Dynamic Pulse Charging Controller for Battery Energy Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging methods are inefficient as they do not adapt to the varying characteristics of different battery types and states of charge, leading to suboptimal charging times and energy transfer.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a battery charger device and a controller that dynamically adjusts the charge waveform by sampling the battery's characteristic voltage, switching between a pulsed charging phase and a constant voltage phase based on the battery's state, to optimize energy intercalation and diffusion rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed charging waveform is used for all battery states, then the charging process is simple to implement, but the charging efficiency and energy transfer are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging waveform is made dynamic by continuously adjusting pulse duration, pulse current, and rest duration based on real-time battery state measurements. The controller modifies charging parameters adaptively as the battery transitions through different charge states, optimizing energy transfer efficiency at each stage rather than using a fixed waveform throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by periodically measuring battery voltage and temperature during charging, then using these measurements to adjust subsequent charging parameters. The controller receives real-time battery state information and modifies the charging waveform accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes charging efficiency based on actual battery conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If high current is applied continuously to charge the battery faster, then charging speed increases, but energy loss and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidenergy transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The charging process uses periodic pulsed current instead of continuous current. The controller applies charging current in discrete pulses separated by rest periods, allowing the battery to partially relax and dissipate heat between pulses. This periodic action maintains higher average charging speeds while reducing peak current stress and energy loss compared to continuous high-current charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The pulse current amplitude and duty cycle are dynamically adjusted based on battery state. During early charging stages when the battery can accept higher currents, the controller applies higher pulse currents to maximize charging speed. As the battery approaches full charge or experiences temperature increases, the controller reduces pulse current amplitude to minimize energy loss and heat generation, optimizing the balance between speed and efficiency throughout the charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the charging waveform does not adapt to different battery types, then the charging system is universally compatible, but charging performance is suboptimal for specific battery types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging performanceVSAvoidbattery type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from battery voltage measurements during a characterization phase to identify battery type and adjust charging parameters accordingly. By measuring voltage response to test pulses and analyzing the characteristic curve, the controller determines the appropriate charging waveform for the specific battery type, enabling optimal charging performance across different battery chemistries and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller modifies charging parameters including pulse duration, pulse current magnitude, and rest duration based on detected battery type characteristics. Different battery types have different optimal charging rates and voltage thresholds, and the system adjusts these parameters to match the specific requirements of each battery type, maximizing charging performance while maintaining universal compatibility through adaptive parameter selection.

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

This approach ensures efficient charging by adjusting pulse durations and currents based on real-time battery conditions, improving charging speed and energy transfer efficiency across various battery types and states of charge.

Implementation Method 1

A battery may store and supply energy through electrochemical reactions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions:

Implementation Method 2

the controller is configured to periodically sample a characteristic voltage of the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11063458B1Systems and methods for dynamic pulse charging
Publication Date: 2021.07.13 GOOGLE LLC
  • US11063458B1 patent drawing
  • US11063458B1 patent drawing
  • US11063458B1 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for charging a battery. An example embodiment may include a battery, a battery charger device and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the battery charger device to charge the battery with a plurality of pulses and rests. Each pulse includes a respective pulse duration and a respective pulse current. Each rest includes a respective rest duration. While in a first charge phase, the controller is configured to adjust at least one of: the respective pulse duration, the respective pulse current, or the respective rest duration based on at least one sample of a characteristic voltage of the battery. Subsequently, the controller is configured to initiate a second charging phase. The controller is further configured to cause the battery charger device to charge the battery according to a second charge waveform.