Lead-Acid Battery Refresh Charging via Internal Power Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The refresh charge of lead-acid batteries, necessary to prevent sulfation in partially charged states, typically requires external power, which is costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that uses discharge power from a lead-acid battery or battery module to perform refresh charging on another battery or module, estimating degradation based on internal resistance and conductance, allowing for internal power utilization without external energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refresh charge is performed using external power, then the lead-acid battery can be fully charged to prevent sulfation, but the cost and convenience deteriorate due to requiring external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs refresh charge autonomously by internally reallocating power from batteries in discharge state to batteries in charge state, eliminating the need for external power supply and manual intervention. The control apparatus automatically identifies which batteries need charging and distributes power accordingly within the battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system serves dual functions: it not only stores power but also performs self-maintenance through internal power redistribution. The same battery system that provides power storage capability also executes refresh charge operations, combining storage and maintenance functions into a single system.
2Reliability
If refresh charge is performed using external power, then the lead-acid battery can be fully charged to prevent sulfation, but the cost deteriorates due to external power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers power from batteries that are in discharge state and reallocates it to batteries that need charging. Instead of discarding the power in discharged batteries or requiring external power sources, the system recovers and reuses this power internally, reducing overall power costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system performs self-maintenance by internally redistributing power to prevent sulfation, eliminating the need to purchase external power for refresh charge operations. The system serves itself by using its own stored power resources for maintenance purposes.
3Productivity
If multiple lead-acid batteries are operated in partially charged state for power storage, then the system can store surplus power, but the batteries experience sulfation degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple independent battery units, each capable of operating in different charge states. This segmentation allows some batteries to be in discharge state while others are in charge state, enabling power redistribution at the individual battery level and preventing sulfation in each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple battery units are combined into a unified system where power can be freely redistributed among them. The control apparatus manages the collective battery group as an integrated system, allowing power to flow from discharged batteries to charged batteries, thereby maintaining overall system productivity while preventing individual battery degradation.
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
Enables cost-effective and convenient refresh charging and degradation estimation, reducing the need for external power and allowing for simultaneous SOC correction and maintenance within the power storage system.
Implementation Method 1
A control apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a charge controller that, by using power when a lead-acid battery or a lead-acid battery module including a plurality of lead-acid batteries is discharged, performs refresh charge of another lead-acid battery or another lead-acid battery module.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus (1) includes a charge controller that, by using power when a lead-acid battery (3) or a lead-acid battery module (4) including a plurality of lead-acid batteries is discharged, performs refresh charge of another lead-acid battery (3) or another lead-acid battery module (4).