Hybrid Battery Pack Bi-Directional Charge Regulator
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery pack configurations face inefficiencies due to internal resistance losses and imbalanced charge states, particularly in portable electronic devices that require both low and high voltage outputs, leading to reduced battery life and increased heat generation.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric rechargeable hybrid battery pack is introduced, comprising a set of cells in parallel for low voltage output and a subset of cells in series for high voltage output, connected via a bi-directional charge regulator to balance and manage charge distribution, enabling efficient power supply and self-protection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cells are connected in parallel to provide low voltage output, then low voltage power supply is achieved, but internal resistance losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into two distinct groups: a first group of cells connected in parallel for low voltage output, and a second group of cells connected in series for high voltage output. This segmentation allows each group to operate in its optimal configuration, reducing internal resistance losses while maintaining low voltage power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-voltage battery configuration to a dual-voltage configuration by adding a series dimension. The first group provides low voltage (parallel connection) while the second group provides high voltage (series connection), enabling the system to operate efficiently at both voltage levels without the internal resistance penalties of a pure parallel configuration.
2Power
If cells are connected in series to provide high voltage output, then high voltage power supply is achieved, but charge state imbalance increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bi-directional charge regulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the first group (parallel) and second group (series) of battery cells. This regulator actively manages charge distribution, transferring charge between groups as needed to maintain balance. The regulator monitors charge states and uses bi-directional current flow to equalize imbalances, preventing the charge state divergence that would otherwise occur in series-connected cells.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single voltage battery pack is used, then device compatibility is simplified, but system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can provide both low voltage output (from the first parallel group) and high voltage output (from the second series group) depending on device requirements. This universal design allows a single battery pack to efficiently power various devices with different voltage requirements, eliminating the need for separate battery configurations while maintaining high system efficiency through optimal voltage matching.
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 configuration enhances system efficiency, extends device operation time, and allows for real-time state-of-charge reporting and self-protection from over-current and over-voltage scenarios without additional hardware or software changes, compatible with various electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
connected via a bi-directional charge regulator to balance and manage charge distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for a rechargeable battery pack includes one or more lower voltage cells connectable to a charging circuit via a lower voltage terminal and one or more higher voltage cells electrically coupled in series to the one or more lower voltage cells via a bi-directional charge regulator. A higher voltage terminal is electrically coupled to the one or more higher voltage cells, and a common ground terminal is coupled to the one or more lower voltage cells and to the one or more higher voltage cells.