Lithium-Ion Battery Charger Temperature-Dependent Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium battery chargers fail to shorten charging time effectively without impairing the battery's performance, especially at ambient temperatures below the optimal range, and are not optimized for use in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger with a temperature control unit and current supplying unit that divides the temperature range into sub-ranges, using a memory table to determine appropriate currents for each range, allowing for temperature-dependent current supply to optimize charging efficiency and prevent performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If constant current charging is used within a predetermined temperature range, then charging simplicity is maintained, but charging time cannot be shortened and battery lifetime cannot be lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging current variable rather than constant. The charging current is dynamically adjusted based on the battery temperature, with higher currents applied at optimal temperatures and lower currents at extreme temperatures. This dynamic adjustment enables both shortened charging time and preserved battery lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging current parameter according to temperature conditions. By dividing the temperature range into multiple ranges and assigning different current values to each range, the system optimizes charging speed while preventing damage from excessive current at suboptimal temperatures.
2Productivity
If high current is applied to charge the battery quickly, then charging speed is improved, but battery performance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current parameter is changed based on temperature conditions. The system applies high current only when the battery temperature is within the optimal range, and reduces current when temperature is outside this range, thereby maintaining both charging speed and battery performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature feedback to control the charging current. By continuously monitoring battery temperature and adjusting current accordingly, the system prevents performance degradation while maximizing charging speed.
3Ease of operation
If charging is performed at low ambient temperature without temperature control, then device simplicity is maintained, but charging function is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the charging current parameter based on detected temperature conditions. When low ambient temperature is detected, the system adjusts current to appropriate levels, enabling charging to proceed effectively without complex active heating systems.
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 charger efficiently shortens charging time while maintaining battery performance across various temperatures, including cold conditions, by adjusting both temperature and current supply, thus enhancing charging speed and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control unit that controls a temperature of the lithium-ion battery to fall in a predetermined range
Implementation Method 2
a current supplying unit that supplies the lithium-ion battery with a temperature-dependent current according to a sub-divided temperature range in which the temperature of the lithium-ion battery falls
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charger for charging a lithium-ion battery includes a temperature control unit and a current supplying unit. The temperature control unit controls a temperature of the lithium-ion battery to fall in a predetermined range. The predetermined range is divided into a plurality of sub-divided temperature ranges. The current supplying unit supplies the lithium-ion battery with a temperature-dependent current relation to a sub-divided temperature range in which the temperature of the lithium-ion battery falls.