occurs on anode
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current is dynamically adjusted in multiple stages: initially charging at a first current value, then switching to a second current value when voltage reaches a first threshold, and finally switching to a third current value when voltage reaches a second threshold. This dynamic current adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the charging rate to the battery's real-time state, enabling fast charging when safe and preventing material deposition when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging method changes the current parameter based on voltage thresholds. By monitoring battery voltage and switching between different current values (first current value → second current value → third current value) as voltage reaches predetermined thresholds, the system optimizes charging speed while preventing dangerous material deposition on the anode.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If constant current charging is performed at low current value, then material deposition is prevented, but charging time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed low current value throughout charging, the system dynamically adjusts current based on voltage thresholds. It starts with higher current values for rapid charging when the battery can accept it, then transitions to lower current values only when voltage thresholds indicate the risk of material deposition, thus minimizing charging time while preventing harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary high-current charging before the battery reaches critical voltage levels where material deposition becomes a risk. By charging at higher current values during the initial phase when the battery has lower voltage and can safely accept faster charging, the method reduces overall charging time while preventing the harmful effects that would occur at later stages.
3Productivity
If charging voltage is increased, then charging speed is improved, but battery safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts current and monitors voltage thresholds to maintain safety while optimizing charging speed. By switching between different current values based on real-time voltage measurements, the system ensures that voltage never exceeds safe thresholds, thereby maintaining battery reliability while achieving rapid charging during safe operating windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging method incorporates continuous voltage monitoring and feedback control. The system detects when voltage reaches predetermined thresholds and automatically adjusts the charging current in response, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains battery safety while maximizing charging speed within safe operating parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging apparatus comprises a charge control unit. The charge control unit charges a secondary battery at a first current value until the voltage of the secondary battery reaches a predetermined first voltage value. The charge control unit, on detecting that the voltage has reached the first voltage value, performs control to charge the secondary battery at a second current value that is lower than the first current value, until a predetermined second voltage value is reached.