Generator Starter Power Distribution via Dual Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power generation systems often fail to provide sufficient starting current to generators, leading to malfunctions when the primary power source is unavailable, as they rely solely on starting batteries that may not be adequately charged by secondary power sources.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system that includes multiple batteries and a controller to determine which battery or combination of batteries provides power to the starter, with battery chargers and alternators to optimize charging based on charge levels, ensuring reliable starting current even when primary power sources are unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single starting battery is used to power the generator starter, then the system structure is simple, but the starting current may be insufficient when the battery is not adequately charged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple batteries (first battery and second battery) into a unified power supply system for the starter. The controller can manage these batteries in parallel or series configurations to provide sufficient starting current, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable starting power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different battery configurations based on charge levels and starting requirements. The controller adjusts which battery(ies) supply power to the starter, enabling adaptive response to varying power needs and battery states, thus ensuring reliable starting current without permanent structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the starting battery is charged by a secondary power source (generator) when the primary power source is unavailable, then the system can operate without external power, but the starting battery may not be adequately charged when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the starting battery using the first battery charger connected to the primary power source before the primary power source becomes unavailable. This ensures the starting battery is adequately charged in advance, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and battery charge reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the charge levels of both batteries and adjusts charging operations accordingly. When the first battery charger is available, it prioritizes charging the second battery (starting battery) to ensure sufficient charge, creating a feedback mechanism that maintains reliable battery charge levels while preserving power source flexibility.
3Device complexity
If the generator starter can only draw power from the starting battery, then the power distribution system is simple, but the starter cannot compensate for insufficient battery current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power sources (first battery and second battery) to supply the starter, creating a combined power system that can deliver sufficient starting current. This resolves the contradiction between simple power distribution and adequate starting power by integrating multiple batteries under controller management.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller enables the starter to draw power from multiple sources (first battery, second battery, or both in combination) based on their charge levels and the starting requirements. This multi-functional power distribution ensures adequate starting current while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through intelligent control.
4Reliability
If multiple batteries are used to provide power to the starter with intelligent charging management, then the starting current reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically manages multiple batteries based on their charge levels and the starting requirements. It can switch between different battery configurations (single battery or combined batteries) and adjust charging operations, providing reliable starting current while managing complexity through adaptive control rather than fixed complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the first battery charger to automatically charge the second battery when the first battery is adequately charged, creating a self-managing power distribution system. This self-service approach improves starting current reliability while minimizing the need for complex external management infrastructure.
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
The system ensures consistent power supply to generators by intelligently managing battery charging and power distribution, preventing generator malfunctions and maintaining system functionality during primary power source failures.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator adapted to transform mechanical energy to electrical energy to charge the first and second batteries
Implementation Method 2
a first battery adapted to provide power to the starter and a second battery adapted to provide power to the starter
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a power generation system. The power generation system includes a first generator and a first battery charger. The first battery charger is adapted to charge a first battery and a second battery. The first battery and the second battery are each adapted to provide power to start the first generator. The power generation system further includes a controller that determines a state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery. Based on the state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery, the controller determines which of the first battery and the second battery receives charging current from the first battery charger.