Thin Film Microbattery Charge Control via Voltage Downconversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices face challenges with heavy and large batteries due to the need for sufficient energy storage, and existing energy storage solutions do not efficiently manage power supply and battery life in small form factors.
Innovation Solution
A control system for rechargeable thin-film microbatteries that includes charge control logic, battery cut-off logic, mode control logic, and a Switch Capacitor DC-DC Downconverter Component to reduce battery output voltage, thereby extending battery life and improving power efficiency for low-power devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery capacity is increased to provide sufficient energy storage for portable devices, then energy storage capability is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing voltage reduction (by a factor of at least 2:1) and current draw control to optimize battery operation. By changing the electrical parameters at which the battery operates, the system achieves extended operational life from a fixed energy storage capacity, effectively addressing the contradiction between energy storage quantity and battery mass.
2Quantity of substance
If battery capacity is increased to provide sufficient energy storage for portable devices, then energy storage capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters by reducing voltage output and controlling current draw patterns. This allows the battery system to extend operational life from a given energy storage capacity without requiring increased battery volume, thus resolving the contradiction between energy storage capacity and device size.
3Power
If current draw from microbattery is increased to power devices, then power delivery capability is improved, but power loss through internal impedance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the balance between power delivery and energy loss by implementing controlled current draw and voltage reduction. The system adjusts electrical parameters to deliver adequate power while minimizing I²R losses through the battery's internal impedance, resolving the contradiction between power capability and energy efficiency.
4Power
If voltage output of microbattery is maintained at high levels, then power delivery capability is improved, but power consumption by load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements voltage reduction (by a factor of at least 2:1) to optimize power consumption. By changing the voltage parameter at which the load operates, the system reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate power delivery capability, thus resolving the contradiction between power delivery and energy efficiency.
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 system significantly extends the operational life of microbatteries by reducing power consumption and internal impedance, allowing efficient operation at lower temperatures and reducing the number of charge cycles required, resulting in superior reliability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A Switch Capacitor DC-DC Downconverter Component for delivery of voltage external to the system is configured to reduce battery output voltage potential by a factor of at least 2:1
Implementation Method 2
A control system is provided that controls both charge control and output control of a rechargeable thin film microbattery cell
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for charge and output control of a rechargeable thin film microbattery cell comprises a charge control logic component configured to control the level of charge of a thin film microbattery cell, a battery cut-off logic component to cease current draw on the thin battery thin film microbattery cell under predetermined conditions, a mode control logic component operably coupled to the charge control logic component and the battery cut-off logic component to enable operation of the charge control logic component and the battery cut-off logic component under predetermined conditions, and a Switch Capacitor DC-DC Downconverter Component for delivery of voltage external to the system configured to reduce battery output voltage potential by a factor of at least 2:1. Systems operably connected to a rechargeable thin film microbattery cell and powered devices comprising the system and the microbattery cell are also described.