Dynamic Float Voltage Battery Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging systems are inefficient, leading to prolonged charging times and potential damage to batteries due to improper voltage and current management, which affects the battery's capacity and useful lifetime.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that transitions from constant current charging to constant voltage charging when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined higher voltage level, calculated based on the battery's equivalent series resistance and charge current, to optimize charge time and prevent overcharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional battery charging systems use fixed voltage and current management, then the charging process is simple to implement, but the charging time is prolonged and battery damage may occur due to improper voltage and current management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging parameters by transitioning from fixed voltage/current management to a system that continuously adjusts charging parameters based on real-time battery state monitoring. The charging system dynamically switches between different charging stages (constant current, constant voltage, and float charging) and adjusts parameters like float voltage based on battery temperature and charge state, thereby reducing charging time while maintaining safety without requiring overly complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system incorporates self-regulation capabilities through integrated monitoring of battery voltage, current, and temperature. The system automatically detects battery state and adjusts charging parameters without external intervention, including self-adjustment of float voltage based on battery temperature and charge level. This self-service approach enables faster charging while preventing overcharging and thermal damage, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and system complexity.
2Loss of time
If high voltage and current are supplied to the battery during charging, then the charging time is reduced, but the battery can be damaged or even explode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by establishing multiple safety thresholds before dangerous conditions occur. The system pre-defines maximum voltage, current, and temperature limits, and continuously monitors against these thresholds. When approaching critical levels, the system proactively adjusts charging parameters or terminates charging before damage can occur. This preliminary action approach enables aggressive charging when safe, while preventing catastrophic failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system incorporates real-time feedback loops that continuously monitor battery voltage, current, and temperature, and immediately adjust charging parameters in response to measured conditions. The system uses feedback from battery state to dynamically modulate charging intensity, reducing power when temperature rises or voltage approaches limits, and maximizing power when conditions are favorable. This closed-loop feedback enables fast charging while maintaining safety margins.
3Reliability
If low voltage and current are supplied to the battery during charging, then the battery is charged safely, but the charging process is very inefficient or altogether ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by transitioning from fixed charging parameters to dynamically adjusted parameters based on battery state. The system varies voltage and current levels throughout the charging process, using higher currents when battery temperature is low and charge level is low, then gradually reducing parameters as the battery approaches full charge or temperature limits. The float voltage itself is dynamically adjusted based on temperature and charge state. This parameter adaptation enables both fast charging when safe and gentle charging when needed, resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency.
4Quantity of substance
If inefficient charging is used, then the battery's cell capacity is not optimized, but the charging system is simpler to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system achieves optimal capacity utilization through self-regulating features that automatically detect battery state and adjust parameters accordingly. The system monitors voltage, current, and temperature to determine optimal charging intensity, and autonomously switches between charging stages (constant current, constant voltage, float charging) to maximize capacity without external control. This self-service optimization achieves full cell capacity utilization while keeping the control system integrated and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include electronic circuits, systems, and methods for charging a battery. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method, which may be implemented by an integrated circuit, comprising charging the battery using a constant current until the voltage on the battery increases to a first voltage level, and charging the battery using a constant voltage, wherein the constant voltage is set to a second voltage level. The constant current charging transitions to constant voltage charging when the voltage on the battery reaches the first voltage level, where the first voltage level is greater than the second voltage level.