Lithium-Ion Battery Emulator for Lead-Acid Charger Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and incompatibility of replacing lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion batteries, as existing lead-acid battery chargers and infrastructure are not electronically compatible with lithium-ion batteries, posing challenges in seamless integration and efficient charging.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system with a controller, sensing unit, charging control unit, and discharging control unit, utilizing MOSFETs and diodes to emulate lead-acid battery behavior, allowing lithium-ion batteries to operate within the voltage range of lead-acid batteries and prevent overcharging/over-discharging, while maintaining compatibility with existing charging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lithium-ion batteries are used to replace lead-acid batteries, then battery performance and shelf life are improved, but compatibility with existing lead-acid battery chargers and infrastructure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a battery management system that copies the electrical behavior characteristics of lead-acid batteries. The system monitors voltage, current, and temperature, then actively controls the battery output to mimic the discharge curves and voltage profiles of lead-acid batteries, enabling seamless compatibility with existing chargers while using superior lithium-ion chemistry
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system acts as an intermediary between the lithium-ion battery and the lead-acid battery charger. It translates the charger's charging signals into appropriate charging protocols for lithium-ion batteries, and translates the battery's actual state into signals that mimic lead-acid battery behavior, enabling communication and control compatibility
2Reliability
If a battery management system with multiple control units and MOSFETs is implemented, then battery protection and compatibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (charging control, discharging control, temperature monitoring, voltage regulation) into a single integrated battery management system. The charging control unit and discharging control unit share common components including the controller, sensing units, and MOSFETs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection
Solution Approach 2:
The MOSFETs in the system serve multiple functions: they act as switches for charge/discharge control, as protection devices against overcurrent, and as regulation elements for voltage control. The sensing unit simultaneously monitors voltage, current, and temperature, providing universal monitoring capability across multiple parameters
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 seamless replacement of lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion batteries, extending their shelf life by mimicking lead-acid battery behavior, ensuring compatibility with existing chargers and infrastructure, and preventing damage from overcharging/over-discharging.
Implementation Method 1
turning on periodically the emulator MOSFET in the pulse mode, and outputting an voltage at the plurality of terminals in the pulse mode
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium battery designed to replace lead-acid battery. The lithium battery has a plurality of battery cells connected in series and a battery management unit. The battery management unit includes a controller, a sensing unit connected to the plurality of battery cells and the controller, a charging control unit connected to the controller, and a discharging control unit connected to the controller. The battery management unit prevents the batteries connected in parallel from mutually charging each other and also prevents the batteries being depleted completely by outputting a low voltage in pulse mode when the battery has low charge.