Lithium Battery Pack Voltage Converter for Gas Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thionyl chloride/lithium primary batteries used in gas meters have limited cathode active material options, struggle with pulse discharge, and provide a short notification window for battery replacement due to voltage drop characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A lithium primary battery pack with a voltage converter boosting the output to 3.4-3.8 V, combined with a detector for early voltage decrease detection, allowing for the use of alternative cathode materials like manganese dioxide, which extends discharge time and provides a longer notification period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thionyl chloride is used as the cathode active material to maintain voltage not lower than 3.3 V, then the operating voltage requirement is met, but the freedom in choosing cathode material is limited and pulse discharge capability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery body and the external circuit. The voltage converter transforms the output voltage of the battery body (which can use alternative cathode materials like manganese dioxide) to the required 3.3-3.8 V output voltage, thus decoupling the material selection from the voltage requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter through the voltage converter, which adjusts and stabilizes the output voltage to 3.3-3.8 V regardless of the battery body's actual voltage output. This allows alternative cathode materials with different voltage characteristics to be used while maintaining the required operating voltage
2Reliability
If thionyl chloride/lithium primary battery is used to provide 3.6 V output, then the nominal voltage requirement is met, but the notification window for battery replacement is too short due to dramatic voltage drop at end of discharge
Solution Approach 1:
A detector is implemented to continuously monitor the voltage of the battery body and provide feedback signals. When the voltage decreases to a predetermined threshold, the detector triggers a notification, providing sufficient advance warning before complete discharge. This feedback mechanism extends the effective notification window by enabling early detection of voltage degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The detector performs preliminary detection of voltage decrease before the battery reaches complete discharge. By notifying users in advance when voltage drops to a threshold level, the system allows time for battery replacement before actual operational failure occurs, effectively extending the useful notification period
3Reliability
If thionyl chloride/lithium primary battery is used with voltage not lower than 3.3 V, then the operating voltage for microcomputer is satisfied, but discharge at current values of several mA or higher is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter acts as a mediator that can provide current amplification and voltage regulation. It receives power from the battery body and converts it to the required output voltage and current levels, enabling the system to deliver several mA or higher current to the load while maintaining 3.3-3.8 V output voltage
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter transforms both voltage and current parameters from the battery body output to the required output specifications. This parameter transformation enables alternative cathode materials with different discharge characteristics to meet the power requirements of several mA or higher current draw
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 solution offers a lithium primary battery pack with increased freedom in cathode material choice and early detection of end-of-discharge, enabling efficient and timely battery replacement, addressing the limitations of thionyl chloride batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter adapted to boost a voltage from the lithium primary battery body to 3.4-3.8 V and output the boosted voltage
Implementation Method 2
a detector adapted to detect a decrease in the voltage of the lithium primary battery body
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium primary battery pack 100 includes: a primary battery body 1 including a cathode, an anode, and a separator; a voltage converter 22 that boosts the voltage from the primary battery body 1 to 3.4-3.8 V and outputs the boosted voltage; a detector 23 that detects a decrease in the voltage of the primary battery body 1; a cathode terminal T1 and an anode terminal T2 coupled to the voltage converter 22; and a signal terminal T3 coupled to the detector 23.