Microprocessor Charge Controller for Autonomous Battery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar and wind-powered devices, such as light poles and street signs, face challenges in reliably charging batteries due to variable sunlight and wind conditions, leading to inconsistent battery performance and potential overcharging.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a rechargeable battery, a photovoltaic panel, and/or wind turbine, along with a charge controller and microprocessor, which regulates charging current to maintain a battery at a substantially full state of charge, using a formula that accounts for depth of discharge, battery capacity, and temperature variations to optimize charging efficiency and prevent overcharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solar panels and wind turbines are used to generate power for autonomously powered devices, then the system can operate independently without grid connection, but the varying sunlight and wind conditions cause unreliable battery charging and potential overcharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a microprocessor-based control system that continuously monitors battery state of charge, charging current, and environmental conditions. The system uses feedback from battery voltage and current sensors to dynamically adjust charging parameters, preventing overcharging while maximizing energy capture from variable solar and wind sources. This closed-loop control ensures reliable charging despite fluctuating renewable energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The microprocessor modifies charging current, voltage, and timing parameters according to battery state of charge, environmental temperature, and available energy from solar panels and wind turbines. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize charging efficiency while preventing damage from overcharging under varying renewable energy conditions.
2Productivity
If maximum charging current is continuously supplied to the battery to maximize energy storage, then the battery charges faster, but overcharging occurs which damages the battery and reduces its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic charging cycles with varying current levels. The microprocessor implements charging algorithms that alternate between high-current bulk charging phases and lower-current absorption/float phases. This periodic modulation of charging current maximizes charging speed during appropriate phases while preventing overcharging damage, thereby extending battery lifespan through controlled charging dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes charging parameters including current magnitude, voltage levels, and timing durations based on battery state of charge. The microprocessor adjusts these parameters in real-time, transitioning from high-current charging when battery is depleted to reduced-current charging as battery approaches full capacity. This parameter adaptation optimizes both charging speed and battery protection throughout the charging cycle.
3Device complexity
If the charging system uses simple constant current or constant voltage methods, then the system complexity is reduced, but the battery cannot maintain optimal charge levels under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating charging system where the microprocessor automatically monitors battery conditions and adjusts charging parameters without external intervention. The system self-adjusts to varying solar and wind energy availability, battery temperature, and state of charge levels. This autonomous control maintains optimal battery charge levels while adapting to environmental variations, achieving reliable performance without requiring complex external management.
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 ensures that batteries remain at a high state of charge (50% to 100%) despite fluctuating energy inputs, minimizing overcharging and extending battery life, even under extreme conditions and varying energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
A generation system is provided which is selected to produce and autonomously supply a charging electric current to the battery. Conventionally, autonomously powered devices are typically provided with a solar panel consisting of one or more photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 2
A generation system is provided which is selected to produce and autonomously supply a charging electric current to the battery. Conventionally, autonomously powered devices are typically provided with a solar panel consisting of one or more photovoltaic cells and/or a wind turbine
Data Source
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AI summary
A solar or self-powered assembly includes a rechargeable battery and photo voltaic panel and/or wind turbine for supplying a battery charging current. A charge controller processor is controls charging current from the photovoltaic panel and/or wind turbine to maintain the battery in a substantially fully charged state of 80% or more state of charge over daily charge and discharge cycle charging is based on a projected target energy input based on the initial bulk energy charge, the level of discharge required to compensate for charging inefficiencies and the battery capacity factor representative of the projected natural charge in the battery over its lifespan.