Dynamic Current Limiting for Battery Charging Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries face challenges in efficiently managing charging and discharging processes, particularly in preventing overcurrent issues during charging, which can lead to safety risks and reduced battery life, while existing solutions either consume too much power or are inefficient for fast charging and high current applications.
Innovation Solution
A charging/discharging apparatus comprising a processor, voltage measurement unit, current limiting unit, and switch unit, which dynamically controls the current limiting and switch units based on measured voltages and currents to alternate between current limiting and fast charging modes, ensuring safe and efficient charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional overcurrent protection disconnects the charging circuit to stop charging, then safety risks are avoided, but charging efficiency deteriorates and battery service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the current limiting state configurable and adjustable. The controller can dynamically switch between current limiting and non-current-limiting modes based on battery state (temperature, voltage, current), allowing the system to adapt charging parameters in real-time rather than using a fixed disconnection approach. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining safety through dynamic adjustment while preserving charging efficiency when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of charging current from a binary state (on/off) to a continuously adjustable parameter. By configuring different current limiting states (first state with current limiting, second state without) and adjusting current thresholds based on battery conditions, the system optimizes charging efficiency while maintaining safety. This parameter-based approach replaces the traditional disconnection method with a flexible current control strategy.
2Reliability
If current limiting is applied during charging, then overcurrent protection is achieved, but power consumption increases and charging time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts current limiting based on real-time battery conditions. The controller monitors temperature, voltage, and current, and only applies current limiting when necessary (when conditions exceed thresholds). This dynamic approach minimizes charging time by avoiding unnecessary current limiting while maintaining overcurrent protection when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements configurable current limiting states that can be adjusted based on battery state. By changing the current threshold parameters adaptively (first current threshold in first state, second current threshold in second state), the system reduces charging time by using higher current limits when safe, while still providing overcurrent protection when conditions demand it.
3Reliability
If passive overcurrent protection measures are used, then safety is maintained, but economic value and charging performance are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from passive protection to active dynamic management. The controller continuously monitors battery state (temperature, voltage, current) and dynamically adjusts charging parameters including current limiting states and thresholds. This dynamic management optimizes charging performance by enabling faster charging when conditions permit while maintaining safety, thereby improving economic value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements configurable and adjustable parameters including current limiting states and current thresholds that change based on battery conditions. This parameter-based optimization allows the system to achieve both safety and improved charging performance, maximizing the economic value of lithium batteries by enabling efficient fast charging when conditions allow.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a charging/discharging apparatus, a control method and apparatus, a battery apparatus, and a storage medium. The charging/discharging apparatus includes a processor, a voltage measurement unit, a current limiting unit, and a switch unit. After the current limiting unit is connected in parallel to the switch unit, the current limiting unit is connected in series to the battery unit and a power supply configured to charge the battery unit; the processor is connected to the voltage measurement unit, the current limiting unit, and the switch unit; the voltage measurement unit is connected to two ends of the battery unit; moreover, the voltage measurement unit is connected to two ends of the power supply; the voltage measurement unit is configured to measure a voltage over two ends of the battery unit, and measure a voltage over two ends of the power supply; the processor controls, according to the voltages measured by the voltage measurement unit, access states of the current limiting unit and the switch unit to implement charging/discharging of the battery unit by at least one of the current limiting unit and the switch unit.