Intelligent Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for Idle Drain Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lead acid batteries used in outdoor power equipment often become ineffective when fully depleted, requiring frequent replacement due to prolonged idleness, and lithium-ion batteries' control circuits are underutilized for managing charging and health monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent battery pack with a processing circuit and control module that manages the internal combustion engine's functions, including starting power and auxiliary loads, using lithium-ion cells configured in series or parallel, with a control unit monitoring engine operation and disconnecting battery cells from loads when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead acid battery is used for outdoor power equipment, then the equipment can be started reliably, but the battery becomes ineffective when depleted and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lead acid battery chemistry to lithium-ion battery chemistry, fundamentally changing the chemical parameters of the energy storage system. This parameter change enables the battery to maintain effectiveness after depletion and significantly extends service life while maintaining reliable starting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system automatically monitors battery state of charge, cell voltage, and temperature, and autonomously controls charging and discharging operations without user intervention. The system prevents over-discharge and manages battery health proactively, enabling the battery to serve and protect itself
2Duration of action of stationary object
If lithium-ion battery pack is used, then the battery can be recharged without capacity reduction, but the control circuit processing capability is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system is designed with multi-functionality, serving not only for basic charging and health monitoring but also for enabling push-button starting, managing auxiliary loads, providing diagnostic capabilities, and potentially supporting regenerative braking. This makes the control circuit universally applicable to multiple functions beyond simple battery management
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time battery conditions, load requirements, and system state. It dynamically manages power distribution between starting motor and auxiliary loads, adjusts charging parameters based on cell state, and adapts its monitoring and control strategies to optimize performance and extend battery life
3Ease of operation
If battery remains connected during idle periods, then the system is ready for immediate operation, but the battery becomes completely discharged and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system continuously monitors battery state of charge, voltage, and current through feedback sensors and circuitry. Based on this real-time feedback, the system automatically adjusts its behavior to prevent complete discharge while maintaining readiness, such as by controlling parasitic draw or initiating maintenance charging cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protective actions by preemptively disconnecting or reducing load on the battery before complete discharge can occur. The battery management system anticipates potential discharge scenarios and takes preventive measures such as limiting auxiliary power consumption or preparing the battery for upcoming starting cycles
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 intelligent battery pack extends the number of starting attempts before needing recharge, prevents battery drain by disconnecting power when the engine is off, and utilizes lithium-ion cells' capacity without reducing storage capacity, enhancing battery health monitoring and management.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of battery cells (34) connected in parallel and/or in series
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack for use in providing starting power for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine and to supply power to one or more auxiliary loads. The battery pack includes an outer housing that encloses a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack further includes a control module. The control module includes a processing circuit configured to control one or more functions associated with the internal combustion engine and an interface circuit configured to interface with the internal combustion engine.