Lithium Battery Solid State Switching for Starter Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lead-acid starter batteries for internal combustion engines are heavy, bulky, have short cycle and calendar life, and are inefficient, especially in cold weather, requiring oversized capacity and complex protection circuits that induce heat and electrical losses, and are prone to damage from over-charging and over-discharging.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-based cell system with a solid state switching configuration that prevents over-charging and over-discharging, using MOSFETs or IGBTs connected in a unique configuration to control current flow, eliminating the need for bulky protection circuits and allowing for compact, efficient, and reliable battery packs that can start large IC engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If lead-acid batteries are used for starter applications, then the battery can provide high current for starting engines, but the battery becomes heavy and bulky with short cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the battery from lead-acid to lithium-ion chemistry. This fundamental material parameter change enables the battery to provide equivalent or higher current output while significantly reducing weight and increasing cycle life, directly resolving the contradiction between power output and weight
2Reliability
If complex electronic protection circuits are added to prevent over-charging and over-discharging, then battery safety is improved, but device complexity and heat losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lithium-ion battery cells inherently provide self-protection mechanisms through their chemical properties, including built-in safety valves and stable electrochemical characteristics that prevent runaway reactions. This self-service capability reduces or eliminates the need for complex external electronic protection circuits, thereby maintaining battery safety while reducing device complexity and associated heat losses
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 lithium-based cell system reduces weight and size, increases cycle and calendar life, improves efficiency, and provides exceptional cold-weather performance, while preventing battery damage and extending the life of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
A solid state switch is placed in-line with the battery output power terminals. The solid state switch is electronically controlled to open or close the current pathway leaving or entering the battery.
Implementation Method 2
The invention is a lithium-based cell for starting such engines
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for increasing the efficiency and safety of a starter battery for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine in a battery pack arrangement with one or more lithium based cells. The invention includes a solid state switching configuration for high powered battery systems for protecting against over-charging, over-discharging and short circuiting of batteries, especially starter batteries for internal combustion engines. The invention is also useful as a portable jump starter for internal combustion engines, as well as a charger for batteries and battery-operated electronic devices.