Lead-Acid Battery Refresh Charging Method Using Stepwise Timer Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refresh charging methods for lead-acid storage batteries require complex control and longer charging periods, which can lead to increased power consumption and battery deterioration due to the need for precise management of set voltage, charging current, and charging period.
Innovation Solution
A refresh charging method that determines the relationship between charging current and period based on a standard assembled battery's charging rate, allowing for a shorter charging period by setting additional timer periods stepwise during constant voltage charging, and includes abnormal condition detection to prevent overcharging or premature battery degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refresh charging methods are used with precise management of set voltage and charging current, then charging completeness is improved, but control complexity and charging time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system automatically determines charging completion based on pre-stored discharge capacity data and actual discharge capacity calculation, without requiring complex real-time voltage/current management. The system self-adjusts the charging process by comparing calculated discharge capacity against threshold values, enabling autonomous charging control that simplifies the overall control architecture while ensuring complete charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge capacity data is pre-stored in the control unit before the actual charging process begins. This preliminary preparation of reference data allows the system to make rapid charging completion decisions during operation, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and measurements of voltage and current parameters, thereby reducing control complexity while maintaining charging completeness.
2Reliability
If conventional refresh charging methods are used with precise management of set voltage and charging current, then charging completeness is improved, but charging period increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously calculates the discharge capacity during charging based on actual current and time measurements, and compares this calculated value against pre-stored threshold data. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically determine when charging is complete, avoiding both undercharging and excessive charging, thereby ensuring charging completeness while minimizing the charging period through precise, data-driven termination decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical measurement methods (voltage and current threshold detection) with a computational approach based on discharge capacity calculation. By substituting physical parameter monitoring with mathematical computation of discharge capacity, the system achieves more accurate and faster charging completion determination, reducing charging time while ensuring completeness.
3Loss of energy
If lead-acid storage batteries are used in lower charged state to avoid water decomposition, then energy waste is reduced, but battery deterioration accelerates due to lead sulfate accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic refresh charging by calculating discharge capacity at regular intervals and comparing against threshold values. This periodic assessment triggers complete charging cycles when needed, preventing lead sulfate accumulation that would otherwise occur during prolonged use in lower charged states. The periodic action ensures battery health maintenance without requiring continuous high-energy charging, thus balancing energy efficiency with battery life extension.
4Loss of time
If additional timer periods are set stepwise during constant voltage charging, then charging time is reduced, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging process by dividing it into multiple constant voltage charging periods with different timer durations. The control unit selectively applies additional timer periods based on real-time discharge capacity calculations, creating a dynamic charging schedule that optimizes charging time. This dynamic approach replaces static, overly precise control requirements with adaptive timing that responds to actual battery state, reducing overall charging time while maintaining manageable control precision levels.
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 simplifies control, reduces charging time, and ensures sufficient charging while detecting abnormal conditions, thereby extending battery life and minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
when the lead-acid storage battery in a fully-charged state is to be further charged, water in the electrolyte of the lead-acid storage battery is decomposed by a charging current
Implementation Method 2
the electric power obtained by the power generation is converted to direct current by a converter to charge the lead-acid storage battery
Implementation Method 3
when discharging is performed from the lead-acid storage battery, electric power is converted to alternating current by an inverter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are a refresh charging method and a refresh charging apparatus for an assembled battery constituted from lead-acid storage batteries, by which a necessary charging rate may be performed while shortening a charging period. In a constant voltage charging mode, n intermediate threshold values S1 to Sn which decrease stepwisely are set between a predetermined threshold value S0 and a lower-limit current value, and n additional timer periods T1 to Tn are set where n is an integer equal to or larger than one. Counting of the n additional timer periods T1 to Tn is respectively started when the charging current reaches the n intermediate threshold values S1 to Sn. A maximum timer period Tm and the n additional timer periods T1 to Tn are set to satisfy a relationship of Tm > T1 > ... >Tn. Charging is stopped when the counting of one of the maximum timer period Tm and the n additional timer periods T1 to Tn is completed before the lower-limit current value is detected.